So recently, LG released both their 45-inch and 27-inch OLED monitors, and I’ve had a good amount of time testing out the 45-inch version. However, I really wanted to see if the experience would be any different using the 27-inch model and if there are any significant differences. Right off the bat, I can easily see why people are opting for a 1440p OLED instead of some 4K monitors.
Now, I mainly game on my PlayStation 5 and PC, both of which have performed beyond amazingly, especially on this OLED panel. If you’re a tech and gaming enthusiast like myself, this might just be the monitor you’ve been waiting for. It offers a 1440p resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate, and a remarkable 0.03 millisecond response time. It’s unquestionably one of the best monitors currently available.
I want to clarify that this monitor doesn’t replace my LG C2 OLED in the living room. However, since I often want to game and the living room is usually occupied by my two-year-old, it’s nice to have an OLED display in my own space. So, today, I’ll take you through my setup for both console and PC gaming, discussing all the ups and downs and the full feature set you can expect from this monitor.
In the Box
To conclude and discuss what’s included in the box, it’s relatively straightforward. You’ll find the power brick and cable, an HDMI 2.1 cable, a DisplayPort cable, the USB Upstream cable, as well as the stand. I didn’t focus much on the stand previously, as I mentioned that I prefer using a monitor arm. However, if you do choose to use the stand, it’s definitely decent. It offers height, swivel, and tilt adjustments. Additionally, there’s a small clip for cable management, in case you need it.
The Setup
So the first thing I want to talk about is my setup and why I’ve chosen this monitor. The truth is, I’m slowly becoming an absolute sucker for OLED panels, especially for gaming. In my perspective, there are many upsides with just a few simple downsides.
Primarily, I’ve personally grown to appreciate the look of OLED in general. Having gamed on the LG C2 OLED in my living room for the past year, which was my first OLED experience, I’ve really become accustomed to it. I also had the opportunity to use LG’s 45-inch OLED, which was an incredible experience in itself.
Today, though, my setup features the 27-inch version, which has the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. It’s connected to my PlayStation 5, gaming PC, and work laptop. If you’ve seen any of my other videos, you might already know that I’m absolutely addicted to monitor arms. I’ll discuss the stand that comes with this monitor later, but either way, I am team monitor arm. I just really enjoy having desk space back and prefer the overall aesthetic.
LG 27′ OLED Monitor Ports
Now, let’s discuss the ports on this monitor. It’s actually quite robust and will cover most of your needs for PC and console gaming. With two HDMI 2.1 ports, you can connect multiple consoles or use one of them to connect to a USB dock, as I do. Additionally, there is a DisplayPort, which is ideal for PC gaming. You’ll also find two USB ports, which can be quite useful. However, please note that these USB ports will only work with your PC when connected through the USB Upstream port and cable. Lastly, there is an optical audio out port available.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically speaking, this is one of the most visually appealing displays I’ve ever encountered. The build quality is undeniably exceptional, rivaling even my Apple Studio display. Thanks to the OLED panel, this display is unbelievably thin, and even with the slight back hump, it remains super thin and inconspicuous. The build quality itself is a major draw for me because it exudes a metallic feel, although I believe it is actually made of plastic. Nevertheless, it is exceptionally well constructed.
Personally, I prefer a more minimalistic appearance when it comes to tech, and apart from the stand, this monitor lacks the typical gamer aesthetic. The back features an Ultra Gear emblem and a textured hexagon backing, which adds a touch of flair. While I’m not particularly enthusiastic about RGB lighting, this monitor does have hexa lighting on the back that can be customized to your preferred colors. I usually opt for a crisp white or teal hue.
All in all, this monitor is impeccably built, surpassing expectations in terms of both aesthetics and quality.
LG 27″ Gaming Monitor Specs
What truly impresses me the most about this monitor are the specifications. The main attraction is undoubtedly the 240Hz OLED panel, offering an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, the display boasts an astonishingly low response time of 0.03 milliseconds, so if I find myself frequently dying in games, it’s probably just because of my own lack of skill.
While this OLED display may not reach the same brightness levels as an LED monitor, it still supports HDR and offers an impressive 98.3% color gamut coverage. Console players will be pleased to know that the monitor provides VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, along with AMD FreeSync compatibility.
It’s important to note that if you’re specifically looking for a 4K panel, you won’t find it here. However, the majority of users are quite satisfied with the 1440p resolution that this monitor offers.
Console Gaming
When it comes to console gaming, this monitor is undoubtedly one of the best options you should consider. Its stunning visual appearance is a major factor, particularly if you’re playing on a PlayStation 5 or any of the Xbox Series consoles. Whether you’re enjoying an old or new title, the difference is like a breath of fresh air. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and the blacks are truly deep and rich. Every game looks exceptional on this monitor.
With the HDMI 2.1 ports, you can fully utilize the benefits of a 120Hz variable refresh rate and the lightning-fast 0.03 millisecond response time. Playing games like Call of Duty provides an outstanding experience, as everything runs incredibly smoothly, especially with the added support of AMD FreeSync. I’ve mentioned it before, but titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Cyberpunk 2077 look absolutely incredible in HDR. When you activate HDR mode, the difference is truly noticeable. As for myself, I’ve recently started my first playthrough of Ghost of Tsushima, and I’m simply blown away by the image quality.
PC Gaming
But it’s not just console gaming; for me, gaming on PC is where I can truly satisfy my competitive craving, especially when playing games like Overwatch. That’s one of the few games where I become a true sweat lord. Currently, I hold the rank of Grand Master 3, and I’ve adjusted to playing at a 16:9 aspect ratio, coming from the 21:9 aspect ratio of the 45-inch OLED monitor. Personally, I find the 1440p resolution at 240Hz quite enjoyable since my RTX 2070 isn’t capable of achieving higher refresh rates at 4K. This monitor remains one of the few where I can actually dominate in this game.
On the topic of gaming, I must mention my all-time favorite game, Red Dead Redemption 2, which continues to be an absolute masterpiece, especially on a display like this. Certain moments in the game truly showcase the dynamic range that this monitor offers. Additionally, while playing Ghost of Tsushima recently, I’ve been getting similar immersive vibes. One thing I’ve noticed is that I prefer playing in the Vivid gaming profile compared to the FPS or other modes. This is mainly because the Vivid profile seems to increase the brightness even beyond the default maximum brightness setting, which brings me to all the other gaming-specific features of this monitor.
Gaming Features
There are several features in this monitor that can help improve your gaming experience and make you perform better. Let’s start with VRR, which stands for Variable Refresh Rate. It is incredibly useful because, during gaming, your frame rates can fluctuate depending on what you’re doing in the game. With VRR enabled, especially when using AMD FreeSync, the monitor synchronizes with your console or PC, adjusting to the actual frames being rendered by the GPU. This helps prevent screen tearing or blurring, resulting in smoother gameplay.
Furthermore, you have the option to adjust your black levels, which can be particularly beneficial when playing first-person shooters. Additionally, there are built-in crosshairs available. Initially, I thought crosshairs were just a gimmick, but after using them extensively in Call of Duty, I can definitely see their value. Year after year, Call of Duty weapons have intense recoil, and having the crosshair helps with accuracy. Additionally, there is an FPS counter included, although I personally don’t use it. If you prefer, you can display the current refresh rate by simply opening up the menu.
These features collectively contribute to an enhanced gaming experience, allowing for better control, precision, and visibility.
Other Features and Productivity
Apart from gaming, there are a variety of other tasks you can do on this monitor. While I understand that you’re primarily interested in its gaming capabilities, it’s good to know what else this monitor has to offer. One concern that often arises with OLED displays is the issue of burn-in. However, I can assure you that this monitor incorporates excellent pixel cleaning features to help prevent burn-in. You can adjust the settings to make the cleaning more or less aggressive according to your preferences. In terms of professional work, you might expect a monitor like this to have higher brightness levels. However, even with the window in my office, I haven’t encountered any significant issues while engaging in tasks such as creative work or daily editing. While having a built-in Type-C port with power delivery for laptops would be ideal, you can always utilize a separate dock if needed.
When it comes to both gaming and productivity, this monitor offers numerous features to prevent burn-in, as I previously mentioned. In addition to the pixel cleaning options, there are screen move features that shift the display slightly by one pixel, aiding in the prevention of burn-in. Furthermore, there are various picture modes available, catering to different use cases. Personally, I prefer the Vivid profile. Regarding the RGB lighting, as I mentioned earlier, you have the flexibility to customize it in the menus or set it to cycle through RGB colors. While it may not be the brightest lighting option, it works well in darker environments. It’s worth noting that this monitor has an anti-glare coating, but there is no glossy option. While a glossy display might enhance the visuals, the presence of a window in my setup would create significant glare issues.
It’s important to mention that this monitor does not include built-in speakers. Therefore, you will need to rely on a headset for audio, which can be connected directly to your PC, console, or the built-in headphone jack located at the bottom of the monitor.
Remote
I want to highlight the included remote that comes with the monitor, as it will be your primary tool for navigating the menus. While there is a small knob located at the bottom, I recommend not wasting your time with it. The remote provides convenient access to volume and brightness adjustments, input switching, as well as the OLED cleaning options that I mentioned earlier. Additionally, you’ll find dedicated buttons for quick swapping of profiles or adjusting the RGB lighting. In my opinion, this remote is superior to a traditional knob. Just make sure not to misplace it, as it plays a crucial role in operating the monitor effectively.
Final Thought
So, that concludes my review of the 27-inch OLED monitor from LG. Overall, it’s an outstanding product, but it does come with a somewhat high price tag. I anticipate that LG might release a 4K version in the future, but for now, the 1440p resolution seems to be the sweet spot for the majority of gamers, whether they have newer or older hardware. I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you think it’s worth the $899 price tag? And if so, would you primarily be using it for gaming on a PC or console?
it's an outstanding product, but it does come with a somewhat high price tag.
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Display9
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Design9
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Ports7.5
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Performance8.5
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Gaming8.5
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Features9
2 Comments
Why not get the 42 inch c2 for around the same price? What’s the difference?
Because the C2 is a TV not specifically made for gaming, but you can still play games on it. If you want to game and stream, then you definitely need to get a gaming monitor for comfort experience.