What’s the ultimate gaming setup? One that combines the speed of 480Hz with the stunning visuals of 4K on an OLED panel, all wrapped up in LG’s innovative Ultragear design. This cutting-edge display promises to revolutionize your gaming experience, boasting a 32-inch screen size, HDR10 support, and a wide color gamut to bring out the best in your games. With its sleek and sturdy build, this monitor is sure to turn heads whether you’re playing at home or competing in esports tournaments. But don’t just take our word for it – we put the LG Ultragear 32GS95UE through its paces to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Will it deliver on its lofty promises?

On paper, the Aspire 27 is among the most fascinating and successful OLED gaming displays around. This sleek, 32-inch monitor boasts a 4K resolution and a large display dimension, rendering an incredibly crisp and detailed image. Furthermore, its 240Hz refresh rate enables seamless motion handling, allowing you to seamlessly navigate through your digital landscape. However that’s not all. With a simple toggle of the faucet’s dual-mode button, the screen seamlessly shifts to 480Hz at 1080p, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience ideal for fast-paced, action-packed titles like aggressive first-person shooters.

With its outstanding visuals and lightning-quick reaction time, this display stands out as a premier gaming screen. Notwithstanding its premium price tag, it’s still worthwhile to investigate whether this LG OLED screen truly lives up to expectations, given its earlier shortcomings.

Specs

Design

The LG UltraGear 32GS95UE boasts a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic for the most part, albeit with a strikingly bulky aspect to its design that sets it apart. While its sleek bezeled edges are impressive, its compact base provides a spacious area for keeping desk trinkets, and its slender stand expands to a width of up to 158mm when viewed from the side. While at first glance it appears healthy, the added width undoubtedly presents a captivating design option.

The display’s design fails to accentuate the astonishingly slim dimensions achievable with OLED panels. The LG 27GX790A boasts a remarkably thin profile, measuring mere millimeters at its slimmest point, while the rear portion accommodates the necessary electronic components. In contrast, this monitor’s entire display exhibits a subtle curvature, gradually increasing in thickness from the slim edges to the central section. While its angular silhouette may not appear remarkably slender from all perspectives, it cleverly streamlines the visual presentation, making it more manageable for a display of this size and weight. While providing a detailed analysis is crucial, a precise deal with on the highest standard is essential for achieving optimal performance, as observed in our meticulous evaluation of the AOC AG276QZD monitor.

While adjusting, the stand offers precise control over peak, rotation, pivot, and tilt settings, enabling you to effortlessly position the panel in your preferred orientation and secure connections by pivoting the panel back into place. The stand is eliminated to reveal a standard 100 x 100mm VESA mount, compatible with most traditional monitor arms. Explore an impressive array of monitor arm options designed specifically for your panel in our comprehensive review of the Secretlab Heavy Duty Monitor Arm.

The display’s floor features a muted, matte finish that effectively minimizes reflections, as evident when comparing the image above with its glossy counterpart below. Notwithstanding this end can hardly convey the essence of a few key points regarding picture quality, to which I will devote further discussion below.

The show also features a distinctive hexagonal ring of high-definition RGB lighting surrounding its rear panel. The newly installed lighting system provides an effective ambiance within the space, but falls short of achieving a radiant sheen that would create a noticeable reflection on nearby surfaces.

Options

The true showstopper here is the impressive 32-inch 4K OLED display, boasting the ability to operate at a remarkable 240Hz refresh rate before seamlessly switching to 1080p at an astonishing 480Hz. The device features an intuitive mechanism allowing for seamless swaps by simply pressing a discreet button located along the display’s edge. With a simple tap of the button, the display seamlessly switches to its Twin-Mode configuration.

The two resolutions provide a pixel density of 137 pixels per inch (ppi) in 4K mode, above prime, and 69 ppi in 1080p mode, above backside. While the previous image produces a decent level of detail, its resolution of 69 ppi falls short, resulting in an unflattering appearance when displayed on a large screen. Many gamers prefer smaller displays, typically 24- or 27-inches, for fast-paced first-person shooters, which can make the large 32-inch 1080p image feel overwhelming? While offering flexibility, LG allows users to operate its 1080p/480Hz mode in either a 27-inch or 24-inch dimension window.

The display’s utilisation of OLED technology yields genuine black levels, as each pixel is capable of completely shutting off, unlike LCDs where the backlight still emits some light, resulting in greyish black tones. According to reports, the show’s exceptional quality enabled it to boast an impressive ratio of 1,500,000 to one. This contrasts starkly with a conventional LCD’s ratio of approximately 1,000:1.

While most brightness is generally restricted, LG’s typical total maximum brightness is reported to reach an impressive 275cd/m². While most LCD panels can easily reach a brightness of 400cd/m², this characteristic makes them more suitable for use in very bright or reflective environments.

The 32GS95UE features LG’s latest microlen technology, significantly enhancing its full-screen brightness compared to the previous LG OLED monitor reviewed, the 27GR95QE. The mannequin found it difficult to achieve a luminance of approximately 200 cd/m², resulting in an insufficiently bright display of white that rendered it unsuitable for various applications.

The 32GS95UE boasts a peak brightness of up to 1,300 cd/m², enabling it to deliver authentic punch and vivid details in small areas of HDR content, such as tiny highlights on jewelry or water droplets in scenic vistas. While OLED panels often exhibit localized brightness anomalies, the extreme peak value here stands out as unusually high.

The monitor offers connectivity options including a single DisplayPort, two HDMI inputs, and a two-port USB 3.0 hub for convenience. While this display does not natively support a USB-C input, users can still connect their laptops via a USB-C to DisplayPort or HDMI adapter, offering flexibility in terms of compatibility.

Among the show’s numerous bonus features is an unexpectedly delightful 10W audio system. With many LG gaming displays previously sacrificing their audio systems, it’s refreshing to see the brand incorporate a decent one for everyday listening purposes. The sound quality is already adequate enough to make low-cost soundbars and audio systems, such as the Belief GXT 1619 or Redragon GS560, redundant in terms of improvement.

While no single device can work miracles, it’s safe to say that any speaker priced over $30 would be a significant upgrade. In fact, some of the top-rated options on our gaming speakers list offer impressive sound quality. If you’re looking to keep your workspace clutter-free and prefer using a gaming headset for multiple purposes, then having decent speakers for occasional use is a thoughtful addition.

Onscreen show menu

The majority of display functions, excluding Twin-Mode, are controlled via a compact mini joystick located at the bottom center of the screen. Tilt your screen to quickly access options for quantity and brightness, or simply tap to bring up the main menu.

The menu boasts a swift response time and an intuitive navigation experience, featuring essential settings for adjusting picture quality and gaming performance. For the most part, however, you can leave the display settings at their defaults, as the built-in picture quality is excellent and most users won’t require adjustments such as setting the show to 100% brightness, keeping G-Sync/Adaptive Sync enabled, and so on.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the display still offers several adjustments to fine-tune for optimal performance. The Twin-Mode option in the Recreation Alter menu allows you to choose between 27-inch and 24-inch cropped views, rather than using the full screen mode.

To fully utilize your device’s features, ensure you have activated the OLED Display screen Transfer setting located within the General section. The display’s refresh rate subtly adjusts by a fraction of a pixel to minimize prolonged exposure to the same color, thereby extending its lifespan. While it may require flipping the switch for intense tournament play, this feature is otherwise imperceptible during standard usage.

Picture high quality

While this monitor’s specs suggest an all-in-one gaming powerhouse, it largely lives up to expectations, albeit with some minor exceptions.

One of the most significant findings from our extensive examination of OLED displays is closely tied to this particular model. We found that the Acer Predator X45, MSI MPG 271QRX, MSI MPG 491CQP, and LG 27GR95QE displays all exhibited similarly fuzzy-looking text with distracting colored fringing along their edges, as well as on other high-contrast borders like black fields on white backgrounds.

The organization of purple, inexperienced, and blue sub-pixels down to the best way each pixel is mixed on OLED panels implies that the display doesn’t function properly when using font smoothing technologies designed for flat-panel screens. LCDs experience significantly fewer challenges.

While LG’s OLED displays were particularly affected by this issue, it’s worth noting that their unique combination of white, purple, green, and blue sub-pixels – commonly referred to as WOLED technology – further exacerbated the problem. Despite introducing new WOLED panels, LG has made a subtle yet significant adjustment to the sub-pixel format, effectively mitigating this drawback.

The root of the problem lies in the significant reduction of visual issues brought about by increasing the pixel density of a display; this is because it enables the screen to boast an abundance of pixels (and, subsequently, sub-pixels) that can seamlessly smoothen the appearance of text and other high-contrast edges. This sleek and slender TV delivers exactly what you’d expect from a high-end LG model: breathtaking visuals and immersive entertainment. Despite its large size, the 32GS95UE’s 137 ppi pixel density only marginally surpasses the 110 ppi common in many other OLED displays, yet still effectively minimizes the problem.

While the display may not match the crispness of a comparable LCD, its clarity is still more than sufficient to facilitate seamless use for tasks like studying and managing documents, such as spreadsheets. The 32GS95UE can be seen on the left above, directly compared to a 27-inch 4K LCD, although not a precise match; nonetheless, the cleaner text edges at the top of the image are still noticeable.

The 4K resolution renders an incredibly crisp and detailed visual display for all content. While movies, footage, and video games can be visually appealing, they often lack the realism one would experience at a typical 20-inch viewing distance, where the image may not accurately replicate actual life. To truly overcome the sensation of pixel visibility, it’s necessary to view from a distance of approximately 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) with a larger screen display similar to this one. In contrast, 4K resolution on a 27-inch display produces its dramatic effect from a significantly closer vantage point.

The overall color tone of the copy is unlikely to impress. Notably, the upgrades in overall luminosity when compared to earlier LG displays yield a palpable difference, whereas the 27GR95QE’s fixed variance in brightness is significantly less distracting.

The luminosity of brighter visual elements in the presentation fluctuated in tandem with the density of adjacent pixels, oscillating between radiant and subdued states based on their composition of bright or dark particles. When presenting a small white window against a dark background, its luminosity appears particularly vibrant. However, if you subsequently open a full white webpage or email client, for instance, the overall brightness drops significantly. The unnecessary noise has been eliminated, thank goodness!

We had to operate the show at nearly full brightness on most occasions. At its maximum setting of 100, the display achieves a brightness remarkably close to LG’s advertised level, yielding a measured luminosity of 270 cd/m². That’s a surprisingly fitting lamp for a typically underlit workspace but perhaps a bit too bright for a well-lit room.

Reduce the display’s brightness to 90 percent, considering that it has already been set to a relatively low level of 225 cd/m², which is comparable to an 80 percent setting that reaches 176 cd/m². Running an OLED panel at maximum brightness (100%) frequently can significantly shorten its lifespan, as OLEDs naturally degrade faster when operated in high-brightness modes, thereby reducing their overall longevity.

Despite initial concerns, the WOLED technology has notably mitigated this issue. The presence of an additional white pixel enables the possibility of shipping brilliant white backgrounds on Windows (or white text on black backgrounds when using dark mode) for numerous app interfaces, thus avoiding the need to drive the red, green, and blue subpixels to operate at such a high intensity. If principle-based usage leads to potentially longer overall life than Samsung’s rival QD-OLED technology when employed daily, the panel may indeed exhibit a prolonged lifespan – though it’s premature to definitively state how this will manifest in real-world usage, as degradation can take years to become noticeable.

Compared to LG’s QD-OLED technology, one notable advantage held by rival technologies is the superior brightness and vividness of their peak coloration. The LG panel excels at producing vibrant, eye-catching colours, but Samsung’s QD-OLED technology takes it a step further by delivering even more intense, slightly exaggerated shades of purple, green, and blue. As a result, the trade-off between QD-OLED and LG’s technology is that QD-OLED excels at displaying vibrant HDR content, while LG’s tech shines in producing brighter whites, making for a nuanced compromise either way?

With regards to HDR, this display features a trio of core settings. Without the option to enable Peak Brightness, HDR content is restricted to a maximum display brightness of 270 cd/m². As the HDR stage reaches its peak, it plateaus at a maximum brightness of approximately 625 cd/m² before surpassing that threshold to reach an excessive peak brightness of around 675 cd/m². Although theoretically capable of reaching 1300 cd/m², our testing was unable to achieve a sufficient white HDR window to confirm this possibility. This image showcases a direct comparison between the same video displayed in Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) on the left and High Dynamic Range (HDR) on the right, highlighting the visual differences between the two formats.

Although the matte finish is not as extreme as some others, a subtle shimmering effect still appears when viewing plain white backgrounds. While some users find the subtle curvature of this screen distracting compared to the seamless experience offered by flat panels with reflective coatings, I did not find it particularly bothersome on this particular display.

Gaming efficiency

Gaming on this show is a pure pleasure to watch. Enjoy breathtaking visuals with every game on the native 4K resolution of this panel, as well as experience a stunning image with sharp details. In addition to its impressive specifications, the display’s ability to handle high refresh rates – up to 240Hz in capable graphics cards – offers a truly immersive gaming experience, particularly when combined with the swift response time provided by OLED technology.

I managed to play Fortnite’s ‘No Construct’ mode at 4K resolution on my RTX 4070 Ti-powered PC, effortlessly achieving a frame rate exceeding 200 frames per second, resulting in an exceptional gaming experience. Meanwhile, a brief respite allows us to confirm that our earlier report on Stalker 2’s most impressive settings details has indeed revealed an astonishing visual fidelity – particularly in dark scene renderings where the image quality is simply unparalleled. The profound darkness of OLED technology shines vividly in these nighttime opening scenes, as the panel’s rapid response harmonizes seamlessly with the gameplay, although I was unable to exceed 100fps on my setup during that particular game.

Upon switching the display to 1080p/480Hz mode, the visual disparity becomes strikingly apparent. While 240Hz on an OLED panel might be plenty of speed for many gamers, the jump to 480Hz renders 240Hz surprisingly jerky. Although we’re pushing the boundaries of human comprehension with such rapid refresh rates, we haven’t yet reached the threshold where people can fully grasp their implications. Watch as this monitor expertly handles rapid on-screen motion in the screenshot below. This movement blur takes a closer look at and is often a smeary mess on slower screens, but it’s crystal clear here.

Meanwhile, the majority of video games are unable to run at frequencies higher than 480Hz, with popular titles like Apex Legends capped at 360Hz. Although Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and others can run smoothly with this level of performance, you’ll definitely notice the difference? There’s simply no perceivable hint of any latency or body fee to the game: your actions and interactions unfold on screen with seamless quickness, as if they were happening in real life – minus a slight caveat that they only occur at 1080p resolution.

Given the need for an optimal viewing experience in my gaming setup, I opted for the 27-inch cropped mode, as the fullscreen view proved overwhelming; conversely, the 24-inch setting felt cramped due to the distance between myself and the screen.

Value

The initial suggested retail price (MSRP) of this panel was $1,399.99, but recent discounts have made it more regularly available at a reduced rate of $1,099.99 over the past few weeks. For now, a pre-Black Friday offer on Amazon brings the price down to just $1,069.99. While its value is considerable, the display still offers a respectable value proposition compared to numerous other OLED gaming monitors on the market, which are similarly priced at present. In a surprising move, this product effectively outperforms its closest rival, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP, currently retailing for $1,199, making it a more competitive option in the market.

Although initial cost savings may not yet be entrenched as the norm, it’s essential to consider the panel’s value at its full price, which stands at just under $1,400 – a notably expensive proposition. You can now acquire massive 49-inch expansive OLED screens at a significantly lower cost. This monitor’s versatility is impressive, effectively fulfilling its promise of a one-stop solution.

Options

MSI MPG 491CQP

While your primary concern may be overall display size rather than a razor-sharp 4K resolution, the MSI MPG 491CQP remains an excellent choice. This 24-inch gaming monitor boasts a stunning 5120×1440 resolution on its Samsung QD-OLED panel, which effortlessly operates at up to 144Hz for seamless gameplay and showcases vibrant color depth, all at an affordable price point of under $800.

Discover our in-depth review of the MSI MPG 491CQP monitor.

Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP

The Asus ROG Swift PG32UPC employs the identical LG-panel used in the 32GS95UE, ensuring nearly indistinguishable overall picture quality and gaming performance. Ultimately, whoever mannequin is most cost-effective at any given moment is likely to determine which monitor is the best value for money.

Verdict

The LG UltraGear 32GS95UE stands out as a versatile and well-rounded gaming monitor that checks most of the boxes. The device provides an immersive viewing experience, boasting stunning 4K visuals on its OLED panel with rich colour accuracy and depth, while also excelling in fast-paced gaming scenarios thanks to its rapid 240Hz refresh rate and prompt response time. The clincher is the ability to seamlessly shift to a 480Hz, 1080p mode, ideal for high-stakes gaming sessions.

What’s extra, LG has largely mitigated the low-brightness issues that plagued some of its earlier OLED panels, and textual content readability is surprisingly good due to enhanced panel performance and a high-resolution 4K display. While some customers may crave the polished finish or slightly enhanced colour vibrancy offered by Samsung’s QD-OLED panels, the overall proficiency showcased here is still impressive nonetheless. The actual fact that you get a half-decent audio system thrown in as part of the combination is indeed a stable bonus.

Currently, at significantly reduced prices, it’s challenging to imagine any further enhancements that wouldn’t justify the investment in a gaming monitor with these features at this price point. While the Asus ROG Swift PG32UPG was once at its peak value, it’s now a tougher sell considering it offers the same raw specifications for a lower price.