⚡️ Quick Verdict - LG UltraGear 27GP850-B (2021)
- Best For: Fast-paced gaming, competitive esports, vibrant general use.
- Strengths: High refresh rate, low response time, vibrant IPS panel colors.
- Drawbacks: Contrast ratio not ideal for dark rooms, basic HDR implementation.
- Verdict: A strong choice for gamers prioritizing speed and color accuracy.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Performance | Users report extremely smooth gameplay due to 165Hz (OC to 180Hz) refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time. Many appreciate the G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium support for tear-free gaming. | Some users note that while ghosting is minimal, there can be some inverse ghosting artifacts with extreme overdrive settings. |
| Picture Quality | Reviewers praise the vibrant colors and wide viewing angles provided by the IPS panel, making it suitable for both gaming and general use. The HDR400 certification offers a basic HDR experience. | The native contrast ratio is typical for an IPS panel, meaning blacks may appear gray in dark environments. The HDR implementation is basic and doesn't offer true HDR highlights or deep blacks due to limited local dimming zones. |
| Ergonomics & Design | The stand offers full adjustability (height, tilt, swivel, pivot), allowing users to find a comfortable viewing position. The thin bezels are appreciated for multi-monitor setups. | Some find the plastic build quality feels less premium compared to higher-end monitors. The external power brick can be inconvenient for cable management. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Monitor Unit | The core display for visual output. |
| Stand (Height, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot Adjustable) | Enables ergonomic positioning and comfort during long sessions. |
| DisplayPort Cable | Essential for achieving the highest refresh rates and enabling adaptive sync technologies. |
| HDMI Cable | Provides alternative connectivity options for various devices, including consoles. |
| USB 3.0 Upstream Cable | Activates the integrated USB hub on the monitor for connecting peripherals. |
| External Power Adapter & Power Cord | Supplies necessary power to the monitor for operation. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Performance | Delivers excellent gaming performance for its category, particularly its speed and adaptive sync features. | Gamers seeking top-tier HDR will find its HDR400 capabilities limited compared to monitors with full-array local dimming. |
| Versatility | The IPS panel offers good color accuracy and viewing angles, making it versatile for general computing and some content creation. | Not designed for professional color-critical work where higher Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 coverage and factory calibration are essential. |
| Longevity/Future-proofing | Its 1440p resolution and high refresh rate remain relevant for current and next-gen gaming. | Display technology evolves rapidly; newer panels may offer superior contrast or brightness in future models. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does this monitor support G-Sync?Yes, it is G-Sync Compatible, meaning it has been validated by NVIDIA to provide a variable refresh rate experience with compatible NVIDIA graphics cards. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium.
- What is the native refresh rate, and can it be overclocked?The native refresh rate is 165Hz. It can be overclocked to 180Hz via the monitor's OSD.
- Is it suitable for console gaming?Yes, it supports 1440p at up to 120Hz (if the console supports it) and features HDMI 2.0 ports. However, it will downscale 4K signals from consoles.
- Does it have speakers?No, this monitor does not have built-in speakers. It features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The speed and responsiveness for gaming are incredible; games look super smooth.
- Colors are vibrant and pop, making everything look great, from games to movies.
- The stand is very adjustable, which is a huge plus for ergonomics.
- No dead pixels and minimal backlight bleed on my unit.
- Setup was straightforward, plug and play.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- Blacks look more like dark gray, especially in a dim room; contrast isn't its strong suit.
- HDR is pretty basic; don't expect a transformative experience.
- The external power brick is a bit annoying for desk cable management.
- Some noticeable IPS glow in dark scenes, but not overly distracting.
- The OSD joystick can be a bit finicky to navigate at times.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz (Overclockable to 180Hz) |
| Response Time | 1ms GtG (Gray-to-Gray) |
| Adaptive Sync | NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² (Typical) |
| HDR Support | HDR10 (VESA DisplayHDR 400) |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (Typical) |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 98% (Typical) |
| Viewing Angles | 178°(H)/178°(V) |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB 3.0 Upstream, 2x USB 3.0 Downstream, 1x Headphone Out |
| Ergonomics | Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Height Adjustable |
| VESA Mount | 100 x 100mm |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B (2021) positions itself as a strong contender in the QHD high-refresh-rate gaming monitor market.
- Its standout features include a fast IPS panel that delivers excellent response times and vibrant colors, making it highly suitable for competitive and immersive gaming alike.
- While its HDR capabilities are limited by VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and typical IPS contrast, it compensates with strong adaptive sync support (G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium) and a highly ergonomic stand.
- This monitor is an ideal choice for gamers who prioritize smooth, tear-free visuals and accurate colors over deep blacks or premium HDR experiences.
- It serves as a versatile display for both gaming and general productivity, representing solid value for its performance class.
