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It’s doubtful anyone will ever say, “that monitor just has too much resolution.” We’ll always want the greatest possible pixel density and for now, that means 4K. There are plenty of displays to choose from but the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is unique in many ways.
With a 240 Hz refresh rate, it stands as the fastest 4K monitor currently available. While you’ll need a lot of GPU power to see 240 fps in 4K, the G8 is up to the task. And of course, everything else needed for great gaming is provided. G-Sync and FreeSync are both certified, overdrive is effective at reducing blur, and input lag is very low.
Its contrast takes LCD panels to another level. Mini LED backlights aren’t new, but the G8’s version is the best I’ve seen yet. Normally, I’d complain about a local dimming feature that can’t be defeated but, in this case, it’s a tremendous benefit. 25,000:1 means huge dynamic range, bright whites and deep blacks. It also means vibrant and saturated color. Even though the G8’s color volume is just average, you wouldn’t know it by looking. The picture is simply stunning.
That quality extends to HDR content as well. I couldn’t determine the contrast ratio there thanks to an unmeasurable black level. When compared side-by-side to an OLED, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference. And the 2,000-nit peak capability is something no OLED can match.
The G8 is not only unique in the present, but it is also one of the few products that can be called “future-proof.” While nothing lasts forever, the G8 has the refresh rate and video processing chops to wring maximum performance from video cards that don’t yet exist.
Lastly, I must laud the G8’s value. While $1,400 may seem like a premium purchase, and it is, it’s far less than other Mini LED displays currently available. The ViewSonic and Asus versions are still north of $2,000 and they only go up to 144 Hz.
If you have a fast PC and are looking for the ultimate gaming monitor, it’s hard to imagine better than the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8.
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