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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.