CES 2025 is proving to be a landmark year for OLED gaming monitors, with Samsung leading the charge. The company has unveiled two new Odyssey-branded OLED gaming monitors, one of which boasts a groundbreaking 500Hz refresh rate, pushing the boundaries of display technology.
This new monitor, the Odyssey OLED G6, is a 27-inch QD-OLED display with a 1440p resolution and that astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. This marks a significant advancement for OLED technology. Previously, monitors like the Alienware 27 QD-OLED reached 360Hz at 1440p, while dual refresh rate displays like the LG UltraGear Dual Mode OLED could hit 480Hz at 1080p. The Odyssey OLED G6 offers the best of both worlds: a crisp 1440p resolution combined with an incredibly smooth 500Hz refresh rate.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 monitor.
Just two years ago, the first 500Hz monitors, such as the Alienware AW2524H, emerged. However, these early models relied on IPS panels with limitations in brightness and color range. Now, two years later, that same 500Hz refresh rate has arrived on an OLED panel. While we haven’t tested the Odyssey OLED G6 yet, based on previous Samsung OLED offerings like the Odyssey OLED G9, expectations are high.
Samsung’s Dual OLED Offering: The Odyssey OLED G8
Alongside the G6, Samsung also introduced the Odyssey OLED G8. This 27-inch monitor features a 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. This panel, already showcased in the Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM, has demonstrated impressive performance. While the G8 may not steal the spotlight quite like the G6, offering a 27-inch 4K OLED display caters to a significant demand from OLED enthusiasts.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 gaming monitor.
HDR10+ and OLED Safeguard+ Enhance the Experience
Both the Odyssey OLED G6 and G8 incorporate Samsung’s HDR10+ standard. This technology employs dynamic HDR metadata, similar to Dolby Vision, enabling frame-by-frame adjustments to tone mapping and dynamic range. This results in a more consistent and optimized HDR experience for gaming and movie viewing. Additionally, both monitors feature Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ to mitigate the risk of burn-in.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and release dates for the Odyssey OLED G6 and G8 are yet to be announced. However, based on Samsung’s typical launch schedule, these new displays are likely to arrive mid-year. Given their advanced features and OLED technology, it’s reasonable to expect a price point above $1,000.
