- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Discussions
| Design | 7.5 |
| Picture Quality | 6.4 |
| Motion | 9.1 |
| Inputs | 9.1 |
- Great gaming features including G-SYNC and 144Hz refresh rate
- Good dark scene performance
- Bad viewing angles
- No HDR support
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Design
The design of the LG 32GK850G is very good. It has a sturdy stand and good ergonomics to allow you to position it to your liking. It comes with an illuminated circle in the back that provides a nice ambient light when placed close to a wall in a darker room. This light is independent and can work even when the monitor is turned off. It is controlled by a rotating wheel next to the monitor's control joystick. The build quality of this monitor is good and you should have no issues with it.
The stand looks elegant and supports the monitor well. If you accidentally knock the monitor, it will wobble a little.
Update 08/09/2019: There was a mistake in our swivel range scoring. The ergonomics score has increased slightly.
Decent ergonomics. The monitor can be easily positioned to your liking. The only downside is that some adjustments have a limited range. It is worth noting that the manual of the monitor sets the swivel range at -20° to 20°, but our unit had a swivel range of -15° to 15°.
The back of the monitor is plain. There is an illuminated circle whose color you can control even when the monitor is off.
There is minimal planning for cable management, only a clip attached to the stand pole.
The borders of this monitor are thin and made out of plastic. There is a very thin bezel, and the screen almost touches it. There is a gap, however, between the edge of the screen and where the active pixels start. If you plan to use this monitor in a multi-monitor setup, you might find this a little annoying.
The LG 32GK850G-B has an average thickness when it is not hooked to its stand. When placed on its stand, it is among the thickest monitors we've measured so far, and you will not be able to push it all the way to the wall.
The build quality of this monitor is decent. There are no gaps where different components meet, and the entire construction, although plastic, feels robust. You should have no build quality issues with this monitor.
Picture Quality
The picture quality of the LG 32GK850G-B is mediocre. It has a good contrast ratio and great brightness, but unfortunately, the viewing angles are poor and the picture quality deteriorates quickly once you deviate from the center axis. It can display a large number of colors in most luminance levels as it covers the s.RGB color space well and it is suitable for a bright room as it can handle reflections well. There is no support for HDR or for local dimming.
The contrast of the 32GK850G-B is good. This is expected as it is a VA panel. The good contrast ratio improves the picture quality as it makes blacks look deep in a dark room. The performance is very similar to LG 32UD59-B.
The LG 32GK850G does not have a local dimming feature. The video is for reference only.
Great SDR peak brightness for the LG 32GK850G. The monitor's brightness level remains constant at most window sizes and drops slightly only when a very small area of the screen is illuminated. This is not noticeable in normal usage.
HDR is not supported.
The horizontal viewing angles are bad. Even slight moves off the center and the image quality deteriorates. Black levels, brightness, and color shifts go into the 'red' all at the same time at around 25 degrees off center. This results in uniformity issues when you view the monitor from a close distance.
The vertical viewing angles are just as bad as the horizontal ones. In this case, the black level is acceptable only for very small deviations off the center. This results in an image that does not look uniform at the top and bottom edge even when you are not too close. The results are similar to other VA monitors, like the Samsung CF791.
This monitor has excellent gray uniformity, one of the best we have tested so far. Although some might notice a little clouding in the lighter shades of gray, there is almost no dirty screen effect when browsing the web. The edges look darker and this is due to the poor viewing angles.
Decent black uniformity for the LG 32GK850G-B. There is some clouding visible, and some backlight bleed around the edges and close to the corners. This is, however, one of the best scores we have measured up to date, second only to the LG 32UD59-B.
The out of the box color accuracy of this monitor is mediocre. The most accurate picture mode was the 'FPS1'. In this mode, the white balance dE was much higher than our threshold of 3 where most enthusiasts will notice the inaccuracies. The same is true for the color dE, whereas gamma tracks the target curve shape but is slightly lower and thus the image looks slightly brighter. The color temperature is colder than our target and some might notice a slight bluish tint to the image.
We used the 'Gamer 1' picture mode to calibrate the monitor. The results were excellent as all inaccuracies become almost impossible to spot. White balance dE and color dE were both diminished at values well below 1, whereas the gamma was corrected and now tracks our curve closer. Finally, the color temperature was brought almost right onto our target of 6500 K.
You can download our ICC profile calibration here. This is provided for reference only and should not be used, as the calibration values vary per individual unit even for the same model due to manufacturing tolerances.
s.RGB Picture Mode: Gamer 1 (calibrated)Adobe RGB Picture Mode: Gamer 1
The LG 32GK850G-B has an excellent color gamut for everyday use as it covers almost all of the s.RBG color space. If you are a professional working in the printing or publishing industry, this monitor is not a good choice for your work, as it does not cover the wider Adobe RGB color space well. For excellent Adobe RGB coverage, check out the Acer Predator X27.
s.RGB Picture Mode: Gamer 1Adobe RGB Picture Mode: Gamer 1
Excellent coverage of the s.RGB color volume mainly due to the excellent color gamut and good contrast ratio. On the other hand, the coverage of the Adobe RGB color volume that is used in the publishing industry is not enough.
After the 10-minute exposure of our test image, no signs of image retention were measured on the LG 32GK850G.
Excellent result on our gradient test for the LG 32GK850G-B. Very little banding is visible other than the expected 8-bit. You should have no banding issues with this monitor.
There is no horizontal bleed when large areas of uniform color are displayed. There is only a very slight vertical bleed, that is not noticeable under normal usage.
The handling of reflections on the LG 32GK850G-B is good. Reflections are diffused by the semi-gloss finish and this reduces their intensity. So, unless the room is too bright, you should not have any issues.
Motion
Excellent motion handling for the LG 32GK850G. The pixel response time is very fast and only a small blur trail is visible. The monitor is flicker-free, has a very fast refresh rate and supports G-SYNC which will please gamers.
Response Time Off
Response Time Normal
Response Time Fast
Response Time Faster
The LG 32GK850G has a very fast pixel respone time. It is one for the fastest we have measured so far. We are recommending the 'Response Time Fast' overdrive setting as this is the one that gives us the best results with minimal overshooting that should not bother most people. If you see artifacts that bother you, you can set it to 'Normal' instead.
This LG monitor is flicker free as it uses DC dimming to dim the backlight. This makes the motion smooth as it allows for blur. Unfortunately, it does not have any option to introduce flicker so as to make the image crisper.
The LG 32GK850G-B has an excellent refresh rate. Not only its native refresh rate is 144Hz, but you can easily overclock it to 165Hz. It also supports G-SYNC, NVIDIA's implementation of variable refresh rate, which is great news for competitive gamers. These higher refresh rates only work when the monitor is connected on DisplayPort. HDMI only supports 60Hz, and no G-SYNC.
Inputs
The LG 32GK850G-B has excellent inputs. The input lag is extremely low and the resolution is good considering the monitor's large size.
The LG 32GK850G has an excellent low input lag, that remains low even when G-SYNC is enabled.
Just like the ASUS ROG PG279Q, on the LG 32GK850G non-native resolutions are not properly displayed as they are identified as 1440p in the OSD. This should not be a problem as most graphics cards do the upscaling anyway.
The LG 32GK850G has a QHD resolution which is good considering its 32-inch screen size. Although you will have enough detail displayed on your screen, it is not as much as the detail that the LG 32UD99 with 4k resolution can display.
The 3.5mm analog audio out is a headphone port with adjustable volume that can be controlled using the monitor's joystick.
The monitor has two USB 3.0 Quick Charge ports.
Features
The LG 32GK850G-B monitor comes equipped with all the regular features found in most good quality monitors. Its trademark is the illuminated circle on the back and the dedicated wheel to control it, even when the monitor is off.
The monitor has the following additional features:
- Illuminated circle The monitor has an illuminated circle at its back that creates a nice ambient light. This dimmable light is independent of the monitor's operation and will work even when the monitor is turned off. There is a dedicated wheel to control the dimming, and if you click it, it will cycle through the available modes.
- The audio out port has an adjustable volume that is controlled through the joystick.
- Quick Charge: The two USB 3.0 ports can be used to rapidly charge your phone as they can provide 1.5A. For this feature to work you must turn it on through the menu.
- Crosshair: The monitor provides a mark on the center of the screen for First Person Shooter (FPS) games. Users can select the crosshair that fits their gaming environment among four different crosshairs.
There are two controls on this monitor:
- A wheel dedicated to the control of the RGB light and
- A joystick to control the monitor's functions.
- Manual and drivers
- Power brick and cable
- Displayport cable
- HDMI cable
- USB cable
- Cable management clip
Differences between Sizes and Variants
We tested the 32" model (32GK850G). However, some variants of the monitor exist.
If someone comes across a different type of panel, or if their 32GK850G 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 | Refresh rate | Variable Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32GK650F-B | 32" | 144Hz | FreeSync |
| 32GK850F-B | 32" | 144Hz | FreeSync 2 |
| 32GK850G | 32" | 144Hz | G-SYNC |
The unit we tested was manufactured in July 2018.
Compared to other Monitors
The LG 32GK850G is a decent monitor that performs very well in gaming and will not disappoint you in other usages as well. See our recommendations for the best 4k gaming monitors, the best 1440p 144Hz monitors, and the best monitors for PS4.
The ASUS ROG PG279Q is significantly better than the LG 32GK850G. The ASUS has better viewing angles due to its IPS panel, and this is great if you plan to share your work with your colleagues. The ergonomics on the ASUS ROG PG279Q are better so you can place it comfortably without much effort. Finally, the ASUS ROG PG279Q has an optional black frame insertion feature that allows it to make the image look crisper by introducing flicker.
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.
The Samsung CHG70 is significantly better than the LG 32GK850G. The Samsung CHG70 supports HDR content so you can enjoy HDR games, and supports FreeSync for a tear-free gaming experience. The CHG70 has a Black Frame Insertion feature that helps make the image crisper. The LG 32GK850G has a larger screen so you can see the details of your screen more comfortable, and supports G-SYNC, which is great if you have an NVIDIA compatible card.
These are two different types of monitors, each with advantages and disadvantages. The Acer Predator XB271HU 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 is larger, and so you can work more comfortably, and has a better dark room performance with blacks that are more deep and uniform than on the Acer.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ is slightly better than the LG 32GK850G-B for most uses. The ASUS supports HDR and has an optional black frame insertion feature that can improve the appearance of motion. Most people will prefer the LG for gaming though, as it has a much faster response time, resulting in clearer motion with less blur behind fast-moving objects. The LG also has much better black uniformity.
The LG 32UD99 is much better than the LG 32GK850G. 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 has a higher native contrast ratio that makes blacks look deep in a dark room. The 32G850G 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.
The BenQ EW3270U is slightly better than the LG 32GK850G. The BenQ EW3270U supports HDR content and has a full 4k resolution. The LG 32GK850G, on the other hand, has much better ergonomics so you can position it to your liking with ease, and a fast pixel response time that leaves a small motion blur. The LG has a much faster refresh rate and a lower input lag to please even the most demanding gamers.
The LG 32UD59-B is marginally better than the LG 32GK850G. The LG 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 LG 32GK850G has better ergonomics that help you place it in a comfortable position with ease. The LG 32GK850G 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.
The LG 32GK850G is better than the Dell S3219D. The LG 32GK850G has better ergonomics, and you can position it comfortably easier. It also has a faster pixel response time, lower input lag, and a much faster refresh rate, all of which contribute to a much better gaming experience. Also, the LG 32GK850G can get brighter, so it's more suitable for a bright room as it can easily fight glare.
The LG 32GK850G is better than the Samsung CF791. The LG 32GK850G has a faster pixel response time, and thus the blur trail in fast action content is smaller. The LG 32GK850G has a faster refresh rate and better input lag, and this is great if you play games. The LG 32GK850G also has better ergonomics that make it easy to place comfortably. The Samsung CF791, on the other hand, supports 4k resolution, is 2 inches larger, and has a curve.
Conclusion
This 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, the poor viewing angles do not allow you to easily share your work. Gamers will appreciate the G-SYNC feature and the fast refresh rate.
This is a decent monitor for office use. It has a good size and enough resolution to display a lot of detail and allow you to multitask. It has poor viewing angles and thus is not a good choice if you work side by side with your colleagues, although the decent ergonomics somewhat counteract that. It has good reflection handling and can be placed in a bright office without issues.
The LG 32GK850G-B 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 the G-SYNC implementation of VRR which helps eliminate tearing. Its pixel response time is very fast and the decent ergonomics will allow you to place it comfortably without the need for a VESA mount.
The LG 32GK850G-B is a decent monitor for multimedia usage. The large screen size and good resolution allow you to display most multimedia content at native quality. The good refresh rate only leaves a small blur trail in fast-moving content and the decent ergonomics allow you to position it to your liking without too much effort. The picture quality is ok with deep blacks and a full range of colors.
This LG monitor is a decent monitor for media creation. The 32-inch screen and QHD resolution will allow you to display many details of your content on the screen, without the need to continuously zoom in and out. It has a low input lag that makes very responsive to your actions, good reflection handling and decent ergonomics which allow you to place it comfortably. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for professionals in the printing or publishing media as the coverage of the Adobe RGB color space is not adequate.
This monitor doesn't support HDR. This is common for most monitors, as HDR is a relatively new feature for PCs. For an HDR monitor, see the Samsung CHG70.
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