Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark – which ultrawide monitor should you buy?

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We’re having a look at the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark, to see how these two premium screens look in comparison to one another.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 has been unveiled and we already can’t wait for its release date. The world’s first DQHD OLED screen combines incredible gaming performance, with a vibrant ultra-wide display. This makes it a prime choice for gamers interested in both sheer speed and immersion.

The Samsung Odyssey Ark is another huge and immersive screen. It’s got a mini LED panel type which brings with it its own pros and cons but does noticeably mean that it has a more powerful peak brightness.

With both these monitors being premium and powerful ultrawide screens you can be sure many people will be eyeing both up. We’ll be comparing the two of them in several categories. The aim here is the better understand the precise niche each serves so that you can get a sense of which one is right for you. Let’s get into it

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark – specs

SpecsSamsung Odyssey OLED G9Samsung Odyssey Ark
Screen Size49in55in
Refresh Rate240Hz165Hz
Response Time0.03ms(GTG)1ms(GTG)
Panel TypeOLEDMini LED
Resolution5,120 x 1,440p3,840 x 2,160p
Brightness250cd/m2600cd/m2
Curvature1800R1000R

If you look at specific specs, there is quite a lot of difference between these two screens. However, both are united in that they are seriously powerful high-end gaming monitors. A lot of the differences between the two are explained by their panel type.

The Odyssey OLED, you won’t be surprised to hear, uses an OLED panel. This means that each pixel you see is individually lit. As a result, OLED screens have incredible local dimming, though this panel type is responsible for the lower brightness on the G9. The OLED version maxes out at around 250cd/m2 while the Ark boasts 600cd/m2.

In the more gaming performance-based specs, the OLED G9 is superior. It has a startlingly fast response timeat just 0.03. That is easily one of the fastest on the market, while the Odyssey Ark has a more standard 1ms time. The G9’s refresh rate is also superior. When it is released, it is sure to be one of the best 240Hz monitors. The 165Hz refresh rate of Ark is by no means slow but for those interested in the fastest gaming performance, refresh rate is a key spec.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark – display

We’ve already discussed the display technology of these two screens, and how the OLED G9 has a dimmer screen with superior contrast, compared to the brightness of the ARK, but let’s get into some more detail.

One significant difference is that the Odyssey Ark is the only of these two premium monitors to boast a 4K resolution right across its huge displace. The term 4K or 1440p makes a bit less sense with the best ultrawide monitors. For example, the G9 has a resolution of 5,120 x 1,440p which looks pretty similar to the numbers you’d see on a 4K resolution on a smaller screen. However, what it comes down to is pixel density, and in that regard, the Ark reaches the levels of 4K TVs, while the G9 is 1440p.

This lower resolution reflects the G9’s focus on gaming performance. Many competitive gamers will opt for lower resolutions as it is easier to achieve higher frame rates, which are more important in fast-paced online play.

Both screens also use High Dynamic Range or HDR. This is a certification that shows a monitor or TV is capable of showing a wide range of colours and has reached a certain threshold of contrast.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark – price

Price is, of course, a vital feature, and can make or break a monitor. Getting the balance between price and performance is what makes a monitor worth investing in. The pre-orders for the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 are now live with the screen costing $2,199.

The Odyssey Ark meanwhile is more expensive with an MSRP of $2,999. However, it often sees a significant reduction down to $1,999. This makes both of them in the upper price range of gaming monitors, but don’t forget the sheer size of them both. For this money, you are getting a lot of monitor real estate.

Samsung Odyssey Ark

Samsung Odyssey Ark

Screen size

55in

Resolution

3,840 x 2,160

Response time

1ms

Refresh rate

165Hz

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 vs Samsung Odyssey Ark – final word

These are two incredibly high-end screens, that are amongst the best gaming monitors on the market in a range of fields. If you know you want a curved gaming monitor and have the necessary budget, you should definitely be considering both of them for your gaming setup.

As for which one is better to go for overall, it comes down to your exact needs. The OLED G9 is good for gaming and beats the Ark in terms of sheer speed, meaning that many people who are interested in competitive online play should go for it. However, the Ark has a superior overall display boasting significantly better brightness and a crisper resolution, being one of the best 4K monitors. It is also slightly larger though less curved than the OLED G9.

These differences are important but are also quite specific. In the grand scheme of things, these screens are pretty similar. Both are huge curved displays packed to the brim with premium gaming features. This means that ultimately it might just come down to price, meaning which one you go for depends on which one is currently available on offer.

About the Author

Rory Greig

Rory Greig works as a tech writer for Videogamer. He is a writer with a strong knowledge of gaming technology and an eye for detail. He is especially interested in graphics cards and generative AI.

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