--- title: "Samsung Odyssey G5 Monitor Review: A Comprehensive Guide" canonical: "https://usfamilymart.com/samsung-odyssey-g5-monitor-review-a-comprehensive-guide/" author: "Tom Burg" published: "2026-10-31T20:23:13+00:00" modified: "2026-10-31T20:23:14+00:00" language: "en-US" site: "US Family Mart" description: "How this review was put together: this guide is based on Samsung’s published specifications, independent lab testing (including RTINGS measurements) and…" categories: "Tech & Gadgets" attribution: "US Family Mart (https://usfamilymart.com/)" --- # Samsung Odyssey G5 Monitor Review: A Comprehensive Guide *How this review was put together: this guide is based on Samsung’s published specifications, independent lab testing (including RTINGS measurements) and retailer customer feedback, not on hands-on testing of a unit by us.* ## Samsung Odyssey G5 Review: The Short Verdict The **Samsung Odyssey G5** is an affordable **1440p (QHD) gaming monitor** that delivers a sharp picture, a high refresh rate and good responsiveness for the price. The **27-inch G50D**, the current flat IPS version, offers **180Hz, a 1ms (GTG) rated response time, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility** and strong color accuracy. Its main weaknesses are a **low contrast ratio** (blacks look gray in a dark room) and **weak HDR**. If you want a budget QHD gaming monitor for a normal-to-bright room, it’s a solid choice. If you game in the dark or want real HDR, look elsewhere. **Rating summary** | Category | Verdict | | --- | --- | | Value | Strong | | Gaming responsiveness | Good | | Picture quality (SDR) | Adequate | | HDR | Weak | | Color accuracy | Great (G50D) | | Ergonomics | Basic (varies by model) | ## Which “Odyssey G5” Are We Talking About? “Odyssey G5” is a **series**, not one monitor. Samsung has released several versions, and they differ in panel type, curve and refresh rate. | Model | Size | Panel and shape | Refresh rate | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | G55T (original) | 27″, 32″, 34″ | Curved VA (1000R) | 144Hz (27″ and 32″), 165Hz (34″) | | G50A (S27AG50) | 27″ | Flat IPS | 165Hz | | G50D (S27DG50) | 27″, 32″ | Flat IPS | 180Hz | | G50F / G53F | 27″, 32″ | Flat IPS | 180Hz to 200Hz | | Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) | 27″ | OLED | 180Hz | *Panel details for some newer models vary by region and listing, so confirm the exact model number before you buy.* This review focuses on the **27-inch G50D** and its relatives, with notes on the original curved G55T. ## Key Specs (27-Inch Odyssey G5 G50D) - **Screen size:** 27 inches, flat - **Resolution:** 2560 x 1440 (QHD) - **Panel:** IPS - **Refresh rate:** Up to 180Hz - **Response time:** 1ms (GTG) - **Brightness:** 350 cd/m² - **Contrast ratio:** 1000:1 (typical) - **Viewing angles:** 178° / 178° - **Adaptive sync:** FreeSync and G-Sync compatible - **Ports:** 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI - **Warranty:** 3 years in the listings we checked ## Design and Build The G5 is a straightforward, no-frills design. The G50D is a flat, slim-bezel IPS monitor in black, and its listed dimensions are roughly 613 x 361.5 x 70 mm. Samsung’s listing describes it as height adjustable, but the stand is basic compared with premium monitors, so if you want more flexibility you may want to use a **VESA arm**. The original curved G55T has **limited ergonomics** and **no USB hub** according to RTINGS, so you’ll want to check the stand and port list on any model you consider. ## Picture Quality #### Resolution and Sharpness QHD on a 27-inch screen is a sweet spot: noticeably sharper than 1080p, but easier on your graphics card than 4K. Text is crisp and games have good detail. #### Contrast and Black Levels This is the main weakness of the IPS versions. RTINGS found that the **G50D has a low contrast ratio**, so **blacks look gray in a dark room**. If you game or watch movies in the dark, it won’t look as deep as a VA panel or OLED. The original **curved G55T**, by contrast, uses a VA panel and has **high native contrast** according to RTINGS, though with weaker motion performance (see below). #### Color Accuracy and Gamut The G50D has **great color accuracy**, according to RTINGS, and it displays a wide range of colors in SDR. The earlier G50A also has a dedicated sRGB mode, although RTINGS noted it needs calibration for the best accuracy. For casual photo and video work, it’s a good fit. #### Brightness RTINGS notes that the G50D **gets much brighter than several competing 27-inch 1440p monitors**, which makes it a better choice if you game in a bright room or next to a window. #### HDR HDR is listed on the spec sheet, but it’s not a reason to buy. RTINGS calls the G50D’s HDR picture **disappointing**: the contrast is low and its local dimming feature performs poorly and doesn’t improve it. Treat HDR as a checkbox feature. ## Gaming Performance #### Refresh Rate and Response Time The G50D runs up to **180Hz** with a **1ms (GTG)** rated response time. RTINGS measured a **good response time that stays fast across the whole refresh range**, with no noticeable inverse ghosting but still **a bit of motion blur**. That’s typical for a budget IPS gaming monitor and fine for most players. The original curved G55T is different. RTINGS found its response time **slow, with noticeable black smearing**, and rated its motion handling poorly even though input lag is low. If you buy a curved VA G5, expect motion to be its weak spot, and consider the newer G51C or G55C, which RTINGS noted as similar monitors with improvements. #### Input Lag and VRR Input lag is low on the G5 line, and **FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility** help prevent tearing on both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. #### Console Gaming The G5 uses **HDMI 2.0**, so it doesn’t offer HDMI 2.1 features. That means it won’t do 4K/120Hz from a console, and RTINGS suggests some competitors, like the Dell G2724D, are more console-friendly. For PC gaming at 1440p, it’s a better match. ### Connectivity The G50D lists **one DisplayPort and one HDMI port**. For the highest refresh rates on PC, use **DisplayPort**. There’s no USB hub and no USB-C input on these models, so it’s a gaming-focused display rather than a docking monitor. ## Price and Value Prices vary widely by model, region and sale. In the listings we saw, the 27″ G5 appeared anywhere from about **$170 to about $350**, depending on the exact model and retailer, so check current pricing on the specific version you’re considering. At the low end, it’s a standout budget QHD monitor. At the high end, you should compare it with other 27-inch 1440p options. ## Odyssey G5 Pros and Cons **Pros** - Sharp 1440p resolution at 27 inches - High refresh rate (up to 180Hz on the G50D) with FreeSync and G-Sync support - Good response time that stays consistent across the refresh range - Great color accuracy (G50D) - Brighter than many rivals, which helps in bright rooms - Wide viewing angles on IPS models - Budget-friendly price **Cons** - Low contrast ratio, with grays instead of deep blacks in the dark - Weak HDR performance - HDMI 2.0 only and no USB hub - Basic stand and limited ergonomics - Some motion blur - Curved VA versions (G55T) have poor motion handling and narrower viewing angles ## Who Should Buy the Samsung Odyssey G5? **It’s a good fit if you:** - Want an affordable 1440p monitor for PC gaming - Play in a well-lit room - Care more about refresh rate and sharpness than HDR - Want a flat, color-accurate screen for gaming and everyday use **Skip it if you:** - Game mostly in dark rooms and want deep blacks - Want real HDR - Need a USB-C hub or an ergonomic stand - Play on a console and want HDMI 2.1 features - Want OLED-level motion and contrast (consider the Odyssey OLED G5 instead) ### Odyssey G5 vs Competitors RTINGS compared the G50D with other 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors: - **LG 27GR75Q-B:** Similar overall, and you may want whichever is cheaper, but the Samsung is better in bright rooms because it gets brighter. - **Dell G2724D:** A better choice for console gaming because it’s more compatible with consoles. - **Samsung Odyssey G5 G51C:** A similar 27-inch G5 you may see on sale. ## Final Verdict The **Samsung Odyssey G5** earns its place as a budget gaming monitor. The 27-inch **G50D** gives you a sharp, fast, color-accurate 1440p IPS screen at a modest price, with the trade-off of low contrast and weak HDR. The original curved **G55T** is less appealing because of its motion handling, but the VA panel’s contrast is better. If you want a no-nonsense gaming monitor and play in a lit room, the G5 is a strong pick, and if you want the best picture quality, you’ll need to spend more. ## FAQ **Is the Samsung Odyssey G5 good for gaming?** Yes, especially the 27-inch G50D with its 180Hz refresh rate, fast response time and FreeSync/G-Sync support. **Is the Odyssey G5 IPS or VA?** It depends on the model. The original G55T is a curved VA panel, while the G50A, G50D and newer flat models use IPS. **Does the Odyssey G5 have good HDR?** No. HDR is supported on paper, but reviewers found the contrast too low for it to look impressive. **Is the Odyssey G5 good for consoles?** It works, but it has HDMI 2.0 only, so it lacks HDMI 2.1 features and isn’t ideal for 4K/120Hz console gaming. **Is the Odyssey G5 curved or flat?** The original G55T is curved (1000R). The G50A, G50D and newer models are flat. **What sizes does the Odyssey G5 come in?** Commonly 27, 32 and 34 inches, depending on the model. **Does the Odyssey G5 have speakers or a USB hub?** Not on the models we reviewed. **Is there an OLED Odyssey G5?** Yes, Samsung also sells a 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time rated by the manufacturer. ## Bottom Line If you want the most monitor for the least money, the **27-inch Odyssey G5 G50D** is a smart buy. Pair it with a DisplayPort cable, use the sRGB or accurate color mode and don’t count on HDR. For an even better picture, step up to a higher-end Odyssey or an OLED model.