Samsung Odyssey G5 Series 27-Inch: A Comprehensive Review

How this review was put together: it’s based on Samsung and retailer specifications, independent lab testing (including RTINGS measurements) and customer feedback, not hands-on testing by us. Samsung sells several different 27-inch “G5” monitors, so details vary by model.

Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch: The Short Verdict

The 27-inch Odyssey G5 is one of the better-value QHD gaming monitors if you pick the right version. It gives you a sharp 2560 x 1440 image, a 165Hz to 200Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support and a low price, but it makes compromises in HDR, ports and stand design. The key decision is IPS vs VA:

• Flat IPS models (G50A, G50D, G50F, G53F): Better viewing angles, accurate color and good motion, but low contrast with grayish blacks in the dark.
• Curved VA models (G55T, G55C):Deeper blacks and higher contrast, with a steep 1000R curve, but VA panels can have weaker motion and narrower viewing angles.

If you game in a lit room and want accurate color, go IPS. If you game in the dark and want contrast, go VA.

Which 27-Inch G5 Models Exist?

Check the exact model code before you buy. One monitor-specs site warns that some retailer listings for the G55C point to the older G55T.

Key Specs Compared (G50D vs G55C)

The G55C’s warranty is listed as one year at one US retailer, while a Canada listing for the G50D lists three years, so check yours.

Design and Build

All the 27-inch G5s are basic, budget-friendly designs. The panels are thin-bezel and black, and the active display area of the G55C is about 597 x 336 mm. The G50D’s listed dimensions are about 613 x 361.5 x 70 mm. The G50D is described as height adjustable, but RTINGS noted limited ergonomics on the original curved G5, so if you want more flexibility, plan on a VESA arm. None of these models has a USB hub or built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or desktop speakers.

Picture Quality

Sharpness

At 27 inches, QHD works out to about 109 pixels per inch, which looks noticeably sharper than 1080p without demanding as much from your graphics card as 4K. It’s one of the best-balanced sizes and resolutions for gaming.

Contrast and Black Levels

This is where IPS and VA differ most.

• IPS (G50A, G50D): RTINGS found the G50D has a low contrast ratio and blacks that look gray in a dark room. It displays a wide color range in SDR, but it won’t give you cinematic depth.
• VA (G55T, G55C): Native contrast is rated at 2500:1, and RTINGS found the original G55T has high native contrast and a G55C update with better contrast than comparable monitors.

Color Accuracy

The G50D scored well, with RTINGS describing great accuracy. The earlier G50A has a dedicated sRGB mode, though RTINGS said it still needs calibration for the best accuracy.

Brightness

RTINGS says the G50D gets much brighter than several competing 27-inch 1440p monitors, which helps in a bright room or near a window. The G55C is rated at 300 nits, a little lower.

HDR

HDR10 appears on the spec sheets, but don’t buy for it. RTINGS rated the G50D’s HDR disappointing, with low contrast and a local dimming feature that performs poorly. The original G5’s HDR was also limited by the lack of local dimming and low peak brightness.

Gaming Performance

Refresh Rate and Response

The range runs from 144Hz (G55T) to 165Hz (G50A, G55C), 180Hz (G50D, G50F) and 200Hz (G53F). More matters mainly if your graphics card can push those frame rates at 1440p.

• G50D (IPS): RTINGS measured a good response time that stays fast across the refresh range, with no noticeable inverse ghosting but a bit of motion blur.
• G50A (IPS): RTINGS found it consistently fast, with low input lag, though it still has some motion blur.
• G55T (curved VA): RTINGS rated its motion poor, with noticeable black smearing, a typical weakness of slower VA panels, despite low input lag.
• G55C (VA): A newer, faster VA version. RTINGS tested the G55C as a successor to the G55A and described it among entry-level 1440p gaming monitors. For motion, an IPS G5 is usually the safer pick.

Adaptive Sync

FreeSync is supported across the line, and the G50D is also G-Sync compatible, so it works with AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.

Console Gaming

All use HDMI 2.0, so there’s no HDMI 2.1, and RTINGS suggests that some competitors, such as the Dell G2724D, are more console-friendly. For a PC, use DisplayPort for the best refresh rates.

Curved vs Flat: Which Do You Want?

The G55 models use a steep 1000R curve, which wraps around your view and can feel immersive in games. Some people find it distracting for desktop work or for sharing the screen with others. If you want a flat screen, choose the IPS models. If you like the curve and the better contrast, the VA models are tempting, but check motion reviews first.

Price and Value

Prices vary widely by model, region and sale. In the listings we saw:

• The G55C appeared around $200 equivalent on a monitor-specs site, $299.99 on a Samsung US business listing, and a $149.99 deal at Walmart in December 2025.
• The G50F showed up at about $169.99 at Best Buy on one price tracker.
• The G50D appeared at roughly $237 to $350, depending on the retailer.

Because discounts are common, compare the current price to the low end. At around $150 to $200, these are strong budget buys. At $300 or more, you should compare against other 27-inch QHD monitors.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sharp 1440p resolution at a size that suits most desks
• High refresh rates, from 144Hz up to 200Hz depending on the model
• FreeSync support, with G-Sync compatibility on the G50D
• Accurate color on the IPS versions
• Deeper blacks on the VA versions
• Low prices and frequent discounts

Cons

• IPS versions have low contrast and gray blacks in the dark
• VA versions can show motion smearing and have narrower viewing angles
• Weak HDR on all versions
• HDMI 2.0 only, no HDMI 2.1
• No USB hub, speakers or USB-C
• Basic stands with limited adjustment
• Confusing model names

How It Compares

RTINGS compared the G50D with other 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors:

• LG 27GR75Q-B: The two are similar and you may prefer whichever is cheaper, though the Samsung is better in a bright room because it gets brighter.
• Dell G2724D: Better for console gaming, according to RTINGS.
• Samsung G51C: A similar 27-inch G5 that RTINGS says has a faster response time at its maximum refresh rate than the original curved G5.

Which 27-Inch G5 Should You Buy?

Final Verdict

The 27-inch Odyssey G5 series is a strong budget pick for QHD gaming, as long as you match the model to your room and expectations. For most people, a flat IPS model like the G50D, G50F or G53F is the safest choice thanks to accurate color and consistent motion. If you game mostly in the dark and like a curved screen, the G55C offers better contrast at the cost of weaker motion. Don’t expect real HDR, and plan on a monitor arm or headphones for the missing extras.

FAQ

What’s the difference between the Odyssey G5 G50D and G55C?
The G50D is a flat IPS monitor at up to 180Hz with better color accuracy. The G55C is a curved VA monitor at 165Hz with higher contrast.

Is the 27-inch Odyssey G5 good for gaming?
Yes, especially the IPS versions, which have good response times and FreeSync support.

Is the Odyssey G5 27-inch curved?
Some are. The G55T and G55C are curved at 1000R, while the G50A, G50D, G50F and G53F are flat.

Does the Odyssey G5 have HDR?
HDR10 is listed, but reviewers found it weak.

What ports does the 27-inch G5 have?
One HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort on the models we checked, with no USB hub.

Does the G5 work with consoles?
Yes, but HDMI 2.0 limits it, so it isn’t ideal for 4K/120Hz console gaming.

Which 27-inch Odyssey G5 has the highest refresh rate?
The G53F is listed at 200Hz, and the G50D and G50F at 180Hz.

Is there an OLED version?
Yes, the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) offers a 180Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time, at a higher price.

Bottom Line

If you want the best all-round 27-inch Odyssey G5, start with the flat IPS G50D, G50F or G53F. If you want the curve and better blacks, look at the G55C. Before you buy, confirm the exact model code, check the current price, and use a DisplayPort cable for the full refresh rate.