Samsung Odyssey G7 Review, The Fastest VA Display Ever 

I bought it. I like mine. Thats my review thanks for tuning in.

Samsung should also get some credit for keeping the name of their monitor simple. Odyssey G7 >>>>> Alphabet Soup (though alphabet soup is delicious)

I have Odyssey G7 27" and first of all. I play competitive games @240hz and always lower graphical settings. Also when i like to play simulator games or visually good looking games this monitor is perfect for these kind of games too. I can achieve both worlds with this monitor. 1000r curve is auctuaully really pleasing while gaming or working with this monitor because its easier to see everything when both sides of the screen is facing directly to me. I thought i hated curved monitors but my opinion changed right away. -No flickering on my 27" unit while using g-sync Cs go 240hz with this beast is absolutely lovely experience after using asus pg258q 1080p 240hz. Also cs go with this curved monitor auctually helps alot to focus on the game on a whole new level. Honestly what i can say. Buy this monitor if you wanna play competitive games, play AAA games or simulator games and also use it as your monitor for working. Everything is possible and enjoyable with this monitor!

9:13 HOLY MOLY i have never seen both charts so GREEN! The True 165Hz monitor right here!

10:29 Never thought i would see a VA monitor at the top of that chart, well done Samsung.

Although I'm not a big fan of curved monitors its great to see someone finally nailing a single overdrive mode that works great at all refresh rates

Next up: 500R curve

I love the addition of backlight bleed footage!

Been literally checking your channel every day for this review

imagine VA is the fastest in the chart

I love the curve. Anything over 24" benefits from it in my opinion. Flat VA monitors have more black crush at the edge of your view than a curved one will. Angle from eye to panel plays a big role in the color shift on VA due to the pixel design and the curve turns that into benefit.

I've had mine for three weeks now and i absolutely love the curve for gaming!

Couple of quick questions answered: -- Q: Where is the G9 review? A: We don't have one yet, Samsung hasn't sampled us one -- Q: Has the Odyssey G9 (the ultrawide monitor, not the G7) been recalled? A: We asked a local retailer in Australia and they said no, not to their knowledge. We asked Samsung and they sounded surprised at our question but had to look into it further and haven't responded as of now -- Q: Did you experience flickering with the G7? A: No. I have heard reports but flickering can be difficult to replicate just in general usage. We did test with a retail unit and the latest firmware (1005)

Btw, I love your reviews man, you are by far the coolest and make the technical reviews enjoyable, keep up the great work!

I can't believe I haven't seen your channel before. This review is so thorough!

These are the best monitor reviews i've seen, great work...

240hz 1440P pannel now exists My wallet- "not enough cash, stranger"

1:25 - That panning/rotation effect combination is really nicely synced!

I'm very happy with this. Have this for a couple of months now. Thank you Hardware Unboxed making my purchasing decisions easier.

I'm super impressed with the new VA panel tech. I got rid of my pg35vq almost immediately and switched to the lg 38gl950g. and despite the lack of HDR, I was so much happier without the extreme motion blur of the VA panel. I'm super excited at the thought of a faster VA panel, but the extreme curve on this display doesn't do it for me. I'm looking forward to seeing this tech in something more normal though. A flat 4k 144hz monitor, or a (less) curved ultrawide with 200hz+. Either of those would almost certainly convince me to upgrade. especially if they put out a FALD version.

Small thing, when you list specs at the beginning of videos, can you put it in text in the video? I always have to pause to digest the verbal specs.

Incredibly detailed review. Thank you. I appreciate you addressing the backlight bleeding in particular, as I've returned multiple monitors in the past over it. I suspect that they went with the extreme curve as it's supposed to match the curvature of the eye, thus minimizing eye strain over long play sessions since your eyes don't have to constantly refocus every time you move them around the screen. I tried their previous 32" VA gaming monitor and really liked the curve...it's actually one of the big reasons I'm looking so hard at this monitor. Just can't stand flicker and bad backlight bleed, so if they're consistent problems, I'm out. Will see, I suppose.

I have the gigabyte g32qc you mentioned. Great panel for productivity and light gaming, love it as a budget option. It hasn't caught fire yet, so it's good in my book. It gets extremely bright too. Would love to try the 32" g7, but I hate how the curve straightens out on the sides, and is more pronounced in the middle. Other that that, love it.

Maybe i'm in the minority when it comes to the curve of the monitor, but I really love the aggressiveness of the 1000r. I've had the 27' G7 for the last 3 days, and the display is great. I mostly only use it for gaming and IT work since I'm currently still stuck working at home cause of COVID. So far the curve haven't really bothered me when it comes to work, but man does this display really shine when it comes to gaming. The curve wraps around my full FOV, and it really helps immersion when gaming. Samsung's Odyssey brand is their gaming brand. Since this monitor carries this brand it should be rated first and foremost on it quality as a gaming monitor. This monitor will be the gaming monitor to beat for the rest of the year. If your looking for a monitor for something other gaming. I recommend looking somewhere else cause there definitely better options for cheaper.

I WAS SO EXPECTING THIS ONE! G9 next please!

Picked up the 27" of this model for $350 open box the other day - no regrets. It's true there is some scanline at certain patterns/colors, but in usual use cases it's very tough to notice. Overall the picture quality is great, the response times are better - for me, it's the best placeholder until high performance OLEDs become affordable and mature for this segment. The thing that annoys me the most about the monitor isn't actually the panel performance, but rather its sleep function; whenever the computer goes to sleep, the monitor acts as if it was unplugged and all the windows get shifted from it. I just set my sleep timer to a high value and deal with it one or twice a day, it's an acceptable annoyance for me, as there's nothing else in the segment which ticks all the boxes. Be aware that your mileage will vary with 10-bit color, as DP1.4 doesn't actually have enough bandwidth for 10-bit color at 240hz, so you will need a graphics card that supports display port compression (RTX 2060 and later). Even still, there was some trouble at 10-bit, with instances of it losing & reacquiring the signal within 1-2 seconds, presumably due to some issue with the compression (this happened especially often when alt tabbing full-screen games, especially games with a different locked refresh rate). Another issue is the monitor does take up quite a bit of space, if you have a smaller depth desk, you may want to look elsewhere. I can confirm there is the backlight bleed, but it's not that big a deal for me personally. Yes, this monitor has its quirks and issues, but I would still choose it every time. Especially now when you can pick them up locally or on eBay for about half (or even less) of MSRP, I think it can't be beat. Just be sure to update the firmware to the latest release (you will need a USB 2.0 FAT32 stick), as the earliest drivers had more pronounced flicker/scanline issues. Edit - the issue with the sleep function on multi-monitor setups seems to be resolved with Windows 11. If I could, I would still be using Win10, but, alas, progress marches on...

Interested in the LG 27GN850 too! Thanks for these reviews!

What a review.. very informative.. you really put loads of effort into the review.

Man, this was one of the best purchases for my setup a few years ago. Re watching this review makes me happy, even with the OLEDs out now!! I’ve been able to grow into it and am now maxing out the 240hz capabilities regularly 😁 Will be looking into an OLED in the next year or so.

It's the refresh rate for me. Despite dragging it through the mud, I am still getting the 32". It's that 1440p 240hz

I will say I like that this review FINALLY mentioned how the desired curve will be based off of how close/far you sit from the monitor. If you sit further away then 1800r or higher will be desired, however if you sit closer then the 1000r really starts to shine. I feel like the 1000R is mainly designed with sim racing and flight Sims in mine where you usually have three of these wrapped around you and you’re sitting much closer then usual as you can adjust FOV which means the closer you are to the monitor, the more you actually see.

Opted to get the 27' of this last month off the back of this review. Managed to get it on a sale at £500 and ultimately delighted with it. I've found the curve vanishes after a few minutes being sat down, and man you weren't kidding about those response times! I made the step up to this from a 60Hz monitor in order to tide me over 5 or so years when (I hope) high refresh 4k gaming is more common, and less cost prohibitive to achieve. Though I do have to say I'm really digging gaming at 1440p, and not in as much of a rush to game at 4k now, games like Doom Eternal, Battlefield and Call of Duty are all clocking in at the 200 - 220 fps range, it's been a monster step up in response times and visual quality!

I like the fact that minimum brightness comparison is included. Thanks!

This is superb performance from VA panel, can't wait more of these new VA panels hit to the market (let's hope flat panels tho and smaller sizes), seems like ips is getting "redundant" even tho new faster IPS panels are coming too but don't think that ips is going to improve on contract prob still close to 1000:1.

Just bought the G7 27” today. NA version,meaning October,with 1008 update that came together. With adaptive Sync on didnt c any flickering in game or anywhere,and no dead pixel,so far so good. Very happy with the purchase. Watched the review before purchasing,Thanks a lot.

Already pre-ordered the G9, Looking forward to your review!

Love the new set. Thanks for your hard works Tim and stay safe and healthy.

The review I was waiting for

I bought an LG 32 650f 144hz budget monitor you reviewed a while back. Works great for me and i ended up buying another one to double up in the recording studio. I wont be changing anytime soon! Thanks

25:00 Everything was spot on especially the noticeable backlight bleed this monitor has for me, but I'm actually loving the aggressive curve. Anyone else?

Can't wait for your review of G9, I want to buy it so much but I won't do it without your blessing!

Great review! I able to snap one of these for myself on Samsung website, so far so good, no dead pixel for my unit. And I also use your setting for my monitor much thx. :)

This is a top sale monitor 2 years later after this video. He just hate the curve and its so immersive.

Curved monitors have a 'sweet spot' viewing distance. In order to have an equal viewing experience you would have to, basically speaking, sit at a distance equal to the radius (R) measurement. For this monitor you would need to sitting dead centre at a distance of 1 metre (1000mm radius).

I own a G7 27'' and I'm really enjoying the monitor so far, Also with it being my first curve monitor. I like the curve on the G7 and sometimes forget it's curved until I notice it. At least for me after having one 4-year-old TN 1440p 165hz with bad ghosting monitor and one 1080p IPS 60hz normal 5-year-old monitor the G7 feels like the future for me. Though I was kinda Effy about spending around $750 with taxes for the monitor, I ended up pulling the trigger when I found out I can get a student discount through Samsung Store for the monitor and spent $679 with taxes. Not a huge difference in price but at least for me the savings I got justified me buying the monitor with so far no regrets after owing for about a week now. Also, would I get a monitor that has a higher curve than the G7 probably not, since I feel the 1000R curve is the max curve monitors should go.

Hey, thank you for putting out an honest review, you got a new sub from that!

Don't let the curve of this monitor put you off I've got this monitor and it fucking rocks

I was afraid that I wouldn't like the curve on this monitor (32" G7), especially because of this review. I found an unusually good price on the monitor, and I decided I'd try it out, but I expected to not like it and thought that I would probably end up returning it... but I got used to it very quickly. The curve doesn't actually seem that strong, and images don't appear distorted to me. I actually like it. I think a lot of people are just afraid of trying something different. They think they want want they're used to, and because they think curved monitors look really weird in pictures. Now, Tim actually used one for a month I think he said, so I don't know why he doesn't like it, but at least he was willing to give it a try. However, I suspect that very few people will not be able to get used to it. Tim is the only reviewer I've heard of so far who said that he wasn't able to get used to the curve on this monitor. If there's a money back guaruntee, then maybe try out a curved monitor? Also, if you're afraid of a 1000R curve, you could try going with something with a 1500 or 1800R curve. The curve on those ones is very subtle once you actually sit in front of one, and you're even less likely to not like it. This particular monitor is rather expensive, even if you got it on a black friday sale (it was 700 CAD at one or two places here in Canada, regular price is 900 CAD, and I've seen it on sale for 800 CAD before as well). While it is expensive, at 700 CAD, it was about $250 more than other 32" monitors I was looking at which aren't nearly as good, so I think the extra price was worth it for me. I find this monitor great for gaming, but it's also great for editing documents, and for viewing web content (so long as you're sitting in front of it). Among other things, the text clarity is quite good. The high contrast of VA is probably also a good thing for text. Now, if you want a monitor which will double as a TV to watch from different angles, and with maybe one or two other people, then that's when it would be better to have a flat monitor, but the viewing angles are honestly a LOT better than what I was expecting still. If you're patient, I would assume that more VA monitors with these awesome response times will become more widely available, and the prices should come down sooner or later. A VA monitor with ultra fast response times is the best of both worlds. The contrast just makes everything look so much better than IPS panels, and the colour is great on this one too. The much better contrast ratio (and deep blacks) are way more important than having a bit better colour accuracy, which you would get from a good IPS panel. Good IPS panels are very expensive as well (I was looking at a new 32" 1440p one from MSI which is an insane 1150 CAD). Of course, if you do actual work where colour accuracy is very important, then you probably still want to go with a good IPS panel.

I just bought the 32" one and it's bloody amazing you get used to the curve very quickly and everything looks absolutely amazing.

The benchmarks in this video was what got me to buy it and been very happy with it for a year now. Thanks for the stats!!!

Thanks for review looking to buy the Samsung G9 Odyssey next month will look forward that review

Ive been using this for almost 4 months now and i would say i can never go back to flat screen monitors. It is really more immersive in all games and movies that i watch. It depends on preference really of the user. But it is really the best of the best, never had i enjoyed my games this much because of this monitor. Thank you samsung for innovating products like this hopefully you will make it more affordable so more people can experience the best of what we have right now.

I have the 27 inch version of the G7 and its definitely not overrated. Its an absolute dream in every single game I play and not just cs or valorant. I dont find the 1000r curve nearly as bad as you though. My previous monitor had an 1800r curve and I loved it. The 1000r curve for me at least is fab but like I said I do have the smaller sized G7 so that may be why. £500 over here in the UK right now. Can only recomend this monitor. Superb.

Agree on the curve. I am seeking something I can game on and use productively.

I like the fact that they released the g7 with the same curvature as the g9. I plan to buy on of each an have the g7 above and centered with the g9, so having the same curve is important.

I wish they would make a 144hz flatscreen option. I'd buy it instantly.

If they didnt have the 1000R curve, I would pick one up.

Nice, im definitely happy with my G7 order. Upgrading from my benq xl2730z is gonna be amazing.

Going back to this review after owning this monitor for over a couple years I really love it. I don't know if I got insanely lucky or something but I really can't notice the back light bleed much at all. It's not like I'm not familiar with nice displays either I own a Steam Deck OLED, a S22 Ultra, and my family has an LG C2. Same with the weird artifacting issues I didn't know that was an issue until I went to a thread with people that had the monitor and an example site that triggered it and it's super weird. My display does seem a bit washed out in custom mode with your old recommended settings though for some reason. I had to have the black level slightly higher to get it normal for that mode or everything looks super grey and barely black. Maybe I am not as good at judging it as I thought I am even though I have some experience with some nice displays too or I got a slightly outlier unit or both, I don't know

Just bought a G7 32in and love it. It is by far the best performing and looking gaming panel in the market. Not really sure about the distortion bit. My panel is clear, clean and bright.

Huh, I was actually concerned that the response time & the under/overshooting was going to be horrible at anything except 240. I was dead wrong. 120/144 numbers look fantastic.

I just love that monitor, I hope I can buy one at Black Friday/Xmas

Great review, love this channel.

Got 32" G7, it's quite amazing. Although I had tests available, I went with G32QC and it turned out to be rather upsetting experience, black color would smear regardless what overdrive and other settings I'd use. You could tell how badly monitor was performing by playing for example Hades, the image just couldn't keep itself stable and the blacks would smear shamelessly, pretty disturbing it was. I tried to like Gigabyte G32QC, but ended up returning it 3 days after, I think I did play enough with the settings, flashed new firmware, used DP and HDMI both, nothing helped. Samsung Odyssey G7 32" felt on an entirely different level and I guess it's expected from the price point difference between the two. It's fast, it keeps itself stable in a wide range of hertz and modes. Hades now looks as it should for the most part, blacks do not smear anymore and the image is consistant. I can see how 1000R curvature could be a problem for some, but in my case eyes are adapting rather well and I'd quite often forget it exists while playing or viewing other content. At least now I have a point of reference and have a better understanding what I'm looking at when reviewing a display. :) All in all, thanks for the content of a great quality.

Your contrast ratio is interesting, because Rtings got a contrast ratio of 3912:1. It can't vary that much just in panel variance.

I bought the "old" 120Hz, 1440p version of the G9 (C49RG90) a few weeks ago for $1200. Since I am "updating" a 3-monitor setup, I was considering adding the 27" G7. While I am OK with the 1800R curvature on my 49" monitor, your review has made me very skeptical of getting a 1000R one. Hopefully, when you get the G9, I will be interested in your thoughts of the PIP mode. I primarily run my 49" monitor in PIP (27"-equivalent) mode for gaming & video editing. I am very satisfied, although not up to the color capabilities of my defunct 3 24" 60Hz ASUS ProArt monitors.

Amazing review, thanks!

Would love to see your review of the Lenovo Legion y27q-20!

I think we need an XL2546 in the response time chart. It being pro players' go-to monitor and all.

Tim, does the audio passthrough on this monitor sound tinny/clipped to you? I have a C49HG90 and the audio out is very poor quality. I particularly notice a distortion in voices which sets my teeth on edge.

Hey mate! I live in Brazil and thats the only monitor us uk and canada guys recommend, I want a good monitor, i game, but i mostly read with kindle, edit and watch videos, im scared cause of the curve, but this monitor costs the same here as an 1080p 120hz 34 invh ips ultrawide monitor, which should i go with??

The response times are phenomenal! This bodes well for new 1440p monitors over the next 12 months. Would love a flat, lower refresh version that is a bit cheaper.

I'm disappointed at the lack of recognition towards the amount of issues the G7 has. Not only did they have to push a number of firmware updates to fix the screen flicker, but a good majority of them have scan lines and screen flicker, whether its completely visible or very vague, they are there in strong colors, mine specifically were orange and reds. Researched issues on the item since I have returned 2 with scan lines, there are an absurd amount of buyers that have returned between 2-4 of the monitor due to this, some settling for "Altering black equalizer will reduce this issue or lowering the refresh rate". That is in my opinion completely unacceptable at the price point. Gutted as the specification on paper looks amazing.

OSD settings helped a lot thanks!

many thanks on your detailed explanation ! ;D

I bought 3 of the 27" versions and love them. I really like the curvature. I upgraded from 3x 24" 1800R Samsungs and always wanted more curve. The G7s are just what I wanted. 10/10.

Coming from a 1800R curve it makes getting use to curve easy. It looks so immersive when sitting close to your monitor!

Huge review, thanks!

The only thing that turns me down from this monitor is the extreme curve.

FINALLY and Thank You!

Thanks GOD you did a review of this

Ive got no complaints just got mine in so hyped!

what settings was used for the input lag results? i noticed the numbers have been changed in other videos, for the g7. And wondered how come? low input lag setting on vs adaptive sync?

As someone who frequently watches TV reviews, including Samsung TV reviews, the fact that they choose to over process the image and wrestle control away from the user doesn't come as a shock at all. That's why we often see the best implementation of Samsung panels on non-Samsung products.

If only it had a flat screen.....

I love mine. The curve isn’t an issue honestly. I don’t notice it when I’m gaming. It helps bring in the edges of the screen which on a flat 32 inch would appear very far away. It’s not a productivity monitor, it’s a gaming monitor. Though to be fair movies and such are still really nice on this panel. I’m quite happy with it. Hdr is pretty amazing imo as well. Doom eternal looks amazing in hdr as does destiny 2. Really enjoying it and I’m glad I got it.

If this had a smaller curve I may have bought it. Super excited for the return of VA!

Can you have a look into the Lenovo G27c? It seems at least decent to me for the price (~200$) and I really wanna know your opinion.

Can you do a review of the G5? I am thinking of getting that monitor and am having a hard time finding reviews for it. This was an excellent video! Thanks tons!

much appreciate the bit about distortion as moving windows around - this would be a BIG issue with my workflow making music and moving plugins around. was thinking 1000R would be best for eyes as per the 'science' saying that, but may have to reconsider 1800R now. (as those seem to be the two options with Benq, which I'm looking at because they have DC dimming).

Hey Tim, I'm wondering if using a wider lens and getting closer to the monitor at 4:27 would help make the effect more obvious on camera. I'm severely disappointed in the 1000R curve tbh, as you seem to be as well. I think if it didn't have that curve, this would be my perfect gaming monitor. Thanks for the review, Tim.

Just a heads up for people who are considering buying this monitor, I'd recommend waiting a couple of weeks-months until samsung/nvidia have fixed the adaptive sync flickering issues and hdr on losing signal for a few seconds issues. It's an amazing monitor, but it has couple of annoying issues which should NOT be acceptable for a 600e/800usd monitor. I probably have to return this monitor unless samsung/nvidia will fix these issues in my return-warranty timezone.

If it wasn’t for the curve, easy pickup.

A recommended settings portion would be a great addition to this video. I've already spent 30min trying to figure out if I should turn VRR on or not...

I love your reviews, but I have a question. Would you recommend the Odyssey G7 or the LG 27GL850? Thank u

Like before it even starts. You know it's going to be a quality job.

I feel this monitor isn't as relevant for the creative production crowd, though I'm glad you covered it. However I feel the sad thing about this is the backlight bleeding, that really hurts this monitors odds for me. Though I feel we are finally beggining a change in monitors towards the 'perfect 1440p monitor' and I think that's when I'll buy in. So close but so far.

Whether display cal measurements were taken with monitor setup black eq 9, or default 13? And what was the gamma mode monitor setting during display cal measurements?

was the input lag tested with low input lag enabled? (OSD setting) I heard that you can't have adaptive sync and low input lag enabled at the same time.

Thank you for telling the truth, I don't know why samsung decided to curve a 27 inch monitor it's just insane 😑