The world of gaming monitors is constantly evolving, with enthusiasts always seeking the perfect blend of visual fidelity and lightning-fast performance. In this quest, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology has emerged as a strong contender, promising unparalleled contrast and vibrant colours. LG, a pioneer in OLED displays, has thrown its hat into the ring with its 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor, aiming to deliver a top-tier gaming experience. Let's delve into what makes this monitor tick, drawing insights.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The unboxing experience of the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitors, specifically the 27GR95QE-B and the 27GS95QE-B, suggests a premium product. LG has paid attention to the packaging, ensuring the monitor arrives safely. Upon opening, the first thing many notice is the razor-thin OLED display, a hallmark of the technology. The design often features a distinctive hexagon lighting element on the back, which LG highlights as a cool aesthetic touch with multiple colour options.
The monitor stand typically comes in a gunmetal grey colour with the LG and UltraGear logos. A user-friendly design is evident in the inclusion of wingtip screws on the base, allowing for tool-less installation. The monitor arm itself often feels premium and sturdy.
LG includes a generous set of accessories. You can expect a power adapter (which is external, keeping the monitor itself light), a high-quality HDMI cable, a USB upstream cable, and a DisplayPort cable. A handy cable management attachment is also usually provided to help keep your setup tidy. A standout inclusion is the remote control, a feature praised for making tasks like switching inputs and navigating the settings menu significantly easier. While the remote typically uses CR2025 batteries, some reviewers express a preference for a rechargeable option.
Stunning Visuals: The OLED Advantage
The core strength of the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitor lies in its display. Featuring a 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and an incredibly fast 0.03 millisecond response time, it promises both visual excellence and smooth, responsive gameplay.
The picture quality is often described as stunning, with the OLED technology delivering deep, rich blacks and amazing colours. This exceptional contrast and colour vibrancy make games and streaming content look phenomenal, showcasing even minute details with impressive clarity. The monitors typically offer a wide colour gamut coverage, often around 97.2% or 98.5% of the DCI-P3 colour space, contributing to the vividness of the display.
However, one recurring point of discussion is the matte coating on the OLED panel. While this anti-glare, low-reflection coating excels at diffusing light sources and making the monitor comfortable to use in bright environments, some display enthusiasts find that it can slightly diminish the perceived beauty and vibrancy of the OLED panel compared to glossy alternatives like those found on Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) displays. Some reviewers noted a "dirty screen effect" on white backgrounds due to the matte finish. Text clarity was also raised as a concern by one reviewer on a matte OLED compared to a glossy QD-OLED, potentially due to the sub-pixel layout.
Brightness is another aspect where OLED technology traditionally differs from LCD. The LG UltraGear 27-inch OLED monitors are noted to be less bright than some competitors. Typical brightness is often around 200-275 nits, with a minimum sometimes stated as 250 nits. While sufficient for comfortable viewing in most settings, especially darker ones, users accustomed to very bright displays might find it less impressive in brightly lit rooms. However, some reviews of the 27GS95QE-B suggest a noticeable brightness boost compared to earlier models like the 27GR95QE-B thanks to LG's latest micro lens array technology. The 27GS95QE-B also boasts a DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, which the previous model lacked.
Blazing-Fast Performance for Gamers
The LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitors are undeniably geared towards gaming. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures exceptionally smooth visuals, crucial for fast-paced action games, providing a competitive edge. Combined with the incredibly low 0.03ms response time, motion blur is virtually eliminated, resulting in crisp and clear images even during intense on-screen activity.
The monitors also feature Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and support AMD FreeSync Premium (or Pro), which work to synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card's output, preventing screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid gaming experience. This adaptive sync technology ensures buttery-smooth gameplay, even when frame rates fluctuate.
The QHD resolution (2560 x 1440) is often considered a sweet spot for gaming on a 27-inch monitor, offering a good balance between visual detail and performance demands. It's less taxing on your graphics card than 4K, allowing more users to achieve high frame rates.
Gaming-specific features often include options for a black stabilizer to enhance visibility in dark scenes, customizable crosshairs, and an FPS counter that can be displayed in any corner of the screen. Some models also offer game mode presets optimized for different game genres. One appreciated feature is the automatic image cleaning that occurs after extended use when the monitor is powered off, helping to prevent OLED burn-in without interrupting gameplay with annoying pop-up reminders. LG also typically offers a 2-year UltraGear OLED warranty for added peace of mind.
Design, Build, and Connectivity
The design of the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitors is generally described as sleek and unassuming, avoiding overly aggressive "gamer" aesthetics, making them suitable for both gaming and professional environments. The thinness of the OLED panel is a standout feature. The stand offers good adjustability, including height, tilt, and swivel, allowing users to find their preferred viewing position. Some models also support pivot functionality for vertical orientation. While the stand is generally sturdy, one reviewer noted that it might not be as weighted as desired, potentially allowing for some sliding with forceful adjustments.
In terms of connectivity, the monitors typically offer two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort, a USB upstream port, and two USB 3.0 downstream ports. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 is crucial for next-generation consoles, enabling high refresh rate gaming at 120Hz on compatible titles. An optical digital output and a headphone port are also usually included for audio. Notably, many models do not have built-in speakers, so external audio solutions are necessary. Some reviewers have expressed a desire for a USB-C port for added connectivity and potentially device charging.
The remote control serves as the primary interface for accessing the full range of monitor settings. While convenient, this reliance on the remote has been a point of criticism. If the remote is lost or damaged, accessing certain advanced features and even basic adjustments beyond power, input, volume, and brightness can become cumbersome, requiring awkward navigation with the power button. Some users would prefer a more traditional on-screen display (OSD) joystick or dedicated buttons for easier menu navigation without the remote.
The Verdict: Is the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Worth It?
The LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitors, such as the 27GR95QE-B and the newer 27GS95QE-B, present a compelling package for gamers seeking exceptional visual quality and top-tier performance. The stunning OLED picture quality, blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and ultra-low 0.03ms response time make for an immersive and highly responsive gaming experience. The inclusion of G-Sync and FreeSync further enhances gameplay smoothness.
However, potential buyers should consider the matte coating and its impact on visual vibrancy compared to glossy OLED alternatives. The brightness levels, while good for an OLED, might not satisfy users who prefer extremely bright displays. The reliance on the remote control for full menu access is another noteworthy consideration.
The pricing of these monitors is also a significant factor. While often positioned in the premium segment, discounts can make them more attractive. Comparing them to competitors, such as Alienware's QD-OLED offerings which might offer higher refresh rates or glossier screens at a similar price point, is crucial before making a decision.
Ultimately, the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitor is a strong contender for gamers who prioritize the visual fidelity of OLED and high refresh rates for competitive gaming. If you value deep blacks, vibrant colours, and incredibly responsive gameplay, and you are comfortable with the trade-offs of a matte coating and the reliance on a remote, this monitor could be an excellent upgrade to level up your gaming experience.