Samsung C27JG50/C32JG50 Review: 27″ 1440p 144Hz Curved Gaming Monitor

A 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor without a VRR technology? Find out how the Samsung C27JG50/C32JG50 performs and compares to its alternatives.

Bottom Line

The Samsung C27JG50/C32JG50 is missing one of the most essential (and free) gaming features. Given that there are equally priced FreeSync models based on the same panel, we recommend avoiding the CJG5 displays unless you happen to stumble upon a huge discount.

Design:
(3.5)
Display:
(4.6)
Performance:
(3.6)
Price/Value:
(4.0)
3.9

The Samsung C27JG50/CJ32JG50 is an affordable 1440p 144Hz curved gaming monitor, however, it’s missing one crucial feature: AMD FreeSync.

So, is it worth the money?

Let’s see.

Note that the CJG5 (Samsung C27JG50, Samsung C32JG50) series is identical to the CJG52 line (Samsung C27JG52, Samsung C32JG52). The model names are determined according to the region they’re sold in.

There are also the Samsung CJG51 and CJG53 series which only consist of 32″ variants (Samsung C32JG51 and Samsung C32JG53). These are the same monitors as the C32JG50 and C32JG52 models except that they have 1080p resolution instead of 1440p.

The C32JG53 is also the only model to support AMD FreeSync.

Note that there are now newer models of the Samsung CJG50 series available, including the Samsung C27JG56 and the Samsung C32JG56.

The CJG56 models feature AMD FreeSync and we highly recommend them over the CJG50 variants.

Image Quality

Based on a VA panel with a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, a 300-nit peak luminance, and true 8-bit color depth (16.7 million colors, 100% sRGB color space coverage), the Samsung CJG5 delivers an immersive viewing experience with vivid black tones and vibrant colors.

In addition, 1440p provides the perfect pixel-per-inch ratio of 108 PPI on the 27″ screen of this curved gaming monitor, which results in sharp details and plenty of screen real estate without any scaling necessary whatsoever.

VA panels also have wide 178-degree viewing angles, so there will be no major shifts, in contrast, brightness, or color when you look at the screen from distorted angles.

In comparison to other panel technologies (IPS and TN), you get the best contrast ratio, but also the slowest response time, which will result in visible trailing of fast-moving objects.

The same panel is used in the more popular MSI Optix MAG271CQ and the Viotek GN27DB/GN27DW 1440p 144Hz FreeSync models, which we’ll cover later in the review.

In fact, the CJG5 monitors are basically the CHG70 (Samsung C27HG70, Samsung C32HG70) displays, but without FreeSync, HDR, or the quantum dot technology.

Performance

Samsung C27jg52 Review

The main downside of the Samsung C27JG50 monitor is that it has no FreeSync support, which is weird considering FreeSync is royalty-free and that its implementation wouldn’t have raised the monitor’s price.

Understandably, this will be a big deal-breaker for most people, especially now that FreeSync works with compatible NVIDIA cards as well.

FreeSync synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate to the GPU’s frame rate, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering within the variable refresh rate (VRR) range, which usually amounts to around 48-144Hz.

Now, at higher frame rates, screen tearing is not that noticeable, so if you’re not sensitive to it, you should consider the Samsung C27JG50.

What’s more, many units of VA panel gaming monitors have the infamous FreeSync brightness flickering issue, which in extreme scenarios makes FreeSync unusable.

Other than that, the performance of the Samsung C27JG50 is very good, with only ~5ms of imperceptible input lag.

Ghosting is visible, especially when dark pixels are involved, but that’s expected from VA panels. And on this monitor, the amount of trailing and motion blur in fast-paced games is tolerable unless you’re a hardcore competitive FPS gamer.

Features

Available gaming features include the Game Mode pre-calibrated picture presets such as FPS, RTS, RPG, and AOS, Low Input Lag Mode, Eye Saver Mode, and Black Equalizer which increases visibility in darker video games.

You will also find all the standard adjustments, such as brightness/contrast, three gamma presets, color temperature settings, image sharpness, etc.

Design & Connectivity

Samsung Cjg5 Review

The Samsung C27JG50 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor has a tilt-only stand (-3­°/17°), but it’s VESA mount compatible with a 75x75mm pattern. Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and a headphones jack.

Price & Similar Monitors

The Samsung C27JG50 price usually amounts to around $300, depending on the region.

For ~$250, you can get the AOC CQ27G2, which is based on the same panel and offers AMD FreeSync, a more ergonomic stand, and a wider color gamut!

Visit our best gaming monitor buyer’s guide for more information and deals.

Conclusion

Overall, due to the lack of AMD FreeSync and the availability of similarly priced models with FreeSync which are based on the same Samsung VA panel, we don’t recommend the CJG50/52 displays unless you find them on a huge sale.

Screen Size27-inch
Screen Curvature1800R
Resolution2560×1440 (WQHD)
Panel TypeVA
Aspect Ratio16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate144Hz
Response Time4ms (GtG)
PortsDisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0
Other PortsHeadphone Jack
Brightness300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio3000:1 (static)
Colors16.7 million (true 8-bit)
VESAYes (75x75mm)

The Pros:

  • Affordable
  • High contrast ratio
  • High pixel density
  • Low input lag

The Cons:

  • No AMD FreeSync
  • Tilt-only design
  • Visible ghosting in fast-paced games
  • No backlight strobing ability

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Joseph Moore

Joseph has probably spent thousands of hours learning about displays in his free time and prior work experience at HP. He now writes and manages DisplayNinja to ensure it stays as the people's favorite resource.