Samsung Odyssey LS27CG552ENXZA 27" Black 2024

The Samsung Odyssey G55C is a deeply immersive 1440p 165Hz curved monitor that's a steal for PC gamers at the right price. The 1000R curve and VA contrast are its standout features. Just know that console gamers are stuck at 60Hz, and the HDR is more of a checkbox than a feature.

For PC gaming, this thing is a sweet spot. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT keep motion blur to a minimum, and FreeSync Premium handles screen tearing without a fuss. The 1440p resolution is sharp enough to spot enemies at a distance without melting your GPU. The weak spot is console gaming. With only HDMI 2.0, you're capped at 60Hz on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, which feels like a waste of the panel's speed. The 300 nits brightness is fine for a dim room but can feel a bit dim if you're near a window.

Stacked against the MSI MAG 271QPX or the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDMGR, the Samsung's VA panel gives it a contrast advantage in dark scenes, but those OLED competitors destroy it in response time and HDR brightness. The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B is a closer fight, often trading blows on color accuracy. Where the G55C wins is pure immersion for the price. That 1000R curve is more aggressive than most, and if you're into sim racing or single-player RPGs, it's a bigger deal than a slightly faster response time.

Pricing is all over the place, with a wild spread from $177 to over $5000 across vendors. At the low end, this monitor is an absolute steal for a 1440p 165Hz curved display. At the high end, you're getting ripped off. If you can snag it for under $200, it's one of the best value gaming monitors out there. Just make sure you're not accidentally buying a wildly overpriced bundle.

The Samsung Odyssey G55C is a 27-inch curved gaming monitor that nails the basics for PC gaming. You get a sharp 1440p resolution, a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, and that aggressive 1000R curve that wraps around your field of view. It's a VA panel, so the contrast is deep and colors pop more than your average IPS in a dark room. Just don't expect it to blow your mind with HDR, the 300 nits brightness means HDR10 support is mostly on paper.

Console gamers should skip this one entirely. The lack of HDMI 2.1 bottlenecks you to 60Hz, which defeats the purpose of a high-refresh monitor. If you need a display for both a PC and a PS5, look for something with full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. Competitive esports players who demand the absolute fastest response times should also look at a fast IPS or OLED panel instead, as the VA panel can show some ghosting in high-contrast motion.

This is a killer PC gaming monitor if you find it at a good price. The curve is fantastic for immersion, and the 1440p 165Hz combo is where most gamers should be aiming. Console players should look elsewhere because of the HDMI 2.0 limitation. If you're a PC gamer who wants a cinematic, curved experience without spending a fortune, this is a top pick.