Samsung is on a mission to redefine our perception of gaming monitors and TVs, and their latest offering, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 (Model G70NC), is a perfect example of this ambition. A 43-inch 4K display blurs the lines between monitor and TV, making it a tantalizing option for those seeking the best of both worlds. Priced at $1,800, the Neo G7 amalgamates the brilliance of Samsung’s smart TVs with the functionality of their gaming monitors, crafting a near-perfect solution.
At the heart of the Neo G7 lies a Quantum Mini LED display, flanked by Samsung’s Tizen OS for TV and streaming. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on gaming essentials, boasting DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, a USB hub, and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. Thanks to its standard 16:9 aspect ratio, the Neo G7 seamlessly accommodates both PCs and consoles, making it an optimal choice for those seeking an immersive single-screen setup. But can the Neo G7 compete with LG’s 42-inch C2 OLED or the exceptional Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ?
Design and Setup
The Neo G7’s size is the first thing that grabs your attention—an expansive 43-inch diagonal that engulfs your desk and peripheral vision. Setup is straightforward, much like any gaming monitor. Placing the monitor face down and attaching the stand is a breeze. The stand’s compact base doesn’t protrude significantly, and its flat design doubles as additional storage for controllers and accessories. While movement is limited due to its size, it offers slight tilt adjustment. For enhanced positioning flexibility, the Neo G7 is VESA mountable with a 200×200 configuration, albeit its weight of around 9.2 kilos needs consideration.
Aesthetically, the Neo G7 retains the sleek Odyssey white plastic back frame and a minimal front bezel. It appears slender and elegant once assembled. Subtle LED strips on the bottom corners of the bezel are unobtrusive, emitting a gentle glow that doesn’t disturb your workspace. Port accessibility is streamlined—all of Neo G7’s ports are concentrated on one side, featuring DP1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, Ethernet, USB hub, and an Audio output jack. Notably, the power port resides on the opposite side, eliminating the hassle of dealing with an external adapter.
Navigation is facilitated by buttons on the bottom bezel’s center. However, since the Neo G7 doubles as a TV, it also comes with a convenient remote that mirrors Samsung TV remotes, complete with dedicated buttons for popular streaming platforms. The remote charges via USB-C for added convenience.
Quantum Mini LED Display
The star attraction is undoubtedly the Quantum Mini LED display, employing Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Tech—a fusion of AI-driven contrast and brightness adjustments based on the displayed content. This massive 43-inch display captivates even from a mere two feet away. Despite the expansive real estate, details remain sharp, and pixelation is a non-issue due to the low PPI. The DCI-P3 coverage of 95% and a contrast ratio of 4250:1 deliver vibrant colors and remarkable clarity, superior to the average IPS.
However, the Neo G7 exhibits noticeable blooming—bright objects cast distracting glows or halos—due to a limited number of local dimming zones, a common trait of Mini LED gaming monitors. This issue is more pronounced on dark backgrounds. Although not a deal-breaker in gaming, it can be bothersome during movie-watching with captions or detailed scenes. HDR performance faces challenges; while certified for VESA DisplayHDR 600, the Neo G7 struggles to manage optimal brightness, resulting in washed-out contrast and colors in HDR content. The lack of sufficient dimming zones for the panel’s size seems to contribute to this.
Smart Features and Performance
Upon booting up the Neo G7, its smart TV roots become evident. Connecting to WiFi and signing into various accounts is reminiscent of the smart TV setup process. Tizen’s interface, familiar to smart TV users, greets you with banners, app rows, and dynamic content tiles. The Tizen OS allows installation of numerous compatible apps, making it a versatile platform. Support for Nvidia Cloud Gaming and Xbox Cloud gaming apps expands its capabilities.
Built-in speakers enhance media consumption, surpassing the audio quality of most gaming monitors. While it doesn’t match Benq’s Mobiuz monitors with Tivolo sound, it’s commendable. Notably, the Neo G7 lacks an RF input for local TV, limiting you to Freeview streaming.
Gaming and Media Performance
Immersive gaming is the Neo G7’s forte, thanks to its expansive canvas that fills your peripheral vision. The marriage of a 144Hz refresh rate and a rapid 1ms response time ensures not only fluid motion but also sharp details and vivid colors. I embarked on the Diablo IV campaign twice with this monitor, reveling in the stunning 4K clarity. It’s remarkable how the colossal display size exposes intricate game world details, enveloping you in an entirely new dimension.
Destiny 2 takes full advantage of the Neo G7’s prowess, flaunting a captivating color palette that transitions seamlessly from celestial nebulas to the foreboding depths of the Witch Queen’s realm. The brilliance of light and the cascade of explosions from Dawnbreaker Warlocks and a barrage of weaponry are almost blinding in their intensity.
However, it’s important to note that the Neo G7’s sheer scale can be somewhat overwhelming for fast-paced shooters. The expansive viewport necessitates a conscious effort to monitor crucial HUD elements efficiently. Here, Samsung offers two innovative solutions: Ultrawide mode reduces the vertical viewing height to simulate a 38-inch ultrawide, maintaining a 21:9 aspect ratio. On the other hand, Flex Mode allows you to customize the diagonal viewport size, ranging from the full 43 inches down to a manageable 24 inches, which you can place anywhere on the display.
For a tailored gaming experience, Samsung’s Game Bar steps in. This feature provides quick access to key metrics like FPS and refresh rate, the ability to fine-tune response rates, picture profiles, and even enabling a virtual aim point. However, in comparison to LG’s Game Optimizer and Sony Bravia’s contemporary game dashboard, Samsung’s game bar design appears somewhat dated, with the hexagonal aesthetic not quite hitting the mark.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 masterfully bridges the gap between a smart TV and a gaming monitor, excelling in multitasking, video editing, streaming, and gaming. Its Quantum Mini LED display dazzles with size, clarity, and color accuracy. Although HDR performance might leave you wanting more, the Neo G7’s overall experience is compelling. Whether it perfectly fits your setup depends on personal preference and the intended use. If you’re seeking a secondary large screen for your bedroom or studio, the Odyssey Neo G7 offers a unique proposition—gaming and relaxation combined.
While the Neo G7 isn’t devoid of flaws, its strengths overshadow its weaknesses. Samsung’s creation showcases their dedication to innovation, urging us to ponder whether it’s a gaming monitor or a TV. In a world of diverse preferences, the Odyssey Neo G7 undoubtedly earns a spot in the spotlight.
Samsung Australia kindly loaned PowerUp! the Odyssey Neo G7 for the purpose of this review
