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The Samsung Odyssey G55C gaming monitor balances a tight curve, AMD FreeSync, and rock-solid performance. This 32-inch behemoth rocks a gorgeous 1440p VA 165Hz display that’s both crisp and colorful. On top of that, the monitor has a solid build, good port options, and an aggressive design that demands attention.
Though it has a unique high-end look, it doesn’t come at a premium price. It sells for well under $300, which is pretty impressive. However, its out-of-the-box color accuracy, screen resolution, and overall feature set can’t match our Editors’ Choice for 1440p gaming monitors, the Alienware AW3425DWM. But if you’re on a tight budget and dead set on a curved monitor, the Odyssey LS32CG550ENXZA is among the best you can get.
Samsung Odyssey G55C Specs
Here is the Samsung Odyssey G5 configuration in this review:
- Panel size: 32-inch
- Panel type: VA
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Brightness: 320 nits
- Contrast: 2,500:1
- Pixel response: 1ms
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort, 1x 3.5mm headphone output, 1 x USB 2.0
Design & Features
In styling the Odyssey G55C, Samsung focused on gamer aesthetics by including two small LED lights at the front, an illuminated ‘Samsung’ logo in the middle, and a ring around the upright base attachment. Color and effect are controlled via the OSD, or you can just turn it off altogether.
The bezels surrounding the screen are 9mm thick -not the thinnest around, not with the likes of the AOC C32G2ZE and Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 sporting a bezel-less design. When you reach under the logo, you find an OSD joystick that controls all monitor functions.
The styling continues to the back with a host of smoothly ribbed lines that accentuate the monitor’s curvature. You don’t see any straight edge anywhere, with a pivot ring that appears to be in motion with the modern texture. Once you install the input cover and run your cables through the upright, the monitor adopts a super-clean appearance.
The stand is sturdy, though there’s a bit of wobble at the pivot point, but it’s nothing unusual for a large panel. Adjustments include 4.7 inches of height, 15 degrees to either side, and 9/13-degree tilt, and a portrait mode. We’re not sure how one will use a 1000R monitor in portrait mode, but if you think of any reason, then this is one of those screens that can do it.
OSD Features & Calibration
Samsung included its gaming-styled OSD in the 32-inch LS32CG550ENXZA. At the top, you can always see the Black Equalizer setting, the response time (overdrive), refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync (supports G-Sync or FreeSync) status, and the low input lag setting. All options come with six sub-menus.
Out of the box, the Samsung LS32AG550ENXZA comes set to its Custom picture mode, with all image controls intact. Even with a few tweaks, you may not improve upon the already excellent picture quality and accuracy. Perhaps the only thing you can change is the sharpness slider, which you might have to reduce to remove the monitor’s slight ringing effect. In HDR mode, you can adjust the brightness, maybe max it, and set Local Dimming to Auto for an excellent HDR image.
All ports are located at the back: one HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 (for service), and a 3.5mm audio jack that accommodates headphones or powered speakers. The monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers.
The Samsung Odyssey G55C delivers good image quality and solid gaming performance without being too expensive.
Gaming Performance
The Samsung Odyssey G55C’s extreme curve is a significant asset, not only when it comes to gaming, but for general use too. While a screen with a 21:9 or 32:9 cover will cover even more of a user’s peripheral vision, the height of a 32-inch monitor draws you closer while providing a natural view of workday tasks. You can place documents in the center screen while balancing utilities off the sides. You’re able to see a full page in a word processor or 60 rows of a spreadsheet.
For gaming, you’ll hardly find any fault with the 32-inch Odyssey G55C’s gaming performance. Both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility work equally well, running up to 165Hz with HDR through the DisplayPort input, and the 1ms response rate makes everything smooth. The Tomb Raider hits 146 frames per second (fps) a few times with sustained speeds of around 135 fps. To that, add a super-fast panel response, and you have fluid motions and input lag completely free of artifacts. Its other sibling, the Samsung Odyssey G7, maxes out at 240Hz frame rates, and on both monitors, that extra height draws you into the game.
When you engage HDR, you get a rare treat. Samsung’s ultra-curved monitor does HDR well, with effective selective dimming. You may not readily see the light level change in practice, but you will see the extra dynamic range. Its blacks are very deep and well-detailed, and highlight pop, thanks to the high peak brightness. Frame rates in Call of Duty: WII just dropped a little during testing, due to the additional HDR processing load. However, speeds were sustained at around 129fps with peaks at 132fps.
Samsung Odyssey G55C Review: Verdict
The Samsung Odyssey G55C delivers the goods with its strong visual fidelity, fast performance, and a striking design. It might be too big for some, but if you’re looking for a huge display to drive your gaming PC, the Odyssey LS32CG550ENXZA won’t disappoint in that line. It also has the ports to connect to your gaming PC or next-gen console.
As great as the Samsung Odyssey G55C is, its sticker price isn’t too steep; it’s easy to justify. Again, it offers phenomenal visuals and solid performance, even though it doesn’t get as bright as some 32-inch 4K OLED monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM or the MSI MPG 321URX that cost over $800 each. – which is almost twice the Odyssey G55C’s price.
While more affordable options like the Sceptre C325B-185RD, the Samsung G55C is still a great gaming monitor for its design, performance, and color fidelity. Also, you get to enjoy smooth gaming action on a curved screen that offers a more immersive experience than a traditional flat panel. Overall, if you can’t afford an OLED but want smooth performance and vivid color, this Samsung Odyssey G55C is well worth checking out.
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