The main monitor manufacturers are increasingly betting on more groundbreaking models and trying to offer not only innovative panels, but also functions more typical of a Smart TV than a computer monitor, although this is not a bad strategy: users are asking more and more things from our monitors, especially most players. Against this background, Samsung is sending a message of ambition Samsung Odyssey Ark It is 55 inch 4K curved monitorin addition to all abilities and gaming monitor meet the most demanding standards.

The first thing that catches your attention Samsung Odyssey Ark Arrives without opening the box: its size is huge, at the height of large-inch Smart TVs in living rooms. Its assembly, although simple, due to its dimensions and weight requires us to ask someone for help. Once the monitor is installed on the stand and placed on the table, we will also need to install the device OneConnectwhich is the unit responsible for centralizing the connection and managing the monitor along with its two control knobs.

Configuration is simplehe Samsung Odyssey Ark It reacts perfectly to the first steps and we even dare to test by placing the monitor vertically. However, its adaptability does not disappoint to go deeper into its configurations and if it requires a lot of mastery. Once the desired configuration point is reached, the system remembers it for one of the outputs you configured (PC, work, console,…), making it much easier to use. We also use the remote control to connect to the Samsung HUB. This may not be an advantage at first, use for monitors without apps or services, but once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

The panel features are unmatched by any panel and this monitor uses Quantum Matrix technology Mini LED brand of a Korean manufacturer that allows great depth in both dark and bright scenesnot to mention the response speed (1 ms) and its refresh rate (165 Hz). All this results in a monitor it looks magnificentthat responds incredibly fast and what it offers a very immersive experience.

For usage tests, we used v Playing, movies/series and work and productivity oriented use. It goes without saying that this monitor is aimed at gaming as, in addition to response time and refresh rate, it features AMD FreeSync (also supports Nvidia G-Sync), which eliminates stuttering and teraing. OF shooter until Rocket Leagueor even Elden ring, the monitor looks great in all of them (can overwhelm the screen in the case of shooters). It is clear that the monitor was intended for this use and the monitor fulfills what was promised. There is nothing to object in the series section, just point out that the user experience is the same as in the living room sa Smart TV large caliber.

For the section productivityand use it for a day in the office, we don’t see big improvements over a multi-screen desktop. This was to be expected since it is a single monitor that does not give rise to multiple screens. This can be fixed with a mod multiviewbut this mode is more for using multiple sockets or apps with Samsung Hub than many sockets on the same device.

with mode Cockpit (vertically) we turn our monitor into a vertical panel that surrounds us (literally). It is useful in many cases of productivity or combined use of the computer (for example, surfing the Internet and consuming content YouTube, Twitch either Netflix). As for gaming, We believe it loses enough resolution to play vertically (occupying all or part of the monitor), although there are games that could use this format.

The benefits are mainly oriented towards gaming and monitor capabilities. Everything is already said in the game section: This is a state-of-the-art curved monitor. If you are considering a curved screen for PC gaming, you can’t go wrong with the Odyssey Ark. As for the monitor’s capabilities, both the adaptability to stand upright when we want it, and the mode multiview or its Smart TV functions, give the monitor endless functions to adapt to your needs.

The main disadvantage is of course its price: 2,999 euros. It’s not a monitor for all budgetsand maybe many people see this amount exaggerative for this type of peripherals. On the other hand, and while one of its advantages is multi-view compatibility, it’s something that can be perfectly executed with multiple monitors. Way multiviewexcept, does not allow more than 2 HDMI inputs at the same timeand the fact that it has no inputs display port It’s complicated by having 4k inputs that use the 165Hz offered by the panel.

We really enjoyed testing the monitor, we think so of Samsung’s strong commitmentbut we are thinking about it its price is significantly higher what users would be willing to give up for a monitor. In case this monitor fits your budget, sure you won’t be disappointed.