If you’re in the market for an immersive, ultra-wide gaming monitor, two models likely at the top of your list are the Samsung Odyssey G9 and CRG9.
These 49-inch behemoths boast a sharp DQHD resolution, rapid 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and eye-popping 1000R curvature.
But with similar specs and staggering price tags over $1000, you may be wondering – what’s the difference between the G9 and CRG9? Which one is better for gaming, productivity, and your budget?
This comprehensive comparison will break down the pros, cons, key features, and differences to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
Specs | Samsung G9 | Samsung CRG9 |
Screen Size | 49-inch | 49-inch |
Resolution | 5120 x 1440 | 5120 x 1440 |
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 240Hz |
Response Time | 1ms | 1ms |
HDR | QLED, 1000 nit peak | VA panel, 600 nit peak |
Curvature | 1000R | 1000R |
Stand | Slim with less stability | Wider base, more stable |
Ports | DP, HDMI, USB | DP, HDMI, Speakers |
Price | $1099-$1299 | $1200 MSRP |
Display Size And Resolution
The most noticeable trait of both the G9 and CRG9 is their massive 49 inch screens and 32:9 aspect ratio. This provides an incredibly immersive experience that wraps around your peripheral vision, especially suited for racing/flight simulators.
Both monitors boast a dual QHD (DQHD) resolution of 5120 x 1440. This equates to ~1.5x the pixels of an ultrawide 3440 x 1440 display.
So you’re getting UHD-level sharpness, just stretched across a wider canvass. Everything from documents to games will look pin-sharp from up close.
Winner: Tie – same display size and resolution.
Refresh Rate And Response Time
The G9 and CRG9 both feature a 240Hz maximum refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time. This combination delivers an extremely fluid, blur-free gaming experience. Even during intense action scenes with explosions and fast movement, you’ll experience minimal motion blur or ghosting.
240Hz also ensures you can take full advantage of high frame rates above 60 fps from powerful graphics cards. This allows you to enable buttery smooth VRR/G-Sync/Freesync gameplay.
Winner: Tie – same 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
HDR Performance
For high dynamic range performance, the G9 leverages QLED technology to hit a 1000 nit peak brightness and boast “HDR1000” certification.
This allows it to truly take advantage of HDR content by providing hdr-like highlights and excellent contrast/colors.
By comparison, the CRG9 uses a VA panel limited to 600 nits peak brightness and lacks any HDR certifications. So although it can accept an HDR signal, it won’t provide nearly as impactful of an HDR experience compared to the G9.
Winner: Samsung G9 – Significantly higher peak brightness (1000 Vs. 600 nits) and true HDR capabilities.
Design And Ergonomics
The styling of both models is fairly similar – an ultra-wide display with slim bezels, mounted on a T-shaped stand. This stand provides height, tilt and swivel adjustment for ergonomic positioning.
One difference is the CRG9 stand has a wider, more stable base. The lighter G9 is prone to wobbling at peak heights. Most owners wall-mount anyway for these large displays.
For connectivity, both have 2x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.0 inputs to support the bandwidth needed for 240Hz and high resolution. The G9 adds USB ports but lacks speakers, while the CRG9 has an integrated woofer.
Winner: Tie – Mostly similar designs with pros/cons to each stand. The G9 lacks speakers but has USB ports.
Also Read: Choose Between Samsung Odyssey G5 And G7.
Gaming Features
Gaming is where these monitors really strut their stuff. Both are FreeSync 2 and G-Sync Compatible, with dynamic refresh rate technology (DRR). This matches the refresh rate with the frame rate output from your GPU for tear-free, buttery smooth gaming.
Input lag is extremely low at ~2.5ms, providing responsive controls for FPS titles. Both monitors also feature Black Frame Insertion (BFI) which clears motion blur in high action scenes.
For RPGs and strategy games, the CRG9 has a Picture-by-Picture mode. This lets you view content from two inputs side-by-side. The G9 lacks PbP but enables a single cable USB-C connection.
Winner: Tie – Nearly identical gaming features and performance. Both are extremely well suited for all genres.
Price And Value
The Samsung Odyssey G9 originally retailed for $1699, a staggering price. But it can now be found between $1099-$1299, much more reasonable given the capabilities.
Meanwhile, the CRG9 launched at $1299 MSRP and still sells around this price. Given the very similar performance and specs, the CRG9 provides better value at ~$200+ less. Keep in mind the superior HDR on the G9 somewhat balances the pricing.
Winner: Samsung CRG9 – Essentially the same gaming performance as the G9 but costs ~$200+ less.
Also Read: Comparison Between Dell and LG Ultrawides Monitors
Also watch the video!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The CRG9 and G9 offer nearly identical performance and specs, including 240Hz refresh rate and 49-inch QHD screens. The G9 has better HDR with a 1000 nit peak brightness. But the CRG9 costs over $200 less while providing the same core gaming experience. So value-wise, the CRG9 is a better buy for most.
Very few monitors can compete with the Samsung Odyssey G9. Some alternatives with higher resolution or size include:
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: Same 49″ screen but Mini-LED for better HDR
LG UltraGear 48GQ900-B: 48″ 4K OLED display with 120Hz
Dell UltraSharp 49 Curved Monitor: 49″ 5K2K resolution (5120×1440)
Samsung Odyssey Ark: 55″ 4K curved display with mini-LED
Overall though, the G9 provides an unmatched combination of super ultrawide size, 240Hz, and strong HDR performance.
The Samsung Odyssey lineup contains several excellent gaming monitors:
G9: Original 49″ 5K super ultrawide. Best mix of size, resolution and 240Hz.
CRG9: Same as G9 but cheaper and weaker HDR. Great value option.
Neo G9: Mini-LED version of G9 with superior HDR.
G7: 27″ and 32″ 1440p flat gaming monitors with rapid 240Hz refresh. Great performance for the price.
G5: Budget 1080p monitors in 27″ and 32″ sizes. Good entry-level picks.
The original Samsung Odyssey G9 likely provides the best overall mix of immersion, visuals and performance for most gamers. But the Neo G9 takes HDR to another level if your budget allows.
The 49GR85DC monitor from LG is not definitively better than the Samsung Odyssey G9 overall. The key pros of each model are:
49GR85DC
5K2K resolution (5120×1440)
120Hz refresh rate
Nano IPS display with wide viewing angles
Odyssey G9
240Hz refresh rate for ultra smooth gaming
Higher 1000 nit peak brightness
Rapid 1ms GTG response time
49″ screen matches better for simulators
Highly curved 1000R design
The extra resolution on the 49GR85DC is nice but not a game changer from the G9. And the much faster refresh rate and response times on the G9 make it a better choice for fast-paced, competitive gaming needs. The Odyssey G9 also costs less than the GR85DC.
Also Read: Is Lenovo M15 Better Than L15 Monitors?
The Verdict
Overall, the Samsung Odyssey G9 and CRG9 offer nearly identical performance, gaming features, and immersive 49-inch screens. Both will provide jaw-dropping visuals and incredibly smooth 240Hz gaming.
The key advantages of the G9 come down to its superior HDR with QLED panel and 1000 nit peak brightness. For the best overall HDR experience, it wins out. The stylish design is also a plus.
But at $200+ less expensive, the CRG9 provides better value. You get effectively the same gaming experience, just with weaker HDR. The CRG9 stand is also more stable.
So if your budget allows, the G9 is worth it for the impressive HDR. But price-conscious buyers who play in dimmer lighting can save money with the CRG9 without sacrificing much. Either model will satisfy for super ultrawide gaming!