The LG UltraGear OLED 45 aims to conquer the high-end PC gaming monitor market with its impressive size, aggressive curve, and vibrant OLED panel. Offering an unparalleled level of immersion for cinematic games, this monitor delivers stunning colors and contrast. However, its unique design comes with trade-offs that may limit its appeal for everyday desktop use and other multimedia experiences.
Curve on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
A Colossus on Your Desk
The sheer size of the UltraGear OLED 45 is immediately striking. Its 44.5-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and an 800R curvature creates a substantial footprint. While this contributes to the immersive gaming experience, it demands significant desk space, measuring approximately 29 inches wide and over 25 inches tall at its highest point. Wall-mounting via the standard 100mm x 100mm VESA mount is a viable alternative for space-conscious users.
Adjustments on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
The included stand offers limited adjustments, with 20 degrees of swivel and tilt. Unlike some monitors, it doesn’t allow for full vertical rotation. However, the 4.3 inches of height adjustment provides some flexibility in positioning. Aesthetically, the monitor boasts LG’s signature RGB-lit UltraGear vents on the back, offering customizable color options. The “virtually borderless” design, with its thin bezel, further enhances the visual appeal.
LG UltraGear OLED 45 RGB vents.
Balancing Gaming and Multimedia
While the UltraGear OLED 45 excels in gaming, its design presents challenges for other uses. The aggressive curve can be distracting for general desktop tasks, and the bowing effect can diminish the cinematic experience when watching movies from a distance.
Ports on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
The monitor features two HDMI 2.1 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.4, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a headphone jack with DTS Headphone:X support, and an optical audio output. While the port selection is comprehensive, the reliance on the included remote for OSD control can be frustrating. The quick access button on the monitor offers limited functionality, making adjustments cumbersome.
Quick access menu on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
Visual Brilliance and Its Limitations
The OLED panel delivers exceptional image quality with vibrant colors and perfect black levels. However, like many OLEDs, the UltraGear OLED 45 suffers from relatively low brightness, peaking at around 200 nits in SDR and reaching approximately 780 nits in HDR (despite a claimed 1000 nits). This can lead to grayish whites at lower brightness settings, necessitating higher brightness levels for optimal viewing.
An HDR demo on the LG OLED 45 monitor.
Color accuracy is excellent in SDR, covering 96% of DCI-P3 with a low color error. However, HDR color accuracy is less impressive. The low pixel density of around 83 PPI, due to the large screen size and 3440 x 1440 resolution, can result in a less sharp image compared to higher-resolution displays. While this is less noticeable during gaming and movie watching, it becomes more apparent when browsing or viewing text. LG includes several features to mitigate the risk of OLED burn-in, including an automatic screensaver and pixel-cleaning function.
The Cinematic Gaming King
The UltraGear OLED 45’s immersive gaming experience is undeniable. The 800R curve, 240Hz refresh rate, and low response times create a fluid and engaging experience, especially for cinematic single-player titles.
Horizon Zero Dawn on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
While the high refresh rate and low response times are beneficial for competitive gaming, the monitor’s size and curve can be overwhelming for fast-paced titles. G-Sync Compatibility and FreeSync Premium support ensure smooth gameplay with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. The DTS Headphone:X support through the headphone jack adds another layer of immersion.
God of War running on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
Conclusion
The LG UltraGear OLED 45 delivers an exceptional gaming experience, particularly for cinematic titles. Its immersive curve, vibrant OLED panel, and high refresh rate create a truly captivating visual experience. However, its size, curve, and low pixel density make it less suitable for general desktop use and certain multimedia applications. While the OLED technology brings stunning visuals, it also comes with the inherent limitations of lower brightness. Ultimately, the UltraGear OLED 45 is a specialized gaming monitor that prioritizes immersion above all else.
Spider-Man running on the LG UltraGear OLED 45.
