LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear 27-inch FHD VA Gaming Monitor Review – A Smooth Gaming Experience?
LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear 27-inch FHD VA Gaming Monitor Review
Looking for a monitor that can keep up with your fast-paced gaming action? The LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear 27-inch FHD VA Gaming Monitor promises a smooth and immersive experience with its 180Hz refresh rate, 5ms response time, and AMD FreeSync compatibility. But does it deliver on its promises? I put this monitor through its paces to see how it performs in real-world gaming scenarios. Read on to discover my findings.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear is a 27-inch FHD gaming monitor that targets gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. With its 180Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support, it promises smooth gameplay and reduced screen tearing. However, it uses a VA panel, a different technology than the IPS panels typically found in high-end gaming monitors. Does this compromise the overall experience?
Key Features
Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make the LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear stand out:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | UltraGear |
| Year | Y24 |
| Display Size (Inch) | 27 |
| Display Size (cm) | 68.6 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Pixel Pitch (mm) | 0.3114 x 0.3114 |
| PPI (Pixel Per Inch) | 82 |
| Brightness (Min.) (cd/m²) | 200cd/㎡ |
| Brightness (Typ.) (cd/m²) | 250cd/㎡ |
| Color Gamut (Min.) | NTSC 68% (CIE1931) |
| Color Gamut (Typ.) | NTSC 72% (CIE1931) |
| Color Depth | 16.7M |
| Contrast Ratio (Min.) | 2400:1 |
| Contrast Ratio (Typ.) | 3000:1 |
| Response Time | 5ms (GtG at Faster) |
| Refresh Rate (Max.) (Hz) | 180 |
| Viewing Angle (CR≥10) | 178º(R/L), 178º(U/D) |
| HDR 10 | YES |
| HDR Effect | YES |
| Flicker Safe | YES |
| Reader Mode | YES |
| Color Weakness | YES |
| Motion Blur Reduction Tech | YES |
| AMD FreeSync™ | FreeSync |
| Black Stabilizer | YES |
| Dynamic Action Sync | YES |
| Crosshair | YES |
| FPS Counter | YES |
| User Defined Key | YES |
| Auto Input Switch | YES |
| Smart Energy Saving | YES |
| OnScreen Control | YES |
| HDMI | YES (2ea) |
| HDMI Version | Supports TMDS 6G as compliant with HDMI 2.0 |
| HDMI (HDCP Version) | 1.4 |
| DisplayPort | YES (1ea) |
| DP Version | 1.4 |
| DP (HDCP Version) | 1.4 |
| Headphone Out | 3-pole (Sound Only) |
| Type | External Power (Adapter) |
| AC Input | 100~240V (50/60Hz) |
| Power Consumption (On-Mode) | 17.1W |
| Power Consumption (On-Mode) (ErP) | 19W |
| Power Consumption (On-Mode) (KR) | 20W |
| Power Consumption (Sleep Mode) | Less than 0.5W |
| Power Consumption (DC Off) | Less than 0.3W |
| Display Position Adjustments | Tilt |
| Wall Mountable (mm) | 100 x 100 |
Performance Analysis
In terms of performance, the LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear delivers a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The 180Hz refresh rate makes gameplay feel fluid and fast, especially in competitive shooters and action-packed titles. The 5ms response time, coupled with the Motion Blur Reduction technology, effectively minimizes motion blur, allowing for clearer visuals even during rapid movements.
The AMD FreeSync compatibility ensures tear-free gaming, eliminating distracting screen tearing and stuttering, especially at high refresh rates. This feature greatly enhances the overall immersion and reduces eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
However, the VA panel’s limitations come into play when it comes to color accuracy and viewing angles. While colors are generally vibrant, they lack the wider color gamut and consistency found in IPS panels. Viewing angles are also narrower than what you’d find on IPS monitors, resulting in some color shift and image degradation if you’re not directly facing the screen.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a concise summary of the LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- 180Hz refresh rate for smooth and responsive gameplay
- 5ms response time with Motion Blur Reduction for clear visuals
- AMD FreeSync compatibility eliminates screen tearing and stuttering
- Vibrant colors and good contrast ratio for a visually appealing experience
- Affordable price point compared to other gaming monitors with similar specs
Cons:
- VA panel technology results in narrower viewing angles and less color accuracy compared to IPS panels
- Black levels could be deeper for a more immersive experience
- Limited display position adjustments (only tilt)
Final Verdict
The LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear 27-inch FHD VA Gaming Monitor offers a solid gaming experience at an attractive price point. Its high refresh rate, fast response time, and AMD FreeSync support deliver smooth and responsive gameplay. While the VA panel technology has its limitations in color accuracy and viewing angles, it still provides a decent visual experience. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer seeking a fast and fluid monitor for competitive gaming, the LG 27GS50F-B is a worthy contender. However, if you prioritize perfect color accuracy and wide viewing angles, an IPS panel monitor might be a better fit.
