LG 32GK650F-B  Monitor Review

Review updated Apr 28, 2020 at 08:26am
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
LG 32GK650F-B

Track

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Mixed Usage 
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Office 
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Gaming 
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Multimedia 
0.0
Media Creation 
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HDR Gaming 

Track

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The LG 32GK650F-B is a great gaming monitor and delivers decent all-around performance. It has good dark room performance, as the VA panel produces deep, uniform blacks. It has an incredibly low input lag, good peak brightness, excellent gray uniformity, and decent reflection handling. This monitor also supports FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR), even with a recent NVIDIA card, which helps reduce screen tearing. Unfortunately, it has disappointing viewing angles and although the response time is great, it's still slower than most 144Hz monitors, so motion might appear blurry, but there's a black frame insertion to help reduce motion blur.

Our Verdict

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Mixed Usage 

The LG 32GK650F-B is a decent display for most uses, but it's best suited for gaming. As is the case with most VA panel monitors, it looks great in a dark room and produces deep, uniform blacks, but the image degrades when viewed at an angle. It has a low input lag and a great response time, but some transitions are slow, so motion is still a bit blurry.

Pros
  • Deep, uniform blacks.
  • Excellent low input lag.
Cons
  • Disappointing viewing angles.
  • Motion blurry for a 144Hz monitor.
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Office 

The LG 32GK650F-B is a decent office monitor. The 32 inch 1440p screen delivers an excellent amount of screen real estate, and the stand has decent ergonomics, but with a limited swivel and tilt range. Unfortunately, this monitor has bad viewing angles, so it isn't great for sharing your screen with other people.

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Gaming 

The LG 32GK650F-B is a great monitor for gaming. It supports FreeSync VRR technology and has an incredibly low input lag, and the 1440p, 32 inch screen makes it easier to see more details in your favorite games. Overall, it has a fast response time, but some transitions are a bit slower and dark scenes especially have more noticeable blur. Luckily, there's a black frame insertion feature to improve the appearance of motion.

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Multimedia 

Decent monitor for multimedia. The large, high-resolution screen is great for watching movies. The VA panel delivers deep, uniform blacks, great for watching movies in the dark. In a brighter room, the LG 32GK650F-B has decent reflection handling and good peak brightness, but it might struggle in really bright rooms. Unfortunately, like most VA monitors, the image degrades at an angle, which isn't great for sharing the latest trends with your friends.

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Media Creation 

The LG 32GK650F-B is a decent monitor for media creation. The large, high-resolution screen is excellent, as you can see more of your work at once. It has decent ergonomics, but a limited swivel range. This monitor has a great SDR color gamut, but limited coverage of the wider Adobe RGB color space, so it isn't great for professional photo editing.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

The LG 32GK650F-B doesn't support HDR.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 28, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
    2.  Updated Jul 19, 2019: Review published.
    3.  Updated Jul 17, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Jul 17, 2019: Early access published.

    Check Price

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 32 inch 32GK650F-B, which is the only size available. It's also available with G-SYNC support instead of FreeSync; that model is known as the 32GK650G-B. There are other models in LG's UltraGear lineup, some of which are listed down below.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their UltraGear 32GK650F-B doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Model Size Resolution Refresh Rate Notes
    32GK650F-B 32" 1440p 144Hz FreeSync
    32GK650G-B 32" 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC
    27GK750F-B 27" 1080p 240Hz FreeSync
    32GK850F-B 32" 1440p 144Hz FreeSync
    32GK850G-B 32" 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC
    34GK950F-B 34" 3440x1440 144Hz FreeSync, HDR
    34GK950G-B 34" 3440x1440 120Hz G-SYNC

    The 32GK650F-B we reviewed was manufactured in March 2019.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Left: LG 32GK850G. Middle: LG 32GK650F. Right: Dell S3219D.

    The LG 32GK650-B is a great budget gaming monitor but has a few flaws, such as relatively slow response time, so there are better monitors for the same price. See our recommendations for the best monitors, the best budget monitors, and the best monitors for coding.

    LG 32GK850G-B

    Track

    The LG 32GK850G-B and the LG 32GK650F-B deliver very similar performance overall, but the 32GK650F supports FreeSync, whereas the 32GK850G-B supports G-SYNC. The 32GK850G-B has a much faster response time, but no black frame insertion feature. The 32GK850G-B has an RGB bias lighting feature on the back.

    BenQ EW3270U

    Track

    The BenQ EW3270U is a bit better for mixed usage, but the LG 32GK650F-B is much better for gaming. The EW3270U supports HDR, although this doesn't add much, and it has much better gradient handling. The EW3270U also has a higher resolution screen. For gaming, though, the LG 32GK650F-B is much better. The LG has a much faster refresh rate, lower input lag, and an optional black frame insertion feature.

    Dell S3219D

    Track

    The LG 32GK650F-B is better than the Dell S3219D. The LG has better ergonomics but slightly worse viewing angles. The LG is also much better for gaming, with lower input lag, an optional black frame insertion feature, and a much faster refresh rate. On the other hand, the Dell S3219D is much better at displaying gradients.

    Samsung CHG70

    Track

    The Samsung CHG70 is much better than the LG 32GK650F-B for most uses and is a bit better for gaming. The CHG70 supports HDR, has much better gradient handling, and has better reflection handling. The CHG70 also has a faster response time, with less noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects.

    Show more 
    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    SizeLocked32"
    CurvedLockedLocked
    Curve RadiusLockedLocked
    Weight (without stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Weight (with stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    Stand
    Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Switch Portrait/LandscapeLockedLocked
    Swivel RangeLockedLocked
    Tilt RangeLockedLocked

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    Borders
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Thickness (with stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (without stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast With Local Dimming
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    LG 32GK650F-B Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR ABL
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    LG 32GK650F-B Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Right
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    LG 32GK650F-B Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Above
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB xy
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 xy
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR After 0 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 2 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 4 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 6 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 8 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 10 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

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    0.0
    Color Bleed
    Pixel Row Error
    LockedLock%
    Pixel Column Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    LockedVA
    Sub-Pixel Layout
    LockedLocked

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    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-FreeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    BFI Maximum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedFreeSync
    Native
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked144 Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    10 Bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native ResolutionLocked2560 x 1440
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

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    Inputs
    Total Inputs
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPortLockedLocked
    HDMILockedLocked
    DVILockedLocked
    VGALockedLocked
    DisplayPort OutLockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    USB CLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Microphone In 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Power SupplyLockedLocked

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    Features
    Additional Features
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    HDR10LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked

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    On-Screen Display (OSD)
    Controls

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    In The Box

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