The LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B makes a grand entrance. Literally. This 45-inch ultrawide monitor boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering a display area roughly 15% larger than a 49-inch super-ultrawide like the Philips Envia 8000. While not as wide, the 45GX950A-B is significantly taller. What truly sets it apart is the groundbreaking 5120×2160 (5K2K) resolution, a first for 45-inch OLED ultrawides, surpassing previous models like the Corsair Xeneon Flex, which offered 3440×1440 resolution. At $1,999.99, it’s an investment, but a worthwhile one for those prioritizing image quality and HDR performance.
Specifications and Features
The 45GX950A-B’s defining feature is its 5K2K resolution, exceeding the norm for ultrawide monitors of this size. It’s crucial to note this model does not flex. While LG announced it alongside the flexible 45GX990A at CES, the 45GX950A-B reviewed here maintains a fixed curved form.
Key specifications include:
- Display Size: 45-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio
- Resolution: 5120×2160
- Panel Type: 10-bit WOLED
- Refresh Rate: Dual Mode (165Hz at 5K2K, 330Hz at 2560×1080)
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible
- HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black Certified
- Ports: 1x USB-C (DisplayPort, 90W Power Delivery), 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack (4-pole, DTS support)
- Audio: Built-in speakers
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: $1,999.99 MSRP
Beyond size and resolution, the 45GX950A-B is feature-rich, including USB-C with Power Delivery, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support, integrated speakers, and a dual-mode refresh rate feature reaching up to 330Hz. However, this premium feature set comes at a premium price, significantly higher than a standard 34-inch OLED ultrawide and even surpassing the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, which often retails around $1,000.
Design and Connectivity
The LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B’s charcoal aesthetic, while both aggressive and understated, doesn’t quite match the luxurious feel of competitors like the Samsung Odyssey G9 OLED or Philips Envia 8000. Considering its price, LG could enhance the design’s premium feel.
Functionally, it’s robust. The compact stand, despite its size and flat base, provides excellent stability. It offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, and supports 100x100mm VESA mounts, a notable advantage over bulkier, less functional stands like the Corsair Xeneon Flex’s.
lg ultragear 45gx950a b 4
The 45GX950A-B’s size is imposing. At over 41 inches wide and nearly 18 inches tall, it’s significantly larger than a typical 32-inch widescreen. The aggressive 800R curve brings the edges closer than the center, impacting daily tasks like video and image editing. Measuring your desk space before purchasing is essential.
Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 2.1, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort and 90W Power Delivery. Downstream USB-A is limited to two ports, sufficient for a keyboard and mouse but lacking KVM switch functionality and downstream USB-C. A 4-pole 3.5mm audio jack with DTS:X HP audio support caters to gamers with high-end headsets.
On-Screen Display and Features
Navigating the 45GX950A-B’s menus is intuitive thanks to the joystick control and crisp on-screen text. LG’s OnScreen Control software allows adjustments within Windows. The monitor offers comprehensive image quality controls, including gamma, color temperature, six-axis color calibration, various brightness modes, and separate SDR and HDR brightness control. However, gamma and color temperature adjustments use descriptive labels rather than numerical values.
lg ultragear 45gx950a b 1
Gaming features include an on-screen crosshair, timers, frame rate counters, and a dark equalizer. Picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes are particularly useful on the large display, potentially replacing a dual-monitor setup. The built-in speakers, while a welcome inclusion, are best suited for low to medium volume, as higher volumes introduce distortion.
SDR and HDR Image Quality
The 45GX950A-B’s unique 5120×2160 WOLED panel delivers exceptional sharpness surpassing other 45-inch ultrawides. While its peak SDR brightness of 280 nits is lower than high-end IPS-LCDs, it’s competitive among OLEDs. The semi-gloss finish effectively utilizes the available brightness, but the curved screen can amplify reflections from rear light sources.
lg ultragear 45gx950a b brightness
Like all OLEDs, the 45GX950A-B achieves a near-infinite contrast ratio thanks to perfect blacks, enhancing detail and depth in dark scenes. While its color gamut trails QD-OLED displays like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 and Philips Envia 8000, the difference is subtle in typical use. Color accuracy is acceptable, though not exceptional, producing a vivid and engaging image. Gamma and color temperature are accurate, hitting 2.2 and 6600K respectively at 50% brightness.
lg ultragear 45gx950a b contrast
lg ultragear 45gx950a b color gamut
lg ultragear 45gx950a b color accuracy
The 45GX950A-B’s sharpness, at 125 ppi, is a significant advantage over the Corsair Xeneon Flex’s 78 ppi and even surpasses 42-inch 4K TVs. This translates to crisper fonts and finer details in games.
In HDR, the monitor reaches a peak brightness of 798 nits in a 10% window, on par with other high-performing OLEDs. This allows HDR highlights to pop and reveals detail in bright scenes. While brightness diminishes with larger bright areas, the monitor excels in typical HDR content, offering a stunning visual experience, especially in games and movies.
lg ultragear 45gx950a b hdr brightness
Motion Performance and Conclusion
The 45GX950A-B’s dual-mode functionality offers up to 165Hz at 5K2K and 330Hz at 2560×1080. Combined with the 0.03ms response time typical of OLEDs, motion clarity is excellent, with minimal blur. While dedicated high-refresh-rate gaming monitors offer higher refresh rates, the 45GX950A-B strikes a balance between resolution, size, and motion clarity, making it ideal for immersive gaming experiences. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support ensure smooth gameplay.
The LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B is a niche but impressive ultrawide. Its 5K2K resolution and OLED technology provide unmatched sharpness and HDR performance. While the extreme curve and high price target a specific audience—immersive gamers—it sets a new standard for high-resolution HDR gaming.
