What To Know
- The LG 34GN850 takes the lead in terms of display size, offering a massive 34-inch curved panel compared to the Samsung Odyssey G5’s 27-inch flat screen.
- Additionally, the LG 34GN850 boasts a Black Stabilizer feature that enhances visibility in dark areas, while the Samsung Odyssey G5 offers a 1ms Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) mode for clearer fast-paced action.
- However, if you seek a fast and affordable gaming monitor with a solid feature set, the Samsung Odyssey G5 is an excellent value proposition.
In the realm of gaming monitors, two giants stand tall: the Samsung Odyssey G5 and the LG 34GN850. Both monitors boast impressive specifications and cutting-edge features, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will pit the Samsung Odyssey G5 against the LG 34GN850, examining their key aspects to determine which monitor deserves a spot on your gaming setup.
Display Size and Resolution
The LG 34GN850 takes the lead in terms of display size, offering a massive 34-inch curved panel compared to the Samsung Odyssey G5’s 27-inch flat screen. Both monitors feature an ultrawide aspect ratio of 21:9, providing an immersive viewing experience that’s perfect for gaming and multitasking. The LG 34GN850’s higher resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels (UWQHD) surpasses the Samsung Odyssey G5’s 2560 x 1440 pixels (WQHD), resulting in sharper images and finer details.
Panel Type and Refresh Rate
The Samsung Odyssey G5 utilizes a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel, while the LG 34GN850 employs an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel. VA panels typically offer better contrast ratios and deeper blacks, while IPS panels provide wider viewing angles and more accurate color reproduction. Both monitors boast a lightning-fast refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.
Response Time and Input Lag
Response time measures the time it takes for a pixel to change color, and a lower response time is crucial for minimizing motion blur and ghosting. The Samsung Odyssey G5 has a slightly faster response time of 1ms (MPRT) compared to the LG 34GN850’s 5ms (GtG). Input lag, which refers to the delay between a user’s input and the monitor’s response, is equally important for competitive gaming. Both monitors offer low input lag, ensuring quick and precise reactions.
HDR and Color Gamut
HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances the visual experience by expanding the range of colors and contrast that the monitor can display. The Samsung Odyssey G5 supports HDR10, while the LG 34GN850 goes a step further with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. This means the LG 34GN850 can produce brighter highlights and deeper shadows, resulting in a more realistic and immersive gaming experience. In terms of color gamut, the LG 34GN850 covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, while the Samsung Odyssey G5 covers 95%.
Connectivity and Ergonomics
Both monitors offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB ports. The LG 34GN850 has a slight edge in terms of ergonomics, with a fully adjustable stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. The Samsung Odyssey G5’s stand is less flexible, offering only tilt and height adjustments.
Gaming Features
The Samsung Odyssey G5 and LG 34GN850 are both equipped with a suite of gaming-specific features. The Samsung Odyssey G5 includes AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. The LG 34GN850 also supports FreeSync Premium, but it lacks G-Sync compatibility. Additionally, the LG 34GN850 boasts a Black Stabilizer feature that enhances visibility in dark areas, while the Samsung Odyssey G5 offers a 1ms Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) mode for clearer fast-paced action.
Price and Value
The Samsung Odyssey G5 typically retails for around $300-$400, while the LG 34GN850 commands a higher price of $600-$700. The LG 34GN850 offers a larger display, higher resolution, and better HDR and color gamut performance, justifying its premium price. However, the Samsung Odyssey G5 provides excellent value for money, offering a fast and responsive gaming experience at a more affordable cost.
The Verdict: Which Monitor Is Right for You?
The choice between the Samsung Odyssey G5 and LG 34GN850 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a large display with high resolution, HDR, and accurate colors, the LG 34GN850 is the superior choice. However, if you seek a fast and affordable gaming monitor with a solid feature set, the Samsung Odyssey G5 is an excellent value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which monitor has a wider viewing angle?
A: The LG 34GN850 with its IPS panel provides wider viewing angles than the Samsung Odyssey G5’s VA panel.
Q: Which monitor is better for color-critical work?
A: The LG 34GN850 with its higher color accuracy and wider color gamut is better suited for color-critical tasks such as photo and video editing.
Q: Can I use either monitor with a console?
A: Yes, both monitors are compatible with gaming consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
