- Overall
The LG 34UC89G is the G-Sync equipped next step to the LG 34UC79G, which is one of our current favorites for its outstanding imaging quality and gaming prowess. Most would prefer QHD ultrawide at this point, but this gaming model aims to provide a GPU friendly performance which makes it easier to attain buttery smooth and blur-free visuals. The LG 34UC89G’s implementation with G-Sync allows Nvidia users to benefit from the technologies the series possesses, but it is interesting to check how this bad boy stacks up to its predecessor and the competition.
LG 34UC89G Specifications
- Screen Size: 34 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 X 1080
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Panel Technology: In Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 166Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Response Time: 5ms
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 1 Watt)
- Stand: Height –Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, 3.5mm Audio Jacks
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 32.3” x 22.3” x 11”
- Weight: 18.3lbs
Design and Features
The LG 34UC89G adopts a matte black exterior discretely detailed with red accents, creating a subtle and luxurious look without betraying its gaming roots. For us, this aesthetic is one of best implementations of gamer-centric designs without going overboard with gaudy decorations. At a glance, this model can still fit into professional or luxurious environments, but having it next to a themed dream rig looks just as good.
The 34-inch face of the LG 34UC89G is bezel free save for thin panel borders which disappear when the screen is off or are unnoticeable when turned on. There is little anyone can see to differentiate this device from your typical vanilla ultrawides at the office unless you look at the back. The rear panel is stylized with angular lines in symmetry to create a futuristic look, with most of the red accents we mentioned present.
This treatment extends from the vents to the functional stand with a boomerang shaped base which does an excellent job of keeping this beast steady on your desk. For ergonomics, owners only get the height and tilt adjustments because, in all honesty, you won’t need to swivel or pivot a curved screen. However, if your setup requires articulation, you can remove the included mechanism to reveal VESA 100 x 100 mounting holes.
The LG 34UC89G comes with a limited I/O panel due to the G-Sync module’s proprietary restrictions, but this model offers a wee bit more. You get the standard DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 for video input, but your peripherals also find a space via the three USB 3.0 ports. There are built-in speakers with 3.5mm jacks included in the package, but we would rather use a headset with the LG 34UC89G for better immersion and audio quality.
Display and Performance
The LG 34UC89G features a 34-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1080 resolution, 166Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time. This module has an 8-bit interface enabling the screen to display 16.7 million colors with 99% sRGB coverage, ensuring images are vibrant and lifelike. LG has almost perfected IPS since they invented it, so there is little reason to doubt the imaging qualities of this device.
Upon testing, the LG 34UC89G has an average contrast ratio of 900:1 depending on brightness with a gamma score of 2.3 which creates satisfying blacks and grayscale performance. The 99% sRGB coverage has an accuracy DeltaE of 1.9 which can be improved to 1.3 if you have a colorimeter. For out of the box users, this model has plenty of pop to offer for visuals, so games and images are still gorgeously vibrant even without calibration.
If you do choose to take the time and tinker with the LG 34UC89G, you will be glad to know that it includes a feature-rich OSD which also comes in black and red. The sub menus are easy to navigate and organized enough, plus the buttons are tactile and responsive enough to avoid becoming a chore. LG’s standard special features such as Black Stabilizer and Screen Split 2.0 are included as well so you can get the most out of this ultrawide display.
The only glaring flaw for the LG 34UC89G is its low resolution of 2560 x 1080 which when fitted into a 34-inch screen, creates a loose pixel pitch which may affect sharpness. Thankfully this isn’t always the case, and games still appear crisp and clean with the help of software enhancements like anti-aliasing. Your advantage here is it would be easier for a GPU to play games at max settings, all while keeping refresh rates high.
Although despite that statement, some games may still stutter or activating maximum settings might drop your FPS from time to time. This situation is where G-Sync comes in if you have a Nvidia GPU since the tech will smoothen out the visuals. Gaming at 144Hz or higher is a godsend, but adding in VRR tech that functions with even a midrange card is even better.
Throughout our testing, we did notice the difference the 5ms response time makes when fast-paced action and screen swipes happen. We saw minimal ghosting from time to time during our Overwatch playthrough with this model, but these flaws are hardly noticeable if you aren’t looking hard enough. The LG 34UC89G is ideal for competitive or fast paced gaming as well, since it only has an input lag time of a little over 10ms, which means that even talented players won’t notice the difference.
Thoughts
In all aspects of an ultrawide gaming monitor, the LG 34UC89G can be rated as excellent save for its outdated resolution. Although to be fair, it allows midrange GPUs all the way into the GTX 1070 to perform admirably with the help of G-Sync. However, modern users might prefer a 3440 x 1440 100Hz screen which is a bit slower but offers a world of difference in sharpness and eye candy.
With that being said, it will come down to price, which is the biggest downer for the LG 34UC89G’s success. Currently, this model sells for a whopping premium which can be justified by its fantastic performance but brings this product too close to the UW-QHD territory. If caught a hundred bucks or so lower, then the LG 34UC89G will become an awesome buy if you want a GPU-friendly ultrawide built for gaming glory.
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