Samsung Odyssey G9 and G7 Review – Introduction

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

At the beginning of this year at CES, Samsung introduced the Odyssey series of gaming monitors. Of course you could already buy a game screen from Samsung for some time. For example, with the C27HG70 and C32HG70, the brand was one of the first to release gaming monitors with HDR, while the Koreans were also early with 32: 9superwides in 49 “format. The new Odyssey series should strengthen Samsung’s position in the gaming monitor market and also more distinguish the screens for consumers. As with the gaming monitors of other brands, this is accompanied by a recognizable logo, a striking design and , how could it be otherwise, rgb lighting.

New line-up with special specs

There is always plenty to see at trade fairs such as CES. As a manufacturer you have to come from a good background to really stand out. Nevertheless, the new Odyssey screens caught the eye, especially the absolute top model: the Odyssey G9 LC49G95T. The 49 “superwide panel with 5120×1440 pixels remains special, but with the Odyssey G9 those properties are also combined with a very strong 1000R curvature, never seen before on a monitor. Add to that a super high 240Hz refresh rate, combined with a Vesa Display HDR1000 certification, which promises a good HDR display, and you can understand why fans of good images were eagerly awaiting this screen.

Those who prefer a somewhat smaller monitor can go to the Odyssey series with the wqhd monitors of 27 “and 32” with the usual 16: 9 aspect ratio, which you can see as successors to the C27HG70 and C32HG70. Like the 49 “- ‘superwide’, these screens also have a VA-type LCD panel with a very strong 1000R curvature. Both sizes are available in an Odyssey G7 and an Odyssey G5 variant. The former has just like the top model. a 240Hz refresh rate and decent hdr support on paper, albeit with a slightly lower peak brightness. The Odyssey G5 models refresh at up to 144Hz and lack the advanced local dimming backlight for better hdr, making the price a lot lower.

For this review, we got our hands on the top model in the Odyssey series: the Odyssey G9 LC49G95T. We’ll discuss it alongside the 27 “Odyssey G7, model number LC27G75T, which was discussed earlier in our recent review article on 240Hz gaming monitors.

The latest ultimate Samsung monitors?

Whereas the vast majority of monitor manufacturers have to purchase their LCD panels elsewhere, Samsung has had its own panel factories for many years. This allows it to be the first to use the special VA panels in the new Odyssey range. Anyone who follows the news about monitors a little, knows that Samsung’s special position in the monitor market is in jeopardy. At the end of March, news came that the company will soon be withdrawing as a manufacturer of LCD panels. Although that does not mean that you will no longer find Samsung monitors in stores, it could well be the last time that Samsung is the first to release such special LCD monitors.

Samsung prefers to look ahead to newer image technologies now that it is losing share on the television market to perennial competitor LG with its OLED screens. The self-developed QD OLED technology should bring Samsung back to the top. There are currently no indications that this technique will be used for monitoring soon. For now will liquid crystal displays will therefore remain relevant for monitors and with their special specifications, the Odyssey monitors seem ready to dominate the playing field of today. In view of the relatively high prices, this is also allowed. For example, the Odyssey G7 LC27G75T is one of the more expensive wqhd gaming monitors on the market with a starting price of around 600 euros. The Odyssey G9 LC49G95T is even the most expensive of its kind. This screen costs around 1500 euros. That’s more than any other 49 “monitors.

–