LG 32UR500-B HDR Monitor Review: A Comprehensive Look
The LG 32UR500-B HDR Monitor, boasting a 31.5-inch 4K UHD VA display, promises an immersive visual experience. But does it deliver on its promises? I’ve spent several weeks putting this monitor through its paces, and I’m here to share my honest and comprehensive review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The LG 32UR500-B is aimed at users seeking a large, high-resolution display for productivity, entertainment, and even gaming. It packs a punch with its 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and AMD FreeSync technology. Let’s dive into what makes this monitor stand out.
Key Features
The LG 32UR500-B is packed with features designed to enhance your viewing experience:
- 31.5-inch 4K UHD Display: The 3840 x 2160 resolution delivers crystal-clear images with exceptional detail and sharpness. This is ideal for tasks requiring precise detail, such as photo editing, graphic design, or enjoying high-resolution media.
- VA Panel: The VA panel technology is known for its deep blacks, high contrast ratio, and vibrant colors. This makes the monitor suitable for both HDR content and general use.
- HDR10 Support: The HDR10 support brings enhanced contrast and color depth, resulting in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience for compatible content.
- AMD FreeSync: This technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring smooth gameplay, especially for those who enjoy fast-paced games.
- Wide Color Gamut: The monitor covers a wide color gamut, delivering a wider range of colors for more vibrant and realistic visuals.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: With two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, connecting your devices is a breeze.
- Built-in Speakers: While not the most powerful, the integrated speakers offer convenient audio for everyday use.
Performance
The LG 32UR500-B delivers excellent performance across the board:
- Image Quality: The 4K UHD resolution is stunning, revealing intricate details in movies, games, and even everyday applications. The VA panel contributes to deep blacks and excellent contrast, creating a truly captivating viewing experience. The HDR10 support adds a noticeable layer of realism, especially when viewing HDR-enabled content.
- Color Accuracy: While not targeted specifically at professional color-critical work, the color accuracy is good for general use. The wide color gamut ensures vibrant and vivid colors, ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Gaming: The AMD FreeSync technology effectively minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother gameplay. While the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t the fastest, it’s sufficient for casual gaming. However, gamers seeking a faster refresh rate might want to consider a different model.
- Viewing Angles: The viewing angles are excellent, offering consistent image quality even when viewed from an angle. This is beneficial for working with multiple people in front of the monitor.
Pros & Cons
As with any product, the LG 32UR500-B has its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Excellent 4K UHD resolution for stunning visuals.
- Deep blacks and high contrast ratio thanks to the VA panel.
- HDR10 support for enhanced realism.
- AMD FreeSync technology for smoother gaming.
- Wide color gamut for vibrant and realistic colors.
- Multiple connectivity options for flexible setups.
- Good viewing angles for multi-person use.
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate might not be fast enough for serious gamers.
- Built-in speakers are decent for casual use but lack power for audiophiles.
Final Verdict
The LG 32UR500-B HDR Monitor is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a large, high-resolution display with vibrant visuals and excellent contrast. It’s a great option for multimedia consumption, casual gaming, and productivity tasks. While the 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for hardcore gamers, the AMD FreeSync technology ensures a smoother gaming experience compared to similar monitors without it. Overall, the LG 32UR500-B delivers a highly enjoyable viewing experience and is a strong contender in the 4K monitor market.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Size (Inch) | 31.5 inch |
| Size (cm) | 80cm |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.18159 x 0.18159 mm |
| Brightness (Min.) | 280 cd/m² |
| Brightness (Typ.) | 350 cd/m² |
| Color Gamut (Min.) | DCI-P3 80% (CIE1976) |
| Color Gamut (Typ.) | DCI-P3 90% (CIE1976) |
| Color Depth (Number of Colors) | 1.07B |
| Contrast Ratio (Min.) | 1800:1 |
| Contrast Ratio (Typ.) | 3000:1 |
| Response Time | 4ms (GtG at Faster) |
| Viewing Angle (CR≥10) | 178º(R/L), 178º(U/D) |
| Surface Treatment | Anti-Glare |
| HDR 10 | Yes |
| HDR Effect | Yes |
| Wide Color Gamut | Yes |
| Flicker safe | Yes |
| Reader Mode | Yes |
| Color Weakness | Yes |
| Super Resolution+ | Yes |
| AMD FreeSync™ | Yes |
| Black Stabilizer | Yes |
| Dynamic Action Sync | Yes |
| Smart Energy Saving | Yes |
| Dual Controller | Yes |
| OnScreen Control (LG Screen Manager) | Yes |
| HDMI (2ea) | Yes |
| HDMI (Max. Resolution at Hz) | 3840 x 2160@60Hz |
| DisplayPort (1ea) | Yes |
| DP Version | 1.4 |
| DP (Max. Resolution at Hz) | 3840 x 2160@60Hz |
| Headphone out | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Speaker Output (unit) | 5W |
| Speaker Channel | 2ch |
| Maxx Audio | Yes |
| Type | External Power (Adapter) |
| AC Input | 100~240V (50/60Hz) |
| Power Consumption (Typ.) | 45W |
| Power Consumption (Max.) | 55W |
| Power Consumption (Sleep Mode) | 0.5W |
| Power Consumption (DC Off) | Less than 0.3W |
| Display Position Adjustments | Tilt/Height/Pivot |
| Wall Mountable | 100 x 100 mm |
| Dimension with Stand (W x H x D) | 714.3 x 512.3 x 208.8 mm |
| Dimension without Stand (W x H x D) | 714.3 x 420.0 x 45.7 mm |
| Dimension in Shipping (W x H x D) | 821 x 507 x 226 mm |
| Weight with Stand | 7.7 kg |
| Weight without Stand | 6.7 kg |
| Weight in Shipping | 10.7 kg |
| HDMI (Included) | Yes |
| Display Port (Included) | Yes |