Monitors like the LG 27UK650-W are probably going to get even more popular, as we’ll be spending more time working from home. There’s a lot to like in a big, color-accurate display that you can maneuver around to view the most comfortable angle possible – and, its double points if it’s reasonably priced.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Good SDR contrast
- HDR10 support
- AMD FreeSync
Cons
- 60Hz refresh limit
- Image adjustments not possible in HDR mode
The LG 27UK650-W Ultrafine Display is an ultra-color-accurate 27-inch 4K monitor, with HDR 10, that covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. That alone sounds like an incredibly high-end monitor in. the same class as the Alienware XW3CK, but it comes in at just under-$400, which makes it one of the most approachable 4K monitors for professional creatives working from home.
Design
The 27UK650-W stand and panel ship in three pieces, that you can assemble even without tools. The base is satin-finished cast aluminum, while the upright is made from plastic with a metal core. It locks to the back, or you can use your own mount with the provided 100mm VESA lug nut.
On the front, it sports a flush-bezel design with a thin, 7mm frame around the top and sides. The bottom bezel is a 20mm band, with a silk-screened LG logo. The monitor comes with a single tiny joystick located underneath the center of the panel, it’s super-convenient and works seamlessly; you’ll be zipping through the on-screen display (OSD) easily, thanks to its creative design and responsive operation. The joystick glows a soft white when the monitor is powered on.
The stand is fairly ergonomic with up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, 90° pivot, as well as the aforementioned 100 x 100mm VESA mount compatibility. However, it can’t swivel left/right.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, and a headphones jack, while the LG 27UK850-W includes a USB-C port. FreeSync and HDR are supported over both the HDMI and DP, and both can be used simultaneously.
Performance
The LG 27UK650-W makes a fine productivity monitor, with Windows 10 scaling very well to 4K. Due to its 27-inch size, it’s possible to scale the desktop to 120%, which is still comfortable to work on (without text and icons being too small), while offering more desktop space.
Again, the wider DCI-P3 color gamut and the 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) make it an excellent monitor for photo and video editing, thanks to its ability to accurately reproduce colors. All these helps just if the price tag, if you’re looking for a monitor to work on as well as game on (in fact, the design is free of LEDs that would scream gamer).
The screen uses an IPS (In Plane Switching) panel which offers excellent viewing angles, letting you view the screen from various angles without the colors getting distorted.
For gaming, the response time of 5ms (Gray to Gray) and 60Hz refresh rate aren’t the fastest, but the 27UK650-W still feels responsive on modern games, with no noticeable lag. Playing games at high settings with HDR on and AMD FreeSync technology providing steady refresh rates is something special. However, if you want the very best graphical experience, then a dedicated 4K monitor like the Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx will be a worthy investment.
The Bottom Line
The 27-inch LG 27UK650-W is one of the best, medium-wide professional monitors on the market, that can be used for gaming as well, thanks to its combination of 4K resolution, HDR 10 and AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology. Combined with wide viewing angles on the IPS screen, it delivers astounding visual fidelity and an immersive viewing experience.
However, the Acer Predator XB273K remains our editors’ Choice for any PC gamer who’s looking for a 4K gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, fast 1ms response rate, Display HDR 400 and Nvidia G-Sync technology at a reasonable price.
That said, in this LG 27UK650-W review we’ve found the unit to be an incredibly forward-thinking monitor, and as most of us increasingly work from home, you’ll be well prepared if you have the 27UK650-W. It’s an absolutely wonderful example of the potential of professional productivity on PC.
Recommended Configuration
LG 27UK650-W 27 Inch 4K UHD IPS LED Monitor with HDR 10 and Adjustable Stand
The Review
LG 27UK650-W
For a reasonable price, LG 27UK650-W performs as well as the best 4K displays we’ve reviewed, with decent gaming performance and accurate color calibration for professionals
PROS
- Excellent clarity
- Good SDR contrast
- HDR10 support
- AMD FreeSync
CONS
- 60Hz refresh limit
Review Breakdown
-
EDITORS RATING
