Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey G5 or LG UltraGear 27GP850?

Both the Samsung Odyssey G5 and the LG UltraGear 27GP850 are excellent 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors with native FreeSync support and base 165Hz refresh rates, but they excel in slightly different environments.

Choose the LG UltraGear 27GP850 if you play in a well-lit room or focus heavily on competitive, fast-paced games. It boasts significantly higher peak brightness (about 150 cd/m² more than the Samsung) and allows you to overclock the refresh rate to a slightly faster 180Hz for maximum fluidity.

Choose the Samsung Odyssey G5 if you usually game in a dark or dimly lit room. It features a much higher static contrast ratio (2500:1 compared to the LG's 1000:1), meaning it displays deeper, richer blacks rather than the grayish blacks typical of lower-contrast panels. It is also more energy efficient, consuming roughly 23W less power.

Ultimately, your room lighting and whether you value brighter highlights or deeper shadows should drive your final decision.