Note: Updated to Full Hands On Review – April 30, 2018
The LG 27UK650 is an all-new 4K monitor capable of brilliant colors with HDR compatibility making it an excellent option for high-end PC or HDR console gaming. This new model continues on the heritage of the UD line which received pleasant reception from customers due to the superb mix of value and performance. The LG 27UK650 builds on a formula that includes the firm’s greatness in the IPS market, possibly creating another winner in the 4K category.
LG 27UK650 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time:5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m² (450 cd/ m² Max)
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 24.1″ x 22.3″ x 9.1″
- Weight: 19.8lbs
Design and Features
The LG 27UK650 utilizes a refreshed take on the UD line’s aesthetics which is composed of sleek lines and proportions for that luxurious appeal. This monitor isn’t bezel-free, but it instead, includes a dual stage border design with a hard plastic outer layer. The chassis comes in matte black on the front while the back is in white (LG 27UK650) which gives the product aesthetic suitability for a design studio.
The monitor looks a bit fragile at first glance, but it surprisingly is quite stable and durable when placed on a desk. The plastics used feel thick enough to resist a bit of force, while the stand is dependable when it comes to holding up the larger than most screen. Despite being on the affordable end of the 4K monitor spectrum, the LG 27UK650 managed to include the premium touch we all want on a PC display.
LG recycled the ArcLine concept for the 27UK650-W’s stand which is composed of an arc-shaped base and a tubular upright. The mechanism allows users to adjust height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for convenience and comfort. Adjusting the screen is comfortable and easy enough, making it easy to attain and keep your preferred view angle for everyday use.
Of course, if mounting is your cup of tea, you can attach the LG 27UK650 to any 100 x 100 VESA armature to suit your needs. Even if most wouldn’t prefer to use this feature, we think it comes in handy for professionals who might want two or three of this model in an array configuration since the base eats up a lot of horizontal space.
The only underwhelming aspect of the LG 27UK650 is its limited connectivity suite which is a deal breaker for many multitaskers. This monitor only includes DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 2.0 slots for video input along with a single 3.5mm audio passthrough jack. You have to pay more for USB slots including USB-C which you can find on the almost perfectly similar LG 27UK850.
At least, gamers get a lot of mileage with the I/O panel since it allows a gaming PC and up to two 4K HDR consoles to be simultaneously connected. The three mentioned ports are also HDR and HDCP 2.2 compliant so there won’t be any issues for HDR and streaming content on any of the ports. These capabilities further extend the LG 27UK650’s already impressive value which already makes it one of our favorites.
Display and Performance
The LG 27UK650 sports a factory-calibrated 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 5ms response time, plus a light matte AG coating. Other typical specs include 1000:1 static contrast ratio and a pre-calibrated 99% sRGB output for excellent vibrancy and saturation. The module used also has a 10-bit (8-bit+FRC) interface, so we could see gamut volume which exceeds the specified 99%.
Our SpyderEliteV colorimeter reveals brilliant results from the LG 27UK650 and its gorgeous IPS panel. The sRGB gamut volume is indeed at 99% which equates to 80% Adobe RGB, giving us that satisfying vibrancy and color-pop we like for gaming displays. Accuracy is also superb since the average DeltaE stays within 1.79.
Contrast, however, is middling with an average of 800:1 at brightness levels below 50% for the LG 27UK650. This doesn’t have a hugely detrimental effect on the picture, but we recommend staying under 50% to ensure the screen stays suitable and accurate for most uses. If gamma seems a bit too much, you can adjust it easily in the OSD by choosing between three different levels.
The LG 27UK650’s panel and color uniformity are excellent so long as the user stays below 50% brightness. Illumination deviation doesn’t go over 12% on the corners of the screen, however color DeltaE rises all the way to 8.2 at 100%. This flaw could be limited to our unit, although it’s easy to avoid since setting the screen higher than half of its max brightness will hurt your eyes anyway.
The LG 27UK650 is also compatible with HDR10 content even if it doesn’t carry the necessary requirements. The HDR mode will automatically activate if the monitor receives a compatible signal, but the device only relies on a software-based implementation. When active, the HDR representation adds a nice touch of extra color pop and a seemingly deeper contrast range, although the monitor’s limitations will come into play here.
Playing Call of Duty WW2 became more engrossing since the grim atmosphere of war gets more emphasis. Of course, OLED TVs like the LG C7 series or a FALD-equipped monitor like the Dell UP2718Q are still better at portraying content in HDR, although the LG 27UK650 feels a bit faster and more responsive. We can’t guarantee that every title will be compatible with the HDR mode in this device since the mixed up standards and implementations can affect the imaging output.
As mentioned, the LG 27UK650 feels snappy and smooth when it comes to gaming. The monitor’s input lag averages at 9.2ms, so there are no perceivable delays between control input and the display. Blurring can also be a problem if you don’t set the overdrive feature to its Fastest setting to achieve the 5ms time. The only limitation here is the 60Hz refresh rate, which until now, has not yet been exceeded by any 4K monitor available in the market.
Finally, the LG 27UK650 is FreeSync compatible so AMD GPU users can take advantage of the royalty-free VRR technology. This add-on comes in handy in keeping tearing and stuttering at bay for demanding titles which will mess up your framerate. However, we wish the monitor was FreeSync 2 compatible instead since the latter has stricter requirements for HDR monitors.
Thoughts on the LG 27UK650
When it comes to value, it’s tough to beat the LG 27UK650 which comes with an excellent IPS display that’s even suitable for professionals. One look at the gorgeous screen and you will know that this model is instantly better than most of its rivals in this price bracket. The ability to add an HDR overlay adds to the value of the monitor, making it a suitable pair for a high-end PC or any of the 4K HDR consoles.
We can say that the LG 27UK650 is a worthy successor to the LG 27UD68-P, which, for the longest time, was our favorite mixed-use 4K monitor. We love that you only have to spend a few bucks more for this model to get its additional features over the 27UD86-P. If you are in the market for a 4K monitor that can handle gaming, HDR content, and general entertainment for a decent price, the LG 27UK650 is the top choice.
Sameer says
Could you please tell me the OSD settings for getting accurate sRGB colours?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Sameer! Try lowering the backlight to 20 and setting your color temps to Red=46, Blue=49, Green=48. Also, make sure the contrast setting is at 70. Let us know how it goes!
Kyle says
If You have contrast 800:1 on this monitor, You have serius problem with Your hardware (colorimeter, or settings, like cutted gradation in video card settings).
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Kyle! The DataColor Spyder V Elite is known to record contrast inaccurately. Sometimes it works properly with comparative results to what other users and reviewers have, but sometimes, it just refuses to cooperate.
Sridhar says
If anyone could help me , im bit confused between benq ew3270u and lg 27uk650. Note this benq model is actually bit expensive than lg model. Im a hardcore console (ps4 pro) player. I dont have pc.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Sridhar! Both monitors are excellent for console gaming so you can’t go wrong with either. We just highly recommend the LG 27Uk650 for users who also require a 4K monitor for other uses such as editing or watching movies due to its superior color accuracy. Cheers!
Scott says
Hey, any advice on good settings for this monitor for an Xbox One X? Or can anyone point me in a direction to find some?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Scott! Try lowering the backlight to 20 and setting your color temps to Red=46, Blue=49, Green=48. Also, make sure the contrast setting is at 70. Let us know how it goes!
Max says
Hi!
I’m looking for some help deciding between this monitor and the Samsung LU28H750. I’m aware that there is around £100 difference between the two, hence my looking for guidance.
I do a lot of gaming, watching of videos and others miscellaneous things such as programming.
Any advance would he welcome.
Max says
Hi!
I’m looking for a bit of advice on which of the following would be ideal for general use, gaming and video. At the moment I’m choosing between Samsung LU28H750 and this one (LG 27UK650).
Do you have any advice?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Max! The LG 27UK650 is better generally when it comes to image quality. You can’t go wrong with it!
Alyssa says
I’m torn between 27UD88-w and 27UK650. I like the versatility of the 88 with the multiple USB ports while seeming to be very compatible spec-wise to the 650. However, I’m seeing mixed information as to whether the 88 is HDCP 2.2 compatible. Also, being that I’ll be utilizing photoshop and other video editing programs I want to choose the option that provides the best picture display. Overall, looking to choose the one with the most versatility, best picture display and most “future proof” in this price range. Any advice/input is appreciated!
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Alyssa! Get the LG 27UK650 since it has a better IPS panel. The LG 27UD88 is a great option if you need a USB-C 4K monitor, but then there’s the LG 27UK850 which is just as good as the 650. Good luck!
Ryan says
What is DFC (Digital Fine Contrast) and what does it do exactly? I play with the HDR Effect Mode and DFC on, and I don’t notice much of a difference. Does DFC even work with HDR Effect Mode or any of the 4 native HDR modes? I think I notice a bit of a difference and the the picture is more bright and vivid with DFC on, but I’m not sure. Is it worthwhile to use DFC while gaming or watching YT videos? I can’t find an answer anywhere on this, so any help is appreciated.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Ryan! the DFC feature is just another name for Dynamic Contrast, which can sometimes have a detrimental effect on the image. We recommend leaving it off for better color and contrast consistency. Cheers!
Dan T says
Hi! I am currently looking for a 27″ monitor for the purpose of looking charts for day trading and reading articles about 5 – 7 hours a day. Due to eyes easily strain looking at the monitor, Do you this monitor would be easy on the eyes ? If not do you have any other recommendations? It won’t be use for gaming or videos, Just reading and charting. Thanks in advance .
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Dan! That depends on how clear your eyesight currently is since the LG 27UK650 is extra sharp. It may not be ideal for reading small text and details, so you might end up straining your eyes. Let us know what’s your budget so we can provide a few recommendations.
Dan T says
My budget is around $450 or less. I am not very knowledgeable about monitors. I was planning on getting a 27″ 4k monitor with flickering free, anti-glare, and low blue light features and then use Windows 10 display settings to scale in the screen that way I can get larger texts with clarity. I don’t know whether that’s the correct thinking or not. Any recommendation is highly appreciated. Thank you!
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Dan! The extra sharpness will make the text smaller and harder to read. But if you are willing to work with Windows 10’s scaling, the LG 27UK650 should be perfect for you! Good luck, and let us know how you like it!
Dan T says
I have been using it for about 3 weeks now. I like it! It’s very stylish. The stand is not flimsy as the previous similar LG stand i.e LG 32UD59-B; it actually has some weight to it. Images are sharp. OSD is easy to use and manage. Control button is intuitive. So far I am happy with it. I don’t know how it’ll perform with gaming since I don’t play games on PC.
Paolo Reva says
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Dan! We’re glad you like the LG 27UK650!
Ash says
Hi Team,
Need some help deciding between these two
MG28UQ OR LG27UK650 or any other recommendations. My sole purpose is for PS4 pro gaming.
Please advise thanks
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Ash! The LG 27UK650 has a better image quality output, but the Asus MG28UQ is faster. Pick one depending on your priority, since you can’t go wrong with either. Good luck!
Corey Trautman says
Would it be possible to post your calibrated settings for this monitor? Also, which HDR mode do you prefer for gaming? I have found them to be too much on the cool side and it doesnt look like you can change the response time or color temperature in HDR modes. Is there something I am missing? Thanks for your review.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Corey! HDR monitors are intended to be slightly cooler looking than a standard sRGB display. We had a limited time with the LG 27UK650, so the review was based on calibration results by a DataColor Spyder V Elite instead of manual tweaking.
robin says
I was just about set on the LGUK850 with USB-c port and then someone recommended I get the 650 you like here and a docking station which is over $200 rather than the 850. I am using a MacBook Pro 2016 and like the idea of less wires on my desk and charging my laptop while it’s plugged in to the LG UK850. However they pointed out I am only charging at 60w vs. the 85w needed for the 15″ MBP. I am also wondering if being directly connected by usb-c to the monitor provides any other advantages rather than running everything through a hub and a display port?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Robin! We can’t say for certain what kind of penalties the hub will incur if you use it since we have not tested a similar setup. But on a positive note, it shouldn’t affect performance at all in a detrimental or noticeable way. The charging would certainly be better from the hub, but there’s another way to look at this. If your monitor has more than one USB-C port (which it should), you can always plug it into the provided charger and the other USB-C slot goes to the monitor using only two cables. If you use a hub, you will still need to plug that hub to a wall socket, plug it to the monitor (Via DP), and then connect your MacBook for a total of three.
The LG 27Uk650 and 27UK850 are more or less similar regarding performance, so you can’t go wrong with either. Good luck, and please let us know how it goes!
Atul Gupta says
For gaming lg 27uk650 Vs benq ew3270u which is better…Please suggest me….
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Atul! The LG 27UK650 has a better image quality output and HDR emulation, but the BenQ EW3270U offers a bigger, more saturated screen. Take pick depending on your needs. Good luck!
Serg says
Hi guys, I am considering buying 27UK650 or 27UD69P-W. Could you please suggest which one is better?
Is it worth buying an older model? Some sources claim contrast for an older model as 1300:1 comparing to 1000:1 for the newer UK650. My tasks are photo editing and autocad.
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Serg! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Go with the cheaper or older model if HDR emulation matters less to you.
Josh says
Anyone have any recommended calibrations for the LG 27UK650-W? I only use it for my PS4 Pro.
Jordan says
I also have this ?
Pete says
Can anyone answer these questions:
When the monitor is at full height, what is the distance between the bottom of the screen and the surface it is on?
How wide is the stand?
Thank you.
randy says
Hey! i like this monitor LG 650W, But I have seen in other reviews that the materials are bad. And that in the corners a lot of yellow appears. I’m also interested in the Dell U2718Q and
BenQ BL2711U. I do not know why to decide
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Randy! The yellowing on the corners other reviews might have mentioned are random and we did not notice any on our units. Out of the three you mentioned, The LG 27UK650 is our favorite.
Mark says
Hello, what is the input lag for the LG27UK 650 and does this increase when HDR effect is operative?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Mark! We tested the LG 27UK650’s latency to be at 9.2ms which is pretty fast for a monitor like this. Cheers!
James says
Hi,
I’m concerned about the input lag – do you have the full statistics of the input lag – also how did you test it?
I’d like to know if the input lag ever exceed 15ms as I’m a gamer and want to play at 60fps with no issues.
Please let me know as everything else about this monitor seems perfect!
Paolo Reva says
Hello, James! We used the Leo Bodnar Signal tester to get the 9.2ms result for the LG 27UK650. This monitor should be perfect for your needs! Cheers!
David says
I have had LG 27UK650 and also Benq EW3270U.
The only thing which Benq is better than LG is Contast because it’s a VA panel.
Beside that LG is better than Benq in every aspect.
HDR in Benq is horrible , it only adds some weird blue color to the screen but in LG it had really better effect although on both monitors it’s emulated and not the real HDR but is is so much better in LG.
Beside that LG typical brightness is 350 cd/m2 but peak brightness is 450 cd/m2 which has positive effect on HDR and general panel quality.
Benq has only 300 cd.m2.
So generally LG 27UK650 is much better than Benq EW3270U.
Paolo Reva says
Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback, David!
shiddo says
how does this monitor compare to the benq el28ou. i got the benq its got the 10 bit panel and all that i understand the downside of a tn panel. i want to use the monitor for ps4 console gaming mostly. do you think i should make the switch to the lg monitor please help
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Shiddo! The LG 27UK650 has better color accuracy and HDR performance since it is an IPS panel, but we don’t think its worth the trouble and the cost to replace your current monitor.
Adam says
Hi there, just wondering if you can help with a decision between 3 monitors. I playing on PS4 Pro console. Between this 3 monitors what would be the best choice for hdr gaming: LG 27UK650-W,LG 32UD99 or ASUS CG32UQ( i know this is not out yet,but its worth to wait for release?) I use an LG 23 inch IPS monitor over the last 5 years. My last question is the ASUS CG32UQ monitor use VA panel it would be big difference between IPS panel picture quality?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Adam! While we cannot comment on the Asus CG32UQ just yet, we do know for sure that it will have a deeper contrast. This will create deeper blacks and offer better grayscale performance. However, IPS are generally clearer or cleaner looking while also being better at handling motion. You can’t go wrong with the two LG’s, but the Asus CG32UQ is worth the wait if you are a dedicated console gamer. Cheers!
Scott says
Hey guys, I’m currently looking at purchasing one of these 2 monitors. In your experience, which do you think is the better monitor. I’m looking for quality between these 2 or another one if you know of one in these price ranges. 32UD59-B and the 27UK650-W. I like the later one as its newer and ips with hdr10 but the other is larger and probably easier on my aging eyes and will save me a couple bucks. Thanks for any input.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Scott! The LG 32UD659-B utilizes a VA panel so it will look less crisp and clear than the 27UK650-W. This also makes the IPS panel on the latter more accurate when it comes to color reproduction. Let us know which one you get!
Emad says
Hello!I am doubting between these two monitors for ps4 pro and pc gaming! LG 27UK650 and BenQ EW3270U which one is better?which one is more smoothly and not lagging?
And when a monitor has 60hz refreshrate is that mean it can’t go above 60 fps or what?
Thanks!
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Emad! The LG 27UK650 is definitely cleaner and clearer thanks to its smaller IPS panel which appears more crisp or sharp. However, we can’t automatically dismiss the BenQ EW3270U since it is one of the better pseudo-HDR monitors we’ve reviewed. If you’d like to play around with HDR, we recommend the latter, but if a clear screen with excellent color accuracy is your cup of tea, the LG 27UK650 is the better bet.
If your monitor is limited to 60Hz, you will only see 60FPS and nothing more. Your PC may exceed 60FPS even at 4K, but you won’t see its benefits during usage.
Cat says
Hi there, just wondering if you can help with a decision between 2 monitors. I’m tossing up between the LG31MU97 and the 850 version of this monitor. I work in graphic design and Web development and would also be playing games from Xbox One (older model, not S or X). Running a 2016 Macbook Pro at the moment but about to change to Surface Book 2. Any advice you have would be much appreciated.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Cat! If you need Adobe RGB and have the necessary requirements to activate the LG 32MU97’s 10-bit mode (Windows 10, 10-bit pro GPU and 10-bit supporting app such as Photoshop), we’d rather you get that instead. However, if your work simply relies on sRGB colors, we’d pick the LG 27UK850 since it is a new and improved model.
me says
take the 850!
Alan says
Good Morning, I do hope you are well. I would be very grateful if you could advise re this monitors ability and spec in order to play Flight simulator games, specifically Microsoft’s FSX, many thanks Best regards Alan
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Alan! We’d suggest an ultrawide monitor, but we’d like to know what your budget is first.
Ryan says
Hello, I’m wondering which Gamma Mode is best for providing the most accurate picture for gaming? LG says the higher the gamma, the darker the image becomes. My monitor was set to Mode 2 when I got it, but I don’t like how dim it is. They said to use Mode 4 if Gamma settings don’t need to be changed, but I don’t like how Mode 2-4 look compared to Mode 1, which is brighter and seems the most “accurate” after comparing each mode.
Mode 1 is the brightest, and looks the best, but sometimes it irritates my eyes because of how bright it is.
Mode 2 is more warm and dim, and it doesn’t irritate my eyes, but it doesn’t look nearly as good as Mode 1; just a bit too dim
Mode 3 is a little bit dimmer than Mode 2, but color temp is more cool.
Mode 4 is about the same as Mode 3, but color temp is normal.
Any explanation on the Gamma Modes would be appreciated. Thanks.
Eli Nolan says
Ryan
We prefer gamma mode 1 with the brightness down a bit.
Max says
Hey,
I was wondering if you could help me with my decision. I need a new monitor and I am deciding between a 27UK600 and 27UD68.
Mostly office things, programming and a bit of gaming.
Unfortunately the price difference is not only a few bugs – I have to pay 150 Euro more.
Is it worthy to get the new model or better go for its predecessor?
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Max! That price gap is too high! We’d get the LG 27UD68P if that’s the case since performance differences between the two are negligible for day to day to usage. Cheers!
bill says
how is this with a ps4 pro console?
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Bill! The LG 27UK650 is excellent for use with the PS4 Pro since it has brilliant imaging capabilities and low input lag.
Ed26 says
Hi, I was wondering when you tested Call of Duty if you were using a Nvidia Video Card and if so how the game performed without g-sync on and what card you used? Any noticeable stuttering?
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Edg26! Yes, we used a GTX 1080 Ti for this monitor, and we did notice a few FPS drops that caused a few jitters. However, it wasn’t that bad and frequent, and we know its probably the game since there a lot of complaints online regarding this issue.
Ryan says
I have this monitor, and I must say, it is AMAZING! I especially like the HDR Effect mode because it just makes everything look so much better! I have a question about that though; is HDR Effect mode advisable to use. or is it less accurate color/brightness/contrast?
Also, having brightness set at 50% doesn’t look good to me, and it seems to make everything just look worse and dimmer. Is it still recommended though to not have 100% brightness and HDR Effect on? Honestly, my eyes feel fine (unless I’m sick, allergies, or I’m very tired)
Thanks for review!
Eli Nolan says
Ryan
We use it with the brightness all the way up to get maximum eye popping visuals. One can always decrease brightness when doing average work. Cheers!
MrBuzzkill says
How would you compare this screen to the Dell U2718Q? Is one particularly better at something than the other?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, MrBuzzkill! The LG 27UK650 is better in almost every regard, such as its color accuracy and input lag. We also liked its HDR filter better than some of the other models we tested, including the U2718Q.
David says
Hello,
So as i understood Dell U2718Q only in theory has a bit higher specs than this model of LG but in practice LG 27UK650 has better quality , am i right ?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, David! The LG 27UK650-W wins in almost every aspect of its image quality, making it the better option.
solej says
Have you guys gotten the hands on this monitor yet? How does it perform on ps4 pr/x1x?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Solej! Unfortunately, we are still waiting for word from LG’s reps. We will update you once we get a review unit of the 27UK650.
Eli Nolan says
Simple answer: Terrific.
Ryan says
Is 5ms and being an IPS panel a concern for input lag for console gaming?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Ryan! the 5ms advertised on the LG 27UK650’s specs does not describe its latency or input lag. That number is related to the screen’s gray to gray response time or pixel transition which mostly affects motion blur or ghosting. From our experience, 5ms isn’t the fastest, but it certainly does not ruin gaming experiences especially for consoles.
Jason says
from what we know about this monitor at the time, do you think this is a solid choice for the xbox box one x?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Jason! The LG 28UK650 should be excellent for HDR console gaming since it carries a certain level of compatibility and a crisp, 4K IPS display for excellent visuals. Great choice!
Dakotah says
Now that the monitor is out when/will you review it further? Specially how it’s claim the hdr holds up.
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Dakotah! We are trying to get our hands on a review unit at this time. If LG grants our request, we will definitely do a thorough review of this model. Thank you for your interest!