Curved monitors can provide a uniquely immersive gaming experience that pulls you deeper into the action. But with prominent options from both LG and Samsung featuring the latest display technology, it can be tough deciding which brand is the best fit.
As an experienced data analyst and hardware reviewer, I‘ve extensively evaluated monitors from both manufacturers. Below I‘ll compare LG and Samsung‘s curved gaming display lineups in depth to help you determine the ideal monitor for your needs.
Introduction: Curved Gaming Displays
Curved monitors wrap around your field of view for a more engrossing experience than flat screens. This design mitigates eye strain while allowing you to retain focus on imagery at the edges of your peripheral vision. It can provide a particular benefit in gaming contexts by enhancing immersion.
The level of curve is measured by "R" – the lower the number, the more aggressive the curve. Monitors range from a subtle 4000R for desktop work to an intense 1000R for total gaming engagement. Around 1800R is ideal for most, striking a balance between immersion and image accuracy.
| Curve Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| 4000R | Gentle desktop curve |
| 3000R | Moderate curve, good for gaming |
| 2300R | Noticeable curve with immersive effect |
| 1800R | Sweet spot for gaming, wraps around vision |
| 1000R | Very aggressive curve for total immersion |
Both LG and Samsung integrate the latest display innovations into their curved gaming monitor lineups to meet demand from gamers seeking ever greater responsiveness and fidelity.
But with models ranging from 24" to 55", how do you decide? Let‘s compare the curved gaming offerings from each brand.
LG vs. Samsung Gaming Monitors Compared
LG and Samsung take slightly different approaches, but both produce gaming monitors utilizing premium display technologies:
| LG | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Types | Nano IPS, OLED | QLED, QD-OLED |
| Refresh Rate Range | 48Hz – 280Hz+ | 60Hz – 240Hz |
| Aspect Ratios Offered | 16:9, 21:9 UltraWide | 16:9, 32:9 UltraWide |
| DisplayHDR Tiers | 400, 500, 600 | 400, 600, 1000 |
| G-Sync / FreeSync Support | Both standards | Both standards |
| Curve Range | 1500R to 1800R | 1500R to 4000R |
Key monitor models positioning each brand at the cutting edge:
LG UltraGear
LG‘s 2023 OLED UltraGear monitors lead the market in raw liquid-smooth speed with blistering 0.03ms gray-to-gray response times, perfect for hardcore esports pros.
Meanwhile, LG‘s latest Nano IPS options like the 27GP950 deliver stunning color and contrast across a 27" 4K 160Hz panel. This technology leverages nanoparticles to absorb excess light and enhance efficiency.
Rounding out the lineup, the 34GP83A-B UltraGear curved monitor takes advantage of LG‘s lightning-quick IPS to provide a crisp 3440×1440 resolution gaming experience at 175Hz.
Samsung Odyssey
Samsung combats LG‘s OLED displays with cutting-edge Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) technology in its 2023 lineup, enabling next-level contrast and blacks.
The 49" dual QHD Odyssey Neo G9 showcases this with its HDR2000 spec, 240Hz refresh rate, and extreme 1000R curve. Its quantum matrix backlight with 2048 zones takes full advantage of QD-OLED.
Lower in the lineup, monitors like the Odyssey G7 use flat VA panels with Quantum HDR for punchy image quality. A responsive 1000R curved screen remains available on this 32" 1440p option.
Side-By-Side Performance and Features
Comparing the top models head-to-head reveals how these technologies manifest:
| Specification | LG 27GP950 | Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | Nano IPS | QD-OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 160Hz | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms | 1ms |
| Curve Radius | Flat | 1000R |
| Contrast | 1M:1 | 1M:1 |
| HDR | DisplayHDR 600 | DisplayHDR 2000 |
| Resolution | 4K | Dual QHD |
| Inputs | 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP, USB Hub | 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DP, USB Hub |
Gamers will have to weigh factors like refresh rate vs resolution vs HDR capability to determine the ideal fit. While LG dominates on color and clarity, Samsung‘s QD-OLED contrast is difficult to match.
Ultimately personal preference in panel type, size or curvature may play the biggest role in deciding between these two elite curved monitor brands.
Comparing Brand History and Innovations
Analyzing the gaming-focused innovations LG and Samsung have delivered over the past decade further informs their technology leadership:
2013 – Samsung launches its first 100Hz+ gaming monitors including the curved 27" C27HG70 model.
2016 – LG becomes first to market with 144Hz IPS gaming monitors, reducing motion blur.
2017 – Samsung introduces "Quantum Dot" technology for enhanced color and brightness.
2019 – 1ms response time IPS panels debut on LG UltraGear monitors like 27GL850.
2021 – Samsung launches "Odyssey Neo" lineup with advanced Mini-LED backlights.
2022 – LG unveils first 42" OLED TVs positioning them as PC gaming monitors.
2023 – LG adds 27 and 45-inch OLEDs; Samsung counters with Quantum Dot OLED technology.
As evident above, meaningful gaming display innovations now rapidly leapfrog between these Korean rivals. Each responds to the other‘s advances with OLED, Mini-LED, Nano IPS and Quantum Dot breakthroughs benefitting gamers.
This drive for competitive dominance means those seeking the absolute best curved displays will win regardless of brand loyalty. But how do you pick?
Curved Gaming Monitor Recommendations
Based on your primary usage – be it professional/competitive gaming or more recreational game streaming/viewing – I‘d make the following recommendations when evaluating LG vs Samsung:
For Esports & High-Level Competitive Gaming
If you compete professionally, I suggest prioritizing response time and refresh rate above all else. You need your display to keep up with your inputs flawlessly.
For this use case, LG‘s 2023 OLED offerings lead the pack – their nearly instantaneous 0.03ms response leaves zero ambiguity translating your commands into on-screen action. Paired with up to 280Hz refresh, they are unrivaled for esports.
Samsung has yet to debut a 280Hz or OLED curved esports option. While still capable, their fastest remain a half-step behind LG‘s OLED speeds.
For Immersive Single-Player Story Games
For more cinematic, narrative-focused PC gaming, prioritize contrast, color and HDR capabilities for that triple-A visual impact. Here, Samsung‘s QD-OLED curved displays have the upper hand.
Combining quantum dots with OLED self-emitting pixels, these monitors deliver next-level dynamic range and inky blacks. Models like the Odyssey Neo G9 (which boasts DisplayHDR 2000) will immerse you fully into vivid worlds.
LG‘s IPS-based UltraGears still render beautiful, colorful images. But Samsung‘s class-leading contrast ratio paired with extreme 1000R curve gives them the edge for immersion.
For Streaming, Media Viewing & Entertainment
For multimedia usage beyond gaming, color accuracy and off-angle clarity become more vital for enjoyable viewing with others.
Here LG‘s Nano IPS panels shine over Samsung‘s curved VA options. Nanoparticle absorption creates pure, consistent color regardless of viewing position. LG curved screens like the 34GP83A can better represent creative works closely matching content creators‘ intent and retain image accuracy from wider angles than Samsung alternatives.
No slouch, Samsung‘s QLEDs still produce outstanding color – just unable to fully match LG‘s off-axis viewing experience.
Conclusion: Evaluate Your Needs
As you evaluate LG vs Samsung curved screens, carefully analyze your exact usage priorities. While both excel as premium gaming monitors, subtle specification differences make each better suited for particular buyers.
Hardcore esports pros will likely find LG‘s impossibly fast new OLEDs best satisfy their need for absolute display speed above all else. Media creators and live streamers who crave color accuracy can better trust LG‘s stable off-angle viewing angles.
Meanwhile, casual gamers valuing immersive storylines unfold best on Samsung‘s industry-leading QD-OLED contrast complete with inky blacks. Just ensure the complete package – size, resolution, refresh rate, ports – matches your expectations otherwise.
It remains a tight race with both brands closely matched, but I recommend keeping your personal use case front of mind. Let your specific gaming and viewing priorities guide you to the right curved monitor innovation from either LG or Samsung to maximize satisfaction.
And with display breakthroughs rapidly accelerating year-over-year, next-generation models will surely up the ante again soon!
