For 2022, Samsung has blessed us with 3 latest and greatest monitors, each aimed at a specific audience. Samsung is updating its Odyssey line with a 4K panel while still keeping the high refresh rate of its predecessor. They are also introducing a new monitor line for content creators that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space. Finally, for those who loved the concept of the Smart Monitor, you will be glad to know that Samsung has shown it some love by adding new handy features. You will be able to see these 3 in action during CES 2022, but until then, let’s get to know these monitors a little better.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Let’s kick things off by starting with the monitor for the gamers out there with the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8. This monitor lives up to the “latest and greatest” title by being the first monitor in the world to be equipped with a 4K, 1000R curved screen with 1ms response time that refreshes at 240 Hz. The 32-inch panel is illuminated by Samsung’s Quantum Mini LEDs, which also can be found on their high-end Neo QLED TVs. This panel can hit a peak brightness of 2000 nit, hence it comes with HDR 2000 certification.
According to Samsung, the Neo G8 shares the same design as their current flagship, the Neo G9. Which means it will have features like CoreSync RGB lighting at the rear of the monitor which detects the colours being displayed on the screen and mimics those colours. Besides that, the I/O should be similar with 1 x HDMI 2.1 and 2 x DisplayPort 1.4. With that being said, it would be interesting to see if Samsung upgrades the HDMI port to HDMI 2.1a which will allow for Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) for HDR content.
In addition, we do not know if the number of local diming zones is the same as the Neo G9 at 2048 or more.
Samsung Monitor M8
The next monitor in the line up is the new Samsung Monitor M8 which is the second generation of Smart Monitors. To recap, these are essentially monitors with Samsung’s Smart TV operating system built in. This allows you to use the display with a PC during work and watch a movie on Netflix through the app on the Smart Monitor when you want to chill.
Improving on last generation’s model, the Samsung Monitor M8 is 11.4 mm thick, which according to Samsung, is ¾ thinner than its predecessor. Its 32-inch 4K panel covers 99% of the sRGB colour space and supports a 10-bit colour depth with a peak brightness of 400 nit. This impressive display is held up by an iMac inspired stand, which I personally find esthetically more pleasing.
Other amenities include a movable magnetic SlimFit Cam that can be used in conjunction with a PC or through the built-in video calling apps, like Google Duo as highlighted by Samsung. The resolution of the camera is currently unknown, but judging by Samsung’s claim of the camera providing “crystal-clear video calls”, it’s safe to assume it’s at least 1080p. It also comes with a nifty USB Type-C port which supports data, audio, video and provides up to 65W of power to the connected device. Lastly, you get a handy remote control to navigate the Smart TV OS given to you at no extra cost.
If you want an idea of this concept, we took a look at the Samsung M7 and M5 Smart Monitors which you can read here.
Samsung High Resolution Monitor S8
The final monitor in the line up is targeted at content creators. The Samsung High Resolution Monitor S8 stands out with a 4K panel that provides 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, VESA Display HDR 600 certification, and the world’s first Underwriter Laboratories (UL) verified glare free monitor. Basically, it comes with a matte display to reduce reflections and glare, allowing creators to pass on using a monitor hood. The Monitor S8 comes in 27 inch and 32-inch screen sizes. However, the aforementioned VESA Display HDR 600 certification is only reserved for the 32-inch version. The smaller 27-inch version gets a VESA Display HDR 400 certification.
The S8 also comes with a USB Type-C port which supports data, audio, video and provides up to 90W of power to the connected device. It also comes with a LAN port which is handy since many laptops these days come without one.
Lastly, the S8 also comes with a stand that provides height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments. However, if the flexibility provided by the stand is insufficient, you can always take advantage of the VESA mount at the rear to attach the monitor to a VESA certified stand or arm.
Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business, Hyesung Ha said, “Samsung’s 2022 lineup represents the next generation in monitor innovation with offerings that meet the demands of competitive gamers, professional designers and everyone in between”. I guess we will find out if what he says is true when these monitors are shown off the CES 2022, happening between 5th to 7th January in Las Vegas, USA.
[SOURCE, IMAGE SOURCE, 2]
