The Samsung Odyssey G70B is a reasonably-priced 4K 144Hz gaming monitor designed for multiplatform gamers. It’s best paired with a monster PC but also works great for the Xbox Series X and the PS5. Let’s check and see if the Samsung Odyssey G70B is still worth buying now that we have more advanced models.
Samsung Odyssey G70B Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: Yes
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 DSC x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, USB 3.2 x 3, Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 16″ x 23.04″ x 9.62″
- Weight: 18.25 lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung Odyssey G70B is a midrange model based on what the brand offers in its Odyssey lineup, but it looks like a high-end display. It has a matte black finish which looks clean and sophisticated, especially with that carbon-fiber pattern at the back. The monitor is bezel-free on three sides but has a thick border at the bottom edge.
It’s a larger monitor, so you might want to consider your desk space before buying the trigger. Samsung did reduce the base size compared to its previous models, plus this is a flat-screen, so there is no curve to add more depth. The monitor weighs 18.25 pounds when fully assembled, so it is not as heavy as the other premium models we’ve seen.
Build quality is great with this model, even if it’s not at the top of the Odyssey food chain. The plastics used are clean and sturdy, so the product doesn’t feel cheap or fragile. The included stand can hold the large screen up properly, although there is some slight wobble if your desk isn’t stable enough.
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 has a D-Pad under the bottom bezel, but it’s not as easy to use as a joystick. However, that’s not an issue since this monitor has a remote and the brand’s Tizen OS, which you can find on Samsung TVs. You can also navigate the OS with your mouse and keyboard if it is attached to the monitor.
Understand that having that Tizen OS means that you can use the monitor without a PC or a gaming console. You can basically use it like a Smart TV, so apps like Netflix and Youtube will be usable directly on it. Samsung made some general-purpose monitors like the M8, which had this same function, and we think adding the OS created more value for the consumer.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your convenience. It’s easy to get a comfortable viewing angle for those immersive games that will engross you for hours. You can also use VESA mounts, but we don’t think it’s necessary unless you have other monitors.
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 has a unique connectivity suite because of its Smart features. You get DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 slots, a trio of USB 3.2 slots, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. You will also find an RJ45 LAN port for the internet, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The monitor has built-in speakers to complete its standalone design, but they are merely basic built-ins. This model at least deserved a better pair, although we know those will jack the price up. Most users will already have gaming headsets that are perfect for this anyway, so this is a minor issue.
Display and Performance
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 boasts a 32-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1. This model doesn’t have the mini-LED backlight of its sibling, so it’s limited to HDR 400 certification.
We prefer 32-inch displays for 4K panels since it’s not too sharp for most users. It’s easier to read text or browse, but you don’t lose out on details or sharpness since the high pixel count is still there. The only downside is that you will need a more powerful GPU to reach that 144Hz, which can be expensive if you upgrade in one go.
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 rendered 100% of the sRGB gamut and 98% of DCI-P3 for excellent vibrancy. It’s decently accurate out of the box since the default dE average is only at 1.93. Most users will like the default setup, so only a few minor tweaks will be necessary.
Calibrating the monitor reduced the dE average to 1.04, which isn’t the best we’ve seen but is still excellent for a gaming monitor. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve this, and those aren’t cheap. We can only recommend them if you are doing color-critical work, but a prosumer display should have been your first choice if that’s a priority.
Its backlight peaked at 405 cd/m2 in SDR and 428 cd/m2 when HDR is active. That’s plenty for daily use, but it’s not enough to produce excellent HDR performance. Its contrast reached 1211:1 at 50%, but its edge-lit local dimming couldn’t change it meaningfully.
Panel uniformity is great since there are no significant issues like massive backlight bleeding. However, the panel can show some clouding or haloing in some scenes when the local dimming mode is active. We prefer turning it off since the monitor isn’t great at HDR anyway.
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70’s pixel response time is excellent, so blurring won’t be an issue. You don’t need to set its overdrive beyond the standard setting since it’s already good to go with it. It’s suitable for fast-paced games, but the challenge here is getting to the 144Hz maximum refresh rate.
The Samsung Odyssey G70B is also compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync, so you don’t have to worry about tearing and stuttering. This duality is a must-have since both GPU brands now have excellent 4K solutions. Input lag sits at 4ms at 144Hz, so there is no need to worry about delays while gaming.
Thoughts on the Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70
The Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 is a fantastic choice if you want a 4K 144Hz monitor without going over a thousand. It’s great for PC and console gaming, but it even has a built-in OS so it can be used like a smart TV on its own. It’s built well and priced to compete, so it’s a great buy compared to its closest competitors.
However, there are some aspects that you have to live without, such as the lack of decent speakers. We also think this monitor should have a USB-C slot to complete its versatility. But overall, the Samsung Odyssey G70B S32BG70 is a great pick, although you have to spend more on its higher-end siblings if you want better HDR performance.
Pros:
- Great Color Accuracy
- Excellent Features and Design
- Fast and Responsive
Cons:
- Slightly More Expensive than Competitors
- Limited HDR Performance
About the Author: Paolo is 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 and he believes that it’s 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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