Samsung Display racing to launch world’s first 500Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor

Samsung is reportedly set to launch the world’s first and fastest 27-inch OLED panel with a 500Hz refresh rate. This display (pun intended) outbids current refresh rate champions like LG and ASUS will likely bring more 500Hz (and faster) options in 2025 for competitive gamers needing that extra edge.

Reportedly, Samsung Display is set to launch a 27-inch Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) with 1440p resolution and a native 500Hz refresh rate. The fastest panels currently, such as the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP and the LG Ultragear GX7, can reach 480 Hz. (Note: some may say that the AW2524H from Alienware does 500 Hz, but only when overclocked (In stock it also produces 480 Hz.)

Sources say the panel is in the final stages of development while marketing discussions with major monitor brands are already underway. The intention is to release 500 Hz monitors in the first half of 2025.

Although such speeds are already present in LCD displays, they tend to be limited to Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) models. Therefore, one can consider Samsung’s development a big deal as it combines a high refresh rate with QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution while taking advantage of QD-OLED technology, no less. The Quantum Dot and OLED combo should bring superior color vibrancy and stronger contrast than LCD displays.

In practice, these fast OLED panels will likely be more suited to esports athletes who could (eventually) benefit from the extra 20Hz compared to regular consumers. Likewise, as with most professional-level equipment, 500Hz monitors won’t be cheap, at least not for the first couple of years.

In separate reports, some expect 2025 to see new trends in QD-OLED and White OLED (WOLED) products, such as higher resolutions coupled with a higher refresh rate. For example, LG’s upcoming 45-inch WOLED 45GX950A is expected to upgrade from its existing 3440×440 to 5120×2160. Light Soul, a China-based panel maker, will launch a 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits peak brightness.

Photo credit: Samsung screen