The Samsung S25HG50 is a robust, 144Hz display for gamers who prefer subtle, industrial looks with functional features such as FreeSync for smooth gaming. Samsung has been absent from continuous introductions of gaming monitors in the market, but this year, it seems that the Korean giant is ready to go head to head using its latest slew of excellent models. Like the Samsung CFG70 that came before it, the Samsung S25HG50 aims to enrich consumers’ options with newer and better models.
Samsung S25HG50 Specification
- Screen Size: 25 Inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080p FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Twisted Nematic (TN)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-5°/+15°)
- Stand: Swivel – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 2, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 22.3” x 17.2” x 9.1”
- Weight: 9.7lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung S25HG50 utilizes a timeless, industrial design which isn’t particularly attractive but works well for easy maintenance and quality. The thicker than most bezels are the only downside, however, once the screen is in use, they don’t distract. The cabinet’s matte black finish with a brushed texture looks sophisticated and clean, giving the impression of a business monitor to disguise its gaming pedigree.
The three hot keys on the bottom bezel are for swapping between custom presets you can save in the OSD. Apart from the clear Samsung logo, there is nothing much to see up front. We always love clean, minimalist designs, and the treatment the brand gives its products has always been pleasing without attracting too much attention.
Like its premium models, the brand added its signature joystick button on the back to control the OSD conveniently. The stand attaches to a VESA mounting slot on the manageably-slim bulge. What’s great about this mechanism is it offers a complete range of ergonomics including height adjustments. The Y-shaped base with extended arms looks like they make the whole thing stable, although, on an aesthetic stand point, they are somehow over designed.
The Samsung S25HG50’s I/O is relatively straightforward and modern since it forgoes DVI and VGA ports. Instead, it only carries two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort 1.2a slot for FreeSync operation. There is a 3.5mm jack included, although, we are unsure if this model includes built-in stereo speakers. Samsung skimped a bit on this model because they didn’t bother to include USB convenience receptacles which aren’t usually missed but quite useful when present.
Display and Performance
The Samsung S25HG50 utilizes a 24.5-inch AU Optronics TN panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 1000:1 contrast ratio. Samsung’s choice of using TN instead of their signature SVA modules is surprising, but most probably they are relying on TN’s ability to avoid interlacing to increase sales in the competitive gamer’s choices.
Another exciting but strange aspect of the screen is its unusually high 400cd/m2 brightness. Samsung did not inject Quantum Dot technology into this device, so we are not convinced of the benefits of this level except for a wider adjustment range for improving contrast and eye comfort. The extended color gamut isn’t there unlike on the CFG70 series, but with the maximized potential of advanced 6-bit+FRC TN panels today, the Samsung S25HG50 is shaping up nicely.
Of course, the Samsung S25HG50 includes excellent features we have seen from previous models. Useful tools such as the proprietary Low Blue Light mode with the unique Eye Saver Mode which creates a warmer blue light filter and minimizes contrast. The purpose of this feature is to reduce the adaptation changes of a user’s eyes to varying light levels.
Also, Samsung’s Game Mode which oversaturates images to enrich colors makes a comeback as well, but we prefer a calibrated or tweaked state better for accuracy. Black Equalizer will also be present to adjust gamma curves to enhance detail in darker scenes. These extras are typical gaming monitor bonuses so they could offer out of the box options for users who avoid calibration.
Finally, the Samsung S25HG50’s 144Hz refresh rate is augmented by AMD FreeSync with LFC for buttery smooth gaming. It is speculated that this model will have a functional FreeSync range of 48Hz to 144Hz which is wide enough for a plethora of usage scenarios, although, we can’t imagine modern Radeon cards to have problems with a 1080p screen.
Thoughts
We have little reason to doubt Samsung’s credibility in making monitors even for gaming, but the biggest question that looms on the Samsung S25HG50’s future is its price tag. For a model without Quantum Dot, asking for more or less £270 or $350 USD is a bit too much. In a market where you can get a high-quality 144Hz product with FreeSync like the AOC G2460PF for $200, this more expensive offering might be a hard sell.
But for what it’s worth, the Samsung S25HG50 will be an excellent performer. Even if the brand has only recently joined in the gaming display fray, their products, especially the QD-equipped options, have proven to be fantastic choices for many. Although, we hope we aren’t wrong because, for 350 bucks, the Samsung S25HG50 should be a stellar performer.
Note: The Samsung S25HG50 is currently available in the EU market but stocks will expand to the US and Asian regions shortly
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