Samsung's updated gaming monitors curve deeper, hit 240Hz – CNET

Samsung’s finally separating its gaming monitors from the herd under its lesser known Odyssey brand, starting with updates to its high-end 27-, 32- and 49-inch QLED models being launched for CES 2020. The new 49-inch G9 and 27- and 32-inch G7 improve on their CRG9 and CHG70 predecessors with a doubling of the refresh rate to 240Hz (with 1ms MPRT), a slightly jazzier design with a deeper 1000R curve and the addition of G-Sync Compatibility to already existing FreeSync 2 support. They’re not Samsung’s first 240Hz curved monitors — that would have been the CRG5, which shipped in mid-2019 — but they are the first with QLED displays and the new curve radius.

If your ability to immerse yourself in a game depends on a subtle increase in the curve of the screen, you’ll be all over this. While a curve is essential for a monitor as large as 49 inches (unlike a TV) — otherwise you’d have to sit quite far back to see the whole thing — it’s welcome but optional for 32 inches and, in my opinion, a waste at 27. The deeper curve makes it seem even smaller, and if you sit too far back it becomes a detriment. Still, first at 1000R!

The updated design has a textured back and a revamped circular light on the back that’s bigger and brighter.

Otherwise, they retain much of the previous models. For the G9 that means 5,120×1,440 resolution and DisplayHDR 1000 certification, and for the G7 2,560×1,440 resolution with DisplayHDR 600.

Knowing the “how much” and “when” will have to wait, though; they’re not expected to ship until some time between April and June.

Editors’ note: Updated Jan. 3, 2020, with corrected product names.