The LG 32SQ780S is a reasonably-priced 4K monitor that was designed with convenience and comfort in mind. It’s more affordable successor to the first ergo monitors from the brand, which mostly had 1440p screens. Let’s check to see if spending $500 on this model is a worthy investment or if you should go with a cheaper regular 4K monitor.
LG 32SQ780S Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 65Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB 2.0 x 3, RJ45 x 1, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 28.1” x 25.5” x 16.1″
- Weight: 24.5 lbs
Design and Features
The LG 32SQ780S has a unique design that looks clean and space-saving, so minimalists will love it. The monitor has a matte white finish, making it look suited for studio settings or as a partner for premium design laptops like the MacBooks. The monitor has a bezel-free design, but its bottom borders are thicker because of the speakers.
It is easy to think that this monitor is oversized if you check its dimensions, particularly its overall depth. However, that matters less with this monitor since it doesn’t have a regular base that will eat up a large chunk of your base. The downside is it’s quite heavy due to the design, so you might want to ask for help setting it up.
Its build quality and on-par with the brand’s best offerings, so you can’t consider it an entry-level option. The plastic panels are tough and precise, so they won’t easily break and are free from cosmetic defects. The arm is firm and stable, provided your desk is thick and hard enough to accommodate the clamp.
The LG 32SQ780S has an OSD joystick but it also has a Magic Remote intended for its smart features. The monitor has a built-in OS which lets you use apps like Netflix or Hulu without the help of a PC or console. It’s very easy to use since many of us have used remotes for TVs, but the menu layout can take some time.
The LG 32SQ780S uses an ergonomic arm instead of a regular monitor mount and base. It offers more range of motion, such as telescopic adjustment, so it’s easy to get an angle to help you utilize the monitor. The monitor is still VESA compatible, but you don’t have to buy an aftermarket option since it will basically be the same as the original.
What’s strange is its connectivity layout since it doesn’t include DisplayPort. You only get two HDMI 2.0 slots and a 65-watt USB-C port for your PC and consoles. There is also a trio of USB ports and an RJ45 LAN, but it also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Its TV-based characteristics dictated this design layout, but it’s still marketed as a monitor, so it should at least have DisplayPort.
The LG 32SQ780S’s built-in speakers have 5 watts of power each, allowing them to get louder than most. They are placed near the bottom bezel to better project the sound for viewers. The audio quality isn’t the best, but they are usable for basic purposes like streaming and background music.
Display and Performance
The LG 32SQ780S sports a 32-inch VA panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 65Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 250 cd/m2 output and a 3000:1 contrast ratio which is typical for A panels. This model doesn’t advertise any VESA certification for HDR, but it is HDR10 compatible, like most modern displays.
4K is much better at this size since visibility and legibility will be easier for most users. They can also be used as a small TV for limited spaces like apartments, making them more flexible than a smaller monitor. On the other hand, games and movies look sharper and more detailed, making them more attractive to entertainment buffs.
The LG 32SQ780S renders 100% of the sRGB gamut and 89% DCO-P3 for decent color in games and movies. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.89, so it’s not as accurate as some of LG’s 4k IPS variants. It is still decent for most uses, but color-critical work will demand something better.
Calibrating the monitor reduced the dE average to 1.34, which is more neutral than the default setup. The downside is you will need a colorimeter to address this, and those don’t come cheap for many. We only recommend the extra purchase for professionals, but getting a more accurate alternative should be your priority.
The LG 32SQ780S’s backlight peaked at 256 cd/m2 at 100% brightness, so it can only fight a limited amount of glare. We recommend using this monitor in a shaded area since visibility won’t be as great as it should be if exposed to too much ambient light. The screen’s contrast reached 2855:1 at 80% brightness, showing that it’s capable of deep blacks and excellent night scenes.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have any major issues like backlight leaks or bleeding. That’s more common on IPS variants, but it can still happen to VA and TN models since they all use backlights. Note that this can change with every monitor made due to manufacturing tolerances, so there are worse units out there.
However, the LG 32SQ780S’s main weakness is its pixel response time which appears much slower than its IPS counterparts. Fsat-paced and contrasting transitions will reveal noticeable trailing and ghosting. The monitor’s overdrive helped a bit but will induce overshoot if you set it too high.
The LG 32SQ780S doesn’t have FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, unlike the brand’s many 4K models. VRR is essential for playing in 4K, so they should come standard for monitors that will likely see some gaming. Input lag is slightly higher at 10ms, but it’s still reasonable for a 60Hz display.
Thoughts on the LG 32SQ780S
The LG 32SQ780S is an attractive option for mixed use that involves both media consumption and productivity. It has a large screen that will work for multitasking, and it’s a streaming platform by itself, thanks to its built-in WebOS functionality. It also has an advantage over the Samsung M8 with its ergonomic arm.
However, we feel that this monitor had too many shortcuts to make it more competitive. Its lack of essential features like DisplayPort will dissuade many users, even if it has attractive additions. Overall, it’s a nice buy if you want a flexible monitor, but it has some omissions you might want to consider before pulling the trigger.
Pros:
- Attractive and Functional Design
- USB-C Connectivity
- Excellent Contrast
- Smart TV Features
Cons:
- No DisplayPort
- No Adaptive Sync
- USB-C Limited to 65 Watts
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