Samsung announces the new Odyssey OLED: monitors capable of challenging burn-in

Samsung Electronics today announced the arrival on the global market of the new Odyssey OLED, Smart Monitor and ViewFinity monitors. The Odyssey range offers a premium OLED experience and new AI features with Odyssey OLED G8; the Smart Monitor range enhances AI potential thanks to the new Smart Monitor M8; the ViewFinity range improves connectivity and allows you to create an efficient workstation.

“Our new monitors offer a wide range of options for users around the world and enable enhanced user experiences, no matter how people use them,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “From the revolutionary AI-powered Odyssey OLED monitors to the multi-device experiences of Smart Monitor and ViewFinity, Samsung remains committed to redefining the market and bringing cutting-edge technologies to users around the world.”

But beyond the words, let’s see in detail what Samsung has presented in recent days and what we saw firsthand during the launch event held in London.

Odyssey OLED series

The 2024 Odyssey OLED models expand Samsung’s next-generation OLED offering with new Odyssey OLED G8 (model G80SD) and Odyssey OLED G6 (model G60SD).

More specifically, the Odyssey OLED G8 is advertised as Samsung’s first 32″ flat OLED monitor with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has a 240 Hz refresh rate and a gray response time -to-gray (GtG) of 0.03 ms for smooth and responsive gameplay. Odyssey OLED G6, on the other hand, is a 27″ monitor with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440), which supports a 16:9 aspect ratio. The refresh rate here is 360 Hz, while the GtG response time is always 0.03 ms.

The new Odyssey OLED G8 is also Samsung’s first AI-powered gaming monitor. The NQ8 AI Gen3 processor is the same one used by Samsung in its 2024 8K TV and allows you to increase the resolution of content up to almost 4K when using Samsung Gaming Hub and the monitor’s native Smart TV apps for higher resolution while watching gaming and entertainment.

As for burn-in prevention, both new OLED models are equipped with Samsung OLED Safeguard+, a new proprietary burn-in protection technology that applies a pulsed heat pipe to the monitor. This, combined with the Dynamic Cooling System which allows the evaporation and condensation of a liquid coolant to spread heat five times more effectively than the old graphite sheet method, should reduce the risk of burn-in thanks to more control effective temperatures. In a more traditional way, the monitor also detects static images, such as logos and taskbars, automatically reducing their brightness to provide another burn-in prevention tool.

Odyssey OLED G8 and OLED G6 aim to have a typical brightness value of 250 nits and are certified FreeSync Premium Pro (and therefore also support VRR via Adaptive-Sync). Samsung also talked about a new OLED Glare Free technology to reduce reflections, with a low-reflective coating optimized for OLEDs that should overcome the trade-off between gloss and reflectivity thanks to a new specialized hard coating layer and a coating pattern external.

Finally, in terms of design, the two monitors feature a super-thin metallic edge that gives them a distinct identity, while Core Lighting+ offers ambient lighting that synchronizes with the screen. The ergonomic support allows you to adjust the height and allows wide margins of inclination and rotation. The form factor of the Odyssey OLED G8 monitor combined with the smart TV features make this new example from Samsung truly attractive for gamers. “Our products always start from internal research based on consumer habitsand we are convinced that great performance and comfort can be combined” says Andriani Lada, Senior European Monitor Product Manager, during the presentation held at the KX immersive showroom in London.

Pepe Dijkstra, Principal Professional, Samsung EDO Monitor/HTV, adds an important element during our interview: “The performance of the G8 model makes it clearly aimed at an audience of PC gamers, but this does not mean we believe that enthusiasts cannot enjoy also a more casual cloud gaming experience.” Odyssey OLED G8 in fact supports the main platforms, first and foremost Game Pass. “We believe it is interesting and competitive to offer a monitor that can make the gaming station versatile,” concludes Dijkstra.

Below are the specifications provided by Samsung.

Smart Monitors M8, M7 and M5

The Samsung event also includes a renewed range of Smart Monitors, which combines a complete multi-device experience in a single hub for smarter entertainment and greater productivity. 2024 models include M8 (M80D model), M7 (M70D model) and M5 (M50D model).

The updated M8 32″ 4K UHD Smart Monitor introduces new AI-enhanced features thanks to the NQM AI processor. AI upscaling allows you to bring low-resolution content to near 4K and the Active Voice Amplifier Pro uses artificial intelligence to analyze background noises in the environment and optimize the dialogues present in the user’s content, 360 Audio Mode is available, which combines with Galaxy Buds to create an immersive sound environment Easily make video calls through mobile apps with Samsung Dex.

New to the entire Smart Monitor series is the Workout Tracker, which pairs with Galaxy Watch to let you see real-time health data on the screen, even while streaming content. This makes it easier to track your training goals and can help make physical activity more enjoyable. The Smart TV and Samsung TV Plus apps then allow immediate access to a wide range of streaming services and live content, without having to start a PC or connect to other devices.

The M7 is available in 32″ and 43″ sizes with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), a brightness of 300 nits (typ.), a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a gray-to-gray (GtG) response time of 4ms.

The M5 is available in 27″ and 32″ sizes, with FHD resolution (1920 x 1080), a brightness of 250 nits (typ.), a refresh rate of 60Hz and a GtG response time of 4ms.

ViewFinity series

Finally, the latest ViewFinity range is designed for creatives and professionals and is designed in a sustainable way. This includes i ViewFinity S8 (models S80UD and S80D), ViewFinity S7 (model S70D) and ViewFinity S6 (models S60UD and S60D) monitors. ViewFinity monitors updated to 2024 are made with a minimum of 10% recycled plastic and without the use of chemical sprays. Furthermore, the box was made with glue rather than staples to make it easier to dispose of.

Furthermore, thanks to the Easy Setup support, assembly occurs with a simple click and does not require the use of tools or screws, making installation and use of the ViewFinity display quick and easy. Each ViewFinity 2024 monitor supports HDR10 and 1 billion color display, ensuring accurate color representation and also integrating TÜV-Rheinland-certified Intelligent Eye Care features to relieve eye strain during extended working periods.

The ViewFinity S8 (S80UD and S80D) offers 27″ and 32″ screens, each with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, 60Hz refresh rate and 350 nits brightness (typical). They also come with a USB hub for easy connectivity and a height-adjustable stand. The S80UD includes a KVM switch to facilitate connecting and switching between two different input devices, as well as a USB-C port that allows users to charge devices with up to 90W of power.

The ViewFinity S7(S70D) is available in 27″ and 32″ options, each with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), a brightness of 350 nits (typical), and a refresh rate of 60Hz. ViewFinity S6 (S60UD and S60D) is available in 24″, 27″ and 32″ options, each with QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, 100Hz refresh rate and 350 nits brightness (typical), with USB hub and stand height adjustable. The S60UD model also includes an integrated KVM switch and a USB-C port (charging up to 90W).