Samsung’s Odyssey G60F: A Glimpse into the Future of Gaming Monitors (at a Price)
OLED gaming monitors, with their vibrant colors, incredible contrast, and inky blacks, have undeniably revolutionized the gaming experience. Having used one myself, I can attest to the immersive visuals and overall improvement in gaming fidelity. However, despite their undeniable advantages, OLEDs haven’t quite achieved complete dominance in the gaming monitor market. Certain limitations, primarily related to brightness and response times compared to their traditional LCD counterparts, have kept them from fully dethroning the existing technology.
Until recently, a trade-off existed. Gamers sought the unparalleled picture quality of OLED had to compromise on factors like peak brightness and the lightning-fast refresh rates that competitive players crave. While OLED technology has advanced significantly in recent years, achieving both exceptional visual fidelity and extreme speed has remained a challenge.
Samsung, a major player in the display industry and a leading manufacturer of OLED panels, appears to be tackling this challenge head-on with its new Odyssey G60F gaming monitor. This monitor aims to bridge the gap between the breathtaking visuals of OLED and the blistering speed of high-refresh-rate LCDs, but be prepared to pay a premium for this technological leap.
The Odyssey G60F is a 27-inch monitor featuring a 1440p (QHD) resolution. This resolution has become increasingly popular among PC gamers as it strikes a balance between visual clarity and performance demands. It offers a significant step up in sharpness compared to 1080p without being as taxing on graphics cards as 4K, allowing for higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.
However, the real standout feature of the G60F is its advertised 500Hz refresh rate. Samsung boldly proclaims it as the "world’s first 500Hz OLED gaming monitor," a claim that, to my knowledge, holds true. Previously, the highest refresh rate I’d seen on an OLED panel was 360Hz. The jump to 500Hz places the G60F in direct competition with some of the fastest LCD gaming monitors currently available, which are just now beginning to reach the 600Hz mark. This leap in refresh rate could potentially provide a significant advantage for competitive gamers who prioritize minimizing input lag and maximizing responsiveness.
But, as always with cutting-edge technology, there’s a catch. The price. Currently, the G60F is available for pre-order in Singapore at a price of $1,488 Singapore dollars. Converting this to US dollars at the current exchange rate gives us approximately $1,140, a figure that doesn’t even factor in potential import taxes, tariffs, or other additional costs.
To put this price into perspective, Samsung’s existing 27-inch QHD OLED gaming monitor, capable of reaching 360Hz, is currently available for around $700 on Amazon. Furthermore, you can find 27-inch QHD panels with a "mere" 240Hz refresh rate for as low as $400 with some diligent bargain hunting. The significant price jump highlights that you’re paying a substantial premium for that extra burst of speed offered by the G60F.
Whether or not this premium is justified is a matter of personal preference and priorities. Competitive gamers who are constantly seeking every possible edge might find the 500Hz refresh rate worth the investment. For casual gamers, the benefits of a higher refresh rate may not be as noticeable, and they might be better off saving money and opting for a less expensive monitor with a lower refresh rate.
It’s also worth considering alternative options within the OLED landscape. For example, you can purchase a 49-inch OLED monitor with double the resolution (ultrawide) and a still-respectable 240Hz refresh rate for less than the potential $1,140 price tag of the G60F. This highlights that the G60F is targeting a very specific niche of gamers who prioritize refresh rate above all else.
Samsung’s initial launch of the Odyssey G60F is limited to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with a "phased rollout to additional global markets" planned for later this year. This limited availability suggests that Samsung is testing the waters and gauging demand before making the monitor widely available.
Interestingly, Samsung is a major OEM supplier of OLED display panels. This means that other brands may eventually release their own 500Hz OLED gaming monitors using panels sourced from Samsung. However, it’s likely to take some time before these monitors hit the market.
The Samsung Odyssey G60F represents a significant step forward in gaming monitor technology. Its 500Hz refresh rate is a groundbreaking achievement that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with OLED panels. However, the high price tag makes it a niche product that is primarily targeted at competitive gamers who are willing to pay a premium for the fastest possible response times. For other gamers, there are plenty of excellent OLED gaming monitors available at more affordable price points. As OLED technology continues to evolve and mature, we can expect to see even more innovative and affordable gaming monitors in the future. The G60F offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, even if it’s currently out of reach for many.
