Modern budget monitors can be surprisingly effective during competitive gaming. The Samsung Odyssey G3, on sale for Black Friday, offers a 180 Hz refresh rate and exceptionally low response times. As a result, aspiring esports pros can hone their skills in FPS titles without making a wallet-busting investment. The Odyssey G3 is available in 24″, 27″, and 32″ sizes, with all options currently discounted.
Considering the choice of screen sizes and native 1080p resolution, the 27″ Odyssey G3 will best fit most setups. A 4K gaming monitor like the Gigabyte M32U is recommended at higher resolutions to avoid obvious pixelation. However, the G3 takes precautions to avoid the tearing and smearing seen on cheap 1080p monitors. With AMD FreeSync support compatible with many graphics cards, fast-paced action remains smooth.
Samsung Odyssey G3 (G30D) 180 Hz Gaming Monitor
$129 $230 Save $101
With the Samsung Odyssey G3, a high-refresh gaming monitor is no longer only affordable for esports pros. At 1080p and 180 Hz, gamers can react without hesitation as danger approaches. In addition to a rock-bottom 1 ms response rate, this VA display supports AMD FreeSync to minimize screen tearing. Features like Black Equalizer help to identify enemies even in the most dim environments. The Odyssey G3 is a surprisingly capable productivity monitor, thanks to various ergonomic adjustments. The G3 is sold in 24″, 27″, and 32″ sizes to accommodate all gaming setups.
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 180 Hz
- Brand
- Samsung
- Screen Size
- 27″ inch (24″, 32″ available)
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- WEIGHT
- 9.7 lbs
- Display Type
- LED, VA panel
The Odyssey G3 is a perfect match for mid-range GPUs that can drive higher refresh rates at 1920 x 1080. At 180 Hz, quickly panning cameras to scan for enemies in shooters is much more fluid. Racing titles like Forza Motorsport also benefit, as gamers feel more connected to their virtual vehicles. A 1 ms response rate means the slightest mouse or controller movements will instantly reflect on the monitor.
Some buyers are confused by what differentiates the best gaming monitors from other displays. The Odyssey G3 includes a suite of features that target gamers. Virtual Aim Point generates crosshairs on a screen, helping competitive gamers in training improve their performance. Samsung’s monitor also has a mode to reduce blue light, which relieves fatigued eyes after hours of gameplay. On the other hand, the G3 is not unsuitable for productivity. Its stand allows for height adjustments and a decent range of tilting, swiveling, and pivoting.
Also, the G3 has virtually non-existent bezels, making it enticing in a multi-monitor setup.
The IPS vs VA panel debate shows no signs of simmering down. Utilizing a VA panel, the Odyssey G3 is somewhat limited with its viewing angles and color accuracy. Still, it also has advantages, like superior contrast ratios to some pricier IPS displays. That gives the G3 a leg up in dim maps, where the finest details can reveal a potential escape route. Samsung’s monitor also has a Black Equalizer tuned for gaming, enhancing visibility in dark tunnels.
The Samsung Odyssey G3 is extremely compact and portable. With that small size, the monitor has a single DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 connection. At 1080p, not having an HDMI 2.1 port isn’t as much of a drawback, but PC gamers should still favor DisplayPort for the best compatibility. The G3 may not be an ideal Xbox Series X monitor, but it’s a faithful companion for a Series S console.
Samsung Odyssey monitors are popular because of their performance and sleek designs. Even so, there are alternatives if the entry-level G3 is not tempting enough at its Black Friday price. Without spending much more, the Acer Nitro is another 180 Hz 27″ gaming monitor with a higher 1440p resolution.
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