Gaming monitors have traditionally forced buyers to choose between two priorities: extremely sharp resolution or exceptionally high refresh rates. Samsung's latest Odyssey G8 models attempt to offer both by allowing users to switch between a high-resolution display mode and a lower-resolution, higher-speed gaming mode.
Samsung Malaysia has officially introduced two new monitors under the Odyssey G8 series: the 32-inch Odyssey G8 G80HS and the smaller 27-inch Odyssey G8 G80HF. Both models use IPS panels, support dual-mode operation and are already available locally, with promotional pricing offered until the end of September 2026.
Odyssey G8 G80HS Introduces 6K Gaming to the Series
The larger of the two monitors is the Odyssey G8 G80HS, which features a 32-inch display with a native resolution of 6,144 × 3,456 pixels.
This makes it the first Odyssey monitor to offer a 6K resolution. The screen retains a conventional 16:9 aspect ratio, making it suitable for gaming, productivity and content creation without requiring the extra horizontal space associated with ultrawide displays.
At its native 6K resolution, the monitor can operate at up to 165Hz. That is already a relatively high refresh rate for such a demanding resolution, although users will still need sufficiently powerful hardware to run modern games at 6K while maintaining high frame rates.
The monitor also offers a 1ms grey-to-grey response time, helping to reduce visible smearing and improve responsiveness during fast-paced gameplay.
Dual Mode Prioritises Speed When Needed
One of the G80HS's most useful features is its dual-mode capability.
Instead of keeping the monitor locked at 6K and 165Hz, users can switch it to a lower 3K resolution of 3,072 × 1,728 pixels. In this mode, the refresh rate rises significantly to 330Hz, while the quoted 1ms response time remains unchanged.
This gives players two distinct ways to use the same monitor.
The 6K mode is better suited to visually detailed single-player games, creative work, multitasking and applications where image sharpness matters most. Meanwhile, the 3K 330Hz mode is designed for faster competitive games where smooth motion and lower perceived latency may be more valuable than maximum resolution.
It is a more flexible approach than purchasing separate high-resolution and esports-focused displays, although users will still need to decide whether the IPS panel meets their expectations for contrast and black levels.
IPS Instead of OLED
The G80HS uses an IPS panel rather than OLED.
That may disappoint buyers who associate Samsung's premium gaming displays with the deeper blacks and stronger contrast of OLED technology. However, IPS still offers practical advantages, including consistent colours, wide viewing angles and fewer concerns about permanent image retention.
Samsung has equipped the monitor with HDR10+ certification and claims 99% coverage of the sRGB colour space. These specifications should make the display useful beyond gaming, particularly for general content creation, web work and applications that benefit from a large, high-resolution workspace.
The monitor is also listed as NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, allowing it to synchronise its refresh rate with supported NVIDIA graphics cards to reduce tearing and visible stuttering.
Modern Ports for High-Resolution Gaming
Driving a 6K display at a high refresh rate requires substantial bandwidth, so the G80HS includes a selection of modern video connections.
The monitor provides:
The integrated USB hub allows peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse or storage device to be connected through the monitor, while DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 provide the bandwidth needed for high-resolution and high-refresh-rate signals.
Odyssey G8 G80HF Offers 5K in a Smaller Size
The second model, the Odyssey G8 G80HF, reduces the screen size to 27 inches but maintains the same dual-mode concept.
Its native resolution is 5,120 × 2,880 pixels, commonly referred to as 5K. Because this resolution is packed into a smaller 27-inch panel, the monitor should provide a particularly dense and sharp image.
At its native 5K setting, the G80HF supports a refresh rate of up to 180Hz. This is slightly faster than the 165Hz offered by the larger 6K model, while still retaining a resolution well above conventional 4K.
The smaller size may also appeal to users who sit closer to their monitors, have limited desk space or prefer the more concentrated viewing area of a 27-inch display.
Switch From 5K to QHD at 360Hz
Like its larger sibling, the G80HF can trade resolution for additional speed.
Activating its alternative mode lowers the display to QHD resolution at 2,560 × 1,440 pixels while increasing the maximum refresh rate to 360Hz.
This creates a clear division between the two operating modes.
The 5K 180Hz setting is intended for users who prioritise detail, workspace and visual quality. The QHD 360Hz mode is more suitable for competitive games where rapid movement, immediate feedback and consistently high frame rates are important.
QHD is also considerably easier for a graphics card to drive than 5K, increasing the likelihood that users can take full advantage of the 360Hz refresh rate.
The Same Connectivity as the Larger Model
Despite being smaller and more affordable, the G80HF receives the same basic connection options as the G80HS.
It includes one DisplayPort 2.1 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a headphone jack, a USB-B upstream connection and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Maintaining the same connectivity across both monitors means buyers do not have to sacrifice modern video inputs or USB expansion simply because they choose the smaller model.
The more important decision is therefore likely to come down to screen size, native resolution, maximum refresh rate and price.
Malaysian Pricing and Promotional Offers
The 32-inch Odyssey G8 G80HS carries a normal retail price of RM6,299 in Malaysia.
During Samsung's Online Merdeka Screen and Sound Upgrade Promotion, however, it is available for RM4,699. The promotion runs from 1 August until 30 September 2026, reducing the price by RM1,600.
The 27-inch Odyssey G8 G80HF normally retails for RM3,799. Under the same promotion, it is offered for RM3,099 until 30 September 2026, representing a RM700 reduction.
The promotional pricing makes both displays considerably more attractive, particularly the larger G80HS, which receives the more substantial discount.
Which Odyssey G8 Makes More Sense?
The G80HS is the more ambitious monitor of the two. Its 32-inch 6K display offers an enormous amount of screen space and detail, while the alternative 3K 330Hz mode provides enough speed for competitive gaming.
It may appeal most to users who want one monitor for gaming, development, editing and general productivity—and who have the hardware required to handle its demanding native resolution.
The G80HF is arguably the more practical choice for many gamers. A 27-inch 5K display remains extremely sharp, while its QHD 360Hz mode is better aligned with the resolutions commonly used in competitive gaming.
Its lower price also leaves more room in the budget for the powerful graphics card that will be needed to make proper use of either mode.
Final Thoughts
Samsung's new Odyssey G8 monitors demonstrate how gaming displays are becoming more adaptable.
Instead of forcing buyers to choose permanently between resolution and refresh rate, the G80HS and G80HF provide different operating modes for different types of games and workloads. Users can prioritise clarity for visually rich experiences or switch to a faster mode when responsiveness matters more.
The decision to use IPS rather than OLED may divide opinion, particularly among buyers seeking the deepest possible contrast. Even so, the combination of 6K or 5K resolution, very high refresh rates, modern connectivity and dual-mode flexibility gives both monitors a distinctive position in Samsung's gaming line-up.
At their promotional prices, the G80HS and G80HF become easier to recommend—but buyers should still make sure their computers are powerful enough to take advantage of what these unusually demanding displays can offer.
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