Samsung Odyssey G5 Review: Curved Gaming Monitor Verdict
Few monitors spark as much debate as the SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 Series 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor—official specs promise "ultra-smooth 144Hz" and the immersive 1000R curve, yet owners rate it anywhere from flawless to frustrating. Averaging around 4.3 out of 5 stars across major platforms, it’s a strong performer for many, though not without quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immersive 1000R curve enhances gaming | Stand has minimal tilt and no height adjustment |
| Strong WQHD resolution with crisp detail | Factory color settings sometimes appear washed out |
| High refresh rate (144Hz/165Hz variants) delivers smooth motion | No built-in speakers |
| FreeSync Premium effectively reduces tearing | Limited ports (1 HDMI, 1 DP) |
| Sturdy build quality compared to older Samsung models | Reports of ghosting and motion blur in fast games |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung’s marketing leans hard on the 1000R curve as “matching the curvature of the human eye” for ultimate immersion. Digging deeper, many buyers verify this benefit, especially in racing sims or open-world games—one verified Best Buy customer wrote: “I love the curve, it makes almost all games / content much more immersive.” Yet some desktop users find such curvature excessive for productivity, noting a learning curve when switching from flat displays.
The 144Hz refresh rate is touted as “super smooth,” with certain region variants hitting 165Hz. Performance in this regard is generally consistent. A Newegg reviewer stressed the importance of proper cabling: “Do not attempt to use any DisplayPort cable below 1.4 standard for 144Hz + 1ms…it looks epic good!” This suggests hardware setup directly influences real-world results.
HDR10 support claims “a kaleidoscope of shades” and deeper blacks. While console gamers often praise the effect, some PC users feel brightness is limited. A Best Buy buyer noted: “Wish it was a little brighter, but the quality is great. If you play at night this is awesome.” This contrast shows HDR enjoyment may hinge on ambient lighting and game content rather than raw spec numbers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Crisp 2560x1440 resolution is one area of consensus. Xbox Series X owners report sharp visuals in titles like Elden Ring: “Best graphics and response time without having to spend too much money,” wrote one Best Buy reviewer. Console users in particular benefit from the jump over 1080p, with richer detail in demanding games.
The curve and build also earn broad praise. A Newegg buyer compared it favorably to older Samsung SyncMaster units: “The stand is sturdier and feels less scary to manipulate and position…it feels to me like the curve of this screen is better in terms of viewing comfort.” The larger curve radius seems to envelop gamers physically, a key selling point for first-person titles.
AMD FreeSync Premium functionality is another win. Whether on PC or console, reviewers confirm reduced tearing and input lag. Best Buy users play competitive shooters at 120Hz on PS5 without sync issues, enhancing responsiveness.
Common Complaints
Ergonomics stand out as a pain point. The stock stand offers tilt only (-2° to 18°), no height or swivel, and some even struggle with tilting. One verified Newegg buyer admitted: “Instructions swear the monitor can be tilted up, but I can't figure out how…I'm afraid to push hard or I'll break it.” For small desk setups, this restricts placement.
Color tuning out of the box is divisive. Several Best Buy reviewers mention washed-out tones, recommending manual adjustment: “I had to adjust a few color settings out of the box…took maybe 5 minutes and I was off to gaming.” Without calibration, HDR’s promise of deep blacks can feel muted.
Port selection is minimal: one HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.2, plus headphone jack. This affects multi-device users. “It is a little disappointing that there is only one HDMI input,” cautioned one owner who swaps between a laptop and console.
Divisive Features
Motion performance presents mixed reports. While many enjoy solid 1ms MPRT responses, some competitive FPS players detect ghosting or blur: “While gaming, I noticed substantial motion blur regardless of what settings I tried,” said a Best Buy customer who returned the unit. Others—often in less twitch-focused genres—see no such issue.
Brightness perception varies too. Reddit user feedback on G50D variants points to “I wish it hit 400 nits instead of 350” while others find standard VA panel brightness sufficient for indoor gaming. This variance highlights differing tolerance between daylight and dark room users.
Trust & Reliability
Longevity discussions reveal a split. Best Buy has stories of two-year-old units still performing flawlessly: “Love the monitor…I definitely wish I would have bought two.” Conversely, isolated cases report defects within days—one buyer noted pixelation and vertical bars due to a faulty panel.
From Trustpilot and Newegg-style accounts, most concerns revolve around physical handling—like difficulty in adjusting the stand—rather than systemic manufacturing flaws. Shipping damage appears rare but is acknowledged: “My condolences to those…falling victim to factory defect and/or shipper mishandling.”
Alternatives
Within Reddit’s buildapcmonitors community, the LG Ultragear 27GR83Q-B surfaces as an alternative—IPS flat, 240Hz, 400 nits—for those prioritizing higher refresh and brightness over curvature. One G50D owner who moved from a VA panel noted: “Zero ghosting issues…colors are vibrant out of the box.” The trade-off is losing the immersive curve.
Another comparably priced option mentioned is MSI MAG274QRF-QD, which appeals to users wanting vivid colors and ergonomic adjustability.
Price & Value
On eBay, used units fetch between $200–$280 depending on condition, suggesting decent resale value. New retail pricing swings from $229 (price-matched deals) to $449 for newer 165Hz variants. Given community sentiment, sale prices under $300 are widely seen as strong value—especially if you can calibrate colors and add a VESA mount for ergonomics.
Some buyers structure purchases around future GPU or console upgrades. As one Reddit user put it: “Going to 1440p was more worth it over 1080p…it helps my boomer eyes.”
FAQ
Q: Does the SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 work with PS5 at 120Hz?
A: Yes, multiple owners confirm it supports 120Hz modes, with HDR enhancing color depth. Competitive shooters benefit most from its low-latency FreeSync performance.
Q: Is the monitor height adjustable?
A: No, the stock stand only tilts. Users often recommend a VESA mount or desk riser for better ergonomics.
Q: How is the color accuracy out of the box?
A: Defaults can appear washed out on some units. Simple menu calibration often resolves this, improving HDR impact.
Q: Are there built-in speakers?
A: No, and many users bypass this by using headphones or external speaker setups.
Q: Is ghosting an issue?
A: It depends on usage. Fast-paced FPS gamers sometimes notice blur, while others in genres like RPG or simulation report no problems.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a gamer seeking immersive curve, 1440p detail, and smooth refresh under $300—particularly for console or single-PC setups. Avoid if you require ergonomic flexibility, multi-HDMI ports, or ultra-precise color out of the box. Pro tip from the community: invest in a quality DisplayPort 1.4 cable and calibrate colors immediately for best results.
