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LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B Monitor Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Review updated Jan 10, 2024 at 04:29 pm
Latest change: Test bench update Mar 14, 2024 at 11:51 am
LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B Picture
7.8
Mixed Usage
7.8
Office
8.5
Gaming
7.3
Media Consumption
7.9
Media Creation
6.5
HDR

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is a 27-inch lower mid-range gaming monitor with a 1440p IPS screen. The LG 27GP850-B and LG 27GP83B-B are variants of the same model, but the LG 27GP850-B has extra features like refresh rate overclocking, USB ports, and backlight strobing that the LG 27GP83B lacks. It has a good selection of gaming features, including a native 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync and G-SYNC-compatible variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and black frame insertion (BFI). It also includes some extra features, like a virtual crosshair, an FPS counter, and a black stabilizer.

Our Verdict

7.8 Mixed Usage

The LG 27GP850-B is a very good monitor overall. It delivers an excellent gaming experience with low input lag and a fast response time. The large size, high-resolution screen, and good text clarity make it a good choice for office use, and it overcomes glare in a bright room. It's also very good for multimedia or media creation, with outstanding colors and impressive gradients. However, it struggles in darker environments, where deep blacks appear gray and the screen looks cloudy.

Pros
  • Image remains consistent at a wide angle.
  • Great gray uniformity.
  • Incredible response time.
  • Low input lag.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
7.8 Office

The LG 27GP850-B is a good choice for an office monitor. The large, high-resolution screen delivers good text clarity and great screen real estate. It overcomes glare in a bright room, with great peak brightness and good reflection handling. It has outstanding colors in SDR, which is great if your work requires accurate colors, with excellent accuracy before calibration. Unfortunately, the stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction, making it difficult to adjust to your preferred position.

Pros
  • Good reflection handling.
  • Image remains consistent at a wide angle.
  • Great gray uniformity.
  • Outstanding SDR colors.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
8.5 Gaming

The LG 27GP850-B is an excellent gaming monitor. Its high 180Hz refresh rate, fantastic input lag, and superb response time create a highly responsive gaming experience. It has VRR support for FreeSync and is G-SYNC compatible. It performs well in a bright room, as it has great peak brightness and good reflection handling. However, it doesn't perform well in darker environments, as deep blacks appear gray and the screen looks cloudy.

Pros
  • Good reflection handling.
  • Incredible response time.
  • Low input lag.
  • Fast refresh rate.
  • Supports both FreeSync and G-SYNC.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
7.3 Media Consumption

The LG 27GP850-B is a decent choice for watching videos. The large size and wide viewing angles are great for watching the latest viral videos with some friends, and it overcomes glare in a bright room. However, it doesn't perform well in darker environments, as deep blacks appear gray and the screen looks cloudy. Also, the stand can't swivel, so if you need to turn it to share the screen with someone, you have to turn the entire display.

Pros
  • Good reflection handling.
  • Image remains consistent at a wide angle.
  • Great gray uniformity.
  • Outstanding SDR colors.
  • Outstanding gradient handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
  • No local dimming.
7.9 Media Creation

The LG 27GP850-B is a very good monitor for media creation. The large, high-resolution screen makes it easy to see more of your work at once. It's also ideal for sharing your screen with others thanks to its wide viewing angles, though the stand can't swivel. It has great gray uniformity, outstanding gradient handling, and outstanding colors in SDR, ensuring content looks accurate. It handles glare effectively, with great peak brightness and good reflection handling, but it doesn't look as good in a dark room as deep blacks appear gray, and the screen looks cloudy.

Pros
  • Good reflection handling.
  • Image remains consistent at a wide angle.
  • Great gray uniformity.
  • Outstanding SDR colors.
  • Outstanding gradient handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
6.5 HDR

The LG 27GP850-B has adequate HDR performance. It displays a wide range of colors with good tone mapping, and HDR colors look vivid. However, it has disappointing contrast, with deep blacks appearing gray in a darker room. Additionally, backlight bleed is visible in darker environments, causing very dark scenes to appear cloudy. Also, it has only decent HDR brightness, so highlights won't pop.

Pros
  • Outstanding gradient handling.
  • Excellent HDR color gamut.
  • Great HDR color volume.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Stand can't swivel and can only rotate in one direction.
  • No local dimming.
  • Fair HDR brightness.
  • 7.8 Mixed Usage
  • 7.8 Office
  • 8.5 Gaming
  • 7.3 Media Consumption
  • 7.9 Media Creation
  • 6.5 HDR
  1. Updated Jan 10, 2024: Updated text to reflect changes with Test Bench 1.2.
  2. Updated Dec 14, 2023: Clarified the differences between this monitor and its variant, the LG 27GP83B-B, in the Variants section.
  3. Updated Nov 28, 2023: Added that the new LG 27GR83Q-B has a higher 240Hz Refresh Rate.
  4. Updated Sep 19, 2023: Added that the Dell Alienware AW2724DM supports HDMI Forum VRR, which this monitor doesn't support.
  5. Updated Apr 14, 2023: Confirmed that 1440p works on this monitor with the PS5.
  6. Updated May 02, 2022: We tested the monitor with the PS5's new variable refresh rate feature and confirmed that it's not compatible, since the PS5 only supports HDMI Forum VRR.
  7. Updated Apr 08, 2022: Updated to Test Bench 1.2, resulting in changes to the results and scores with the Response Time and Input Lag. Added tests for Console Compatibility and macOS compatibility and made minor changes to other tests, which you can see in our Changelog.
  8. Updated Jul 14, 2021: Review published.
  9. Updated Jul 12, 2021: Early access published.
  10. Updated Jun 29, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  11. Updated Jun 25, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  12. Updated Jun 10, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 27-inch LG 27GP850-B, which is also available as the LG 27GP83B-B at different retailers. The 27GP83B-B has fewer features, as it lacks overclock, USB ports, and a backlight strobing feature, but otherwise, it performs the same. You can see the differences between them below. There's also a 32-inch LG 32GP850-B available, but that's a different monitor.

Model Size Resolution Max Refresh Rate BFI USB
27GP850-B 27" 2560x1440 180Hz Yes 2x USB-A
1x USB-B
27GP83B-B 27" 2560x1440 165Hz No  1x USB-A
(Service Only)

Our unit was manufactured in April 2021; you can see the label here.

Compared To Other Monitors

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is an excellent gaming monitor with a few extra features. It delivers excellent gaming performance, but like all IPS panels, it's not as well-suited for a dark room. Among 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors, it delivers a great overall experience in the lower mid-range tier if you're looking for something that prioritizes gaming performance over productivity features like a USB-C hub or a KVM switch.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best 27-inch monitors, the best gaming monitors, and the best 1440p monitors.

Dell G2724D

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Dell G2724D are both excellent 1440p gaming monitors, with a few differences. The LG  has an overclock feature to go up to 180Hz, and they have similar motion handling, but the LG has a backlight strobing feature to reduce persistence blur. The LG has a few extra features, like a USB hub, but the Dell supports VRR with the PS5, which the LG doesn't.

MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are similar 1440p, 27-inch monitors, but there are a few differences. The MSI has a few extra features for office use, like an ergonomic stand and a USB-C input that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. However, colors look oversaturated, and the color accuracy is much better on the LG. The LG is also slightly better for gaming because it supports DP 1.4 bandwidth, allowing you to reach a higher refresh rate, and the motion handling is a bit better with lower frame rate signals.

LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is better than the LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B, but the differences are minor and might not matter to everyone. The 27GP850-B has a slightly faster refresh rate, resulting in better motion handling and a touch less motion blur behind fast-moving objects. The 27GP850-B also has an optional black frame insertion feature, but most people won't use this when gaming anyway.

Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0)

The Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0) and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are very similar overall. The Gigabyte has a better vertical viewing angle, and the unit we bought has better accuracy out of the box. The LG has a faster refresh rate and a faster response time, making it a slightly better choice for most gamers.

Gigabyte M27Q X

The Gigabyte M27Q X and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are pretty similar overall. The Gigabyte has a higher native refresh rate, but this doesn't really translate to better motion handling, as the LG looks a bit better overall, especially when gaming on a console below the monitor's max refresh rate. The Gigabyte has better connectivity and more features, with high bandwidth USB-C and a built-in keyboard, video, and mouse switch.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is slightly better than the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A for gaming, but the ASUS is better for office use. The LG has a much faster response time, resulting in clearer motion with less blur behind fast-moving objects. On the other hand, the ASUS has much better ergonomics, so it might be slightly easier to place it in an ideal viewing position.

LG 27GN800-B

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is much better than the LG 27GN800-B. The 27GP850-B has much better ergonomics, a faster refresh rate, and it's brighter in HDR. The 27GP850-B also has better text clarity and better connectivity, as it has a built-in USB hub.

ASUS TUF VG27AQ

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is slightly better than the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B for most uses, but the LG is better for gaming. The ASUS has much better ergonomics, so it might be easier to find an ideal viewing position. The ASUS also has a more versatile black frame insertion feature, as it's available across a wider range of refresh rates. The LG is better for gaming, though, as it has a much faster response time, especially for console gamers.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is better than the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B for most uses, but the difference is very minor. The ASUS has better ergonomics, as the stand can swivel, and it has a slightly better height and tilt range. The ASUS seems to be better built and has RGB bias-lighting on the back. On the other hand, the LG is brighter, and it has a slightly faster response time.

Samsung Odyssey G5/G51C S27CG51

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Samsung Odyssey G5/G51C S27CG51 are both low-cost 1440p gaming monitors, but there are a few differences. The LG is better for most gamers as it has a much faster response time, leading to sharper motion, and it has an overclock for a slightly higher 180Hz refresh rate. The LG also has two USB-A ports to connect your peripherals. Lastly, while the LG is better for use in well-lit rooms thanks to its higher peak brightness, the Samsung is better for dark rooms as it has a higher contrast ratio.

Samsung Odyssey G7 C32G75T

The Samsung Odyssey G7 C32G75T and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B use different panel technologies, each with strengths and weaknesses. The LG has better viewing angles, but this comes at the expense of contrast. The Samsung has much better contrast, so it's a better choice for a dark room. The Samsung's black frame insertion (BFI) feature is far more versatile, as it's available across the entire refresh rate range of the monitor, as low as 60Hz, while the BFI on the LG is only available in a narrow range.

Dell S2721DGF

The Dell S2721DGF and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are very similar, each with strengths and weaknesses. The LG has an optional black frame insertion feature, which can help reduce the amount of persistence blur seen on-screen. The Dell has a more versatile stand, as it can swivel and switch to portrait orientation on either side, and it feels a bit better built than the LG.

LG 27GR83Q-B

The LG 27GR83Q-B is a newer monitor than the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B, but it isn't a direct replacement either. This is because the 27GR83Q-B has a higher 240Hz refresh rate, and it also supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, which the 27GP850-B doesn't support, and this allows the 27GR83Q-B to take advantage of modern graphics cards and gaming consoles. The 27GP850-B displays more colors accurately, but other than that, the two monitors perform similarly.

Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0)

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) are both 1440p gaming monitors, but there are a few differences. The LG has an advantage in gaming because of its faster response time at any refresh rate and better reflection handling, which is ideal if you want to use it in a well-lit room. On the other hand, the Gigabyte has a few extra features for office use as it has a USB-C port and KVM switch, making it ideal for multitasking.

Dell Alienware AW2724DM

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Dell Alienware AW2724DM are both excellent lower mid-range 1440p gaming monitors. They each have a max refresh rate of 180Hz, and motion handling is fantastic between each, but the LG has a backlight strobing feature to reduce persistence blur. The Dell gets brighter, so it's slightly better to use in bright rooms, but the LG is a bit better for use in dark rooms, or for watching HDR content, because it doesn't have a local dimming feature that worsens the contrast like on the Dell.

Samsung Odyssey G5 S27AG50

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Samsung Odyssey G5 S27AG50 are both excellent gaming monitors with similar features. They both have a 1440p resolution with native FreeSync support and a 165Hz refresh rate, but you can overclock the refresh rate to 180Hz on the LG. Motion handling is superb on each, and they both have low input lag for gaming, but there are a few differences in other areas. The LG displays a wide color gamut for HDR content, which the Samsung doesn't, but it doesn't add much because neither deliver a satisfying HDR experience. The LG also has two USB 3.0 inputs, while the Samsung has a USB input for service inputs, but the Samsung has much better ergonomics because you can swivel it.

LG 32GP850-B

The LG 32GP850-B and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are nearly identical. The 32 inch model is more accurate out of the box, and the 27 inch model has better text clarity due to the higher pixel density. Other than that, the differences between these models can almost entirely be attributed to panel variance.

Gigabyte M27Q P

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Gigabyte M27Q P are both impressive 1440p gaming monitors. They each have a 165Hz native refresh rate with overclock features, as the LG goes up to 180Hz and the Gigabyte goes up to 170Hz. The LG has better motion handling, especially at the max refresh rate, and it also has lower input lag at 60Hz. On the other hand, the Gigabyte has a few extra productivity features, like a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and a KVM switch.

LG 27GN850-B/27GN880-B

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is a bit better than the LG 27GN850-B/27GN880-B. The 27GP850 has a higher refresh rate, resulting in a faster response time and clearer motion. The 27GP850 also has an optional black frame insertion feature to reduce the appearance of persistence blur, but it's a bit limited and only works over a narrow refresh rate range. Finally, the 27GP850 has slightly better connectivity, with a built-in USB hub.

Acer Nitro XV272U KVbmiiprzx

The Acer Nitro XV272U KVbmiiprzx and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B have very similar gaming performances. The main differences between them are in the features. The Acer has significantly better ergonomics because it allows for swivel adjustments, more USB ports, and built-in speakers.

Gigabyte G27Q

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is better than the Gigabyte G27Q gaming-wise because it has a higher refresh rate and a much better response time, especially at 60Hz. The LG can display a wider range of colors in HDR, but it doesn't get nearly as bright as the Gigabyte. The LG allows for rotation to portrait mode, whereas the Gigabyte doesn't.

LG 27GP950-B

The LG 27GP950-B is slightly better than the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B. The 27GP950-B has a higher resolution screen, delivering a more immersive gaming experience and better text clarity. The 27GP950-B also has two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a better choice for next-gen console gamers. On the other hand, the 27GP850-B has much better reflection handling, so it might be a better choice if you're in a bright room.

Samsung Odyssey G5/G55A S27AG55

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B is significantly better than the Samsung Odyssey G5/G55A S27AG55. The LG has much better ergonomics, so it's easier to place it in an ideal viewing position. The LG also has much better gaming performance, with a significantly faster response time, so motion looks smoother overall, with less blur behind fast-moving objects. The LG also gets brighter and has a wider viewing angle, so the image remains accurate to the sides if you're sitting close to the screen.

Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70

The Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70 and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are both excellent for gaming, but they have different features. The Samsung has a 4k resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the LG has a 1440p resolution and a higher 180Hz max refresh rate. The LG has a slightly better response time, especially at 60Hz, and it's better for bright rooms because it gets brighter and has better reflection handling. However, the Samsung is a better choice for console gaming thanks to its HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it has a local dimming feature, which the LG doesn't have, but it causes blooming around bright objects.

Gigabyte M32Q

The Gigabyte M32Q is slightly better than the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B. The Gigabyte has better vertical viewing angles, slightly better ergonomics, a more versatile black frame insertion feature that's available over a wider range of refresh rates, and it has a larger screen. The Gigabyte also offers slightly better connectivity, with a built-in KVM and USB-C port.

ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM

The ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B deliver very similar performance, each with strengths and weaknesses. The ASUS has better ergonomics, so it's easier to place it in an ideal viewing position. On the other hand, the LG has a faster response time at the max refresh rate, and it has an optional backlight strobing feature to improve the appearance of motion.

LG 27GN950-B

The LG 27GN950-B and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B are both great gaming monitors from the same lineup, with similar designs and gaming performances. The main difference is that the 27GN950-B is a 4k model with a 160Hz refresh rate, while the 27GP850-B is a 1440p model with a 180Hz refresh rate. In HDR, the 27GP850-B has a much wider color gamut, but the 27GN950-B gets a lot brighter to make highlights pop.

Dell Alienware AW2721D

The Dell Alienware AW2721D and the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B offer similar performance all-around, but there are some differences between them, so which one is better depends on your needs. The Dell has much better ergonomics, so it's easier to place in an ideal viewing position, and it seems to have much better build quality. If those don't matter to you, the LG has better reflection handling, a better response time, and an optional black frame insertion feature to improve motion handling.

Razer Raptor 27 165Hz

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Razer Raptor 27 165Hz are both great monitors. They each have a 1440p resolution with a 165Hz native refresh rate, but you can overclock the LG to 180Hz. Motion looks better on the LG thanks to the quicker response times, and its stand can rotate into portrait mode. On the other hand, the Razer's stand can tilt a full 90 degrees backwards, and it has a better selection of inputs because there's a USB-C input.

Dell P3223DE

The LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B and the Dell P3223DE are different types of 1440p monitors. The LG is a gaming monitor with a high 180Hz refresh rate and VRR support for a tear-free gaming experience. Because of that, it also has a quicker response time for smoother motion handling. On the other hand, the Dell is an office monitor with two more USB 3.0 ports compared to the LG, it has a USB-C input, and it has much better ergonomics that make it easier to place in an ideal position.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Curved
No
Curve Radius
Not Curved

The design is nearly identical to the other LG UltraGear monitors we've tested. The red accents give the monitor a bit of a gaming-oriented design, but it doesn't stand out that much. The thin bezels make it a great choice for a multi-monitor setup.

Design
Accelerated Longevity Test
Uniformity Pictures N/A
7.0
Design
Build Quality

The LG 27GP850 has decent build quality. The materials used are okay, but they're almost entirely plastic. One of the panels at the back of our unit is a bit loose, and there's some flex in the plastic, but these aren't significant issues.

7.1
Design
Ergonomics
Height Adjustment
4.3" (11.0 cm)
Tilt Range
-15° to 5°
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Clockwise
Swivel Range
No swivel
Wall Mount
VESA 100x100

The ergonomics are decent. It has excellent height adjustment and adequate tilt range, allowing you to position it however you want. While you can rotate it into portrait orientation, you can only do so in one direction, so the inputs will always be on top. The back of the monitor is plain, with a large circular red ring. There's no RGB bias-lighting, and the notch in the stand for cable management isn't very useful.

Design
Stand
Base Width
16.7" (42.5 cm)
Base Depth
11.5" (29.3 cm)
Thickness (With Display)
8.9" (22.6 cm)
Weight (With Display)
13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)

The chevron-shaped stand has a wide footprint but only takes up a little space overall. The stand is okay, though it only partially prevents the display from wobbling.

Design
Display
Size
27"
Housing Width
24.2" (61.5 cm)
Housing Height
14.4" (36.5 cm)
Thickness (Without Stand)
2.0" (5.1 cm)
Weight (Without Stand)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Borders Size (Bezels)
0.3" (0.8 cm)
Design
Controls

There's a single joystick underneath the center of the monitor to control the on-screen display.

Design
In The Box
Power Supply
External Brick

  • User manuals
  • Factory calibration report
  • Manual/driver CD
  • Power adapter
  • DisplayPort cable
  • HDMI cable
  • USB-B cable

Picture Quality
5.6
Picture Quality
Contrast
Native Contrast
807 : 1
Contrast With Local Dimming
N/A

The contrast is disappointing, and blacks look gray in a dark room. It doesn't have a local dimming feature to improve it.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Edge

This monitor doesn't have a local dimming feature. We still film these videos on the monitor so that you can compare the backlight performance with a monitor that has local dimming.

8.0
Picture Quality
SDR Brightness
Real Scene
349 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
364 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
364 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
365 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
365 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
365 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
364 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
364 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
364 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
365 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
365 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.000
Minimum Brightness
22 cd/m²

The SDR brightness is great, but it's not quite as bright as the Gigabyte M27Q X. There's no noticeable variation in brightness with different content, and it overcomes glare in a bright room.

These measurements were taken after calibration in the 'Gamer 1' Game Mode, with the backlight at max.

7.1
Picture Quality
HDR Brightness
VESA DisplayHDR Certification
DisplayHDR 400
Real Scene
465 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
471 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
472 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
473 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
473 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
472 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
470 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
471 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
472 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
472 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
472 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.000

The peak brightness is decent in HDR. While it's bright enough for most games, highlights won't pop in brighter scenes. It struggles with EOTF tracking, as dark scenes are overbrightened. However, it does have a sharp roll-off, and highlights display accurately up to its maximum brightness level.

These measurements are taken in the 'Gamer 1' Game Mode, with the backlight at max and HDR enabled.

8.4
Picture Quality
Horizontal Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Left
45°
Color Washout From Right
45°
Color Shift From Left
52°
Color Shift From Right
53°
Brightness Loss From Left
48°
Brightness Loss From Right
49°
Black Level Raise From Left
70°
Black Level Raise From Right
70°
Gamma Shift From Left
58°
Gamma Shift From Right
57°

The horizontal viewing angle is great. It works well for sharing your screen with someone sitting next to you, as they'll see a consistent image from the sides.

6.3
Picture Quality
Vertical Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Below
30°
Color Washout From Above
34°
Color Shift From Below
25°
Color Shift From Above
39°
Brightness Loss From Below
37°
Brightness Loss From Above
40°
Black Level Raise From Below
22°
Black Level Raise From Above
37°
Gamma Shift From Below
27°
Gamma Shift From Above
34°

The vertical viewing angle is mediocre. The image looks somewhat washed out if you're standing up and looking down at the monitor.

8.0
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
2.607%
50% DSE
0.147%

The monitor has great gray uniformity. The corners of the screen are a bit darker than the center, but there's very little dirty screen effect near the center of the screen.

5.7
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
2.189%
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
N/A

The monitor has disappointing black uniformity. The entire screen appears cloudy, and there are some issues with backlight bleed around the edges.

8.5
Picture Quality
Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
Picture Mode
sRGB
sRGB Gamut Area xy
101.4%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
3.35
Color Temperature (Avg.)
5,950 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.05
Color dE (Avg.)
2.54
Contrast Setting
70
RGB Settings
Default
Gamma Setting
Default
Brightness Setting
22
Measured Brightness
119 cd/m²
Brightness Locked
No

The pre-calibration color accuracy is excellent in the sRGB mode. While there are some issues with the white balance, especially in brighter shades, most colors are fairly accurate. Gamma is below the sRGB target curve, and all scenes are brighter than they should be. The color temperature is a bit warm, giving everything a red tint.

The 'sRGB' Game Mode locks out a few settings, like Black Level, Variable Backlight, and Sharpness. You can adjust the locked settings in an alternative picture mode that's less accurate, as you can see here in 'Gamer 1'.

9.7
Picture Quality
Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
Picture Mode
Gamer 1
sRGB Gamut Area xy
101.3%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
0.64
Color Temperature (Avg.)
6,499 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.18
Color dE (Avg.)
0.37
Contrast Setting
68
RGB Settings
50-50-47
Gamma Setting
Mode 2
Brightness Setting
21
Measured Brightness
99 cd/m²
ICC Profile
Download

After calibration, the LG 27GP850-B has exceptional accuracy. There are no noticeable issues with the white balance or color accuracy. Gamma is close to the target curve, but both very dark and very bright scenes are too bright. The color temperature is almost perfect.

9.6
Picture Quality
SDR Color Gamut
sRGB Coverage xy
99.9%
sRGB Picture Mode
Gamer 1
Adobe RGB Coverage xy
87.7%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Gamer 1

The monitor's SDR color gamut is superb. It can display the entire sRGB color space used by most desktop and web content. Coverage of the wider Adobe RGB color space used mainly for professional content creation is good, but it can't display the full range of greens.

9.6
Picture Quality
SDR Color Volume
sRGB In ICtCp
96.9%
sRGB Picture Mode
Gamer 1
Adobe RGB In ICtCp
90.4%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Gamer 1

The LG 27GP850-B monitor has fantastic SDR color volume. Due to the low contrast ratio, it can't display colors at low luminance levels very well. Typical for LCDs, it also can't display very bright blues, but this isn't that noticeable.

8.8
Picture Quality
HDR Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
Yes
DCI-P3 Coverage xy
95.6%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Gamer 1
Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
70.4%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Gamer 1

The monitor has an excellent HDR color gamut. It can display nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space used by most current HDR content but falls short of the red and green primaries.

8.0
Picture Quality
HDR Color Volume
DCI-P3 In ICtCp
82.2%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Gamer 1
Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
62.2%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Gamer 1

The monitor has great HDR color volume. However, it can't reproduce very dark shades and colors, with darker colors appearing gray or very undersaturated.

7.6
Picture Quality
Reflections
Screen Finish
Matte
Total Reflections
5.2%
Indirect Reflections
3.2%
Calculated Direct Reflections
2.0%

The reflection handling is good, and the monitor's great peak brightness ensures glare isn't an issue in brighter rooms.

7.5
Picture Quality
Text Clarity
Pixel Type
IPS
Subpixel Layout
RGB

The text clarity is good. Enabling Windows ClearType (top photo) improves text clarity, while turning it off causes clarity issues with diagonal lines (bottom photo). These photos are in Windows 10.

9.6
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
10 Bit

The gradient handling is exceptional. There's some banding, especially in darker shades, but this isn't that noticeable with regular content.

Motion
8.7
Motion
Refresh Rate
Native Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Max Refresh Rate
180 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP
180 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
144 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
180 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
60 Hz

The refresh rate is very high and includes a built-in factory overclock to 180Hz.

Motion
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
FreeSync
Yes
G-SYNC
Compatible (NVIDIA Certified)
VRR Maximum
180 Hz
VRR Minimum
< 20 Hz
VRR Supported Connectors
DisplayPort, HDMI
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes

This monitor supports FreeSync over both DisplayPort and HDMI, while its G-SYNC compatibility only works over DisplayPort. It also supports Low Framerate Compensation (LFC) so that VRR continues working at lower refresh rates.

9.1
Motion
Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
3.7 ms
Total Response Time
6.8 ms
Overshoot Error
0.0%
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
5.2 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
11.1 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
0.0%

Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
OffChartTablePhoto
NormalChartTablePhoto
FastChartTablePhoto
FasterChartTablePhoto

The LG 27GP850-B has an incredibly fast response time at the max refresh rate of 180Hz. The Response Time setting of 'Normal' results in no overshoot and minimal noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. In the 'Fast' mode, the rise/fall time is slightly faster, but the total response time is about the same, and there's some overshoot. The 'Faster' setting has terrible overshoot.

At 165Hz, the monitor behaves nearly identically, with the 'Normal' mode producing the best results.

9.0
Motion
Response Time @ 120Hz
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
3.6 ms
Total Response Time
7.2 ms
Overshoot Error
0.6%
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
4.9 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
11.3 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
2.9%

Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
OffChartTablePhoto
NormalChartTablePhoto
FastChartTablePhoto
FasterChartTablePhoto

The response time at 120Hz is incredibly fast. With the Response Time setting of 'Normal', there's very minimal overshoot and only small amounts of blur behind fast-moving objects. Using the 'Fast' or 'Faster' settings increases total response time and overshoot.

8.1
Motion
Response Time @ 60Hz
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
3.7 ms
Total Response Time
13.4 ms
Overshoot Error
2.3%
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
4.8 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
21.4 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
6.7%

Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
OffChartTablePhoto
NormalChartTablePhoto
FastChartTablePhoto
FasterChartTablePhoto

At 60Hz, the monitor has a great response time. The Response Time setting of 'Normal' has the fastest rise/fall times with acceptable overshoot. Unlike at higher refresh rates, at 60Hz, 'Normal' has a slightly slower response time and a small amount of overshoot compared to 'Off'. However, you may prefer to leave it set to 'Normal' at all times, as you'll have to change the Response Time setting manually if the frame rate of your game drops in VRR or when changing refresh rates.

Motion
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
Yes
Maximum Frequency
165 Hz
Minimum Frequency
120 Hz
Longest Pulse Width Brightness
136 cd/m²
Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
136 cd/m²
Pulse Width Control
No
Pulse Phase Control
No
Pulse Amplitude Control
Yes
VRR At The Same Time
No

Refresh RateBFI SettingMotion Blur Photo
165HzOnPhoto
120HzOnPhoto

The LG 27GP850-B has an optional backlight strobing feature, also known as black frame insertion (BFI), that can reduce the appearance of persistence blur. The BFI feature on this monitor has a limited range of supported refresh rates, as it doesn't work below 120Hz. Unfortunately, this feature doesn't work if the optional overclock is enabled or if the variable refresh rate feature is enabled. Enabling this feature causes some duplications in motion, as seen to the left of our moving logo image.

When reviewers first received review units, this monitor supported BFI at the same time as a variable refresh rate. On the retail unit we bought, this feature is no longer available, and LG has confirmed this change; you can read more about it here.

10
Motion
Image Flicker
Flicker-Free
Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
0 Hz

The backlight remains flicker-free at all brightness levels, which helps reduce eye strain if you're sensitive to it.

Inputs
9.0
Inputs
Input Lag
Native Resolution @ Max Hz
3.6 ms
Native Resolution @ 120Hz
4.9 ms
Native Resolution @ 60Hz
9.1 ms
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
4.4 ms

This monitor has extremely low input lag for a responsive feel while gaming.

8.0
Inputs
Resolution And Size
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Megapixels
3.7 MP
Pixel Density
109 PPI
Measured Screen Diagonal
27.0"
Screen Area
311 in²
7.0
Inputs
PS5 Compatibility
4k @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
Yes
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
Yes
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
HDR
Yes
VRR
No

The PS5 compatibility is decent. It supports 1440p @ 120Hz when connected to the PS5 and can downscale 4k @ 60Hz signals, resulting in a more detailed image than native 1440p. However, it lacks VRR support and can't display a 4k @ 120Hz signal from the PS5.

9.2
Inputs
Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
4k @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
Yes
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
Yes
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
HDR
Yes
VRR
Yes

The Xbox Series X|S compatibility is superb. It supports 1440p @ 120Hz with VRR and can downscale 4k @ 60Hz signals, resulting in a more detailed image than native 1440p. However, it doesn't support 4k @ 120Hz.

Inputs
Inputs Photos

This monitor has a built-in USB hub.

Inputs
Video And Audio Ports
DisplayPort
1 (DP 1.4)
Mini DisplayPort
No
HDMI
2 (HDMI 2.0)
HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
No HDMI 2.1
DVI
No
VGA
No
Daisy Chaining
No
3.5mm Audio Out
1
HDR10
Yes
3.5mm Audio In
No
3.5mm Microphone In
No
Inputs
USB
USB-A Ports
2
USB-A Rated Speed
5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
USB-B Upstream Port
Yes
USB-C Ports
0
USB-C Upstream
No USB-C Ports
USB-C Rated Speed
No USB-C Ports
USB-C Power Delivery
No USB-C Ports
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
No USB-C Ports
Thunderbolt
No

This monitor only has two USB 3.0 ports. However, if you want a more office-friendly monitor with a USB-C port, check out the Dell P3223DE.

Inputs
macOS Compatibility

The monitor works well with macOS. HDR and VRR both function effectively while gaming. However, there's some minor flickering with a variable refresh rate when switching from 48Hz to a higher framerate. Additionally, macOS detects this as a 31.5-inch display, but this doesn't impact performance. If you're using a MacBook, windows sometimes don't return to their original position if you close the lid.

Features
Features
Additional Features
Speakers
No
RGB Illumination
No
Multiple Input Display
No
KVM Switch
No

This monitor has a few additional features available, most of them gaming-oriented. Some of them include:

  • Virtual crosshair: There are four virtual crosshairs to choose from. Unlike software virtual crosshairs, these can't be detected by your games.
  • FPS counter: Displays the current number of frames per second received from the source.
  • Black stabilizer: Adjusts gamma to make it easier to spot other players/enemies in the shadows.

Features
On-Screen Display (OSD)