- Overall
The LG 32UD99-W is a flagship 4K monitor that offers cream of the crop specs such as HDR compatibility packed into an equally opulent exterior. The 32-inch form factor makes the product ideal for all sorts of uses including professional editing or console and PC gaming. The LG 32UD99-W is one of the pioneering members of the HDR monitor portfolio in the market, so let’s check out if it is a fantastic trendsetter.
LG 32UD99-W Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1300:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 550 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 2 Watts)
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-5°/+20°)
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1,, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 28.1” x 23.4” x 9.7″
- Weight: 18.5lbs
Design and Features
As mentioned, the LG 32UD99-W is one of the Korean tech giant’s flagship professional monitors which means that it includes classy design features. The slim chassis comes in white (hence, the W on the model number) matched with an aluminum stand which appeals to the minimalist in consumers. The face is bezel-free, although there are thin plastic layers on the edges along with panel borders which are easy to ignore when the massive screen is turned on.
Like most of LG’s superb monitors, the LG 32UD99-W includes an ArcLine design stand which is made of cast aluminum. The arcing footing provides excellent stability to the larger than usual chassis without any wobbles. You can adjust height, pivot, and tilt the screen with this mechanism, although you can also remove it in favor of VESA mounting solutions.
What we absolutely love about the LG 32UD99-W is its multi-directional joystick that handles all of the monitor’s functions. You won’t find any other buttons other than this tool which is ideally situated in the middle of the bottom bezel for easy access. Some may still prefer tactile buttons, but once you get to use joysticks like this one, you will never go back!
The I/O panel on the LG 32UD99-W is laid out similarly to its other products in a rear-facing position which is convenient for plugging cables in, but difficult for flush mounting. You get DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 2.0 ports for video signals, plus two USB 3.0 receptacles and a 3.5mm audio jack. There is also a pair of 5-watt speakers which sound decent enough for basic use but is non-ideal for gaming or movie watching.
The LG 32UD99-W comes equipped with a USB-C along with the other input connectors which will allow owners to connect a compatible laptop like the MacBook Pro. You can use this slot if you want to operate the LG 32UD99-W with a single cable other than the power line, but be aware that it only offers 60 Watts of charging power. Typically, a 15-inch MacBook Pro or something similar requires 85 Watts of power for it to charge while in use.
Display and Performance
The LG 32UD99-W sports a 32-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. To achieve HDR compatibility, this model includes a particular version of LG’s IPS modules that are rated with a contrast ratio of up to 1300:1. This model also utilizes an edge array backlight that pumps out 350cd/m2 for SDR content or up to 550 cd/m2 for HDR media.
If you want an accurate sRGB or Rec. 709 output from the LG 32UD99-W, you only need to use the included modes in the OSD. Using these filters will lock out calibration features, but the custom mode which unlocks the controls will insist on using DCI-P3. Out of the box, this model presented an average Delta E of 2.15 for sRGB or 1.80, although gamut volume was a bit underwhelming at 91%.
DCI-P3 coverage is also a little under the company’s 95% claim at 90%, which is disappointing for a high-end monitor like this one. But on a positive note, the LG 32UD99-W posted a contrast ratio of 1450:1 at default and a maximum level of around 2100:1 when HDR mode is active. The added range helped the less vibrant screen when it comes to eye candy.
The LG 32UD99-W automatically activates its HDR mode when it detects an HDR10 signal. Four modes will become available in the OSD aside from the 16 other options to choose from. For the best results in games and movies, select the HDR Cinema filter which can dramatically improve your viewing experience. The only downside we saw during tests was the slightly bluish tint which is most apparent when viewing white backgrounds, although the overall vibrancy and color reproduction of the screen isn’t too affected.
Despite having an edge array backlight, the LG 32UD99-W does quite well when it comes to panel and brightness uniformity. Deviations from the center stayed well within 13% so in most cases, color or illumination shifts aren’t noticeable. There are reports of bad IPS glow from some users, but this could be the edge array which actually helps the monitor to achieve its HDR compatibility.
The LG 32UD99-W’s FreeSync implementation with a functional range of 40Hz to 60Hz adds excellent value to the monitor. It’s a bit short, but you have to remember that 4K gaming’s fluctuations in frames will play around this threshold. However, the most significant downside to choosing a FreeSync monitor nowadays is the lack of availability for AMD’s most potent 4K-capable GPU; the Vega 64.
Finally, the LG 32UD99-W clocks in at an average of 20ms of input lag which is pretty decent for a professional display. Casual and console gamers will enjoy the monitor’s amazing HDR capabilities without noticeable delay, but E-Sports fanatics may have to look elsewhere if speed is a concern. Since the screen has a slower response time and a limited refresh range, users can expect moderate levels of blurring when the fast-paced action kicks in.
Thoughts on the LG 32UD99-W
The LG 32UD99-W isn’t perfect, but it is one of the current best 4K HDR solutions in the PC monitor market. The product beats out the nearly identical Dell U2718Q which also utilizes edge array lighting, but a FALD-equipped model like the Dell UP2718Q will trump it all day, every day. The monitor’s capabilities make it suitable for both professional and entertainment applications which include both PC and 4K HDR Console gaming.
If you want a 32-inch UHD monitor for these types of needs, the LG 32UD99-W is the HDR monitor to get. LG’s superior engineering prowess and their expertise in IPS technology culminate in this device, making it well worth the price. If you are looking to spend less than a grand on a 4K HDR monitor, the LG 32UD99-W is the current best option.
Geir Dani says
you have measured the input lag to be 20ms, but rting.com have rated input lag to be as low as 9ms. How is this possible? I am talking about 32UD99-W
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Geir! They mentioned that the 9ms rating is the lowest input lag the monitor is capable of, the 20ms we specified here is the average. They use a different method, so the results will vary as well.
Christian says
Just to continue one of the threads: Do you know whether a replacement for the 32UL950 has been announced yet?
Would the LG 32BL95U-W be considered a replacement?
Regards,
Christian
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Christian! We’re not sure if the LG 32BL95U-W will directly replace the 32UL950. It looks like that monitor will sit at a slightly higher tier since it will natively support hardware calibration like many prosumer monitors. That means it will be more expensive when it comes out. Let’s wait and see if we get a review unit before concluding since imaging performance will dictate if its a better buy than the predecessors and not its extra features. Cheers!
Topaz buzhish says
Confused between lg 27uk650 and lg 32ud99. Which one you recommend for gaming and office work?
And is the difference between them is only the size?
Thanks
Paolo Reva says
Hi, The LG 32UD99 is a much better choice for gaming and entertainment due to its improved HDR performance. Its larger screen is also better and more comfortable for office use, so its the better pick out of the two. Cheers!
Jacob Goldenberg says
Hello, I am trying to decide on a monitor to play my XBox1X on. It has come between this monitor and the 32UL950. Thus far, it seems that this one (32UD99-W) is better despite being older. My two questions are: has this opinion changed at all? And, do you think that there will be a new release of monitors (Q2) that will improve on either of these two monitors or at least reduce the price of either of them? I want to pull the trigger now, but I would hate to purchase the 32UD99-W only to find out a few weeks later that it was reduced in price or that a brand new version with better color/refresh rates came out.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Jacob! The LG 32UD99 is well worth its price right now. LG has yet to announce a replacement after the UL950, so the only possible price reduction we could see is a holiday sale like 4th of July events and such. Cheers!
Jacob Goldenberg says
Thanks for the swift response. One more question is this monitor: 27BK85U-W. Currently it is on sale for 68% off. It is a “commercial” model instead of “consumer”, but seems to be just as good as the UD99. Yes I understand it is a smaller screen size, but can I get your opinion on the monitor I mentioned too?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Jacob! Unfortunately, its a discontinued model and we did not get a chance to review it. It should be comparable to the LG 27UK650 which we love, but we can’t say for certain without testing it with the Spyder Elite V.
Terry says
Paola Great Article I have the 2018 Macbook Pro 512gb 2.6ghz wish the monitor to act as my screen Play 4k movies Photo vodeo edit etc., I am not a professional purely for fun/domestic use. No kids now so just my use. Will this be the one you can buy it or less than a£1000
Many thanks
Terry
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Terry! Yes, the LG 32UD99 is a great 4K monitor for the MacBook Pro. It’s now discounted, so it shouldn’t cost a grand anywhere. Cheers!
Garette Rayburn says
I recently purchased this monitor after reading the review on it and have one complaint. I use the monitor for console gaming and I find that the HDR Cinema preset is the only HDR picture setting that looks good. Only downside to HDR Cinema that I’ve found is the input lag seems to be significantly higher than HDR Game. I’m torn on wether I like the monitor or not because of this issue. The picture quality on HDR Game is terrible in my eyes but the lower input lag is much better :/
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Garette! We didn’t experience this flaw with the LG 32UD99. But maybe you are extra sensitive to delays, so if it bothers you that much, you should consider returning it. However, there isn’t anything capable of what the 32UD99 can do that’s better at this price range yet.
Filipe says
Hello Paolo,
Thank you very!
I got two of the LG32ud99-w, they look amazing!
PS4 Pro works like a charm! HDR and 4k at 60hz using the HDMI port.
When using on my 2017 15” Macbook Pro using USB-C, 4k at 60hz, but I did not find any way to test the HDR.
Using Google Chrome on youtube, none of the 4k HDR vodeos enables the HDR mode on the monitor.
Do you have any tricks to test the HDR mode haing USB-C from the Macbook?
Thank you,
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Filipe! We’re not sure why that happens with Youtube, but have you tried other streaming sites? It should automatically activate its HDR mode once it detects a compatible signal.
Dustin says
I was also wondering that same thing. MacBook Pro 2018 15”
Filipe Miranda says
Would I be able to connect two of these monitors to a Macbook pro and use 4K HDR at 60Hz ?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Filipe, may we know what specific model/variant of the MacBook Pro you are using?
Filipe Miranda says
Sure, I’m using the Macbook pro mid-2017, 15”.
I’m wondering if I can use the USB-C for HDR content on this LG32UD99-W or if HDR can only happen on HDMI ?
Thank you
Paolo Reva says
Hello again, Filipe! Yes, your MacBook Pro can support two of these easily. You also shouldn’t run any issues with displaying HDR content via the USB-C slot of the MacBook since it is DisplayPort Alt Mode compatible. Cheers!