The LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B is a 32-inch, 4K OLED monitor boasting a 240Hz refresh rate and a unique dual-mode feature that sets it apart from other displays. This dual-mode capability allows it to switch to a 1080p, 480Hz mode, enhancing motion clarity for competitive gaming. While not exclusive to LG, this feature will also be available in other monitors utilizing LG WOLED panels, such as the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP upon its launch, making the 32GS95UE-B the first to market with this technology.
LG's pricing for the 32GS95UE-B sits at a hefty £1,100 (MSRP), a cost exceeding some of the best OLED televisions. However, it regularly goes on sale for £950, putting it in line with competitors like the Alienware AW3225QF.
Key Features:
Price: £1,100 (MSRP)
Display Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels or 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
Refresh rate: Dual-mode 240Hz or 480Hz
Peak brightness: 252 nits (SDR, tested); 400 nits HDR (claimed), 252 nits HDR 100% window (measured), 437 nits HDR 50% window (measured), 731 nits HDR 10% window (measured)
HDR support: HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 Certified
Color depth: 10-bit
Color saturation: sRGB 100% (measured), DCI-P3 96% (measured), AdobeRGB 88% (measured)
Contrast ratio: Infinite (measured, all brightness settings)
Pixel response time (GtG): 0.03 millisecond (claimed)
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-B (upstream), 2x USB-A 3 (downstream), 1x 3.5mm audio-out
VRR Support: Adaptive Sync
Other features: 100mm x 100mm VESA mount, multiple display size modes (27-inch and 24-inch), Pixel Sound speaker system
Warranty: Two-year parts and labour warranty
What We Like:
Outstanding SDR and HDR Performance: The 32GS95UE-B utilizes an LG WOLED panel, distinct from the Samsung QD-OLED panels found in alternatives such as the Alienware AW3225QF and MSI MPG 321URX. Compared to Samsung's panel, LG's WOLED offers superior HDR brightness at the expense of a slightly reduced colour gamut.
The panel displays the full sRGB gamut, 96% of DCI-P3, and 88% of AdobeRGB, making it excellent despite falling slightly short of QD-OLED's 98% DCI-P3 and 93% AdobeRGB.
The 4K resolution delivers exceptional sharpness across desktops, productivity apps, and games.
The dual-mode feature offers 4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz, although sharpness is notably reduced in the 1080p mode.
OLED's pixel-level dimming provides a near-infinite contrast ratio and perfect black levels, resulting in immersive dark scenes in movies and games.
HDR content shines on the 32GS95UE-B, reaching a peak HDR brightness of 731 nits in a 10% window, surpassing QD-OLED monitors like the Alienware AW3225QF (400-600 nits). The additional brightness adds pop to HDR content and enhances detail in bright objects.
Consistent performance across all tests with no noticeable flaws common in older OLED displays.
Unparalleled Motion Clarity: The 32GS95UE-B excels in motion clarity, starting with the default 4K, 240Hz mode. OLED panels, with their faster response times compared to IPS or VA panels, minimise ghosting and deliver a crisp experience.
Switching to 1080p, 480Hz mode sets a new standard for motion clarity. Scrolling images from games like *League of Legends* and *DOTA 2* reveals legible details, making it easier to track characters, read name tags, and discern health bars.
Several display space modes are available for the 1080p/480Hz mode, allowing for the full 32-inch display or reduced viewable areas mimicking 27-inch or 24-inch monitors, appealing to competitive esports players.
Sleek and Functional Design: LG has moved away from the previously criticised monitor designs and has delivered a flagship-worthy look for the 32GS95UE-B.
The design takes inspiration from LG's OLED TVs, like the LG C3 OLED, with extremely thin display bezels and a sleek, L-shaped stand.
The rear of the monitor features attractive plastics and a swooping back panel. While the RGB backlight is subdued, the design exudes a luxurious, even professional feel, making it suitable for home offices and professional settings.
The compact and flat stand is ideal for smaller desks, and ergonomic adjustments include height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.
Pleasant Surprise - Built-in Speakers: The 32GS95UE-B features LG's Pixel Sound speaker system, which utilizes the OLED panel itself to produce sound.
The speakers deliver loud, rich sound, capable of handling complex music and action movies with ease. The volume is sufficient to fill a small living room.
While not perfect for audiophiles, the speakers offer a significant improvement over most built-in monitor sound systems, with a decent bass response. Some users might find the quality adequate enough to forgo external speakers.
What We Don't Like:
Limited Connectivity & Lack of USB-C: The 32GS95UE-B offers basic connectivity, but falls short in certain areas.
Video connectivity consists of two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4, sufficient for most users but limited compared to competitors in this price bracket.
USB connectivity is limited to a USB-B upstream port powering two USB-A downstream ports, making it more appealing to desktop owners than laptop users.
The absence of USB-C connectivity is a notable drawback, especially considering the monitor's price point, as USB-A is gradually becoming obsolete.
Room for Improvement in the Options Menu: The 32GS95UE-B's on-screen menus, accessed via a joystick, are responsive and user-friendly. However, LG's software utility for controlling monitor options through Windows, while visually appealing, lacks access to all features and has experienced occasional crashes.
The extensive image quality settings are not without flaws. Color temperature and gamma modes lack precise figures, relying on vague labels like "Warm" or "Mode1".
Game features include a black stabilizer, an on-screen crosshair, and an fps counter.
Should You Buy the LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B?
The LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B is a top-tier OLED monitor offering exceptional motion clarity and excellent image quality. Its LG WOLED panel surpasses competitors with higher HDR brightness, although at the cost of a slightly narrower colour gamut. The unique 1080p/480Hz mode sets a new standard for motion clarity, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers.
While the monitor's limited connectivity and room for improvement in the options menu are minor drawbacks, they are mitigated by the excellent built-in speakers.
Despite its strong performance, shoppers should consider the competition. The LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B, Alienware AW3225QF, and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 all deliver impressive image quality with minimal flaws. While the LG monitor is the priciest of the three, its 1080p/480Hz display mode and quality built-in speakers provide unique advantages over its competitors.
Overall, the LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B is an exceptional OLED monitor that sets a new standard for the category, offering a compelling blend of motion clarity, image quality, and unique features, making it a worthwhile consideration for serious gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
Please note that prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication but may vary over time.