Samsung G3/G30D S27DG30 Review: 1080p 180Hz VA Gaming Monitor

The Samsung S27DG30 is a 27″ 1080p 180Hz flat-screen VA gaming monitor from Samsung’s 2024 G30D entry-level series, which also consists of the 24″ and 32″ models, the S24DG30 and the S32DG30 with the same specs.

Image Quality

The Samsung Odyssey G3 S27DG30 is a 27″ sized display with a screen resolution of 1920×1080, which some users might not like due to the low pixel density of 81.59 PPI (pixels per inch).

In comparison to a 24″ 1080p display with a pixel density of 92.56 PPI, text and fine details won’t be quite as sharp on the 27″ model. In games and while watching videos, this isn’t as noticeable, so if you plan on using the monitor mainly for entertainment purposes, it might not bother you.

Ideally, a 27″ monitor should have a higher screen resolution, at least 2560×1440, and while you can get such a model for a similar price, the 1440p QHD resolution is also more demanding on the GPU, so if you have an entry-level GPU, a 1080p monitor will allow you to maintain higher frame rates.

On the other hand, if you have a mid-range GPU, you should definitely consider a higher resolution or higher refresh rate display instead.

Moving on, the Samsung G30D monitor has a peak brightness of 250-nits, which is the minimum as far as modern LED-backlit displays go, but it can still get more than bright enough under normal lighting conditions.

If you plan on using the monitor in a particularly bright room with studio lighting or facing a window without curtains, you will need a brighter (and more expensive) monitor.

Further, the display has a 95% sRGB color space coverage for vivid colors with no over-saturation and true 8-bit color depth support for 16.7 million colors without having to use FRC, which avoids potential flickering issues.

Next, it uses a VA panel with a high 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, providing you with noticeably deeper blacks than that of IPS and TN panels with a typical contrast ratio of 1,000:1.

On top of that, you get wider viewing angles than you would with TN panels and no IPS glow that’s associated with IPS panels, resulting in an immersive viewing experience, especially when watching darker content in a dark room, which is where the high contrast ratio really stands out.

VA panels still have their downsides though. To start with, the viewing angles aren’t quite as wide as that of IPS panels as the image slightly shifts in gamma and saturation when viewed at certain angles.

This isn’t an issue for everyday use, but if you plan on using the monitor for color-critical work, you should pick an IPS display instead.

Other drawbacks of VA technology include a slower pixel response time speed and unstable VRR performance.

Performance

The Samsung S27DG30 has a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz, which provides you with a huge boost in motion clarity as opposed to the standard 60-75Hz displays.

Sadly, as expected from a budget VA panel, its pixel response time speed cannot keep up with the high refresh rate when it comes to dark pixel transitions, which causes noticeable smearing behind fast-moving objects in darker scenes.

Some gamers won’t be bothered by this, while others find it deal-breaking. However, if you mainly play competitive FPS titles, you should get a gaming monitor with a faster IPS panel instead.

There are three overdrive modes: Standard, Faster and Fastest. We recommend sticking with the Faster mode since ‘Fastest’ can introduce inverse ghosting (pixel overshoot).

Input latency performance, on the other hand, is not an issue with around 4ms of delay, which is imperceptible at 180Hz.

The monitor also supports MBR (Motion Blur Reduction), which uses backlight strobing to reduce motion blur, but due to the monitor’s slow response time speed, it’s not particularly useful as you have to sacrifice image brightness.

MBR also introduces screen flickering that’s invisible to the human eye, but can cause headaches to sensitive users after prolonged use.

Next, the Samsung S27DG30 supports variable refresh rate (VRR) via AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible for tear-free gameplay up to 180FPS.

As is the case with most VA panel gaming monitors, you may encounter some VRR brightness flickering with VRR enabled in games with unsteady frame rates, in in-game menus and loading screens.

We recommend simply disabling VRR in affected games. Also, note that you cannot use VRR and MBR at the same time on this monitor.

Features

Beneath the bottom bezel of the screen, there’s a directional joystick for quick and easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu.

Besides the standard image adjustment tools, such as brightness, contrast and color temperature, you also get access to some advanced settings, including gamma, saturation, automatic input detection, sharpness and aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9 and screen fit).

Useful gaming features include Black Equalizer (improves visibility in dark scenes) and Virtual Aim Point crosshair overlays.

The monitor has a flicker-free backlight (unless MPRT is enabled) and there’s a dedicated low-blue light mode (Eye Saver).

HDR10 is also supported, but since it lacks the required hardware (OLED panel or a mini LED FALD backlight) for a proper HDR viewing experience, we don’t recommend using HDR on this monitor.

Design & Connectivity

The Samsung S27DG30 has a sturdy and fully ergonomic stand with up to 120mm height adjustment, +/- 15° swivel, 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

The screen also has a light matte anti-glare coating that diffuses reflections without making the image too grainy.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, a headphone jack and a USB port for service and firmware updates.

Price & Similar Monitors

The Samsung S27DG30 price ranges from $130 to $230.

At $230, it’s definitely too expensive as you can get 1440p high refresh rate displays in that price range, including the AOC Q27G3XMN with a 336-zone mini LED FALD backlight for proper HDR support.

At $130, it’s worth considering if you’re not sensitive to the slower response time, screen tearing and lower pixel density. Keep in mind that you can find 27″ high refresh rate VA models with a higher 1440p resolution for $160, such as the Koorui 27E6QC.

If you don’t want to deal with ghosting and would rather have smooth VRR performance and wider viewing angles, you can find IPS models in this price range too. The KTC H27T22S has a 1440p 180Hz panel with a wide color gamut and it can be found on sale for $150.

For more information and options in this price range, check out our best monitors under $200 buyer’s guide.

Conclusion

All in all, the Samsung S27DG30 is a decent 27″ 1080p 180Hz gaming monitor with an ergonomic stand that’s worth considering if you don’t mind the drawbacks of VA technology. However, there are also a lot of excellent alternatives available in this price range, which should you check out as well.

Specifications

Screen Size	27-inch
Resolution	1920×1080 (Full HD)
Panel Type	VA
Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate	180Hz
Response Time (GtG)	Not specified
Response Time (MBR)	1ms (MPRT)
Adaptive-Sync	FreeSync (48-180Hz)
Ports	DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0
Other Ports	Headphone Jack, USB (service only)
Brightness	250 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio	3000:1 (static)
Colors	16.7 million (true 8-bit) 95% sRGB
HDR	HDR10
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)