Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) Review: First Impressions

First Impressions

The Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) solely sees a few enhancements in comparison with its predecessor within the type of an enhanced Multi View mode and inclusion of a KVM swap to make sure extra seamless multitasking. In any other case it packs the identical incredible show specs as its predecessor, in addition to the helpful rotating display screen.

Introduction

The Samsung Odyssey Ark wowed with its outstanding social gathering trick when it launched again in 2022. This can be a behemoth 55-inch curved 4K gaming monitor that may be flipped between portrait and panorama modes – and sure, it appears to be like simply as intriguing because it sounds. 

Soar ahead to 2023, and Samsung has determined to improve the already very good gaming monitor. Samsung hasn’t made any alterations to the image or design, and it hasn’t actually wanted to given the monitor’s high quality. 

As an alternative, Samsung has added a Multi View mode that lets you show 4 totally different sources concurrently for some multi-tasking viewing. Secondly, there’s help for the KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) function, making it potential to regulate a number of units with a single mouse and keyboard setup. 

These might not be grand-scale upgrades, however these new options complement the large display screen to make an much more compelling package deal. Does the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) maintain up in apply? Listed here are my first impressions after testing the monitor at Gamescom 2023. 

Design and options

• Rotatable 55-inch display screen
• Now helps 4 inputs concurrently
• New inclusion of KVM Swap

Even with the information that the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) has a 55-inch curved show, I used to be nonetheless in shock seeing how gigantic this monitor is up shut. 

The Ark is basically the scale of a lounge TV, so that you may battle to seek out a simple match in your desktop. The stand is giant but slender, with sufficient weight to maintain the monitor securely rooted in place. 

It has a 1000R curvature, which is similar because the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch, though doesn’t wrap round my head fairly as a lot because it sports activities a narrower design with a conventional 16:9 facet ratio. 

The true social gathering piece right here is the monitor’s capability to be flipped between a vertical and horizontal alignment. It sounds absurd to have a 55-inch monitor in a portrait alignment, however in apply it might have loads of helpful use instances. 

When flipped upright, the monitor lets you show three photos stacked on prime of each other, with the panel curving excessive of your head. This will likely show very helpful for individuals who crave a multi-monitor setup to reinforce productiveness. 

Samsung has launched a brand new functionality, known as Samsung Multi View, which lets you show photos of 4 separate units concurrently. For instance, you’re capable of plug in a PS5, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X and a gaming PC on the identical time, with a split-screen type method displaying all 4 outputs segmented on the 55-inch panel. 

Not all the ports on the rear are made equal, with the inclusion of 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0, however it’s nonetheless a formidable choice. 

The opposite new function for the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) mannequin is the KVM Swap, which lets you management a number of units with a single keyboard and mouse setup. If there’s ever a purpose why you’d want to regulate 4 PCs concurrently, hooking them as much as the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) would permit you to take action seamlessly. 

There are a number of strategies of management for the Ark. There’s a joystick constructed into the rear, whereas it additionally comes bundled with a TV-style distant and the Ark Dial that may rotate the display screen or modify the display screen ratio immediately. 

Picture High quality and Efficiency

• Quantum Mini LED display screen know-how
• 4K decision and 165Hz refresh price
• Very same show as earlier mannequin

Samsung just about nailed the show of the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2022) the primary time round, and it hasn’t made any tweaks to the brand new 2023 version. 

The Samsung Odyssey Ark sports activities a 55-inch Quantum Mini LED panel with a 4K decision. Sadly, the monitor was locked to a biking tech demo on the Gamescom stand, so I wasn’t capable of play a sport and get a greater really feel of the image high quality. 

Nevertheless, Samsung is utilizing the very same panel because the one from the 2022 version, so you may try our evaluation to get a great grasp of the panel. In brief, our reviewer stated: “The Ark delivers sensible picture efficiency straight out of the field, with an unbelievable black level of 0.02 nits the spotlight.” 

This implies its capability to provide life like darkish blacks for darkish surroundings is barely matched by an OLED display screen. And due to the Mini LED know-how right here, the Ark is able to a outstanding peak brightness of 1000 nits. 

The one minor weak spot of the Samsung Odyssey Ark (2023) is the refresh price, which comes at simply 165Hz. That’s fantastic for a mainstream monitor, however a bit disappointing for one round a £2000/$2000 value level. Few folks will admittedly have a graphics card that may obtain a plus 165fps efficiency at 4K, however it might nonetheless be good to have the choice to decide on between a excessive decision and quick refresh price.