LG 34UC79G-B  Monitor Review

Review updated Feb 13, 2018 at 02:46pm
Retest Jan 17, 2019 at 09:34am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
LG 34UC79G-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
The LG 34UC79G-B IPS LCD is a good curved 34-inch ultrawide monitor with very wide viewing angles and decent picture quality. Its 144 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support make it particularly well suited for gaming, but its wide aspect ratio is also useful for more productive environments. It isn't the brightest monitor, but its gentle curve makes it both immersive and enjoyable to use. Unfortunately, its low resolution might be disappointing for some, and its brightness could be a bit better.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The LG 34UC79G-B is a good monitor for a mixed usage. Its wide viewing angle, decent picture quality, and high refresh rate make it a versatile display that works well in many environments. Its ultrawide aspect ratio is particularly useful for productive environments and makes for a very immersive gaming experience.

Pros
  • Wider than average viewing angle
  • High 144 Hz refresh rate is great for gaming
  • FreeSync support
Cons
  • Could be brighter
  • Cloudy blacks with visible backlight bleed
0.0
Office 

Good monitor for usage in an office. While its stand doesn't offer the largest range of adjustments, its very wide viewing angle and wide aspect ratio makes it particularly useful for a more productive use. It does get decently bright, but the 34UC79G-B might have issues dealing with the reflections coming from a source placed directly in front of it.

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Gaming 

Great monitor for playing video games. The low input lag, high refresh rate and large FreeSync range make it a great choice for enjoying a responsive and fluid gaming experience. Its ultrawide aspect ratio is particularly great for more casual games as it makes the experience quite immersive.

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Multimedia 

Good monitor for consuming a variety of media. Its ultrawide aspect ratio is particularly well suited for theatrical movies since it can remove the letterboxing almost entirely. Its resolution could be a bit higher though, and its overall picture quality isn't stellar. The LG 34UC79G-B does not support HDR or wide color gamuts either, limiting it a little further.

0.0
Media Creation 

Decent monitor for creating media. Its wide viewing angles ensure that its colors remain accurate from normal viewing positions. Its minimal curve also introduces minimal distortion making it less problematic for photographers. Unfortunately, it does lack support for modern wide gamuts as well as HDR, and its resolution can be a little limiting.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

HDR is not supported, however, there are very few monitors which currently support HDR such as the Samsung CHG70.

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

    1.  Updated Jan 17, 2019: We tested the monitor's compatibility with NVIDIA's new FreeSync driver. See our full investigation into NVIDIA's FreeSync Drivers here.
    2.  Updated Nov 06, 2018: There was an error with the curve radius scoring which has been fixed. This has not changed the usage scores for this monitor.
    3.  Updated Nov 27, 2017: Review published.
    4.  Updated Nov 25, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 34" model (34UC79G-B), which is the only size available. This model includes FreeSync, but there is also a model with G-Sync (34UC89G-B).

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their LG 34UC79G-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 Refresh rate Notes
    34UC79G-B 34" 144Hz FreeSync support
    34UC89G-B 34" 144Hz G-Sync support

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Left: Samsung CHG90. Middle: LG 34UC79G-B. Right: Samsung CHG70.
    Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The LG 34UC79G-B is a good UltraWide monitor with a high refresh rate and FreeSync support. See our recommendations for the best curved gaming monitors, the best monitors for PS4 and the best monitors for Xbox One X.

    Dell U3417W

    Track

    The LG 34UC79G-B is slightly better than the Dell U3417W. The 34UC79G-B has a much higher native refresh rate, and much lower input lag, as well as FreeSync support for gaming. Motion looks much better on the LG as it can introduce backlight flicker to reduce motion blur. While both screens are the same size, the Dell U3417W has a higher native resolution, so you can see more fine details.

    LG 29UM69G-B

    Track

    The LG 34UC79G-B is much better than the LG 29UM69G-B. The 34UC79G-B has a larger screen area, and the native refresh rate is much higher, great for use as a gaming monitor. The 34UC79G-B also features two HDMI 2.0 ports, whereas the 29UM69G-B only has 1 HDMI 1.4 port.

    Samsung CHG70

    Track

    The Samsung CHG70 is better than the LG 34UC79G-B, unless you plan on sitting close to the monitor. The Samsung CHG70 has a VA panel, which is better for dark room viewing, and supports HDR for the best gaming and multimedia experience. The LG 34UC79G-B uses an IPS panel, which has much wider viewing angles, and so is great if you plan on sitting close to the monitor as the image quality won't degrade towards the edges.

    Samsung C49HG90/CHG90

    Track

    The Samsung C49HG90/CHG90 and the LG 34UC79G-B offer very similar performance and the best one will depend on your use. The CHG90 is a VA monitor, great for dark room viewing, that supports HDR as well for the best multimedia and gaming experience. The LG 34UC79G-B has an IPS panel which performs better in a medium-lit room and has much wider viewing angles.

    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
    SizeLocked34"
    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 RangeLockedN/A
    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
    LCD Type
    LockedIPS
    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 34UC79G-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 34UC79G-B Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift from Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift from Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Right
    LockedLock°
    Curve RadiusLockedLockR

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    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    LG 34UC79G-B Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift from Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift from Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level 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
    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
    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%

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    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB in ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB in ICtCp
    LockedLock%

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

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    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 in ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 in ICtCp
    LockedN/A

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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

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    Motion
    0.0
    Motion Blur
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-freeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked
    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 Refresh Rate
    Locked144 Hz
    Factory Overclock
    LockedN/A
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum With OC
    LockedN/A
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Non-Native Res @ Native Refresh
    LockedN/A
    Native Resolution @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    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 1080
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel DensityLockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

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    Inputs

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    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
    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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