The Samsung Odyssey G32A LS32AG320NNXZA is an affordable gaming monitor with a large 1080p gaming display for PC and console gaming. It doesn’t list the sophisticated features found on the upper-tier models, but it promises solid gaming performance like them. Let’s see how this option stacks against its competitors from less popular brands.
Samsung Odyssey G32A Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 28.3″ x 23.5″ x 9.8″
- Weight: 13.7 lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung Odyssey G32A has a simpler design than the G7 or G9 models, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The monitor has a matte black chassis, so it doesn’t look too aggressive like the other Odyssey monitors. The monitor has thin bezels, so they are barely there due to the screen’s large size.
This monitor is a big boy, so you have to scope out your setup first to know if you have enough space for it before pulling the trigger. It only needs ten inches of depth, but it’s a bit wider than your average display. It doesn’t weigh a lot at 13.7 pounds, but extra care is still necessary since it is easy to flip it because of its size accidentally.
The Samsung Odyssey G32A’s build quality is decent, even if it’s an extra affordable gaming display. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, plus there were no signs of cosmetic defects like manufacturing imperfections on its parts. The included stand can keep the monitor upright, but it can still wobble if you nudge it accidentally.
The Samsung Odyssey G32A has a joystick for its OSD under the Samsung logo on the bottom bezel. It is very easy to access and use as opposed to the mushy D-pad style buttons on other variants. Other options even go as far as including remotes, but those are unnecessary for daily use.
This monitor includes a fully adjustable stand, unlike other budget offerings. You can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height of the screen to get a comfortable view that will prevent eye and neck strain. You can use VESA mounts, but that’s only necessary for tight spaces or if you have multiple monitors on deck.
The Samsung Odyssey G32A’s I/O only includes DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm jack. The lone USB port was meant only for service processes like firmware updates and nothing more. This is a limitation on most budget monitors, so we’re fine with it.
One thing that’s missing from this model is a pair of built-in speakers. It would be unfair to expect some at this price point, and it’s also a fact that you are better off with headsets. They will help you focus and be immersed in the games.
Display and Performance
The Samsung Odyssey G32A sports a 32-inch VA panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 250 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 3000:1. This model is incapable of HDR effects, but that’s understandable since it’s a budget model.
32-inch 1080p monitors are the least desirable of the three common sizes because of the loose pixel density. It’s not as sharp at close range, so small objects like text or edges on 3D objects might look jagged. However, it is large enough to be used as an alternative for TV and couch gaming, even if that’s not its prime purpose.
The Samsung Odyssey G32A covered 99% sRGB and 89% DCI-P3 for decent saturation in games and movies. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.71, so it is not accurate out of the box. However, that’s fine for gaming purposes since it’s actually difficult to see the errors unless you have a more accurate display beside it.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.22, making it more balanced and suitable for content creation. It’s not the best result we’ve seen in this category, so we still don’t think that buying a colorimeter that costs two or three times as much is worth it. We recommend prioritizing a better monitor instead to get you started on the right path.
The Odyssey G32A LS32AG320NNXZA’s backlight reached 247 cd/m2 at 100%, so it can’t fight off a lot of glare like other monitors. Its contrast peaked at 2415:1 at 50% brightness, so it can produce deeper blacks and gradients than its IPS counterparts. It is not equipped for HDR, but it would be unfair to expect that.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some minor issues, like backlight leaks on the top edge of the display. They showed up as clouding in dark scenes but were more challenging to notice on lighter or full-colored backgrounds. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are worse and better units out there.
Its response time is not the best in the market since VA panels typically have a slower response time. It’s prone to blurring in fast-paced scenes, and the accompanying overdrive cannot completely remove the persistence without adding overshoot. It’s great for most titles, but it’s not going to be the best for games like CSGO.
The Odyssey G32A is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for stutter and tear-free gaming. 1080p isn’t a lot nowadays, but it’s still nice to have a VRR solution for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, which are way too heavy for most GPUs. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz, so it’s fast and responsive enough for competitive play.
Thoughts on the Odyssey G32A
The Odyssey G32A is a decent choice for thrifty gamers who want a big and bold display at a fraction of the cost. It offers a 32-inch panel for the price of a smaller variant, so you get more out of your money even if it’s not the sharpest display out there. It’s built well, and it performs as expected, so it’s not a bad pick if you want to upgrade without spending too much.
32-inch 1080p models are now passe, especially since 1440p models have gone down in pricing. However, this model always gets big discounts, so it’s a great pick for budget or starter builds that must include a display and the PC in the purchase. It is not the best monitor out there, but it will get the job done for less money.
Pros:
- Excellent Contrast
- FreeSync and G-Sync
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited Features
- Prone to Blurring
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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