Computer monitors may outlive other parts of a PC, but gamers that want to stay competitive need a responsive panel. That brings us to take a closer look at LG curved gaming monitors vs. Samsung monitors to see which provides the best value for the price. Whether you’re a gamer with a tight budget or in the Pros, LG and Samsung have an option for you.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs. Samsung: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | January 5, 1947 | March 1, 1938 |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea | Seoul, South Korea |
| Premium Series | LG UltraGear | Samsung Odyssey |
| Highest Resolution Display | 3,840 x 1600 | 5,120 x 1,440 |
| Size Range | 45 to 32 inches | 55 to 24 inches |
| Website | https://www.lgdisplay.com | https://displaysolutions.samsung.com |
Curved Gaming Displays 101
A curved gaming monitor provides more immersion and can help with eye comfort during long gaming sessions. While all have a unique design with a curved screen, there are actually several curvature ratings to consider.
Consumers that want a slightly curved display should consider one with a 4000R curvature. These monitors have a maximum viewing distance of 4 meters compared to 3000R monitors at 3 meters. If you see a monitor rated 2300R, it will have a notable curve and a shorter viewing distance of 2.3 meters.
For maximum effect, look for a 1800R monitor. You can find other curvatures listed like 1000R, but we found 1800R as the most popular choice with gamers.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs. Samsung: What’s the Difference?
LG and Samsung recently introduced new monitors designed for gamers. While both have produced a variety of responsive displays in the past, Samsung’s Odyssey lineup and LG UltraGear gaming monitors are at the top of many gamers’ wish lists. That’s where you’ll find the best-curved gaming monitors from both companies, along with an array of midrange and budget-friendly curved displays.
Samsung Odyssey Gaming Monitors
Samsung’s lineup of Odyssey gaming monitors is their premium series with a range of 55 to 24 inches. There’s a size and price point for everyone, including those that want something large and unique, like the Samsung Odyssey Ark.
- 1000R curvature wraps around your field of vision
- 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time
- Cockpit Mode
- 4 corner speakers and 2 central woofers produce a 60w 2.2.2 channel
- AI Sound Booster and Dolby Atmos Sound Dome technology
- Multi-View feature
Is it a TV or a gaming monitor? That’s the question you may ask yourself when you see the 55-inch Samsung Odyssey Ark 4K. This massive monitor has a 1000R curve but is responsive at 1 ms and has a 165Hz refresh rate.
That’s impressive, and so are the built-in speakers and array of apps on this smart PC monitor. You can swivel the screen into “cockpit” or portrait mode and the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio results in a beautiful picture when combined with HDR10+.
- Large 49-inch gaming monitor
- Screen space of two 27-inch monitors combined
- NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatible
- 240Hz refresh rate
It’s the company’s flagship monitor of 2022, but the Odyssey G9 Neo isn’t too far behind with its 49-inch 5,120 x 1,440 resolution display. Samsung’s Mini LED Quantum Matrix tech provides 2,048 dimming zones and it has a refresh rate of 240Hz along with a 1000R curve. It’s G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro compatible like the regular version of the Odyssey G9.
- 49-inch monitor is around the same screen space as two 27-inch monitors combined
- Cutting edge QLED technology
- Infinity Core Lighting
- 240Hz refresh rate
This model has the same resolution and is still 49 inches with a 1000R curvature. It’s not as bright as the newer Neo, although the Samsung Odyssey G9 is considerably cheaper. The curves aren’t as severe with smaller panels from Samsung’s Odyssey line which consists of four 32-inch models and a few 27-inch displays.
The next step down would be the Samsung Odyssey G7, which currently comes in two configurations with a 32-inch and 27-inch model. The smaller 27-inch Faker Edition of the Samsung Odyssey G7 has a QHD panel with 1000R curvature and a 240Hz refresh rate.
The 32-inch model has the same refresh rate and a 1ms response time. The Odyssey G7 LC32G75 also has the Infinity Core lighting system from the G9 series and FreeSync Premium Pro.
- SMOOTH TRANSITION 144Hz refresh rate ensures flawlessly smooth action.
- BLAZING FAST SPEED 1MS refresh rate eliminates lag and motion blur
- SMOOTHER GAMEPLAY A fluid, tear-free gameplay experience at peak performance.
- SEE YOUR GAME YOUR WAY borderless screen stretches from edge to edge
- REDUCED EYE PAIN Longer playtime with less eye fatigue thanks to Samsung’s Flicker Free technology.
Not interested in QHD panels? The Samsung Odyssey G3 series may be better suited to your needs. It’s just as nimble as the larger panels from the company, but much more affordable.
More Samsung Curved Gaming Monitors
While the Odyssey collection is the company’s premium line, there are plenty of other options from Samsung. These monitors may not have the style or features of the flagship models, but they still provide a lot of bang for your buck.
- GET FULLY IMMERSED with 24-inch curved gaming monitor with an industry-leading 1800R curvature
- 144HZ REFRESH RATE puts you ahead, even in the most demanding games
- NO MORE CHOPPY GAME PLAY as AMD Radeon FreeSync virtually eliminates image tears for exceptionally smooth, fast-action gaming
- WHOPPING 3000:1 CONTRAST RATIO with advanced VA panel lets you see enemies, even in darker scenes with greater accuracy
- EASIER ON EYES with Eye Saver Mode to reduce blue light emissions. Product Dimensions Without Stand-21.5 x 12.8 x 3.5 inches
The Samsung CRG5 is one such option and a monitor that certainly won’t break the bank. It has a curved 1080p panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. Response time is 4ms and the contrast ratio provides deep blacks at 3000:1. The Samsung LC24F3 is a bit cheaper, but with a lower refresh rate at 60Hz although it has FreeSync.
- IMMERSIVE VIEWING EXPERIENCE: The 1800R curvature of the screen lets you enjoy big, bold and stunning panoramic views while you work or play at home or the office
- SUPER SLIM DESIGN: Make a stylish statement with its ultra-slim and sleek profile; Monitor measures less than 0.5 inch thick and the simple circular stand adds a modern look to your space
- ADVANCED GAMING w/ AMD FREESYNC: This technology allows users to enjoy smooth images, even during the fastest moving scenes; It minimizes input latency, dramatically reduces image tearing and stutter
- FAST 4ms RESPONSE TIME: With its 4ms response rate, you'll see the fastest on-screen motion clearly and smoothly with less blur, judder, and ghosting, allowing players to experience their games at the...
- EYE SAVER MODE: Optimize your viewing comfort by reducing blue light emissions and flickers at the touch of a button; Read documents, play games, watch movies and edit photos for longer periods...
On the Samsung CF396, you’ll find a similar design with the 1800R curve and the same contrast ratio as the CRG5. It’s just a little smaller but dwarfed by the 34-inch panel on the Samsung J791 UltraWide monitor. This display has Thunderbolt 3 support, a 100Hz refresh rate, and a higher resolution than other models in this range at 3,440 x 1,440.
LG UltraGear Gaming Monitors
LG’s UltraGear line is the answer to Samsung’s Odyssey displays. They have a completely different design, however, and you won’t find anything over 38 inches with a curved display except for the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B, which is currently up for preorder.
It’s the company’s first 240Hz UltraGear monitor along with the smaller 27-inch variant – both of which have a .03ms response time. These OLED monitors will go head-to-head with Samsung’s premium displays, but you don’t have to wait to pick up the 38-inch model of the LG UltraGear.
- Nano IPS 1ms
- NVIDIA G-SYNC
- 144Hz (160Hz Overclock)
- VESA DisplayHDR 600
- Sphere Lighting 2.0
The LG UltraGear 38GN95B-B has a QHD monitor with a resolution of 3,840 x 1600. You can overclock the 144Hz monitor to 160Hz and it has a 3-side borderless panel.
The curve isn’t as severe as you’ll find on Samsung’s displays, but it is G-Sync compatible with a 1ms response time. The rest of the UltraGear monitors are 34 inches, and there are currently 3 models to choose from.
- 34” ultrawide QHD (3440 X 1440) Nano IPS display
- Viewing Angle (L/R) (CR>=10) is 178°/178°; Brightness(Typ) is 400cd/m² ; Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- IPS 1ms response time - 144Hz refresh rate
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
- DCI-P3 98% color gamut with VESA display HDR 400
Gamers on a budget will appreciate the LG 34GN850-B. This UltraGear monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio with a gentle curve and 1 ms response time.
It’s a QHD panel clocked at 144Hz, just like the LG UltraGear 34GP83A-B. It has the same response time and refresh rate, and the resolution is still 3,440 x 1,440.
The biggest difference is that it gets brighter than the 34GN850-B and has a better response time with the maximum refresh rate. Last but not least is the LG 34GN85B-B, another 34-inch curved UltraGear monitor with similar specs and slightly different HDR.
More Curved Gaming Monitors from LG
- 38” Curved UltraWide QHD plus (3840 x 1600)
- Viewing Angle is 178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D); Brightness is 450cd/m²; Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- Nano IPS Display
- DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 600
- Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity
If you’re not concerned about additional features or the UltraGear branding, LG has dozens of new and older curved gaming monitors. That includes a half-dozen or more monitors in the UltraWide class, like the premium LG 32WN95C-W.
This large 38-inch monitor has a Nano IPS display and is curved with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It’s ready to go with G-SYNC or FreeSync out of the box and is quick thanks to a 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate. This monitor has a resolution of 3,840 x 1,600. That’s comparable to the LG 38WP85C-W which is the same size and resolution.
- Ultrawide screen with a virtually borderless design
- Accurate color gamut for gamers
- 100Hz refresh rate for Fast-paced games
- Dynamic, immersive, and clear visual experience
- Zero screen tearing and stuttering
That monitor is slightly newer but with a similar price point, although it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. USB Type-C is a perk on this display or any modern monitor. Some of those features are also found on UltraWide monitors like the 35-inch LG 35WN65C-B. This panel has an attractive price point while keeping the company’s 3-sided borderless design in place.
- VA Display with sRGB 99% (Typ.) & HDR10
- 100Hz Refresh Rate & 5ms (GTG) Response Time
- AMD FreeSync, Dynamic Action Sync & Black Stabilizers
- USB Type-C port, MaxxAudio
- Flicker Safe & Reader Mode
It’s an AMD FreeSync monitor in the QHD class and has a gamer-friendly refresh rate of 100Hz. While most of LG’s panels are IPS, the LG 35N75C-B is an exception. It’s a VA monitor with HDR10 and MaxxAudio, but the response lags behind others at 5ms.
Most curved gaming monitors from LG outside the UltraGear series are UltraWide displays with 21:9 aspect ratios. There aren’t many curved models with 34 inches unless you opt for an older or discontinued monitor from the company.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs. Samsung: What’s the Same?
Samsung and LG both have premium monitors along with a range of midrange monitors and budget-friendly options. We also found a nice selection of monitors with G-SYNC and FreeSync compatibility from both brands.
Premium monitors from LG have extras like the Sphere Lighting system overclocking. Samsung has a similar array of features like lighting with different names, and you can find monitors with HDR from LG and Samsung as well.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs. Samsung: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The Samsung Odyssey G9 was the first consumer display from Samsung with a 1000R curve.
- LG’s upcoming UltraGear lineup has a response time of .03ms.
- The Odyssey G5C24R5 is the smallest Odyssey monitor at 24 inches.
- In 2019, LG introduced the world’s first 1ms IPS display through the UltraGear series.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs. Samsung: Which One Is Better?
If you plan to purchase a monitor from Samsung or LG, you’re buying one of the best regardless of which brand you choose. Both companies have their own unique advantages, although there are more similarities than differences once you dig into the tech specs.
LG monitors mainly use IPS panels, compared to Samsung and their preference for VA panels. That gives them an edge if you want to game in a dark room, and it’s hard to argue with the contrast ratio on some of Samsung’s high-end panels. LG’s monitors provide better viewing angles and comparable color, however.
Gamers interested in a flagship monitor will want to choose between the Odyssey G9 Neo and the LG UltraGear 38GN95B-B. The larger 55-inch monitor from Samsung received lukewarm reviews, and LG’s large new 45-inch UltraGear panel is still in the preorder phase.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jovana Kuzmanovic/Shutterstock.com.
