The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q sets the bar higher for their 1440p gaming portfolio which has enjoyed continuous success over the years. Monitors like the LG 27GL850 raised the bar, but it looks like this more affordable successor aims to push that level further. Let’s take a closer look at this upgraded yet more affordable IPS option.
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, USB 3.0 x 3, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD): 24.2” x 22.7” x 10”
- Weight: 13.7 lbs
Design and Features
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q looks sleek and sophisticated compared to the pre-UltraGear era variants like the aforementioned 27GL850. The monitor has a matte black finish with discrete purple accents, so it doesn’t look gaudy or too aggressive. The display has thinner bezels, so it looks more appealing than some of its predecessors.
It is not a large monitor, but LG’s design for its stand makes it take up more space than usual. The display itself is only 2 feet wide, but the device, when assembled, needs 10 inches of depth from your desk. However, it is lighter this time at 13.7 pounds, so it should be portable enough to be brought to gaming events or LAN parties.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q’s build quality is decent, even if it’s plasticky all around. The panels are manufactured with precision, so they are free from defects or cosmetic issues. The stand is firm and stable, so the screen doesn’t wobble or sag without you touching it.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q has an OSD joystick at the back for easy access to its features and settings. It’s located under the LG logo on the bottom bezel, so it’s easier to access compared to the ones that are usually placed at the back. You also get LG’s OnScreen app with this model, which adds another layer of convenience.
The included stand offers tilt, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It is easy to get a good viewing angle, so you don’t have to struggle with it for those long hours of gaming. You can use VESA mounts, but that’s only necessary in select instances, like when you have multiple screens on deck.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q’s connectivity layout now features two HDMI 2.1 slots to go with its primary DisplayPort connector. You also get two USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm jack, which are usually standard on LG’s monitor products. It is not “upgraded” by today’s standards, but at least the HDMI ports have more bandwidth.
One of the things LG had to take away from the monitor to help with its price is the speakers. However, that’s fine in most cases since built-ins typically aren’t capable of gaming-grade sound. This monitor deserves a good headset, which will let you focus and enjoy your games better with their immersive sound signatures.
Display and Performance
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS monitors. This model lists HDR 400 certification and HDR10 compatibility, but we all know how limited that is.
1440p monitors are an excellent choice for daily or mixed use since they offer the best balance between sharpness and legibility. It is not too sharp like a 4K screen is, but on the other hand, its pixel density isn’t as loose as a 1080p variant. It’s also easier to get higher framerates with it, so you don’t have to buy the top-end GPUs for great performance.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q covers 100% sRGB and 97% of the DCI-P3 gamut, enabling it to produce deep colors in any situation. Its default accuracy isn’t the best, but the deltaE average of 2.87 is quite good for an extended gamut display. Most users won’t need to do anything to it, so it is ready for gaming right away.
Calibrating the monitor reduced the deltaE average to 1.08, making it considerably better than most gaming monitors out there. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve comparable results since every panel has different individual characteristics. We can only recommend it for professional use, but you should be fine if you’re only gaming.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q’s brightness reached 394 cd/m2 at 100% in SDR, and it peaked at 424 cd/m2 when its HDR mode kicked in. Its contrast isn’t impressive at 1048:1 at 30% brightness, indicating that it is not capable of deep blacks. This also means that the monitor cannot produce true HDR performance, hence the lowly HDR 400 certification.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some flaws, like minor backlight leaks on the top edge of the screen. They aren’t readily noticeable, but dark scenes can show the glow they add to the images. Note that this can change with every unit made due to tolerances, so there are better and worse panels out there.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q’s response time is fantastic, thanks to its naturally high refresh rate. Setting its overdrive to its Fast level is your best bet, provided that your framerate can keep up with the monitor’s refresh rate. Setting it any higher will introduce overshoot, so there is no benefit to it.
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync for tear and stutter-free gaming. It’s essential to have dual compatibility since it ensures that you have VRR even if you switch to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 3ms at 240Hz, making it highly suitable for competitive play.
Thoughts on the LG UltraGear 27GR83Q
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q is a fine choice for fast-paced gaming but with a 1440p resolution instead of 1080p. Its main upgrade over its predecessor is a considerably higher 240Hz refresh rate and better gamut coverage. However, it’s cheaper than the 27GL850, which started above $500 when it was released.
It is not perfect, but most of its weaknesses, like the low contrast and poor HDR performance, are expected. What matters here is its solid gaming performance, which was not available at this price range. We still think you are getting more for your money’s worth with this one, so it’s a fantastic buy without spending an arm and a leg.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide Gamut Coverage
- Fast and Responsive
- 240Hz with HDMI 2.1
Cons:
- Low Contrast
- Poor HDR
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that 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.
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