Samsung Odyssey Samsung Odyssey G50A Series 27-Inch WQHD Review

The Samsung Odyssey G50A is a 165Hz 1440p IPS gaming monitor that does its main job well. It's fast, has G-Sync, and users love it. But it's not very adjustable, its HDR is basic, and it's strictly a gaming screen. At $397, it's a solid choice if you play fast-paced games and don't need fancy extras.

The Samsung Odyssey G50A is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that's built for speed, hitting a 165Hz refresh rate. That's a solid number for competitive gaming, and it lands in the 70th percentile for performance in our database. It's also packing an IPS panel and G-Sync support, which puts its feature set well above average. But this isn't a jack-of-all-trades screen. Its scores tell a clear story: it's best for gaming (54.5/100) and decent for entertainment (52.5/100), but it's not the tool you'd pick for serious creative work (46.1/100).

This monitor's main job is to keep your games smooth, and it does that well. The 165Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, making it one of the faster screens you can get at this size and resolution. Pair that with the 1ms response time claim and G-Sync compatibility, and you've got a setup that handles fast motion without tearing. In our benchmarks, its performance score sits in the 70th percentile, meaning it's noticeably quicker than the average monitor. It's not the absolute fastest—you'll find 240Hz and even 360Hz panels out there—but for most gamers, 165Hz is plenty. The IPS panel helps with color consistency across the screen, which is a plus over cheaper VA options.

At around $397, this monitor sits in a crowded mid-range spot. You're paying for that 165Hz IPS combo and G-Sync. Compared to a basic 144Hz VA panel, you get better colors and smoother sync. But you also sacrifice adjustability and portability. When you look at the price per performance, it's a fair deal if gaming is your top priority. You could find cheaper 165Hz monitors, but they often skip the IPS panel or G-Sync. You could also find more expensive ones with better HDR or higher refresh rates. This one strikes a balance, but it's not the cheapest option for what it offers.

Let's put some numbers on the table. Against the ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K 240Hz, the G50A loses in raw speed and resolution, but it's a lot cheaper and still very fast for 1440p. The MSI MPG 322URX QD-OLED is a different beast: it offers true HDR, perfect blacks, and 240Hz, but it costs over twice as much. The G50A's color score (74th percentile) is solid, but it's not competing with OLED. For a more direct rival, look at other 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS monitors. The G50A's strength is its feature bundle and strong user ratings. Its weakness is its lack of flexibility; the LG UltraGear and Dell UltraSharp models often offer better stands and more ports.

Skip this monitor if you're a digital artist or photographer. Its creative score is only 46.1/100, and its color performance is just middle of the pack. Also skip it if you need a monitor that tilts, swivels, and has height adjustment—the ergonomic score is in the 32nd percentile, meaning it's pretty stiff. And if you travel or need a compact setup, its portability score is one of the worst we've seen at 4.9/100. This thing is a gaming anchor, not a mobile companion.

If you're a PC gamer with an NVIDIA card looking for a smooth, reliable 1440p experience, this monitor is a good pick. The 165Hz refresh rate and G-Sync combo deliver what they promise, and the IPS panel keeps colors decent. The data backs that up with strong performance and feature rankings. But if you need a monitor for photo editing, or if you really value a swivel stand and multiple USB ports, you should look elsewhere. Its ergonomic and connectivity scores are clear weak spots. For pure gaming at this price, it's a contender.