Samsung G3, G5, G7A 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.

Samsung G3 portrait mode

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.

Samsung G7 core led

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.

Samsung Odyssey G7

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.

Samsung G7

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:

Samsung Odyssey G3

Samsung Odyssey G5

Samsung Odyssey G7

Samsung Odyssey G9

Marcus Wong
Marcus Wong
Marcus is a tech blogger whose goal is to help his audience find the right technology for their needs. Since 2007, Marcus has been producing videos on his YouTube channel where he discusses a wide range of tech products including smart home devices, cell phones, and laptops.
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341 COMMENTS

  1. I think the Odyssey G5 would be the one I would most want to try because of the curved panel screen. 4k would be nice to have but I would prefer curved over resolution.

  3. The Odyssey G7 is the monitor I would choose because of the 4K resolution and the large screen.

  4. For my family I think the the G5 fills are needs the best and I think the curved screen might be better with our lighting .

  6. Although the G5 fits most all of the requirements for me, I am unsure about using a curved screen.
    It would probably be an improvement in gaming over my entry level ultra wide screen, which is what I have now.
    I might wait and get the G8 for the OLED display , but my pocketbook may not permit it.
    In a pinch the G7 will suffice.., should I be so lucky
    *knocking on wood

  7. I like the G7 monitor the most because of its large size, great resolution and it having G-sync.

  11. I like the Odyssey G7 for it’s wider viewing angles and of course the size is the largest. Easy on the eyes.

  15. I would select the Odyssey G5, only because it the only curved model and I would really love to experience this!

  16. The Odyssey G7 is my favourite monitor because it is 4K, has the greatest HDR support and has the largest screen

  17. That is a hard decision as they are quite similar but the G7 is the one for me as it has a 4k resolution.

  19. My favourite of the 3 discussed panels would be the Samsung Odyssey G7. The G7 has all of the features I would look for when shopping for a new monitor: its a IPS panel, its a 4K resolution monitor (surpasses my need of at least a 1440p resolution), and it is 28″ in screen size (falls into my acceptable range of 27″ to 32″).

  21. I’d like to try the G5 with its curved screen as I believe it would be an awesome experience.

  26. I would really like to surprise my wife with a monitor, she can really use it, especially Odyssey.

  29. My favorite monitor would be the Odyssey G7 because of the ability to switch between two different sources easily.

  30. My favourite has to be the Odyssey G5 because 1000 radius curve that adds a different level of immersion

  35. The Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor is by far my fav although any of these would beat my current setup. The reason I like the Odyssey G7 is because it has the highest resolution of the group and specs rule everything!

  37. Samsung Odyssey G5. Because I really want to try a good curved monitor to see what the fuss is all about 🙂

  38. Definitely the Odyssey G7 – that resolution is amazing. I’d want this but also that curved screen of the G5 is awesome. I want to see how it is in my space.

  42. I think I would have to go with the G7 as it can take full advantage of the resolution output capability of my PS5

  45. They’re all amazing, but I like the G7 the most for its gaming features and swivel options.

  48. I’ve never had a curved screen so I would be tempted to try the G5. I don’t really need 4K resolution of the G7.

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