When Samsung challenged me to test their gigantic Samsung Ark, the first thing I thought was “Of course!“, and the second was “Where am I going to put this ANIMAL?”
Well, dealing with the Samsung Ark is basically this. Being amazed at the image quality, and the massive size of the monitor that doubles as a TV, while questioning how the table is managing to handle that setup without major problems.
The Samsung Ark bets on exaggeration, and for those who like that, it’s absolutely amazing. However, it’s also a product that makes some compromises to reach that same overkill.
(Review) Samsung Ark: One word… It’s overkill!
First of all, you need to understand what this is. What is the Samsung Odyssey Ark Monitor 4K 55”?
Well, that’s exactly it, a giant monitor, designed for games, 55 inches, capable of reaching 4K and 120Hz, with an incredible curvature, which at the end of the day, still serves as a TV. Whether for gaming or work, it’s an absolutely amazing monitor!
After all, who hasn’t dreamed of a 55” monitor, with Samsung image quality, on their PC’s desk? Can you imagine playing F1 22, or Flight Simulator, on this boy? It’s almost like you’re playing a different version of these games.
What really changes? Is this the same as connecting a 55” TV to your PC, or Console?
Yes, but also no.
In the end, playing on a 55” TV, glued to the screen, almost always results in an experience a little short. This is exactly why the many manufacturers more focused on gaming are launching 42” or 43” OLED monitors, as is the case with LG, ASUS, and even KTC.
Thus, what separates the Ark from everything else, is its extreme curvature, and of course, its base, which allows you to transform a game tool into a very powerful work tool. This without ever forgetting the image quality, 4K resolution, ability to reach 165Hz, and of course, the 1ms response time.
However, it is an expensive monitor, very expensive. It is an offer designed for a niche market that only wants the best.
Technical specifications
Size: 55 inches
Maximum Resolution: 4K (80ppi)
Frame Update: 165Hz
Panel Type: VA com Backlight MiniLED (1056 zonas)
Aspect Type: 16:9
Curvature: 1000R
Maximum Brightness: 1000 nits HDR 10+ VESA Stand 200*200 Included The stand that comes with the monitor allows 90º rotation, a total tilt of 20º (-10º to 10º), and a height adjustment of 270mm.
connectivity: 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs (one with eARC), Ethernet 10/100, two USB 2.0 inputs, one USB-B input, Ex-Link, Optical Input for digital audio, 3.5mm, USB-C (15W), Bluetooth 5.2, wifi 5
Weight: 21kg just the monitor, 41.5kg with the base.
Design and User Experience.
The Samsung Ark is huge, and for that very reason, the user experience is not ‘normal’ at all. On paper, it’s a 55″ monitor, in practice, it looks like we’re being swallowed by a giant wave of pixels.
It’s a monitor capable of creating an immersive environment that I’ve never experienced before, which of course allows you to focus much more on what’s happening in front of you.
As for the design, it is a giant screen, curved, with a base that allows you to play some games. The bezels are slim, but being a VA panel, the monitor isn’t thin, but it’s not overly thick either.
For me, the only negative point of the monitor is its assembly and initial configuration. It’s big, and it’s heavy (very heavy indeed). Assembling the Ark alone, and getting it safely somewhere, is not a one-person mission. If you want to buy it, get a trusted friend or family member, because trust me, you’re going to need it.
An interesting point of the Ark’s design is not even the monitor itself, but the Samsung One Connect Box. That is, if you want to connect something to the monitor, you won’t do it directly. It will connect to a box, which in turn is connected to the monitor, through a single cable.
An interesting specificity, and important, because truth be told, who wants to move around a 40~50kg monitor, rotating, every time you need to connect a cable?
Being a Monitor that also serves as a TV, in addition to Samsung’s intelligent command, we also have this small rotating panel, to access other interesting features within the product’s operating system. Interestingly, none of these tools need batteries or recharges.
Conclusion
As I said above, this is not a product for everyone, and in fact, it is also a launch that smells a little like testing by Samsung. However, it is undeniably something very interesting that can take your setup to a whole other level.
Some improvements are missing, such as DisplayPort or USB-C inputs in the box. Possibility of having more than two inputs at the same time. Among other minor things.
Still, if your focus is on playing… Pah… It’s amazing.
