The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (model LS34DG850SEXXY) is a 34-inch curved OLED gaming monitor that combines a fast 175Hz refresh rate with the per-pixel lighting of an OLED panel in an ultrawide 21:9 form factor. It is sold as an Australia-specific SKU through Samsung Australia, specialty retailers, and Amazon Australia, which gives it a distribution footprint that differs from many globally homogenised gaming monitors.
Below is an evidence-based look at what the panel offers, where it may fit in a setup, and the trade-offs worth weighing before buying.
Who this monitor suits
The Odyssey OLED G8 is most relevant to:
- Ultrawide-first gaming PC users who want a single 21:9 screen rather than dual-monitor arrangements, particularly for immersive simulation, racing, flight, open-world, and strategy titles.
- Gamers who prioritise response time and contrast over peak brightness. The combination of a 0.03ms (GtG) response time spec and a 1,000,000:1 typical contrast ratio places this in OLED territory rather than conventional LCD gaming monitors.
- Buyers in bright Australian indoor environments who are sensitive to screen glare. Samsung markets an "OLED Glare Free" treatment on this model, claiming 54% less gloss than its conventional anti-reflection film based on internal tests, and the panel carries UL Glare Free Certification.[^1]
- Users who want more than a traditional monitor, since this panel runs Samsung's Tizen operating system with Smart TV-style connectivity. Cloud gaming, built-in apps, and smart features are part of the product's positioning rather than being bolted on after the fact.
It is less obviously aimed at:
- Workstation buyers who need USB-C docking. This model does not include a USB-C port.[^2]
- Users who require a headphone jack on the monitor itself. No headphone jack is included.[^3]
- Brightness-obsessed HDR titles played in very bright rooms. The typical brightness figure is 250 cd/m², with a minimum of 200 cd/m².[^4]
Verified strengths
OLED picture fundamentals
The panel is a 34-inch OLED with a UWQHD resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 and a 21:9 aspect ratio.[^5] On paper that combination delivers the per-pixel illumination and near-infinite contrast that OLED is known for — Samsung specifies a typical contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.[^6] Colour support is listed at a maximum of 1 billion colours, with 99% DCI coverage and a 178°/178° viewing angle rating.[^7]
Speed-oriented gaming specs
For a curved ultrawide OLED, the refresh and response claims are competitive: a maximum refresh rate of 175Hz, a 0.03ms GtG response time spec, and support for FreeSync Premium Pro plus G-Sync Compatible.[^8] HDR support includes HDR10 and HDR10+ Gaming.[^9]
If you are pairing this with a modern GPU over DisplayPort, the single DisplayPort 1.4 input is the primary high-performance path; the two HDMI 2.1 ports additionally open the door to console and media-device connectivity.[^10]
Glare handling marketed for bright rooms
Samsung's OLED Glare Free treatment is one of the more distinctive selling points for Australian buyers. The company states the surface is 54% less glossy than its conventional anti-reflection film, based on internal tests, and the panel carries UL Glare Free Certification.[^11] For households with strong natural light or open-plan living areas, that is a meaningful differentiator versus glossier displays, even if the underlying figure comes from Samsung's own testing rather than an independent lab cited in the evidence packet.
Burn-in coverage within warranty
One of the common reservations about OLEDs is burn-in risk. Samsung's documentation states that burn-in at normal usage is covered within the warranty, while commercial use, abuse, and misuse are not covered.[^12] That is a useful detail for typical home gaming use, though it does not erase the broader positional caution that OLED panels still call for sensible usage habits.
Smart features beyond gaming
Because this is a Tizen-based panel, it includes a wider app and connectivity stack than a conventional monitor. Documented smart features include:
- Gaming Hub
- Bixby and Alexa Built-in (AU/NZ)
- SmartThings Hub
- TV Plus (AU/NZ)
- Multi View, supporting up to two videos simultaneously
- Remote Access
- Smart Calibration (Basic)[^13]
For cloud gaming without a local PC, Gaming Hub is the headline feature. For households already invested in Samsung's smart-home ecosystem, SmartThings Hub integration is an added angle worth considering.
Adjustability and connectivity mix
The stand is a height-adjustable HAS design with 120.0 ±5.0 mm of height adjustment, pivot/swivel from -3.0° to +3.0°, and tilt from -2.0° to +20.0°.[^14] The monitor also supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA wall mount for users who prefer a arms or bracket setup.[^15]
On the connectivity side, the mix is reasonable for a gaming monitor: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and a 2x USB 3.0 hub.[^16] The omission of USB-C is the one connector gap that repeatedly comes up for this class of panel.
Factory calibration and eye-care features
Samsung lists a factory calibration report as included,[^16] which is a useful signal for users who care about colour consistency out of the box. The panel also includes Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free support.[^17]
In-box accessories
The package includes a power cable (1.5 m), a DisplayPort cable, a USB 3.0 cable, and a remote controller.[^18] The inclusion of a remote makes sense given the smart-TV-oriented feature set.
Trade-offs and limitations
No USB-C
For buyers hoping to connect a modern laptop and charge it through a single cable, the absence of USB-C is a real omission.[^2] This is not unusual for gaming monitors at this price tier, but it does narrow the product's appeal for mixed work-and-play laptop setups.
No headphone jack
The monitor does not include a headphone jack.[^3] If you rely on monitor-side headphone output for late-night gaming, you will need to route audio through your PC, console, or a separate solution.
Curved ultrawide is not universal
A 1800R curved 21:9 panel is immersive for some users and less appealing for others. Multi-monitor or flat-panel purists may find the curve and aspect ratio less suitable for certain productivity workflows, even though they are a strong fit for many games.
Typical brightness is modest
At 250 cd/m² typical brightness, this panel is not positioned as a high-nits HDR display.[^4] In very bright rooms or for users who prioritise peak HDR impact, that specification is worth weighing against the contrast and response-time benefits OLED brings.
Smart features are a double-edged sword
Tizen, Gaming Hub, built-in apps, and a remote are attractive if you want a monitor that doubles as a media device. They can also be unnecessary or distracting if you want a pure gaming display with minimal smart overhead.
Price and promotion context varies
Evidence from Samsung Australia's official product page listed the model at A$1,299 (was A$1,799), consistent with an active sale at the time of capture.[^19] PLE Computers (VIC/WA) has listed the same model in-stock at A$1,399,[^20] and TechAU reported a Samsung Australia "Extraordinary OLED Sale" across August–September 2024 that featured this monitor with up to A$200 off.[^21] Separately, an OzBargain post noted a Samsung Education AU discount of 20% available on this model.[^22]
Because pricing is dynamic and source-dependent, treat any specific figure as a snapshot rather than a fixed shelf price. If you are timing a purchase around Australian promotions, the prior OLED Sale window and education-discount angle are useful signals that this model has periodically been priced more aggressively in the AU market.
Key verified specifications
| Specification | Detail | |---|---| | Model | LS34DG850SEXXY (internal code S34DG850SE per Samsung AU support)[^23] | | Panel type | OLED | | Screen size | 34 inches (class) | | Resolution | UWQHD (3,440 x 1,440) | | Aspect ratio | 21:9 | | Curvature | 1800R, curved | | Refresh rate | Max 175Hz | | Response time | 0.03ms (GtG) | | Contrast ratio | 1,000,000:1 (typical) | | Brightness | 250 cd/m² typical; 200 cd/m² minimum | | Colour support | Max 1 billion colours | | Colour gamut (DCI coverage) | 99% | | Viewing angle | 178°/178° (H/V) | | HDR | HDR10, HDR10+ Gaming | | Adaptive sync | FreeSync Premium Pro; G-Sync Compatible | | HDMI | 2x HDMI 2.1 | | DisplayPort | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 | | USB hub | 2x USB 3.0 | | USB-C | No | | Headphone jack | No | | Speaker | Yes, 10W | | Bluetooth | Yes (5.2) | | Wireless LAN | Yes (Wi-Fi 5) | | Operating system | Tizen™ | | Smart features | Gaming Hub, Bixby, Alexa Built-in (AU/NZ), SmartThings Hub, TV Plus (AU/NZ), Multi View (up to 2 videos), Remote Access, Smart Calibration (Basic) | | Height adjustment | 120.0 ±5.0 mm | | Pivot (swivel) | -3.0° (±2.0°) ~ +3.0° (±2.0°) | | Tilt | -2.0° (±2.0°) ~ +20.0° (±2.0°) | | VESA wall mount | 100 x 100 mm | | Dimensions with stand (W x H x D) | 813.6 x 522.3 x 192.8 mm | | Dimensions without stand (W x H x D) | 813.6 x 363.5 x 128.1 mm | | Weight with stand | 7.5 kg | | Weight without stand | 5.5 kg | | Active display size (H x V) | 800.1 (H) x 337.1 (V) mm | | Power consumption (typical) | 45.0 W | | Power consumption (max) | 180 W | | Power consumption (DPMS/standby) | 0.5 W | | Power consumption (yearly) | 167 kWh/year | | Energy efficiency class | 3.5 | | Power supply | AC 100~240V ~50/60Hz, external adaptor | | Operating temperature | 10~40 °C | | Operating humidity | 10~80% (non-condensing) | | OLED Glare Free | Yes (54% less glossy than Samsung's conventional anti-reflection film per internal tests; UL Glare Free Certification) | | Factory calibration report | Yes | | Eye Saver Mode | Yes | | Flicker Free | Yes | | Burn-in warranty | Burn-in at normal usage covered within warranty (not covered for commercial use, abuse, or misuse) | | Windows certification | Windows 11 | | Security update period | At least until 31 Dec 2029 | | In-box accessories | Power cable (1.5 m), DisplayPort cable, USB 3.0 cable, remote controller | | Colour (finish) | Silver (front, rear, and stand) | | Package dimensions (H x W x D) | 948 x 185 x 456 mm | | Package weight | 11.8 kg |
Buying considerations
1. PC, console, or both?
If your primary use is a gaming PC with a DisplayPort connection, the 175Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro / G-Sync Compatible support are the headline attractions. If you also want to plug in a console, the two HDMI 2.1 ports are a pragmatic bonus. If cloud gaming without a local PC matters to you, Gaming Hub is part of the product's differentiating appeal.
2. Do you need USB-C?
If you plan to use this as a primary display for a modern laptop and want a single-cable dock-and-charge setup, the lack of USB-C is worth confirming before purchase.[^2] For a purely desktop gaming setup, it is less of an issue.
3. Glare and room lighting
The OLED Glare Free treatment and UL Glare Free Certification are worth paying attention to if your monitor will sit in a bright room.[^11] That said, the claim is based on Samsung's internal testing, so it should be read as manufacturer-supplied evidence rather than independent measurement.
4. Burn-in and usage patterns
OLED burn-in remains a positional consideration for any OLED display. Samsung's documentation indicates that burn-in at normal usage is covered within the warranty,[^12] which is reassuring for typical home use, but it does not remove the need for sensible habits if you run static content for long stretches.
5. Smart features: useful or unnecessary?
If you want a monitor that can also function as a media device with built-in apps, remote control, and cloud gaming, the Tizen feature set is a genuine extra.[^13] If you prefer a leaner gaming display, some of that functionality may be surplus to requirements.
6. Australian availability and pricing
This is an AU-specific SKU with documented distribution through Samsung Australia, Amazon Australia, and specialist retailers such as PLE Computers (VIC/WA).[^20] Australian pricing has periodically been promoted through Samsung's OLED Sale events and education-discount offers,[^21][^22] so if price is a deciding factor, it is worth checking whether any current promotion applies at the time of purchase.
Verdict
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a coherent option for buyers who want a 34-inch curved OLED ultrawide with a fast 175Hz refresh rate, low response-time claims, and strong contrast, while also valuing Samsung's smart-TV-oriented feature set and a glare-reduced surface aimed at bright environments. Its most notable gaps for some buyers are the lack of USB-C and the absence of a headphone jack.
As with any OLED, the burn-in question is worth weighing against your expected usage, though Samsung does cover burn-in at normal usage within the warranty. For Australian buyers, the model's AU-specific SKU status, specialist retailer availability, and history of promotional pricing make it a product worth checking against current sale activity before buying.
[^1]: OLED Glare Free and UL Glare Free Certification, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. The 54% gloss reduction figure is attributed to Samsung's internal tests. [^2]: USB-C: No, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^3]: Headphone jack: No, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^4]: Brightness typical 250 cd/m²; minimum 200 cd/m², per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^5]: Panel type OLED; screen size 34 inches (class); resolution UWQHD (3,440 x 1,440); aspect ratio 21:9, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^6]: Contrast ratio 1,000,000:1 typical, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^7]: Colour support max 1 billion colours; DCI coverage 99%; viewing angle 178°/178° (H/V), per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^8]: Refresh rate max 175Hz; response time 0.03ms (GtG); adaptive sync FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^9]: HDR10, HDR10+ Gaming, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^10]: HDMI 2x HDMI 2.1; DisplayPort 1x DisplayPort 1.4, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^11]: OLED Glare Free Yes (54% less glossy than Samsung's conventional anti-reflection film per internal tests); UL Glare Free Certification Yes, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^12]: Burn-in warranty: burn-in at normal usage covered within warranty (not covered for commercial use, abuse, or misuse), per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^13]: Smart features: Gaming Hub, Bixby, Alexa Built-in (AU/NZ), SmartThings Hub, TV Plus (AU/NZ), Multi View (up to 2 videos), Remote Access, Smart Calibration (Basic), per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^14]: Stand type HAS (Height Adjustable Stand); height adjustment 120.0 ±5.0 mm; pivot -3.0° (±2.0°) ~ +3.0° (±2.0°); tilt -2.0° (±2.0°) ~ +20.0° (±2.0°), per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^15]: VESA wall mount 100 x 100 mm, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^16]: USB hub 2x USB 3.0; factory calibration report Yes, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^17]: Eye Saver Mode Yes; Flicker Free Yes, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^18]: In-box accessories: power cable (1.5 m), DisplayPort cable, USB 3.0 cable, remote controller, per Samsung Australia product page for LS34DG850SEXXY. [^19]: Samsung Australia official product page listed A$1,299 (was A$1,799) at time of capture; price is dynamic and source-dependent. [^20]: PLE Computers (VIC/WA) listed LS34DG850SEXXY in-stock at A$1,399, per PLE Computers AU OLED category listing. [^21]: TechAU reported a Samsung Australia Extraordinary OLED Sale (Aug-Sep 2024) featuring LS34DG850SEXXY with up to A$200 off. [^22]: OzBargain post noted a Samsung Education AU discount of 20% available on this model. [^23]: Samsung AU support page confirms model code LS34DG850SEXXY and internal model S34DG850SE.
Buy option: Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 34" Curved WQHD 175Hz Gaming Monitor — Amazon Australia