The LG 32UL500 is a very attractive monitor if you want a large 4K display for everyday use without spending a small fortune on it. The product’s VA panel also makes it great for gaming and watching movies thanks to its naturally high contrast ratio and levels of saturation. The LG 32UL500 seems too good to be true, but let’s check out what it can truly offer at its modest price point.
LG 32UL500 Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – no
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 28.66” x 20.40” x 8.22″
- Weight: 13.67 lbs
Design and Features
The LG 32UL500 sits at the lower end of the brand’s price bracket, but it doesn’t look cheap and is comparable to some of its premium counterparts. The device has the distinct white chassis paired with brushed aluminum which makes it look more sophisticated than the regular PC display. The device isn’t bezel-free, but it’s easy to ignore the thin borders against the large and vibrant screen.
You need to take note of the LG 32UL500’s size since its already comparable to older-model TVs so it might not fit in tight corners. But what’s great about it is its total depth doesn’t require almost a foot of space, so you can fit plenty of other peripherals next to it. The monitor weighs in at 13.67 lbs which can be considered lightweight for its size.
Build quality is great for the LG 32UL500 since there are no immediately noticeable weaknesses or cosmetic defects on the device. The panels match each other perfectly, so there are no loosey-goosey edges or uneven seams. There is a slight wobble from the stand, but it shouldn’t be an issue for most users.
Another fantastic characteristic of the LG 32UL500 is its OSD access which doesn’t need pesky buttons that are confusing to use. The monitor supports the brand’s OnScreen control app which allows you to access key settings inside your desktop using your mouse and keyboard. You can also use the joystick at the bottom of the screen to navigate the submenus if that’s easier for you.
The stand included with the LG 32UL500 features the ArcLine design concept which we’ve always found to be attractive and contemporary. However, its mechanism only includes tilt adjustments, so it can be difficult to attain an offset angle if you have multiple screens. Thankfully, you can replace it with a VESA mount for added articulation while saving space on your desk.
The LG 32UL500’s layout only includes DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports for video inputs and a 3.5mm audio jack. This is typical with LG’s display offerings, but some of the higher models include USB or even Thunderbolt slots. However, we think it’s unfair to ask for more features on these monitors since its already quite cheap for its size and resolution.
Another feature we love on the LG 32UL500 is its pair of 5-watt speakers which can get surprisingly loud at max volume. It distorts if you do that, but they can produce a good amount of bass which is ideal for watching videos or movies. They are also quite handy to have for work from home purposes since you don’t have to buy a separate budget set for conference calls and the like.
Display and Performance
The LG 32UL500 boasts a 32-inch VA panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. The backlight is rated at 300 cd/m2, while the contrast sits at a naturally high 3000:1 thanks to the properties of VA technology. This model is advertised as HDR compatible, but its backlight is missing a higher output and local dimming capabilities which can improve its performance drastically.
4K UHD fits more naturally at 32 inches since there is a bit more room for the pixels to spread out and be more appreciated. The drop in pixel density compared to a 27-inch model isn’t noticeable, so images are still very crisp and detailed. Some users might need to use scaling, but that is less of an issue here compared to the smaller models.
The LG 32UL500 is capable of exceeding 100% of sRGB and almost 90% of the DCI-P3 gamut for great vibrancy. These measurements miss the advertised numbers, but it is still significantly higher than many variants in the same price range. The deltaE average sits at 2.73 by default, so there is some semblance of tuning before the monitor left its factory.
You can calibrate the LG 32UL500 to get a better accuracy rating with a deltaE average of only 1.22 which is excellent for a budget display. Using a colorimeter also balances out the extra warmth of the screen. However, we don’t think buying the colorimeter is worth it unless you are planning on using this model for editing purposes.
You can also enjoy deeper blacks and saturation with the LG 32UL500 and its 2455:1 contrast ratio at 50% brightness. Dark images are satisfying and colors are full and vibrant, so you can enjoy content and games even more. You might see a bit of crushing in some images where darker objects somewhat disappear, but that’s natural for many VA panels in the market.
The LG 32UL500 has decent panel uniformity since there are no considerable leaks and the backlight spread is quite even at glance. The quadrants at the side are slightly dimmer which affects colors and contrast, but it’s not readily noticeable while using the display. Only a colorimeter can detect these differences in most cases, but it may vary between every unit due to tolerances.
The LG 32UL500 isn’t the most responsive gaming monitor, but then again, its only 60Hz and pixel transitions aren’t particularly great on VA screens. The screen shows some smudging in some fast-paced action or contrasting transitions in some titles. Setting the overdrive to its middle setting helps while the maximum level adds noticeable overshoot.
The LG 32UL500 is a FreeSync monitor, but it also tested to work with Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatible Mode via its DisplayPort slot. This characteristic adds great value to the already affordable monitor since you don’t have to change it even if you switch GPU brands. Input lag sits at a little over 9ms, so users shouldn’t worry about delays or de-synced instances in the heat of battle.
Thoughts on the LG 32UL500
The LG 32UL500 is a fantastic 4K option if you need an inexpensive screen for productivity, work from home use, or even gaming and general entertainment. The screen’s large size and sharp resolution give you a lot of space and detail for your apps or games. It also offers vibrant colors and a deep contrast ratio which allows you to better enjoy your media or favorite titles.
Of course, there are some cut corners on the LG 32UL500 to help it reach its low price point such as its rigid stand and the lack of extra ports. However, these missing extras aren’t essential and easily forgivable for typical use. it’s a great buy at under the $350 price bracket, and anything better usually costs more.
Pros:
- Great Colors and Contrast
- Attractive Design
- Large 4K Screen
- G-Sync and FreeSync Compatible
- 5-Watt Speakers
Cons:
- Tilt Only Stand
- Needs Calibration for Editing
- Slower Pixel Response Time
-About the Author:
Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since his junior high years. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.