Samsung makes a darn good monitor, though it tends to make you pay for the privilege. The company was also at the forefront of the gaming OLED space, though again, it’s far from anything approaching “affordable” territory unless you find one on sale. That trend continues with no fewer than four new Odyssey designs for 2026, including one with a ludicrous 6K resolution.
I’ll start with the biggest and most dramatic because it’s also the most interesting (though it isn’t OLED). This updated version of the 32-inch Odyssey G8 with a fast IPS panel pushes the resolution to “6K,” at a ridiculous and odd 6144×3456 resolution. For context, that’s almost three times the total pixels of a standard 4K monitor, though obviously not quite as much as an 8K display. Even in the standard 16:9 aspect ratio, I imagine that even the most beefy gaming PC is going to struggle under the load with all the settings turned up, even at a relatively humble 165Hz refresh rate.
If your desktop starts screaming for mercy, you can give it some. This is also the latest dual-mode design, with a less intense “3K” resolution (presumably half in both directions) offering exactly double the speed, up to 330Hz. Other features include HDR10+ support for rich colors, G-Sync support, and an included USB hub.
I have to say, at 32 inches, it’s relatively small compared to some massive gaming monitors on the market, so I didn’t see the point of 6K resolution. My eyes can’t tell the difference between that and 4K at this size, especially with all the effects of a game like Cyberpunk 2077, and that goes double if there’s any motion on the screen.
If you have absolutely incredible peepers, maybe you can appreciate 21 million pixels on the panel at any given time… but I can’t. Between that and the weird resolution, I can’t see this being better than a 4K option, though perhaps a mega-sized 6K offering would be better received. That said, I’d need to spend more time with it before making a final call.
At $1,600 before any included discounts — $50 for early buyers and up to $300 in Samsung store credit, sadly not applicable immediately — this monitor is definitely an “investment” in a gaming setup. But considering the dual-mode capability and the flexibility for office work, I think it’s not entirely unreasonable. I’d feel a lot better if the warranty lasted more than a year, and I’d still wait for a conventional sale.
If that 32-inch model is too rich for your blood or too big for your desk, there’s also a 27-inch version coming. The smaller size means “just” 5K resolution on the IPS panel (5120×2880), with the full res offering 180Hz and doubling to 360Hz at QHD resolution (1440p). Otherwise the specs on this version of the G8 are the same, with a price of $950 before discounts. This might be more popular with esports players, or those who don’t think their PC can handle the odd 6K form factor. It still won’t be cheap at $950.
At the same event, Samsung showed off a pair of new 32-inch OLEDs. The new 32-inch 4K OLED G8 now has an active cooling system to help stave off the dreaded panel burn-in, though it’s also protected by a three year warranty. Samsung reps told me that the next-gen penta tandem QD-OLED panel’s stacked pixel setup means a peak brightness of up to 1,300 nits, though its more typical brightness rating wasn’t on the spec list. The 4K panel is also certified for DisplayHDR True Black 500, a first for OLED monitors.
Otherwise this model is offering the now-standard 240Hz refresh at 4K, though I’m glad to see USB-C video with charging at up to 98 watts, which should be enough for most gaming laptops. It’ll cost $1,300 when it goes on sale. There’s also a 27-inch 4K model for $1,100 — I’d say if you’re going to spend that much, spring for the bigger panel. Also this was the only one shown in a silver case color.
A new option from Samsung this year is an updated Odyssey G7 (GG73SH), breaking with the company’s conventional anti-glare finishes for a glossy, media-focused 4K OLED. Though it drops the active cooling panel protection, it makes up for it with the dual-mode trick: 165Hz refresh at full resolution, 330Hz at 1080p. This one is also a little more affordable at $1,100, so gamers might find it more appealing, especially when the usual discounts arrive.
Even in Samsung’s dedicated presentation space, the glossy OLED panel was distractingly reflective. I’d recommend against this one unless you have an absolutely ideal gaming setup, or you only play after dark. But with the dual mode option, it might be more appealing to those with a need for competitive speed.
Though these four designs were presented as Samsung’s gaming lineup for 2026, there may be other Odyssey monitors coming later. Previous press releases called out a penta tandem upgrade for the 49-inch, dual-1440p model specifically. But if that’s in the works, I didn’t see it at Samsung’s presentation.
Author: Michael Crider
Source: PCWorld
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
