Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D review – is it good for gaming?

Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D review

Is the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D a good gaming monitor? With its 1440p resolution, high contrast ratio, and high refresh rate, the Samsung Odyssey S32AG55 is a good gaming monitor. It supports DisplayPort and HDMI and has superb connection. The refresh rate is 144 Hz. It has a 10-bit color depth and complies with HDR10 standards for a realistic, immersive gaming experience. The Samsung 32″ Odyssey G5 is a fantastic option if you’re on a tight budget. Get details in Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D review.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Consistently fast response time
  • High-performing 1440p QHD resolution
  • Low input lag
  • HDR 400
  • 180 Hz refresh rate

Cons

  • Low contrast ratio

Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D Specs

  • Resolution: QHD (2,560 x 1,440)
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Brightness (Typical): 350cd/㎡
  • Contrast Ratio Static -1000 : 1 (Typ.)
  • Response Time: 1ms(GTG)
  • Refresh Rate: Max 180Hz
  • Screen Size (Class)t: 32
  • Flat / Curved: Flat
  • Active Display Size (HxV) (mm): 698.112(H)x392.688(V)
  • Screen Curvature: N/A
  • Aspect Ratio 16:9
  • Panel Type IPS
  • Brightness (Typical) 350 cd/㎡
  • Brightness (Min) 280 cd/㎡
  • Contrast Ratio Static 1000 : 1 (Typ.)
  • Contrast Ratio (Dynamic) Mega ∞ DCR
  • HDR(High Dynamic Range): VESA DisplayHDR 400
  • HDR10+: N/A
  • Mini LED Local Dimming : N/A
  • Resolution: QHD (2,560 x 1,440)
  • Response Time: 1ms(GTG)
  • Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 178°(H)/178°(V)
  • Colour Support: Max 16.7M
  • Colour Gamut (NTSC 1976): N/A
  • Color Gamut (DCI Coverage): N/A
  • sRGB Coverage: 99%
  • Refresh Rate: Max 180Hz
    Eco Saving Plus: N/A
  • Eye Saver Mode: Yes
  • Flicker Free: Yes
  • Picture-In-Picture: N/A
  • Picture-By-Picture: N/A
  • Quantum Dot Color: N/A
  • Image Size: Yes
  • Daisy Chain: N/A
  • Windows Certification: Windows 11
  • FreeSync: FreeSync
  • G-Sync: N/A
  • VESA Adaptive-Sync: N/A
  • Off Timer Plus: Yes
  • Black Equalizer: Yes
  • Virtual AIM Point: Yes
  • Core Sync: N/A
  • Game Bar 2.0: N/A
  • Gaming Hub: N/A
  • Refresh Rate Optimizor: Yes
  • Super Arena Gaming UX: Yes
  • HDMI-CEC: N/A
  • Auto Source Switch: Auto Source Switch+
  • Adaptive Picture: N/A
  • Ultrawide Game View: N/A
  • KVM Switch: N/A

Price

It’s definitely in the entry-level budget range for an HDR gaming monitor, given its $279 selling price. The G50D’s absence of 4K resolution caught me off guard.

Compare Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D

SAMSUNG 32-Inch Odyssey G50D Series QHD Fast IPS Gaming MonitorSAMSUNG 25″ Odyssey G4 Series FHD Gaming MonitorLG 32GN650-B Ultragear Gaming Monitor
Screen Quality
Display Size32 inches25 inches32 inches
ResolutionQHD Wide 1440pFHD 1080pQHD Wide 1440p
Display TechnologyLCDLCDLCD
Hardware Interfacehdmi, displayporthdmi, displayporthdmi, displayport, usb c
Viewing Angle178 degrees178 degrees
Mounting TypeWall MountWall MountWall Mount

Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D review

Design

The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D model has an elegant hexagon-base single-column ergonomic stand. Fortunately, the display can be tilted, swiveled, and raised or lowered to provide the best possible viewing experience during extended gaming sessions. The monitor has a strong stand, although it can only be tilted by -2° or 18°. It can be removed so that the screen can be mounted using the 75x75mm VESA pattern. It’s good to see thick display bezels disappear because they are fast becoming out of style.

Ports

For display interfaces, the G50D has merely one HDMI 2.0 port and one DisplayPort 1.2 port. HDCP 2.2 is supported for data content protection in both inputs. Strangely, there are no Thunderbolt or USB-C connecting options. If you require this, you should get a DisplayPort to USB-C cable or another type of cable that meets your demands. It has built-in speakers as well, but dedicated gamers will probably want an over-ear headset for better sound quality.

Display

The Samsung S32AG55 boasts a high static contrast ratio of 2,500:1—a benefit of its VA panel—which produces deep blacks for a captivating viewing experience, particularly in dimly lit spaces. Furthermore, it can get more than bright enough in regular lighting circumstances because to its 300-nit peak brightness. You may need to use curtains or lower the lights if you intend to use the screen in an extremely bright space where it may not be able to get bright enough to reduce glare.

Additionally, with a ~99% sRGB color gamut, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D produces neutral, accurate colors without being overly saturated. While 32-inch 1440p monitors with broader ~125% sRGB gamuts are available for this price range and offer more bright image quality, the colors of the S32AG55 are still rather good and more true to the creator’s goal when watching SDR content.

Sharp and detailed images are produced with the 1440p QHD resolution, which is a major improvement over Full HD screens. The ultra-smooth gameplay of games like Destiny 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is attributed to the 180Hz refresh rate.

When it comes to competitive gaming, where milliseconds count, the 1ms response time reduces ghosting and blurring. By keeping the refresh rate of the monitor in sync with your graphics card, AMD FreeSync compatibility prevents screen tearing and provides a smooth visual experience.

Brightness

Next, the 2560 x 1440 resolution provides a respectable pixel density of 92 PPI (pixels per inch). This means that while you won’t get quite as sharp details as you would with 27 ″ 1440p displays (108 PPI), you will still get plenty of screen real estate and reasonably sharp text and details (the same sharpness as that of 24 ″ 1080p monitors).

32-inch displays with 4K UHD resolution seem significantly better, yet high refresh rate 32-inch 4K gaming monitors cost at least $600. Furthermore, the 32′′ 1440p combo is ideal for people who want a big screen for immersion but don’t have a high-end PC setup because 4K UHD is much harder on your GPU than 1440p.

HDR

The minimum rating of the standard is DisplayHDR 400. A minimum of 400 nits of peak brightness, 95% coverage of the sRGB color space, 8 bits of color depth, and global dimming are required for a monitor to be eligible. Odyssey G50D and other DisplayHDR 400-rated panels have a peak brightness that is somewhat higher than SDR panels and do not provide local dimming.

Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D consumer review

Best 32″ Gaming/WFH Monitor for Your Money $$$$$$

Very good monitor for working from home/gaming! I purchased this monitor based on the recommendations of the Best Buy Geek squad. I originally was going to purchase a Dell but was told to hold out and wait for the Samsung G5 to pop up first. I’m glad I waited as this monitor is amazing and is very sharp. I wasn’t 100% sure about the curve monitor but can’t see myself ever going back ever again to a flat screen. Size is also perfect, I wouldn’t recommend anything smaller or bigger for either gaming/WFH. I would have given this 5 stars, however, the only issues so far is the screen will randomly disconnect for a split second as I’m working but will pop back on; I believe this is a power related issue so I’m not sure if this is happening to anyone else… I tried disconnecting the cables and reattaching them but doesn’t seem to do anything; Also, the stand is awkward and should be redone to take up less space; and last they should have included some kind of speakers. In summary, great screen for working and gaming!

By Chris at Best Buy

Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D alternative

The LG UltraGear 27GR93U, with its excellent picture quality and overall performance, is the greatest 4K gaming monitor and an excellent alternative for the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G50D. Although it isn’t the most visually appealing monitor available and lacks the depth of image that the newest OLEDs can offer, it nevertheless provides the essential features of a top-notch 4K gaming monitor at a more affordable price than most LCD panels.

Although LG produces many display panels, it took extra effort to ensure that this specific model was perfectly calibrated right out of the box. To appreciate this screen’s beauty, simply plug it in and start your favorite game (I suggest something colorful, like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora). The image has a ton of pop without being too dramatic or overdone.

With a resolution of 27 inches and 4K, there are many pixels per inch. This indicates that it’s an incredibly clear image that works well for both gaming and showcasing a lot of text. Nevertheless, it lacks the immersive quality of certain ultrawide gaming monitors, which encircle your field of vision. Additionally, because this LG has a complete 4K panel, it frequently uses more processing power than the majority of conventional ultrawides, which have less total pixels.

That’s the thing: in order to get the most out of this UltraGear gaming display, you will need a powerful graphics card. Modern GPUs can support its maximum frame rate of 144Hz, but to get there, you’ll probably need to use upscaling techniques. But it depends on the particular game.

Even if the maximum brightness of this display is only 400 nits, we nevertheless advise you to turn on HDR. To my joyful surprise, it still looks fantastic with both HDR and SDR content when HDR is activated.

For lone players searching for a gaming monitor that would showcase their games and the best of 4K gaming, the LG UltraGear 27GR93U is an extremely good option. It’s also an excellent display to work with and edit content on throughout the day because of its remarkable flexibility. However, it’s not actually bent in half, unlike some others.

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