LG 32GK850G Review: 32″ 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor

The LG 32GK850G is a 32″ 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC gaming monitor.

Although there are numerous displays with similar specs available, the LG 32GK850G differentiates by having a flat screen, a G-SYNC module, and a unique and innovative RGB lighting technology.

In this review, we’ll see how it compares to its counterparts and whether it’s worth the extra cost.

Image Quality

Based on an AMVA (VA) panel by AU Optronics with a static contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a peak luminance of 350-nits, and true 8-bit color depth with the standard sRGB color gamut, the LG 32GK850G offers quite an immersive image quality.

The colors are not as accurate and consistent as they are on IPS panels, but they are vibrant and bright.

Further, thanks to the superb contrast ratio of VA panels, blacks are more vivid, which makes for more pronounced details and an overall better relation between the darkest and the brightest tones.

Such high contrast ratio, in combination with the absence of IPS glow, makes for a very enjoyable viewing experience, especially in dim-lit rooms.

The viewing angles are 178° both horizontally and vertically, so there are no prominent shifts in color, contrast, or brightness when looking at the screen from skewed angles.

Moreover, 1440p resolution (2560×1440) results in a decent pixel-per-inch ratio even on the large 31.5″ screen of the LG 32GK850G monitor.

With roughly 93 pixels per inch, you get the same pixel density as that of a 24″ 1080p display, but on a huge 32″ screen.

Just like most modern monitors, the LG 32GK850G G-SYNC display has a flicker-free backlight and an integrated low-blue light filter.

Performance

The LG 32GK850G input lag amounts to only ~4ms of delay, which is virtually immaculate.

Turning to the response time speed of 5ms (GtG), there is some trailing visible in fast-paced games, more so when dark pixels are predominant in the picture, which is expected from most VA panel displays.

There are four response time overdrive settings (Off, Normal, Fast, Faster). The ‘Faster’ preset is the most efficient at eliminating motion blur, and it doesn’t introduce any prominent overshoot.

Thanks to the G-SYNC module and variable overdrive, you can use the Faster mode, and you won’t get any ghosting or inverse ghosting regardless of your frame rate.

Moving on, in the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, you can overclock the monitor up to 165Hz. G-SYNC works all the way up to 165Hz (30Hz-165Hz), and it can function at the same time as the ‘Faster’ response time option.

Overall, with G-SYNC enabled, Response Time set at ‘Faster,’ and 165Hz overclock, the gaming experience is stunning.

Although there is some ghosting, most gamers will find it tolerable

Features

Underneath the bottom bezel of the monitor, you will find the OSD joystick as well as a little scroll that is used for tweaking the Sphere Lighting RGB technology.

Sphere Lightning consists of LEDs that are placed at the back of the monitor, forming a shape of a ring/circle.

The LEDs can get quite bright, so you will be able to see the lights reflecting off of the wall when facing the monitor normally and get atmospheric ambient lighting. It can even glow while the monitor is powered off.

To turn on/off this feature, press and hold the scroll. Just pressing it toggles different glowing styles (color cycle, rainbow, red, green, cyan, magenta, and White Daylight) and rolling it to the left/right adjusts the intensity of luminance.

Other features include Black Stabilizer (for better visibility of objects in the dark), Crosshair (custom crosshair overlays), and pre-calibrated picture presets (Gamer 1, Gamer 2, FPS 1, FPS 2, RTS, and Reader).

Other important adjustments include brightness/contrast, gamma, color temperature, and input source selection. You can alter all of these settings in the OSD menu via the joystick or in the On-Screen Control desktop application.

Design & Connectivity

The LG 32GK850G 1440p gaming monitor has a sturdy design with slim bezels and an ergonomic stand (110mm height adjustment, +/- 20° swivel, -5°/15° tilt, 90° pivot, 100x100mm VESA mount).

Connectivity options include one DisplayPort 1.2 port, one HDMI 1.4 port (max 60Hz at 1440p), a dual-USB 3.0 hub (one upstream plus two downstream ports), and a headphone jack.

The screen has a light matte anti-glare coating, which eliminates sunlight reflections but preserves the image quality.

Price & Similar Monitors

The LG 32GK850G price ranges from ~$500 up to $650, which is a bit steep. It’s also available as the LG 32GK650G variant, without the RGB lighting.

Nowadays, you can get the Samsung Odyssey G7 at that price range.

These curved monitors have a higher 240Hz refresh rate and a faster 1ms GtG pixel response time speed for virtually no ghosting in fast-paced games.

Furthermore, they offer decent HDR support via wide color gamut support, local dimming, and a strong 600-nit peak brightness.

The 27″ and 32″ G7 models don’t have dedicated G-SYNC modules, but they are certified as G-SYNC Compatible for smooth VRR performance.

Visit our always up-to-date best gaming monitor buyer’s guide for more information and the best deals available.

Conclusion

Overall, the LG 32GK850G used to be one of the best 32″ gaming monitors, but there are better and more cost-effective models available nowadays.

Specifications

Screen Size	31.5-inch
Resolution	2560×1440 (WQHD)
Panel Type	VA
Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate	144Hz (165Hz OC)
Response Time	5ms (GtG)
Adaptive Sync	G-SYNC
Ports	DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4
Other Ports	2x USB 3.0, Headphone Jack
Brightness	350 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio	3000:1 (static)
Colors	16.7 million (true 8-bit)
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)