A good monitor is essential to your immersion and gaming enjoyment. This is so important that modern gaming monitors are packed full of technology and features aimed at enhancing your experience. Today I’m going to be reviewing a Samsung’s Odyssey G3, a Samsung Odyssey G5, and a Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitors. All three monitors were released recently. The Odyssey G3 is Samsung’s entry level monitor, while the G5 and G7 are the mid and high tier monitors. Because of their focus on the gaming experience, these monitors share a number of features in common. However, as we look more closely at each monitor you will see that Samsung has included specs and features that differentiate each model.
Samsung Odyssey monitor specs as tested
Before getting into my review of the Samsung Odyssey monitors, let’s review some of their key specs.
| Odyssey G3 | Odyssey G5 | Odyssey G7 | |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz | 144 Hz | 144 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel type | VA, flat panel | VA, 1000R curved panel | IPS, flat panel |
| Response time | 1 ms | 1 ms | 1 ms |
| Adjustable stand | Height, tilt, swivel, portrait mode | – | Height, tilt, swivel, portrait mode |
| Features | FreeSync Premium | FreeSync Premium | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync |
| Video input | HDMI 1.4, Display port | HDMI 2.0, Display port | HDMI 2.1, Display port |
| HDR Support | – | HDR 10 | HDR 400 |
Features that the G3, G5, and G7 have in common
As these are gaming monitors, the G3, G5, and G7 share features that will satisfy all gamers. Across the Odyssey line, all three monitors come with FreeSync Premium, a fast 144 Hz refresh rate, and a 1 ms response time. These features are essential to competitive games that require fast reactions from players. A 144 Hz refresh rate means that the Odyssey monitors can display up to 144 frames per second (fps) to the user. In the case that a PC or console isn’t able to produce an output of 144 fps, FreeSync comes into play. FreeSync allows the Odyssey monitors to match the fps generated by the PC or console. The result of this is that users will not see any screen tearing or stutter. Finally, a fast 1ms response time means that the LCD pixels are able to more quickly change colours as images are displayed. Together these features give gamers a smooth viewing experience. During my tests, my visual experience of Call of Duty Warzone remained smooth even when my fps dropped below 144 fps.
Odyssey monitors ergonomics and adjustments
Stand adjustments on the Odyssey series varies depending on the model. The G7 and G3 have the most flexibility in their stand adjustments. With both of these monitors, you have height adjustment, tilt adjustment, a 15-degree swivel, and the ability to pivot into portrait mode. As someone that is picky about how my monitor sits, I appreciated the flexibility that the G3 and G7 monitor stands provided.
Strangely, the mid-tier G5 monitor stand does not have the adjustments of the G3 and G7. The only stand adjustment reported on the Samsung website is tilt adjustment. However, on my test unit tilt adjustment is not available and the entire stand is static.
Differences between the Odyssey G3, G5, and G7
The panel types of the Odyssey monitors are where you will find the biggest differences. The G3, G5, and G7 all use different panel types with different screen resolutions. The G3 has a resolution of 1080p, while the G5 is 1440p, finally the G7 has an incredible 4k resolution.
Both the Odyssey G3 and G5 use VA panels. These panels have good viewing angles and an excellent contrast ratio. If you’re looking for deep blacks these monitors would be your ideal candidates. The G3 has a 3000:1 ratio while the G5 has a 2500:1 ratio. Looking at them side by side the black levels of both monitors are great and create deep black levels.
The G5 stands out in the crowd with its curved screen. While the G3 and G7 have flat panels, the G5 has a 1000 radius curve that adds a new level of immersion. I loved the G5’s curved screen while playing games and watching movies. The curve made it easier for me to see what was happening around me. The curve also meant that I didn’t need to turn my head in order see the far corners of the screen.
A slightly different panel was used in the Odyssey G7. The G7 uses an IPS panel that has a slightly lower contrast ratio but has much wider viewing angles. In my testing I didn’t notice a big difference in the contrast ratio when comparing it to the G3 or G5.
Perfect monitors for gaming and media
Consuming media on any of the Odyssey series is fantastic. Both the Odyssey G5 and G7 come with the ability to display high dynamic range (HDR) content. The G5 has an HDR 10 certification while the G7 comes with an HDR 400 certification. HDR gives the monitor the ability to display a wider spectrum of colour and contrast. This means that the monitor has the ability to display content as intended by the creator. I enabled HDR while watching movies and the difference was stunning. I was able to see more details, the contrast was better, and the colours were more saturated.
One unique feature of the G7 is its RGB LEDs. The G7 has two RGB LEDs on the front and one RGB LED ring on the back. Samsung refers to the LED ring as the Core. In the monitor settings, you can adjust the G7’s LEDs to change colour to match what’s displayed on the screen. You can also have the LEDs cycle through colours with different behaviours. I’m a huge fan of LEDs and love the CoreSync feature. Having the LEDs change colour to match movies and gaming adds a whole new level of immersion.
While the G3 doesn’t have HDR or fancy LEDs it’s no slouch when it comes to gaming and media. The higher resolutions of the G5 and G7 also mean that the PC needs more powerful hardware. Older PCs will struggle with higher resolution monitors and may sacrifice crucial FPS. This is where the G3 shines, its resolution of 1080p means that older and newer hardware will have no issues producing high FPS. For anyone prioritizing high FPS gameplay, the G3 will be their go-to monitor.
Overall, when it comes to gaming and media the Odyssey series does not disappoint. Personally, I enjoy the higher resolutions of the G5 and G7 because I’m able to see finer details while gaming and watching movies.
Excellent real estate for productivity
If you’re like me, you use your PC for both gaming and productivity. With high contrast, wide viewing angles, and great colour reproduction Samsung’s Odyssey series is ideal for productivity. In my daily testing with the Odyssey monitors, I was happy with the performance of all monitors. I found myself spending more time with the G5 and G7 because of their higher resolution. For my work, I am constantly multitasking and always have two windows open at the same time. The higher resolution of the G5 and G7 meant that I had enough screen real estate to keep these windows open side by side. The same can also be done on the G3 however the lower 1080p resolution resulted in less real estate and squished text.
For those with multiple devices, the G7 has a Picture in Picture (PIP) feature. This allows you to simultaneously display images from two different sources. For me, this was an interesting feature that allowed me to use my work and personal laptops at the same time. I liked this feature since I no longer need to swap connections, and with a click of a button I’m able to use both laptops.
The Odyssey series is great for all users
Samsung’s Odyssey G3, G5, and G7 are fantastic monitors for your gaming, media, and productivity needs. All three monitors have a fast 144 Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and support for FreeSync Premium. They’re bright, have excellent colour reproduction, and wide viewing angles. Samsung did a good job of creating unique features aimed at satisfying the needs of their gaming customers. Amongst the three monitors, the G7 is my favourite. I love the 4k resolution, the LEDs, the adjustable monitor stand, and its G-Sync compatibility.
Which Samsung Odyssey monitor would you choose for your gaming needs? Let me know in the comment section below.
Here are links to the selection of Samsung Odyssey monitors available at Best Buy:
Table of Contents
I would like to try the G5 because it has a curved screen. Might be nice? Smile
The Samsung Odyssey G7 because of its 4K resolution and LEDs.
G5 curved panel for watching videos
My favourite is the G7 because it’s the best.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 because of its 4K resolution and LEDs.
I like the idea of the curved screen, so I pick the G5 monitor.
I like the Odyssey G5 for it’s fast 144 Hz refresh rate.
The reason why the Samsung Odyssey G7 is my favourite is due to its 4K resolution and LEDs.
Odyssey G7 for sure. You gotta love that 4K resolution.
My favourite is the Odyssey G5 because I’ve always wanted a curved panel.
My fav is the G7 because it’s G-Sync compatible.
My favorite of these is probably the G5 since a curved screen will give a more immersive feeling.
I’d choose the G7 just for the IPS panel, much prefer it to VA or TN.
Samsung is making me believe that they are now into GAMES. The right screen for their games. I would take the G7 if the screen itself is wider than the framework. I like fine details in grey and black. I am sure that G7 would deliver it while I would be away from the screen… or something like that. What is the correct distance between a gamer and the game itself. What about mobility of the said object is it more than the character moving or now we’re looking at the bush, the bird and the door opening as motions. I want more motions.
G5 because its curved
The G7’s picture in picture mode would definitely come in handy for me as I often have my PC and work laptop connected to the same monitor as well and this would help me increase my productivity and spend less time swapping inputs.
G7 because it can handle the 4k resolution!
The G5 with the curved monitor and high resolution would be my choice!
The Odyssey G5 is my favourite because of the curved panel.
The 4K resolution on the Samsung Odyssey G7 “delivers every scene in stunning clarity” and is definitely my favourite monitor for that reason!
I would have the “The Samsung Odyssey G7 28″ because of the larger screen size and highest resolution.
Odyssey G7 is my favourite because of the HDMI 2.1 port
The Odyssey G5 because of the curved panel.
Out of the three discussed Odyssey G3, G5 and G7 I think for me the Odyssey G3 is perfect. I like the flat panel, it suits my viewing preference.
My choice is the G5 monitor, because, one, it’s curved and two, a larger screen would be out of proportion in it’s space.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 28″ 4K UHD 144Hz 1ms IPS LCD FreeSync Gaming Monitor is my favourite because it has the highest 4K resolution
My choice for favorite of the three featured monitors would be the Samsung Odyssey G5 unit, because of the fast response time, and of course I can’t wait to find out how much better my viewing will be with a dynamic curved screen to check out!
The Samsung Odyssey G7 28″ 4K UHD 144Hz 1ms IPS LCD FreeSync Gaming Monitor is my favourite because of the larger screen size.
I’d like to try the G7 because it’s flat and the largest size.
The G7 for its 4K resolution and adjustments. Seems like the right size and has the best features for gaming.
My pick is the G7 for the 4k resolution
The G7 – 28″, bigger is better.
I would likely choose the G5 for its curved monitor and high resolution
I like the 4k resolution on the G7
I would choose the G5 monitor because it is curved and comes in 32 inch.
I prefer the G5’s curved screen for playing games and watching movies
I like the Odyssey G7 monitor because of the excellent resolution
I would choose the G5 monitor because I love the idea of a curved screen and my computer is getting old and might not be able to catch up to the G7.
My fave monitor of the 3 that are featured is the Odyssey G5, because it is a mid- level unit, and I am mid-level capable. Also, I dig the curved screen and fast response time that comes with the G5, I’m sure it would be a terrific upgrade to my setup, that’s for sure!
The G7 with its 4K/144Hz screen.
I like the Odyssey G7 monitor due to its spectacular resolution!
for me its the G7 it has an incredible 4k resolution.
I choose the G7 because of the highest 4K resolution
I’d like the G7 with its higher resolution.
The G7 for its flexibility. It can be adjusted to my specific needs.
The Odyssey G5 because of the curved panel.
Odyssey G7 for best resolution
It would have to be the G7 as it has the highest 4K resolution
The G5’s curved screen for playing games and watching movies.
Any of them would be amazing – I think the G7 would be ideal as I use my computer for work, I’m an artist and when I view reference images on the screen it’s really important for me to be able to see detail and good colour, so the resolution on the G7 would be a real help.
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