LG's 27-inch 480Hz OLED Gaming Monitor: A Refreshing Upgrade, But Will it Break the Bank?
LG Display has announced that its 27-inch, 1440p OLED panel with a jaw-dropping 480Hz refresh rate, showcased earlier this year, is now in mass production. This means we can expect to see this highly anticipated addition to the best gaming monitors list on shelves soon, available for purchase from LG.
Beyond the impressive refresh rate â already seen in LG's 32-inch UltraGear OLED, which offers 480Hz as a "dual mode" option â the new monitor boasts several key features. LG highlights an "WRGB pixel structure optimization" that improves text readability compared to conventional screens. It also boasts super-thin bezels, a Micro Lens Array for enhanced brightness and viewing angles, and improved reflection management. The panel achieves a lightning-fast 0.02ms response time, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming.
LG's press release also emphasises the potential for eye comfort. The OLED panel "emits half the blue light of LCD screens," offering protection from potentially harmful effects. Furthermore, the monitor features flicker-free technology, reducing eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
Although LG hasn't disclosed the price yet, the 27-inch OLED monitor's arrival is anticipated with excitement. LG is currently the only manufacturer offering a 480Hz refresh rate in an OLED monitor, leaving competitors like Samsung (with its 360Hz OLED panel) and other LCD manufacturers trailing behind.
This new 27-inch monitor also boasts a decreased response time from 0.03ms (in the 32-inch OLED) to 0.02ms, pushing the boundaries of responsiveness.
The smaller 27-inch screen size suggests a potential for a more affordable high-end gaming monitor compared to the LG 32-inch UltraGear, which comes with a hefty price tag of $1,400 in the US and £1,300 in the UK.
Other monitor manufacturers are reportedly planning to utilise LG's 27-inch panel, including Acer and Asus. However, it's important to remember that these high-end monitors are specifically designed for competitive gamers and, as such, will inevitably come at a premium price. The average gamer doesn't necessarily need the added expense of such a blazing-fast panel, especially considering the demanding requirements to utilise its full potential.
The high refresh rate necessitates a powerful GPU capable of pushing demanding games to a consistent 480 frames per second. This is especially challenging with a 1440p resolution, as opposed to the 1080p option offered by LG's 32-inch OLED counterpart. Ultimately, achieving a smooth 480Hz experience on this 27-inch OLED monitor will require a formidable gaming PC.
The release of LG's new 27-inch 480Hz OLED gaming monitor is a significant step forward in the pursuit of ultimate gaming performance. However, the price tag and the demanding system requirements mean it will likely remain a niche product, appealing to only the most serious and dedicated gamers willing to invest in the highest levels of performance.
