Samsung Odyssey G5 32" 1440p Gaming Monitor Review: Amazing Display With A Dirty Catch!

Summary

The Samsung Odyssey G532 gaming monitor is an underrated flat-screen option that offers a 32-inch Quad HD IPS panel with a 165 Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDR10 support. Despite its impressive features, it requires certain compromises to achieve the full 165 Hz, such as disabling HDR. With a 99% sRGB color rating, it's suitable for content consumption and light photo/video editing. The monitor's design is gaming-oriented with an iconic Blue Halo ring and a fully adjustable stand. Connectivity includes DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and a USB-A service port. Priced around $400, it's a solid mid-range choice for gamers who don't require the latest DisplayPort version.

Takeaways

• 🌌 The Samsung Odyssey G532 is an underrated flat screen gaming monitor that deserves a fair review.
• 🖥️ It features a 32-inch IPS panel with a matte finish screen, providing great viewing angles and a large display area.
• 🎮 With a native Quad HD resolution, 1ms response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate, it's designed for smooth gaming experiences.
• 🔵 The monitor has an assertive design with an iconic Blue Halo ring on the back, adding to its gaming aesthetic.
• 🔌 Connectivity includes a DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, a USB-A service-only port, and a headphone jack, but lacks diversity.
• 📊 A key limitation is that to achieve 165Hz, HDR must be disabled, and on HDMI, 165Hz is unattainable unless audio is sacrificed.
• 🎨 The monitor has a 99% sRGB rating, making it suitable for content consumption and amateur-level photo or video editing.
• 🛠️ The stand offers full swivel, height, and 90° tilt adjustments, providing flexibility in various usage scenarios.
• 💾 It has AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, catering to both AMD and Nvidia GPU users.
• 💰 Typically retailing for $400, the Odyssey G532 is a mid-range option that offers good value for its price.
• 🔄 Samsung's reliability with IPS panels ensures high-quality visuals, making it a great choice for gamers not seeking to spend excessively.

Q & A

What is the Samsung Odyssey G532's main feature that makes it an underrated gaming monitor?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 is considered an underrated gaming monitor due to its combination of a 32-inch Quad HD resolution, a snappy 1 millisecond response rate, and a maximum refresh rate of 165 Hertz, despite being often overlooked in favor of flashier models.

What design elements does the Samsung Odyssey G532 have that contribute to its gaming vibe?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 features assertive edges at the bottom with a two-depth layer, a matte finish screen, and an iconic Blue Halo or 'Odyssey ring' on the backside, which adds attention and detail to the monitor.

What are the connectivity options available on the Samsung Odyssey G532?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 offers a DC port for power, a DisplayPort version 1.2, an HDMI 2.0 port, a mostly useless USB-A service-only port for firmware updates, and a headphone jack for audio.

What is the maximum refresh rate of the Samsung Odyssey G532, and under what conditions can it achieve this?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 has a maximum refresh rate of 165 Hertz, but to achieve this, certain conditions must be met, such as disabling HDR or using it with limitations on HDMI.

How does the lack of DisplayPort version 1.4 affect the Samsung Odyssey G532's performance?

The lack of DisplayPort version 1.4 means that to achieve 165 Hz, users have to disable HDR or settle for 144 Hz with audio and HDR enabled, which is a limitation that Samsung could have avoided by including DisplayPort version 1.4.

What is the significance of the HDR10 certification on the Samsung Odyssey G532?

The HDR10 certification on the Samsung Odyssey G532 signifies that the monitor can provide a peak brightness higher than 350 nits and enhanced vividness in compatible games, contributing to a more immersive gaming experience.

How does the Samsung Odyssey G532 perform in terms of color reproduction?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 has a 99% sRGB rating, indicating that it produces great colors suitable for content consumption and could be used for amateur-level photo or video editing.

What is the user interface like for accessing the onboard menu on the Samsung Odyssey G532?

The onboard menu of the Samsung Odyssey G532 is accessed through a single, omni-directional button at the bottom of the monitor, which is well-implemented and allows for easy navigation and setting adjustments.

What is the typical retail price for the Samsung Odyssey G532, and is it often available at a discount?

The Samsung Odyssey G532 normally retails for $400, but it frequently goes on sale throughout the year, and there's a chance it might be discounted at the time of checking the links provided in the description.

Does the Samsung Odyssey G532 have a curved variant, and what are the differences between the flat and curved versions?

Yes, there is a curved variant of the Samsung Odyssey G532. The main difference between the flat and curved versions is the curvature of the screen, with the flat version being preferred by some users, like the reviewer, due to personal comfort or to avoid headaches.

What are the reviewer's final thoughts on the Samsung Odyssey G532's value for money?

Despite the shortcomings, such as the lack of DisplayPort version 1.4, the reviewer considers the Samsung Odyssey G532 a fantastic monitor with a great value for money, offering a reliable IPS panel and excellent visual representation for gaming in a mid-range price segment.

Outlines

00:00

🖥️ Samsung Odyssey G532 Review: The Unsung Hero

The Samsung Odyssey G532 is a gaming monitor that, despite its understated design, offers impressive features for gaming. It has a 32-inch flat screen with a matte finish, a design that includes the iconic Blue Halo ring, and a stand that allows for full swivel and height adjustment. The monitor boasts a Quad HD resolution, a 1ms response rate, and a 165Hz refresh rate, although the latter requires specific conditions to be met. It also includes HDR10 certification and anti-glare coating. Connectivity options are somewhat limited, with one DC port, a display port 1.2, an HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-A service-only port, and a headphone jack. The monitor's main drawback is that to achieve 165Hz, HDR must be disabled, which is a limitation that Samsung could have avoided by including a display port version 1.4.

05:01

🎉 Odyssey G532: A Solid Mid-Range Gaming Monitor

The Samsung Odyssey G532, despite its limitations, is a great mid-range gaming monitor. It offers a 99% sRGB rating for vibrant colors, making it suitable for content consumption and amateur photo or video editing. The monitor's menu is easily accessible through a single, well-implemented button, and it is priced at $400, though it often goes on sale. The monitor's main selling points include its Quad HD resolution, large screen size, fast response rate, and HDR capabilities. It also supports both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, enhancing its appeal to gamers. However, the lack of display port version 1.4 means that to access the full 165Hz, users must compromise on other features. Despite this, the monitor remains a reliable option for those not looking to spend a fortune on a gaming monitor.

Keywords

💡Odyssey Series

The Odyssey Series refers to Samsung's line of gaming monitors. In the context of the video, it highlights the series' reputation for delivering high-quality gaming experiences. The script mentions the 'Odyssey g532 flat screen variant,' emphasizing its subtle yet powerful features that make it an 'unsung hero' among gaming monitors.

💡Gaming Monitors

Gaming monitors are specialized displays designed to enhance the gaming experience through features like high refresh rates and low response times. The video script discusses the Odyssey g532 as an example of a gaming monitor, focusing on its ability to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience due to its specifications like a 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time.

💡IPS Panel

An IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel is a type of LCD panel that offers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. The script praises the 32-inch IPS panel of the Odyssey g532 for its great viewing angles, which is crucial for gaming monitors to ensure the image quality remains consistent from different viewing positions.

💡Quad HD Resolution

Quad HD, also known as QHD, is a display resolution with four times the amount of pixels as 720p. The video mentions the monitor's Quad HD resolution, which provides a sharp and detailed image, enhancing the gaming experience by offering more pixels to create a clearer and more defined visual.

💡Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the number of times the screen updates the image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). The script discusses the Odyssey g532's 165 Hz refresh rate, which is significant for gaming as it allows for smoother motion and quicker response to on-screen actions, giving gamers a competitive edge.

💡Response Time

The response time is the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). A 'snappy 1 millisecond response rate' as mentioned in the script is crucial for gaming monitors to reduce motion blur and ensure clear, sharp images, even during fast-paced gameplay.

💡HDR10 Certification

HDR10 is a form of high dynamic range technology that enhances the contrast and color depth of images. The video script highlights the monitor's HDR10 certification, which means it can display a wider range of colors and brightness levels, providing more vivid and lifelike images, especially in HDR-compatible games.

💡G-Sync and FreeSync

G-Sync and FreeSync are technologies that synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card's frame rate to reduce screen tearing. The script notes the Odyssey g532's compatibility with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, making it a versatile option for gamers using different types of graphics cards.

💡DisplayPort 1.2

DisplayPort is a digital display interface used to connect a video source to a display device. The script discusses the monitor's DisplayPort 1.2, which is a specific version of the DisplayPort standard. It's mentioned in the context of the limitations it imposes on achieving the full 165 Hz refresh rate without disabling HDR, illustrating the importance of the version of DisplayPort in gaming monitor specifications.

💡Anti-glare Coating

An anti-glare coating is a surface treatment that reduces reflections and glare on a screen, improving visibility under various lighting conditions. The video mentions the monitor's anti-glare coating, which is beneficial for gamers as it helps to minimize distractions caused by reflections, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience.

💡sRGB Rating

sRGB (standard Red Green Blue) is a color space used for digital image and video editing. A 99% sRGB rating, as mentioned in the script, indicates that the monitor can display a wide range of colors accurately, which is not only good for gaming but also for content consumption and amateur-level photo or video editing.

Highlights

Samsung's Odyssey series offers a range of gaming monitors, with the Odyssey g532 being an underrated flat screen variant.

The g532 features assertive edges and a matte finish screen, contributing to its gaming vibe.

Samsung includes detailed design elements on the backside of the monitor, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The stand offers full swivel motion and a 90° tilt function, providing flexibility in monitor positioning.

The monitor includes a display port version 1.2, HDMI 2.0, a USB-A service port, and a headphone jack.

The g532 boasts a 32-inch IPS panel with Quad HD resolution, 1ms response rate, and 165Hz refresh rate under specific conditions.

HDR10 certification ensures enhanced brightness and vividness in compatible games.

The monitor's anti-glare coating reduces glare, improving the gaming experience.

Built-in AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility cater to various gaming platforms.

To achieve 165Hz, certain conditions must be met, such as disabling HDR or using specific ports.

The monitor's 99% sRGB rating indicates excellent color production for content consumption and amateur-level photo or video editing.

The onboard menu is user-friendly with an omni-directional button and well-categorized settings.

The Odyssey g532 is priced at $400 but frequently goes on sale, offering value for its features.

The monitor's main flaw is the lack of display port version 1.4, which limits the ability to fully utilize 165Hz without compromises.

Despite shortcomings, the g532 is a great mid-range option with Samsung's reliable IPS panels and excellent visual representation for gaming.

Samsung's advertising of the monitor's capabilities is criticized for potentially misrepresenting its features.

For those who prefer flat screens, the g532 is a suitable option, and a curved variant is also available.

Transcripts

Samsung's Odyssey series truly lives up

to its name I mean there are so many

gaming monitors out there now now of

course that also means that the flashier

models often get all the spotlight here

at YouTube while the more subtle

monitors kind of get left behind in the

dust or as I like to call them unsung

heroes one such example is the Odyssey

g532 flat screen variant which is

exactly why we're going to give this

underrated product the fair review it

deserves and answer the question whether

or not this is the right flat screen

monitor for your gaming needs so let's

get into

[Music]

it make no mistake this very much looks

like an odyssey Series monitor I mean

you do have those assertive edges at the

bottom with a two depth layer to give it

that really gaming kind of vibe overall

the black color really suits this

monitor other than that you'll notice

you do have a matte finish screen at the

front and it's a large monitor after all

32 in might seem like a small size but

it's really not now what I love about

the Odyssey monitors is that Samsung

puts a lot of detail at the back side of

the monitor it's not an afterthought so

you'll immediately notice you have a

design or Texture going on here you of

course also have that iconic Blue Halo

or Odyssey ring as they call it on the

backside which really adds a lot of

attention and detail to this monitor

overall and then of course you have the

stand itself now while I'm not the

biggest fan of those overextended feet

they take a lot of desk space and they

don't look very pretty look like

overgrown toenails if I'm being honest

however I do appreciate the stand itself

after all it has full swivel motion top

down left right and of course it's fully

he adjustable as well with a full 90°

tilt function as well connectivity wise

keep in mind this is ultimately a gaming

monitor so you don't necessarily have a

lot of Port diversity which means you

get one DC Port of course to power on

the Monitor and the charger is included

you also have a display port version 1.2

a HDMI 2 .0 port and you also have a

mostly useless usba service only Port

meaning it can only be used for firmware

updates not for normal functionality and

then of course a headphone jack to

reroute audio now keep these ports in

mind as they do have how do I put at

certain implications which I'll talk

about later down the review okay so

let's talk about the cool stuff the

display specifications you have a 32in

IPS panel here with great viewing angles

Additionally you have a native Quad HD

resolution a Snappy 1 millisecond

response rate a maximum refresh rate of

165 Hertz Additionally you have a Max

sustained Peak brightness of 350 nits

but you also have hdr10 certification so

that number can get higher and also it's

worth noting that you do have a

anti-glare coating on the display in

itself to further reduce any sort of

glare from a gaming perspective this

display does a fantastic job given that

it is a lower mid-range gaming monitor

thanks to a Snappy refresh and response

rate we get some really quick intuitive

frames that also means of course the

fact that when you're playing first

person shooter games in a competitive

environment you will be able to enjoy

the game as you get fluid smooth motion

and of course Samsung does a great job

at having various software engines work

behind the scenes to further optimize

this it's also worth noting thanks to

having built in AMD freezing as well as

Nvidia gsync compatibility you can

utilize that no matter which side of the

fence you're on and and of course

generally speaking the hdr10

certification also means that compatible

games really get an additional boost of

both brightness and overall vividness

that really creates some beautiful

scenery when you use it with the right

games generally speaking guys I think

this is a beautiful Monitor and a 32-in

screen combined with the quad a

resolution means you don't have to worry

about a pixelated view you have plenty

of pixels to provide a ample and clear

resolution at that level now while

everything sounds pretty good up to now

there is one nasty secret with this

monitor that really breaks my heart and

that is to achieve 165 htz you have to

meet certain conditions so keeping in

mind you have a display port version 1.2

here you just barely have enough

bandwidth to hit 165 unfortunately that

means you have to disable HDR or you

can't hit 165 at all and if you're

playing on HDMI forget it entirely you

just can't have 165 htz unless you

deliberately disable the audio

transmission and even then you still

can't have HDR enabled on either

connectivity option so basically to use

everything this monitor has to offer you

have to keep the refresh rate at 144 htz

which allows you to have audio video

transmission plus HDR enabled otherwise

you get the refresh rate with certain

dramatic compromises while this is still

technically a 165hz monitor Samsung

advertising that as a signature feature

is a dirty move they could have avoided

all this by just including one simple

display port version one 1.4 and all our

problems would be over but they cheaped

out they shot the consumer in the foot

and basically what you have here is a

144 Herz monitor that's capable of going

a little bit above and beyond under the

right circumstances now to be perfectly

fair this doesn't make this a deal

breaker a lot of people don't care about

HDR altogether and you might not even

care about hitting 165 and might just be

happy 144 and in that capacity it's a

great monitor but again this is one of

those cases where a company borderline

misrepresents the capabilities or

functions of a given product and that's

kind of what happened here on a more

cheery note you have a 99% srgb rating

which means this monitor produces some

great colors that are fantastic for both

content consumption like watching videos

on YouTube for example or of course just

enjoying the colors a game has to offer

and you could technically also use it

for amateur level photo or video editing

though ultimately it is a gaming Monitor

and it won't be able to compete with a

proper productivity monitor of course so

actually access the onboard menu you

actually have a single button at the

bottom of the monitor I know a lot of

you aren't fans of a single button but

this is Omni directional and it's really

well implemented so when you enable the

menu you'll actually see everything is

really well categorized it's not too

hard to find any given setting and in a

glance you can even see all these

settings that are enabled like the

refresh rate and everything else so it

is pretty useful all things considered

the Odyssey g532 normally has a retail

price of $400 though it frequently go

goes on sale throughout the year in fact

there's a one and two chance if you were

to check the links I have in the

description below it might already be

discounted right now with that said the

Odyssey G5 has a lot to offer so whether

it's the Quad HD resolution the ample

screen size the Fast Response rate and

snappy refresh rate or perhaps the fact

that you have HDR built in all those

things are amazing and plus having both

the g-sync and AMD premium free sync are

just a chef's kiss however the biggest

flaw with this monitor is the fact that

you don't get display Point version 1.4

and as a result of that to access 165 HZ

you have to make certain compromises

that I think Samsung partially mislabels

when they advertise this monitor

nonetheless despite those shortcomings

this is still a fantastic monitor

Samsung's reliability with their IPs

panels is always topnotch and you get

some amazing visual representation for

gaming and if you are not looking to

spend like $1,000 then this is a great

mid-range option that often gets looked

apart because well Samsung themselves

don't particularly advertise the flat

variant and if you have migraines or

headaches like I do then I prefer flat

screen versus a curved version but there

is also a curved variant of this exact

same monitor in case you're interested

in that let me know what you think of

the Odyssey g532 in screen if you're

interested in getting one again there

are links in the description below and

as always thank you so much for watching

catch you in the next one