The Samsung G90XF 3D gaming monitor, priced at $1,999.99, marks a significant leap forward in display technology. This innovative monitor showcases glasses-free 3D technology that promises an immersive viewing experience without the discomfort associated with traditional 3D glasses or VR headsets. Notably, it merges the realms of gaming and productivity, facilitating a natural sense of depth that enhances visual engagement without straining the eyes over extended periods.

While utilizing the 3D feature comes with a compromise on resolution, the resulting holographic effect is striking, making games and videos come alive in an unprecedented way. For those who prefer a traditional 2D experience, the G90XF also doubles as a high-end 4K gaming monitor, endowed with robust specifications that appeal to serious gaming enthusiasts.

At the core of the Samsung G90XF is a 27-inch IPS display offering a dazzling 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This setup provides sharp visuals and vibrant color reproduction, a hallmark of Samsungs commitment to quality. Moreover, it combines a rapid 165Hz refresh rate with a lightning-fast 1ms (GtG) response time, ensuring smooth motion and impeccable detail whether youre engrossed in fast-paced gaming or watching action-packed content.

One of the standout features of the G90XF is its built-in glasses-free 3D technology, driven by an advanced eye-tracking system. This innovative feature creates convincing stereoscopic depth for a single viewer, eliminating the need for special eyewear. Additionally, an AI-driven 2D-to-3D converter transforms standard contentlike videos, images, and gamesinto a more engaging, layered 3D view. Real-time face mapping technology allows the monitor to maintain the 3D effect as the viewer shifts position, adding an element of convenience and seamless interaction.

In terms of connectivity, the G90XF is equipped with a single DisplayPort 1.4 input, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a USB hub featuring two USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. It is also compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience no matter which GPU brand you choose.

Onboard audio is managed by dual 5W stereo speakers, providing decent sound quality for everyday use, although most serious gamers may prefer external speakers or headphones for a more immersive audio experience. Its worth noting that the monitor lacks a dedicated headphone jack, which might be a downside for some users.

The design of the G90XF reflects Samsungs premium build quality, showcasing a sleek Mercury Silver finish. The stand features a 120mm height adjustment and tilt capabilities ranging from -3 to +15, allowing users to find the most comfortable viewing angle. Each unit comes factory-calibrated, complete with a report to confirm its accuracy. The monitors typical power consumption is rated at 78W, which is reasonable considering the high performance offered by this 4K display.

Gamers will appreciate additional features like Virtual Aim Point, designed for first-person shooters, and Black Equalizer, which enhances visibility in dark scenes. The monitor also includes various genre-specific presets tailored to different gaming experiences.

Samsungs Reality Hub serves as a central dashboard that allows users to explore 3D settings and content effortlessly through built-in controls. The picture settings feature comprehensive calibration controls similar to those found in Samsungs premium TVs, enabling users to fine-tune the display for optimal performance. This level of customization is particularly beneficial for professional color work.

Reality Hub is more than just an on-screen menu; it acts as a lightweight Windows launcher organizing every 3D-capable game installed on your system, regardless of the platform, whether its Steam, Epic Games, or Game Pass. Games optimized for the G90XF come with a gold badge, while a range of Unreal Engine titles runs under a generic preset. The small overlay feature allows users to adjust the Pop-Out and Depth sliders or reassign hotkeys without disrupting gameplay, and these adjustments are specifically stored for each title.

Moving on to 2D performance, the G90XF impresses even before its 3D capabilities are activated. In testing with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, it delivered incredibly smooth frame rates without any glitching. The combination of 4K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and minimal input lag provides crisp detail and fluidityideal for both eSports and AAA gaming titles. With this level of detail, the connection to the game feels more immersive than ever.

The vibrant colors produced by the IPS panel are striking, with factory calibration ensuring accuracy right from the start. Covering 99% of the sRGB color space makes it suitable not just for gaming but for creative work like photo editing. The monitor reaches peak brightness levels around 350 nits, adequate for most scenarios; however, it wont match the brilliance of high-end HDR displays featuring local dimming. The standard 1000:1 contrast ratio for IPS panels guarantees solid detail in both bright and shadowy environments. That said, for those seeking the best 2D visuals, an OLED monitor might be a better choicebut for 3D experiences, the G90XF stands out.

The monitor also supports HDR10, adding depth and vibrancy to visuals, although true HDR enthusiasts may desire higher peak brightness levels. Nevertheless, HDR10 offers a significant improvement over standard dynamic range (SDR) in terms of color depth.

As for the 3D experience, the G90XF primarily excels in its glasses-free 3D capability. This approach is a far cry from the uncomfortable 3D of the past; instead, it provides a genuinely comfortable method of viewingno cumbersome hardware on your face, no restricted peripheral vision, and no eye fatigue from special lenses.

The eye-tracking technology plays a crucial role, constantly adjusting the stereoscopic effect in response to head movements. While there may be brief moments where it takes a second to lock onto your positionespecially if you sit down quickly or shift dramaticallythe 3D perspective remains stable once established.

Optimized games truly shine on this monitor. Titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ create a delightfully holographic experience, where characters and environments appear to extend beyond the screen. Although the resolution drop in 3D mode is noticeable, with some pixel splitting being inevitable for stereoscopic output, the added dimensionality often compensates for any softness in image quality. Even with the RTX 4090, performance remained strong, with no noticeable lag or stuttering during 3D gameplay.

Samsungs AI-enhanced 2D-to-3D conversion tool performs surprisingly well across various content types, including VR-like 360 photos, Matterport tours, and even drone footage. Content with distinct foreground and background layers benefits significantly from increased depth. While it may not be perfect, the algorithms effectively apply depth cues convincingly, albeit with some minor loss of sharpness and detail. Users can manage these settings through the Reality Hub app, allowing them to adjust the intensity of the 3D experience and other parameters.

However, one limitation of the G90XF is its lack of support for native 3D Blu-ray playback (frame sequential 3D). You can play "side-by-side" format 3D, but this results in halving the horizontal resolution. While this may seem niche compared to gaming, there are notable 3D films worth watching. As someone who has enjoyed 3D since the 1980s and explored various 3D viewing technologies, I find that the absence of eye tracking in previous prototypes often led to challenges like 3D inversion.

But enough about movies; the primary focus of potential buyers will be gaming. While playing with the G90XF, I couldnt help but wonder what it would be like to play Grand Theft Auto 6 on this monitor. While we dont have that answer yet, Im already contemplating purchasing this monitor for that experience if it gets support. Fingers crossed!

In conclusion, Samsung has successfully made glasses-free 3D a practical option for everyday use with the G90XF. It avoids the comfort issues typically associated with 3D glasses and VR headsets, allowing for lengthy sessions without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. This ease of use transforms 3D from being merely a gimmick into a feature that enhances gaming and media consumption.

Equally significant is its performance as a 2D IPS gaming monitor. The G90XFs combination of 4K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and adaptive sync capabilities positions it among the best displays in its class. Naturally, its premium features come at a higher price point due to its 3D capabilities, which shouldnt deter serious gamers seeking a unique experience. Whether diving into competitive shooters or exploring expansive open-world games, the G90XF guarantees a captivating and engaging gaming experience.

While the eye-tracking may introduce a brief pause while establishing your position, it is a minor issue compared to the overall smooth performance. Once calibrated, the 3D effect is stable and compelling, adding genuine depth to the on-screen action.

At a price of $1,999.99, this monitor is undoubtedly geared towards tech enthusiasts who appreciate cutting-edge technology. However, for those not entirely sold on the 3D aspect or who prefer a straightforward 2D monitor, more budget-friendly alternatives are available. Yet, for those willing to invest in a next-level immersive experience, the G90XF offers a unique and compelling alternative to traditional VR setups, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying high-quality visuals.

In summary, the Samsung G90XF demonstrates that glasses-free 3D can be a legitimate and valuable feature, providing fresh opportunities to enjoy games, videos, and productivity applications. As developers optimize more content for this innovative display, its appeal is bound to expand. For anyone ready to explore the thrilling world of 3D without the constraints of a headset, the G90XF stands as a noteworthy advancement in monitor technology.