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Trying out the LG 27UK850-W 27’ 4K HDR10 IPS Monitor: USB-C with FreeSync (2024)
Introduction
I recently purchased the LG 27UK850-W monitor - below are my thoughts on it after spending a considerable amount of time with it. The monitor boasts a 4K UHD resolution and several features that cater to both my gaming and professional creative work needs. It also has some limitations.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 Inches | Display Resolution Maximum | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | LG | Special Feature | High Dynamic Range, Height Adjustment, Pivot Adjustment, Tilt Adjustment, Anti Glare Screen, USB Hub |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Photos
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Prices
Check prices of the LG 27UK850-W 27’ 4K HDR10 Monitor White on:
Technical Performance and Display
The screen’s 4K UHD resolution is crystal clear and makes images pop with vibrancy. The IPS display contributes to this, offering consistent and accurate colors across various viewing angles. However, the monitor is not without its drawbacks. Here are some key points:
Resolution and Clarity: At 3840 x 2160 pixels, the monitor is sharp, and it’s a game-changer for productivity and entertainment. Whether I’m editing photos or streaming videos, details are crisp.
Response Time and Refresh Rate: With a response time of 5ms and a refresh rate of 60Hz, it’s sufficient for most tasks. Though not the fastest on the market, it’s responsive enough for typical use.
Color Accuracy: The sRGB 99% color gamut is exceptional for creative work. I know what I see on the screen is close to the final output, which is crucial for design projects.
HDR10 Compatibility: This spec enhances the viewing experience with brightness and contrast levels that are a step above standard monitors. Although the Windows HDR settings can be a bit fickle, once adjusted, the difference is noticeable.
There are a few negative aspects to consider as well. The contrast ratio of 1000:1 is standard but doesn’t compare to the high dynamic range you’d get from more premium models. Plus, the 60Hz refresh rate could be a limitation for hardcore gamers accustomed to higher rates, although it’s not something that affects my routine use.
The monitor’s practical features are commendable:
HDR: It does improve the overall visual experience, lifting the quality of the images and videos.
Input Lag: There’s minimal lag when connecting devices, a plus for real-time applications.
Brightness: Adequate for most settings, but I would appreciate more luminosity when dealing with HDR content.
From a personal standpoint, despite these concerns, I’m overall pleased with the LG 27UK850-W’s performance. The resolution meets my expectations for a 4K display, and I appreciate the color accuracy, especially when working on design tasks. The issues I’ve encountered with HDR settings and brightness, while important to consider, aren’t deal-breakers.
In summary, this LG monitor meets the mark for technical performance and display quality, with certain areas where there’s room for improvement. If you’re in the market for a reliable 4K monitor with good color accuracy and don’t require the absolute fastest refresh rates, the 27UK850-W is worth considering.
Connectivity and User Experience
From a practical standpoint, the connectivity and user experience with the LG 27UK850-W monitor have been mostly strong, with a few caveats worth mentioning. My setup, involving this single monitor connected via USB Type-C to my MacBook Pro, feels minimalistic and uncluttered, impacting my daily productivity in positive ways.
Key Features of Connectivity:
USB Type-C: The seamless integration of a single cable solution is hard to overstate. It powers the monitor, transfers data, and charges my laptop. The efficiency gains are tangible—I no longer need to scramble for different cables or power adapters.
USB Ports: Additional ports at the back are a boon for connectivity, allowing devices like my keyboard and mouse to be permanently stationed with the monitor itself. This minimizes the cables leading to my MacBook, maintaining a cleaner workspace.
Audio Jack: Having an audio jack on the monitor simplifies audio setup whenever I prefer not to use Bluetooth headphones.
Drawbacks on the connectivity front are present but not deal-breakers:
Cable Quality: Initially, the USB-C cable provided did not consistently deliver the 60Hz refresh rate. After switching to a higher quality Anker cable, this issue was resolved. It’s a minor annoyance that can be easily rectified, although additional expense for a cable is something to consider.
USB Speed: The USB ports on the back only support USB 2.0 speeds; transferring large files using these ports would not be ideal. For everyday use such as connecting input devices, it should be perfectly serviceable, but not for heavy-duty data transfers.
Moving on, the user experience blends convenience with occasional quirks:
Charging via USB-C: While slower than my MacBook’s original adapter, I appreciate the decluttering benefits with this USB-C’s charging capacity. The freedom from an extra charging cable is liberating and another way the monitor adds ease to my setup.
On/Off Settings: An unexpected quirk was the ‘Disk not ejected properly’ error when my MacBook went to sleep while connected, hinting at some refinement needed in the sleep/wake management over USB-C connection.
Speakers: They are a part of the monitor I had high hopes for, reducing desk clutter even further, but the quality was underwhelming. I ended up resorting to external speakers for a better audio experience.
In essence, the LG 27UK850-W strikes a largely successful balance between advanced connectivity and satisfying user experience, with a couple of technical hiccups that are not insurmountable. The value it offers, especially in clean, integrated setups for power users who appreciate the subtleties of USB-C’s versatility, makes it a worthy consideration.
Design and Aesthetics
Designing a workspace tailored to both efficiency and comfort often boils down to the monitor that becomes a focal point of daily interaction. With the LG 27UK850-W, I’ve found its design and aesthetics to be an inviting aspect of my desk setup. Here’s a rundown of what stands out and where it falls short:
Pros:
Sleek, modern look with a minimal bezel.
Sturdy and adjustable stand.
Matte finish that mitigates glare.
Clean cable management with USB-C connectivity.
Cons:
Stand base could be more compact.
Limited vertical adjustability.
Built-in speakers leave room for improvement.
When I first set up this monitor, I was immediately taken by the virtually borderless design. The thin bezels create an expansive view that’s both impressive to the eye and conducive to a more immersive visual experience. It’s a perfect fit for anyone after a modern and clean-looking desk.
The stand’s ArcLine design adds a touch of sophistication while providing a reliable foundation for the screen. Though the stand feels robust and easily handles tilt and height adjustments, I do wish it had a bit more range, particularly in vertical movement. The fixed height is something to consider, especially if your desk setup requires more flexibility.
The back of the monitor keeps things tidy with USB-C port allowing for neat cable management, which personally helps maintain that minimalist aesthetic I’m after. Plus, the added bonus of charging my laptop with a single cable is a definite plus for the streamlined setup I prefer. However, the bulk and weight of the power cable took me by surprise, and while it makes sense given the 60W charging capability, a lighter cable would’ve been more in line with the overall sleekness of the monitor.
On the downside, the base of the stand is somewhat large, which can be a drawback if you’re tight on desk space. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for stability, but it’s a point worth noting. Also, while I appreciate the inclusion of built-in speakers for those who might need them, I’ve found that they don’t quite measure up to the rest of the monitor’s quality. Sound-wise, there’s a definite need for external speakers to really enjoy any media consumption or editing.
In conclusion, the LG 27UK850-W balances form and function with an emphasis on a sleek, space-saving design. The aesthetics are top-notch with a few trade-offs, but overall, it upholds the stylish, high-tech vibe that I want in my workspace. While the design isn’t without its flaws, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a welcomed addition to my daily routine.
Gaming and Creative Work
In the realm of gaming and creative work, the LG 27UK850-W Monitor stands out as a formidable ally. Boasting a 4K UHD resolution and incorporating AMD FreeSync technology, this monitor has many of the desired characteristics for an immersive and fluid gaming experience. Here, I weigh the benefits against the drawbacks to offer a grounded opinion on its suitability for gamers and creative professionals.
Pros:
The 4K resolution paired with a 27-inch display hits a sweet spot, rendering crisp and detailed graphics without the icons and text being too small, a commonly faced issue with larger displays.
HDR 10 compatibility enhances the visual experience with vibrant color ranges, making both games and creative content pop off the screen.
AMD FreeSync technology minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, providing smoother transitions during high-octane gaming moments.
Cons:
A refresh rate of 60Hz might not satisfy all gamers, especially those accustomed to monitors with 144Hz or higher, which offer even smoother motion.
A response time of 5ms, while decent for most games and creative tasks, may not be the best for ultra-competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.
For creative work, the sRGB 99% color gamut delivers accurate colors, crucial for tasks like photo editing or graphic designing. Moreover, the IPS panel ensures that colors stay true at various angles, an essential factor for those who tend to move around while working or share their screen with collaborators.
However, one of the quirks I noticed is that HDR content requires some fiddling with settings to look right. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but a point to consider for those who require hassle-free content display. And, while the display is truly beautiful for tasks like 3D modeling and Photoshop work, do remember that pushing all those pixels might tax your system a bit more.
In terms of sound, the built-in speakers didn’t impress me much—external speakers or headphones may be necessary for an audio experience that matches the visual quality. Also, watch out for the USB-C functionality; if your system sleeps, it might interrupt connected devices and laptop charging.
To summarize, the LG 27UK850-W is more than capable for gaming and creative work, with just a few considerations to keep in mind. It pairs beautifully with Mac and Windows systems alike, though the true potential of its color and resolution can be unlocked with a bit of tweaking. While not without its minor issues, considering the crisp display and solid feature set, I’d say it’s a strong contender for those seeking a quality monitor without venturing into the realm of ultra-premium prices.