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.