LG 32GK850G-B  Monitor Review

Review updated Apr 20, 2020 at 09:13am
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
LG 32GK850G-B

Track

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

Track

 0
Notice: This monitors was replaced by LG 32GP850-B/32GP83B-B
The LG 32GK850G is a decent 32 inch 1440p monitor with great gaming performance. This monitor has a very fast response time, resulting in clear motion, very low input lag, and support for G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology, reducing screen tearing. With a VA panel, the contrast ratio is good and blacks appear deep when viewed in dark rooms, but unfortunately, the viewing angles are poor and you'll lose image accuracy when viewed from the side. Also, it can get bright enough to overcome glare in most rooms and it has decent reflection handling.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The LG 32GK850G is a decent monitor for mixed usage. It has a large screen size, good resolution, and a very low input lag that makes it very responsive to your actions. Unfortunately, it doesn't support HDR and the poor viewing angles don't allow you to easily share your work with others around you. Gamers will appreciate the G-SYNC support and extremely fast response time.

Pros
  • Great gaming features.
  • Good dark room performance.
Cons
  • Bad viewing angles.
  • No HDR support.
0.0
Office 

The 32GK850G is okay for office use. With a 32 inch screen and 1440p resolution, you can easily open multiple windows. You can also place it however you like it, although the swivel and tilt adjustments are a bit limiting. The viewing angles are inadequate, so you'll lose image accuracy if you need to share your screen with coworkers. However, it can get bright enough to combat glare in most offices.

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Gaming 

The LG 32GK850G is a great monitor for gaming. It has an excellent low input lag, and the screen is large with enough resolution to display most details of your favorite game. Furthermore, it supports G-SYNC VRR technology which helps reduce tearing. Its response time is very fast, resulting in clear motion, and the decent ergonomics will allow you to place it comfortably without the need for a VESA mount.

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Multimedia 

Decent for multimedia. You'll be able to sit back and enjoy your favorite videos on the 32 inch, 1440p screen, but the 32GK850G-B isn't ideal for watching videos with others due to its poor viewing angles. Fortunately, it has a good contrast ratio, so blacks appear as they should when viewed in the dark, and it has an outstanding SDR color gamut, displaying a wide range of colors.

0.0
Media Creation 

The 32GK850G is a decent monitor for media creation. The 32 inch screen and 1440p resolution will allow you to display many details of your content on the screen. It has a low input lag that makes it very responsive to your actions and it can get bright enough to combat glare in most rooms. Unfortunately, it may not be suitable for photo or publishing professionals since the coverage of the Adobe RGB color space may be a bit limiting.

0.0
HDR Gaming 
  • 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 17, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
    2.  Updated Oct 11, 2018: Review published.
    3.  Updated Oct 09, 2018: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Oct 09, 2018: Early access published.

    Check Price

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 32 inch model (32GK850G-B). However, some variants of the monitor exist, which are listed below.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel, or if their 32GK850G-B doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we'll update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Model Size Refresh rate Variable Refresh Rate
    32GK650F-B 32" 144Hz FreeSync
    32GK850F-B 32" 144Hz FreeSync 2
    32GK850G-B 32" 144Hz G-SYNC

    The unit we tested was manufactured in July 2018 and you can see the label here.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Left: LG 32UD99-W. Middle: LG 32GK850G-B. Right: Samsung C34F791.

    The LG 32GK850G is a decent monitor that performs very well for gaming and won't disappoint you for other uses. See our recommendations for the best 4k gaming monitors, the best 1440p gaming monitors, and the best monitors for PS4.

    LG 32UD59-B

    Track

    The LG 32UD59-B is marginally better than the LG 32GK850G-B. The 32UD59-B has a better vertical viewing angle that helps keep the image more uniform when viewed from the top like in office environments. The 32UD59-B also supports a 4k resolution which allows it to display more content on the same size screen. On the other hand, the 32GK850G-B has better ergonomics that help you place it in a comfortable position with ease. The 32GK850G-B is better for gaming as it has a lower input lag, a faster refresh rate, and a faster pixel response time that only leaves a small blur trail.

    LG 32GK650F-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.

    Acer Predator XB271HU Bmiprz

    Track

    These are two different types of monitors, each with advantages and disadvantages. The Acer Predator XB271HU Bmiprz has wider viewing angles and is a better choice if you'll be looking at the monitor from the side, like when you're collaborating with people. The Acer also has a better ergonomic stand that allows you to place it in a comfortable position with ease. The LG 32GK850G-B is larger, so you can work more comfortably, and it has a better dark room performance with blacks that are more deep and uniform than on the Acer.

    LG 32UD99-W

    Track

    The LG 32UD99-W is much better than the LG 32GK850G-B. The LG 32UD99 has better viewing angles due to its IPS panel and supports HDR and 4k resolution. On the other hand, the LG 32GK850G-B has a higher native contrast ratio that makes blacks look deep in a dark room. The 32G850G-B is also a better monitor for gaming since it has a faster pixel response time that only leaves a small blur trail, a faster refresh rate, and a lower input lag.

    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

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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 32GK850G-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 32GK850G-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
    JOIN NOW

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    LG 32GK850G-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
    LockedN/A
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedG-SYNC
    Native
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked165 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)
    LockedN/A

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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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