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

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.

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.