Samsung Odyssey 3D Gaming Monitor Review

The Odyssey 3D 4K 165Hz gaming monitor introduces immersive glasses-free 3D with premium specs and price tag, my full review.

Samsung’s Odyssey 3D G90XF represents the company’s boldest leap yet in display technology. Positioned as a flagship, premium-tier gaming monitor, the Odyssey 3D combines 4K resolution, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and a first-of-its-kind glasses-free 3D system. From the unboxing, the monitor immediately stands out.

"Positioned as a flagship, premium-tier gaming monitor, the Odyssey 3D combines 4K resolution, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and a first-of-its-kind glasses-free 3D system.

It has a sleek metallic finish, an elegant footprint, and solid build quality, along with a sharp modern design that fits into any space. But what truly distinguishes this display is its promise: an immersive, 3D gaming experience without the need for additional peripherals. But does it deliver? I put the Odyssey 3D through extensive testing with gaming consoles, 3D PC titles, creative workflows, and hours of everyday use. Let’s dive into my full review.

Odyssey 3D Gaming Monitor Hardware Specs

Panel Type & Size: 27″ IPS

Resolution & Aspect Ratio: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD), 16:9

Refresh Rate & Response Time: 165 Hz / 1 ms GtG

Brightness & HDR: 350 nits typical, ~487 nits peak SDR, HDR10+ support

Colour Coverage: 100% sRGB, ~83% AdobeRGB

Connectivity: 2× HDMI 2.1, 1× DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.1 hub

Ergonomics: Height (120 mm), tilt, pivot (portrait), VESA mountable

Other Features: FreeSync Premium, G-Sync compatibility, dual 5W speakers with spatial audio

Design & Build Quality of the Odyssey 3D

Samsung has taken a restrained but premium approach to the Odyssey 3D’s design. The metallic finish and thin bezels give the device an incredibly sharp look. The stand provides stability with tilt, height, and pivot adjustments. The omission of swivel functionality is noticeable, but overall, in my workspace, I was able to position the monitor exactly as I wanted it.

Port placement is practical, with HDMI and DisplayPort connections easily accessible, and integrated cable management helps maintain a clean setup. On the desk, the G90XF strikes a balance between understated minimalism and high-end sophistication, equally at home in a professional environment or a dedicated gaming setup.

Odyssey 3D Display Quality

In standard 2D operation, the panel delivers excellent clarity and vibrancy. I found the colours really popped on the screen, capturing plenty of detail. Brightness peaks around 487 nits in SDR, and colour accuracy is strong, covering 100% sRGB with good factory calibration. I was especially impressed with the sharpness and detail of the text. I am constantly writing and designing text-based assets, and everything looks incredible on the Odyssey 3D. The versatility of the display makes it a viable option for productivity as well as entertainment.

However, there are some drawbacks with the monitor worth noting. Contrast is modest at 1000:1, and black levels do appear a little greyer, especially in darker viewing environments. I noticed this right away, as I enjoy gaming in a darker office setting. HDR performance is also a little underwhelming, with limited highlight intensity and no local dimming to improve contrast. I noticed this in darker games, such as Death Stranding 2 and Mafia: The Old Country, where some shadows and darker areas lost detail and appeared too grey. Outside of that, the monitor still offers a great viewing experience thanks to its striking expression of colour.

Odyssey 3D’s Performance & Features

The headline feature is Samsung’s Reality Hub, which enables glasses-free 3D by combining lenticular optics with eye-tracking technology. AI-driven 2D-to-3D conversion allows most content to be viewed with depth effects, though results vary by application. When I used it with supported games such as Stray and Stellar Blade, the 3D effect is highly convincing and adds a lot to immersion.

"When I used it with supported games such as Stray and Stellar Blade, the 3D effect is highly convincing and adds a lot to immersion."

That said, current game support is limited to only a few dozen titles officially supporting the technology. It also has its drawbacks, as the 3D effect only works best for a single user seated directly in front of the monitor. Once you figure out the best viewing angle for 3D-supported content, it’s an incredible experience.

Odyssey 3D excels with gaming fundamentals

In terms of gaming fundamentals, performance is excellent. The 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time keep fast-paced action smooth and precise, with minimal motion blur. FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility ensure fluid frame pacing. Input lag is extremely low, making the monitor suitable for competitive gaming. Connectivity options cover the essentials, though the absence of a headphone jack is a minor omission. The integrated 5W dual speakers provide a pretty punchy sound for casual use. I was impressed by the quality of their output, and they could easily fill a small space with great sound.

Odyssey 3D paired with the Samsung 9100 Pro SSD

Along with the monitor for testing, Samsung included its 9100 Pro SSD. While not part of the monitor package at retail, the drive helped to showcase the display under optimal conditions. With its ultra-fast read and write speeds, the 9100 Pro SSD effectively eliminated loading delays and provided smooth 4K gameplay. If you are looking for blazing-fast storage that reduces bottlenecks, the 9100 Pro is the fastest I've ever tested.

"If you are looking for blazing-fast storage that reduces bottlenecks, the 9100 Pro is the fastest I've ever tested."

I'll have more on the SSD in a separate review.

Everyday Use with the Odyssey 3D

For everyday workflows, the Odyssey 3D G90XF offers a mixed but overall positive experience. The 27-inch 4K panel provides ample space for multitasking, and text rendering is sharp enough for extended productivity use. Streaming media and video playback benefit from the monitor’s vibrant colour reproduction, though HDR limitations reduce cinematic impact. The AI 3D conversion can enhance casual viewing, but it occasionally produces inconsistent results that can look very blurry.

Gaming is where the monitor truly shines: 2D performance is outstanding, while supported 3D titles deliver a sense of depth and immersion that is unmatched in the current monitor market.

"Gaming is where the monitor truly shines: 2D performance is outstanding, while supported 3D titles deliver a sense of depth and immersion that is unmatched in the current monitor market."

Still, the limited software ecosystem and premium pricing make it more of a specialized product than a universally practical solution.

Final Thoughts on the Samsung Odyssey 3D

The Samsung Odyssey 3D represents a bold step forward in display innovation. Its 3D functionality is genuinely impressive and finally delivers on the long-held promise of glasses-free immersive gaming. At the same time, its limitations in software support, inconsistent HDR performance, and a premium price point prevent it from being a universally compelling recommendation.

"Its 3D functionality is genuinely impressive and finally delivers on the long-held promise of glasses-free immersive gaming."

This is a monitor for enthusiasts, early adopters, and gamers eager to experiment with the next frontier of immersion. For others, particularly those prioritizing HDR quality or value, more traditional high-refresh 4K monitors may be a better fit. In short, the G90XF is a glimpse of the future—one that is exciting, ambitious, and imperfect, but undeniably compelling for those willing to step into the third dimension.

Odyssey 3D Pros

+Convincing glasses-free 3D technology

+Strong 165 Hz / 1 ms gaming performance with VRR support

+Accurate colour reproduction

+Premium design

Odyssey 3D Cons

-No HDR in 3D mode

-Average HDR performance in 2D mode

-No headphone jack

-Premium pricing

Overall Assessment of the Samsung Odyssey 3D 

Design & Build: 9/10

Display Quality (2D): 9/10

3D Performance & Features: 8/10

Value: 6/10

Final Score: 32/40 (80%)

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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