If you‘re a gamer looking for a new display, you may be wondering – should I go with an LG curved gaming monitor or a Samsung curved gaming monitor? Both LG and Samsung make excellent curved displays, but there are some key differences that can help you decide which brand is best for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll compare LG vs Samsung curved gaming monitors across three important categories to help you pick the perfect monitor!
First off, let‘s answer the question – which company makes the best curved gaming monitors? Well, the truth is that both LG and Samsung produce amazing curved displays. LG‘s UltraGear monitors feature stellar IPS panels and subtle curvatures, making them ideal for brightly-lit multiplayer gaming. Samsung‘s Odyssey series boasts VA panels with deep blacks and aggressive curves, perfect for dark room solo play.
So in reality, there‘s no definitive "winner" between the two brands. The right choice comes down to your specific gaming needs and preferences. By exploring the differences, you can determine which curved monitor fits your setup best!
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs Samsung: Key Difference #1 – Display Technology
The first major difference between LG and Samsung is the display technology underlying their gaming monitors.
LG predominantly uses IPS panel technology in its UltraGear curved gaming monitors. IPS stands for "in-plane switching" and refers to the method used to align the display‘s liquid crystals. The key benefits of IPS panels include:
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Wide viewing angles up to 178° – Colors remain vibrant and consistent even when viewing the screen off-angle. This is perfect if you frequently game with others watching the monitor.
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Accurate color reproduction – IPS panels cover over 99% of the sRGB color space, providing lively and accurate colors ideal for gaming.
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Fast response times – LG pairs IPS panels with overdrive technology to achieve ultra-fast 1ms response times, reducing blurring and ghosting.
The tradeoffs are that IPS displays have lower contrast ratios compared to VA panels. This means blacks appear more like dark greys in a dark room rather than truly black.
Samsung, on the other hand, largely uses VA panels in its curved Odyssey gaming monitors. VA stands for "vertical alignment" and offers some advantages over IPS:
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High contrast ratio – Samsung VA panels achieve 3000:1 to 5000:1 contrast versus just 1000:1 on IPS. This results in far deeper, inkier blacks for more immersive dark room gaming.
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Vibrant colors – Samsung‘s VA panels cover 125% of the sRGB color space for lively, saturated visuals that pop.
However, VA panels also come with some downsides:
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Narrower viewing angles – Color and brightness shift more noticeably when viewing VA monitors from off-center angles.
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Slower response times – Without overdrive, VA pixels take longer to change colors. Samsung combats this with backlight strobing to achieve 1ms response.
So in summary, IPS provides wider viewing angles while VA excels at contrast and dark scene reproduction. LG‘s IPS is better for multiplayer gaming, while Samsung‘s VA enhances solo immersive play.
To quantify the difference, let‘s compare some real-world test results from Hardware Unboxed reviews of the LG 34GP83A-B and the Samsung Odyssey G7 monitors:
| Specs | LG 34GP83A-B (IPS) | Samsung Odyssey G7 (VA) |
| Contrast Ratio | 1200:1 | 2709:1 |
| sRGB Coverage | 99% | 123% |
| Viewing Angles | 178° | 142° |
As you can see, the Samsung VA panel has over twice the contrast of LG‘s IPS, while the LG maintains noticeably wider viewing angles. Both produce vibrant and accurate colors. VA ultimately wins for single-player immersion while IPS takes the prize for multiplayer versatility.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs Samsung: Key Difference #2 – Curvature
The second major way LG and Samsung gaming monitors differ is in their curvature. All curved displays are measured by their "R" rating, which stands for radius. The lower the number, the more aggressively curved the monitor.
Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors feature very low "R" curvatures in the 1000R to 1500R range. This amounts to extremely curved monitors intended to fill your peripheral vision. For example, the massive 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 has a curvature radius of just 1000R. This wraps around your field of view for maximum immersion, making you feel part of the action.
LG opts for more subtle curvatures on its UltraGear line, usually between 1800R and 2300R. While less intense than Samsung‘s approach, these provide a noticeable curve that enhances viewing comfort without major edge distortion. For instance, the top-tier 38-inch LG 38GN950-B has a 2300R curvature.
To understand the difference, think about it this way:
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1000R curve (Samsung) = Wraps tightly around your vision with significant edge distortion
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1800R curve (LG) = Immerses you in the center of the display with minor edge distortion
Ultimately, the type of curvature comes down to your preferences:
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If you want a monitor that fully encompasses your peripheral view, go with the aggressive 1000-1500R curves of Samsung Odyssey models. The immersion is unmatched but edges will appear more distorted.
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For a more balanced curve that avoids distortion, LG‘s subtle 1800-2300R curvature provides great immersion while maintaining straight edges.
I‘d suggest Samsung‘s intense curvature for single-player games and entertainment, while LG‘s subtle curve works better for general use and multiplayer.
LG Curved Gaming Monitors vs Samsung: Key Difference #3 – Features and Specs
With both Samsung and LG producing premium gaming monitors loaded with features, it‘s important to understand the specs that set them apart:
Refresh Rate
One of the biggest spec differences is refresh rate. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more fluid motion will appear on screen.
Samsung gaming monitors currently edge out LG in max refresh rate. Samsung‘s top models like the Odyssey Neo G8 reach up to 240Hz, while LG caps out at 180Hz on the UltraGear lineup.
For esports players who prioritize lightning-fast response times, Samsung‘s industry-leading refresh rates give them an advantage. But for most, even LG‘s 144Hz to 180Hz refresh range will provide incredibly smooth, tear-free gaming.
Response Times
In terms of response times, LG and Samsung monitors both deliver blazing fast performance down to 1ms. Response time measures how quickly pixels can change from one color to the next. At 1ms, motion in fast-paced games will appear crisp and blur-free.
LG‘s overdrive tech brings IPS panels down to 1ms. Samsung combats the normally slower response of VA with backlight strobing to also hit 1ms speeds. No matter which brand you pick, expect stunningly responsive visuals.
Adaptive Sync
LG UltraGear and Samsung Odyssey monitors both support adaptive sync technology by either Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync. This synchronizes the monitor‘s refresh rate with your GPU‘s output to eliminate screen tearing and lag.
G-Sync and FreeSync make gameplay more fluid, while also minimizing input lag for a responsive real-time feel. Having this variable refresh rate support ensures buttery smooth gameplay from both LG and Samsung displays.
HDR
For the ultimate visual experience, high-end models from LG and Samsung feature HDR support with expanded contrast and color. HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400/600 produce images with more detail in both bright and dark areas.
While not necessary, having HDR capability enables more life-like and immersive scenes in supported games. Top-tier options from both brands include this for next-level gaming that pops from the screen.
Connectivity
Look for modern connectivity like HDMI 2.1 and USB-C in newer LG and Samsung curved gaming monitors. HDMI 2.1 enables full 4K 120Hz gaming for the latest consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. USB-C allows single cable connectivity and power delivery up to 90W.
Up to date ports ensure your new monitor keeps pace with the latest GPUs and devices. Both LG and Samsung pack feature-filled gaming monitors with cutting-edge connectivity.
Extras
Along with specs, premium monitors from LG and Samsung offer unique extra features:
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LG: Spherical RGB lighting adds ambient immersive effects surrounding the display.
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Samsung: Infinity Core backlighting allows you to customize colors and effects behind the screen.
While not essential, these lighting systems add flair and unlock additional display customization depending on your preferences.
Both brands also provide software suites to convenient control settings, partitions, and more. And you can synchronize lighting with games for a more engaging experience overall.
So in summary, Samsung provides exceptionally high refresh rates, while both deliver speedy response times and tear-free adaptive sync. For connectivity and extras, LG and Samsung gaming monitors are similarly well equipped. Prioritize refresh rate if every frame matters competitively or look for rich HDR capabilities for single-player immersion.
Either way, both brands tick all the boxes for an exceptional high-performance gaming display.
Curved Gaming Monitor Recommendations
Now that we‘ve compared the critical differences, here are some specific curved gaming monitor recommendations from LG and Samsung to fit various needs and budgets:
Best Curved Gaming Monitor Under $300
- Samsung C24RG50 – 23.5-inch VA panel, 1080p, 165Hz, 4ms, 1800R curve
Best 32-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
- LG 32GP850-B – 32-inch IPS, 1440p, 180Hz, 1ms, 1800R curve
Best Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G9 – 49-inch VA, dual QHD, 240Hz, 1ms, 1000R curve
Best Curved Gaming Monitor for PS5/Xbox Series X
- LG 27GP950-B – 27-inch IPS, 4K, 160Hz, 1ms, HDMI 2.1
Most Immersive Curved Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 – 32-inch VA, 4K, 165Hz, 1ms, 1000R curve
Best Curved Gaming Monitor for Competitive Esports
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 – 32-inch VA, 4K, 240Hz, 1ms, 1500R curve
As you can see, both LG and Samsung produce outstanding curved monitors ideal for different gaming situations. Carefully consider the differences in panels, curvature, and features to pick your perfect display!
Bottom Line: Should You Buy an LG or Samsung Curved Gaming Monitor?
So which brand comes out on top – should you buy a curved gaming monitor from LG or Samsung?
As we‘ve explored, both manufacturers produce top-tier curved displays. Here are a few final tips to decide:
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For multiplayer gaming, wide viewing angles matter – go with LG IPS.
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For immersive single-player gaming, contrast is key – choose Samsung VA.
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If you play competitively, prioritize a high 240Hz Samsung refresh rate.
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For a balanced curve that avoids distortion, pick LG‘s 1800-2300R models.
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If you want a monitor wrapping around your peripheral vision, select Samsung‘s aggressively curved 1000R displays.
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For bright rooms, LG IPS maintains vivid colors and clarity.
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For dark gaming dens, Samsung VA provides inky blacks and depth.
Both LG and Samsung also offer excellent curved displays for console gaming. Look for 4K, high refresh rates, HDMI 2.1, and fast response times for the optimal Xbox Series X or PS5 experience.
So in closing, LG and Samsung both provide amazing curved gaming monitors. Your needs and environment will determine whether LG‘s vivid IPS panels or Samsung‘s high contrast VA screens are the best fit. Carefully weigh the differences in technology, curvature, and features against your gaming habits. This will lead you to the perfect LG or Samsung curved gaming monitor for your setup!
Whichever brand you choose, enjoy the immersive curved display that transforms your gaming experience! Let me know if you have any other questions about selecting the ultimate curved gaming monitor. Enjoy the search for your dream display!