Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch vs Samsung 27" Essential S3 Curved (S36GD)

Both are real gaming monitor options from our gaming monitors guide. Specs below are taken from each product's own listing — we don't run benchmarks or invent performance numbers.

Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch

Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch

Curved 1440p VA panel at 144Hz with FreeSync Premium — deeper contrast, more affordable than flat IPS alternatives.

Specs

  • 27" QHD (2560 × 1440)
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • 1000R curved VA panel
  • 1ms response
  • FreeSync Premium
  • HDMI + DisplayPort

✓ Best for

Buyers who prioritise deep blacks and contrast (VA's strength) and like the immersion of an aggressive 1000R curve.

⚠ The tradeoff

VA panels can show more dark-scene smearing in fast motion than IPS, and a strong curve is divisive — some people never adjust to it for desktop work.

Provenance

Source:
Manufacturer / Amazon listing — not independently tested
Last verified:
Jul 31, 2026
Corrections:
None since verified
Check price on Amazon
Samsung 27" Essential S3 Curved (S36GD)

Samsung 27" Essential S3 Curved (S36GD)

Budget 1800R curved FHD panel at 100Hz with HDMI + D-sub — the entry point if 1440p/144Hz+ is more than you need or want to spend.

Specs

  • 27" FHD (1920 × 1080)
  • 100Hz refresh rate
  • 1800R curved panel
  • Game Mode
  • Advanced Eye Comfort
  • HDMI + D-sub (VGA)

✓ Best for

Buyers who want a curved screen and a real refresh-rate bump over 60Hz without paying 1440p/144Hz+ prices — a genuine budget entry point.

⚠ The tradeoff

FHD at 27" is a lower pixel density than the 1440p options in this category, and 100Hz is a smaller step up from 60Hz than 144Hz or 180Hz — no G-Sync/FreeSync Premium certification listed.

Provenance

Source:
Manufacturer / Amazon listing — not independently tested
Last verified:
Aug 3, 2026
Corrections:
None since verified
Check price on Amazon

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How to actually decide

Specs alone rarely settle it. Work through the criteria that matter for this category — sensor, panel type, socket, wattage, whatever applies — in our gaming monitors buying guide, then come back and see which column matches your answers.