Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor Review: The High-Refresh Sweet Spot with a Few Sharp Edges

For years, my gaming and work setup felt like a compromise. I was running a standard 60Hz, 1080p monitor that, while functional, was holding me back. In fast-paced shooters like Apex Legends, I felt a frustrating disconnect between my mouse movements and the action on screen; enemies would blur past in a smear of pixels. When editing high-resolution photos or juggling multiple windows for a research project, the lack of screen real estate was a constant bottleneck, leading to an endless cycle of Alt-Tabbing and resizing. I knew the technology for a better experience existed—higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, immersive curves—but navigating the sea of technical jargon and inflated prices felt overwhelming. The fear of making a costly mistake on a monitor that didn’t deliver on its promises kept me from taking the leap, leaving me stuck with a subpar visual experience that hampered both my productivity and my enjoyment.

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Monitor

A gaming monitor is more than just a screen; it’s the primary window into your digital world, a key solution for translating your PC’s or console’s power into a tangible, immersive experience. For gamers, it solves the critical problems of input lag, motion blur, and screen tearing, providing a competitive edge and a more fluid, enjoyable session. For professionals and content creators, a high-quality monitor resolves issues of cramped digital workspaces and inaccurate colour representation, boosting productivity and the quality of creative output. The main benefits are profound: enhanced detail with higher resolutions, buttery-smooth motion from high refresh rates, and a more natural field of view with curved designs, all culminating in a more engaging and less fatiguing user experience.

The ideal customer for a product like the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is someone who demands more than the basics. This includes competitive and enthusiast gamers who want to leverage the full power of their mid-to-high-end graphics cards, console players on PS5 or Xbox Series X looking to unlock 1440p at 120Hz, and multitasking professionals who need the sharp text and extra space of a QHD resolution. However, it might not be suitable for those on a very tight budget, as a good 1080p monitor can be found for less. It’s also not for professional graphic designers or video editors who require absolute colour accuracy, as they would be better served by a factory-calibrated IPS panel. For those who prioritize portability or have extremely limited desk space, a smaller or portable screen might be a more fitting alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Panel Technology & Curvature: The G5 uses a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel known for its excellent contrast ratios, delivering deep blacks. This is a trade-off against IPS panels, which typically have better viewing angles and colour accuracy but lower contrast. The 1000R curvature is very aggressive; ensure this level of immersion is something you desire, as some users prefer a flatter screen for productivity tasks.
• Performance & Compatibility: The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are headline features. However, ensure your graphics card can consistently push enough frames at 1440p to take advantage of this speed. Also, verify compatibility; while it has FreeSync for AMD cards, its G-Sync compatibility with NVIDIA cards can be variable, and console support for features like HDR can be finicky, as some users have noted.
• Build & Ergonomics: A monitor is a physical object on your desk. The G5’s stand is frequently cited as a weak point—it’s large, chunky, and offers very limited adjustment (tilt only). If you need height, swivel, or pivot adjustments, you must budget for a separate VESA monitor arm (it supports a standard 100x100mm mount).
• Connectivity & Included Cables: Check that the monitor’s ports (1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI) match your devices. Critically, to achieve the full 165Hz refresh rate at QHD resolution, you must use the DisplayPort connection. Several users have reported issues with the included DisplayPort cable, so be prepared that you may need to purchase a higher-quality one separately to avoid flickering or signal dropouts.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor stands out as a compelling package for its target audience. You can explore its detailed specifications and features on this page.

While the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Aggressive Curves and High-Speed Promises

Unboxing the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor was a straightforward affair. The panel itself, surprisingly light at 4.1kg, was well-protected. Assembly was tool-free and took less than five minutes; the stand clicks into the VESA mount area and is secured by a thumbscrew on the base. However, my first physical impression echoed the sentiments of many users: the stand feels like an afterthought. It’s constructed from basic black plastic and is noticeably large and deep, which could be problematic for smaller desks. More importantly, it offers only a small degree of tilt, with no height or swivel adjustment. This is a significant compromise at this price point.

Powering it on for the first time, however, the stand’s shortcomings began to fade. The 1000R curve is immediately striking. It’s not a subtle bend; it’s a deep, enveloping curvature that pulls you into the centre of the screen. The initial boot-up revealed a vibrant VA panel with the deep, inky blacks this technology is known for. The QHD (2560×1440) resolution on a 27-inch screen is, in our opinion, the sweet spot for desktop use, providing a crisp, sharp image without needing to rely on Windows scaling. Navigating the on-screen display (OSD) with the single joystick button on the bottom was intuitive enough, revealing a host of gaming-centric options ready for tweaking.

Performance Deep Dive: Where the G5 Shines and Stumbles

A monitor’s true worth is only revealed through hours of rigorous testing across a variety of scenarios. We put the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor through its paces in fast-paced gaming, content creation, and general productivity to see if the impressive spec sheet translates into a genuinely superior experience. The results were largely impressive, but not without some significant caveats that potential buyers must be aware of.

The 1000R Curve and QHD Visuals: A Deep Dive into Immersion

The defining feature of the Odyssey line is its aggressive 1000R curvature, and on this 27-inch model, it’s a game-changer. In titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator or Red Dead Redemption 2, the curve genuinely enhances immersion. It wraps the game world around your peripheral vision, making the experience feel more like looking through a window than staring at a flat screen. The effect is less pronounced than on its larger ultrawide siblings, but it’s still palpable and pulls you into the action effectively. This curvature keeps the corners of the screen at a more uniform distance from your eyes, which we found reduced eye strain during long sessions and kept text sharp from edge to edge.

This is amplified by the QHD (2560×1440) resolution. The pixel density is a significant step up from 1080p, resulting in razor-sharp text and stunning detail in games and high-resolution media. In strategy games, we could see more of the battlefield clearly, and in creative applications like Adobe Photoshop, the extra pixels provided a larger, more detailed canvas. The VA panel’s 2500:1 static contrast ratio is another star performer, rendering deep, rich blacks that make darker scenes in games and movies pop with atmosphere—a clear advantage over most IPS panels in this price range. While some users reported a “blurry” image, this is often a characteristic of VA panel response times (more on that below) rather than the panel’s static clarity, which we found to be excellent.

Speed and Fluidity: Unpacking the 165Hz Refresh Rate and FreeSync

This is where the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor truly earns its “gaming” moniker. The jump from 60Hz to 165Hz is transformative. Simply moving the cursor across the desktop feels incredibly smooth and responsive. In-game, this translates to a remarkable level of clarity in fast motion. We tested it in DOOM Eternal, and the ability to track fast-moving demons while circle-strafing was vastly improved, with significantly less motion blur than on slower displays. This fluidity is backed by AMD FreeSync, which worked flawlessly with our AMD GPU to eliminate screen tearing, ensuring the image remained whole and stable even when the frame rate fluctuated.

It’s crucial to note, as one user rightly pointed out, that you must use the included DisplayPort cable to access the full 165Hz refresh rate; the HDMI port is more limited. The 1ms response time is specified as MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time), which is a backlight strobing technique to reduce perceived motion blur. Activating this setting (labelled MBR in the OSD) did indeed sharpen motion, but we confirmed a user’s finding that it can introduce noticeable flicker and reduces overall brightness, making it a feature we’d recommend leaving off for most scenarios. The standard response time settings provided a great experience without these drawbacks. A small minority of users have also experienced ghosting, but we found that by tweaking the overdrive settings in the monitor’s OSD, this could be minimized to an almost unnoticeable level for most gaming.

Build Quality, HDR, and the Reality of Compromise

While the G5’s panel performance is strong, its physical construction and some of its features reveal where Samsung made compromises to hit its price point. As mentioned, the stand is a major letdown. It’s bulky and lacks any ergonomic adjustment beyond a basic tilt. We strongly agree with the user who said they put it on a monitor arm straight away; a VESA arm is almost a mandatory accessory to get a comfortable viewing position. The overall build is a sea of black plastic that feels functional but certainly not premium.

More concerning are the recurring reports of quality control issues. We encountered no dead pixels or screen peeling on our test unit, but the sheer volume of users reporting these problems is impossible to ignore. One user noted their screen began peeling away from the bezel within weeks, while others received units with dead pixels or developed lines on the screen over time. This suggests a “panel lottery” where your experience may vary. Another major disappointment is the HDR10 implementation. While the monitor can accept an HDR signal, its peak brightness of 300 nits and lack of local dimming mean it cannot produce a true high dynamic range image. When we enabled HDR in Windows and games, the result was a washed-out, dim picture that looked significantly worse than the vibrant SDR image. We concur with the user who flatly stated the “HDR on this monitor is garbage.” It’s a feature best left disabled. If you’re seeking a transformative HDR gaming experience, you need to be looking at monitors with much higher brightness and full-array local dimming, which command a much higher price. For those who understand these compromises, the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor still offers tremendous value for its core performance.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader user consensus, which paints a picture of a high-performance monitor that is unfortunately let down by inconsistent quality control and a few key design flaws. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the core gaming experience. One user noted, “The size difference is amazing and it’s running 165hz in 1440p it was also easy to setup.” Another, despite initial skepticism, said, “oh my goodness it was better than I thought. It was very easy to setup and works with both my PC and Xbox.” These comments highlight the monitor’s primary appeal: it delivers the high-refresh-rate, high-resolution gaming experience that people are looking for.

However, the negative feedback is significant and consistent. The most alarming reports centre on build quality and longevity. A particularly damning review stated, “screen is already peeling off due to the curved nature, peeling away from the bezel” after only a few weeks. Another user experienced a critical failure: “half of the screen went completely black/tearing, making the monitor unusable.” Complaints about the cheap, non-adjustable stand are also widespread, as are reports of flickering issues, often traced back to the supplied DisplayPort cable or buggy firmware. This feedback is crucial; it suggests that while the G5 can be an excellent monitor, prospective buyers are rolling the dice on receiving a flawless unit.

How Does the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor Compare to the Alternatives?

The Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is a dedicated desktop gaming powerhouse, but the market offers diverse solutions for different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against some distinct alternatives for users with different priorities.

1. UPERFECT 15.6″ Portable Monitor 1080P IPS Matte

This UPERFECT monitor is in a completely different category. It prioritizes portability above all else. With a 15.6-inch 1080p screen, it’s designed for users who need a second display for their laptop on the go, a small screen for testing systems, or a portable solution for console gaming while travelling. Compared to the Samsung G5, you’re sacrificing screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and the immersive curve. However, for a student, frequent traveller, or hybrid worker who values a lightweight, USB-C powered second screen, the UPERFECT is an ideal choice that the large, stationary G5 simply cannot fulfil.

2. UPERFECT 15.6 Inch FHD 1080P IPS Portable Monitor

This second portable option from UPERFECT is very similar to the first, again focusing on mobility and convenience over raw performance. It offers a 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS display, which provides good colours and viewing angles, but it operates at a standard 60Hz. It is not a gaming monitor in the same vein as the Odyssey G5. Someone would choose this over the Samsung if their primary need is a simple, plug-and-play external display for productivity tasks on a laptop or for casual media viewing in various locations. The G5 is built for a permanent, high-performance gaming setup; this is built for the backpack.

3. CHiQ 22F650 22 Inch 100Hz FHD Monitor

The CHiQ 22F650 represents the budget-conscious, space-saving alternative. It’s a smaller 22-inch flat monitor with a 1080p resolution. While its 100Hz refresh rate is a nice step up from the standard 60Hz, it can’t compete with the 165Hz fluidity of the Samsung G5. A user would opt for the CHiQ monitor if they have a very limited budget, a small desk, or less powerful hardware that can’t take advantage of a QHD resolution. It’s a solid entry-level choice for general use and light gaming, whereas the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is a significant upgrade aimed squarely at enthusiast gamers and power users.

Our Final Verdict: A Flawed But Compelling Gaming Monitor

The Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is a product of clear strengths and equally clear weaknesses. When it works as intended, it is a phenomenal gaming monitor for the price. The combination of a deeply immersive 1000R curve, a crisp 1440p resolution, and a buttery-smooth 165Hz refresh rate creates a truly high-end gaming experience that can give you a competitive edge and make single-player worlds feel breathtakingly alive. For gamers upgrading from 1080p 60Hz, the difference will be nothing short of revolutionary.

However, this stellar performance is held back by notable compromises. The HDR is best ignored, the stand is woefully inadequate, and the widespread reports of quality control issues—from dead pixels to screen peeling—are a genuine cause for concern. We recommend this monitor to gamers and power users who are willing to mount it on a VESA arm and are prepared to thoroughly inspect their unit upon arrival. If you receive a good panel, you are getting an incredible amount of performance for your money. It’s a high-reward proposition, but one that comes with undeniable risk.

If you’ve decided the Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EUXXU 27″ Gaming Monitor is the right fit for your setup and you’re ready for a next-level immersive experience, you can check its current price and purchase it here.