OLED technology has been making waves in the tech world, promising richer visuals, faster refresh rates, and deeper immersion. The LG UltraGear 45″ 240Hz gaming monitor (model 45GS96QB) combines cutting-edge OLED advancements with a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio to deliver what might be one of the most immersive gaming experiences available today. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the design, specifications, performance, and overall experience of this monitor to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.
Design and Build
The LG UltraGear 45″ is as sleek as it is imposing. With minimal bezels and subtle branding on the front, the monitor avoids unnecessary distractions. The back of the monitor features customizable LED lights, adding a touch of flair to gaming setups. For ergonomics, the monitor includes a height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel capabilities, though it can also be mounted on a monitor arm for better flexibility.
In terms of ports, the LG UltraGear provides:
- Two HDMI ports
- One DisplayPort
- Two USB downstream ports
- A headphone/mic combo jack
- A USB-C port with 65W power delivery for laptop users, which is a rare feature in gaming monitors.
This robust connectivity ensures compatibility with various devices, from gaming consoles to high-performance PCs.
Display Specifications
At its core, this monitor boasts a 45-inch WQHD OLED panel with HDR10 support. The display achieves a staggering 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, offering vibrant and accurate colors that meet the demands of modern gamers and creators.
Additional technical highlights include:
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time
- VESA-certified HDR True Black 400
- 1,300 nits peak brightness, courtesy of OLED’s brightness-enhancing technologies like MLA (Micro Lens Array).
The OLED technology ensures that each pixel is self-lit, offering unparalleled contrast ratios. Unlike traditional LED monitors that struggle with backlight bleeding, OLED achieves perfect blacks by turning off individual pixels.
Gaming Immersion
The LG UltraGear’s aggressive 800R curvature is one of its standout features, designed to match the natural curvature of the human eye. This design enhances immersion, especially in games with expansive environments. Whether it’s the fiery explosions in Helldivers 2 or the dark, tense corridors of Escape from Tarkov, the OLED panel brings environments to life with stunning clarity and contrast.
The 240Hz refresh rate and near-instantaneous response time ensure buttery-smooth motion, giving gamers a competitive edge in fast-paced titles. The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, making the experience more enjoyable in brightly lit rooms.
Dark vs. Bright Scenes
One of OLED’s key advantages is its ability to handle both dark and bright scenes with finesse. In HDR-enabled games, bright elements like fire or explosions can reach eye-popping levels of brightness, while darker scenes retain their deep, inky blacks. This makes nighttime maps or horror-themed games particularly immersive, though players may need to adjust brightness levels in competitive shooters to avoid losing sight of opponents in overly dark areas.
Ultrawide Gaming Experience
Transitioning from a standard 16:9 monitor to an ultrawide 21:9 display can be both thrilling and challenging. The wider field of view (FOV) offers an advantage in tactical games like Escape from Tarkov, allowing players to spot enemies in their peripheral vision without rotating their character as often.
However, this advantage is game-dependent. Some titles, like CS:GO, don’t see a significant improvement in visuals on an ultrawide display, as their environments are designed with 16:9 ratios in mind. Additionally, while the wider screen enhances immersion, it may take time for players to adapt to focusing on a larger visual field.
Productivity and Everyday Use
Beyond gaming, the LG UltraGear excels in productivity tasks thanks to its vast screen real estate. The 45-inch ultrawide layout allows users to multitask effortlessly, displaying multiple windows side by side.
However, the 1440p vertical resolution can be a drawback for text-heavy tasks or photo and video editing, as the lower pixel density makes UI elements and text appear less sharp compared to 4K displays. This trade-off is worth considering if productivity is a significant use case.
OLED vs. LED: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
For gamers upgrading from older LED monitors, the leap to OLED is monumental. The most noticeable improvements include:
- Better contrast and black levels
- Vivid colors and HDR performance
- Faster response times and refresh rates
Once you’ve experienced the fluidity and vibrancy of an OLED display, returning to LED feels like a step backward. However, the premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Competition: LG vs. Samsung
The LG UltraGear faces stiff competition from Samsung’s 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9, another ultrawide gaming monitor with similar specifications. The key differences between the two are:
- Size: The Samsung model is slightly wider, but the LG offers more vertical screen space, which some users may prefer.
- Curvature: The Odyssey G9 features an 1800R curve, less aggressive than LG’s 800R. While both offer immersive experiences, the LG’s curve aligns better with the natural shape of the human eye.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual preferences for screen dimensions and curvature.
Who Should Buy the LG UltraGear 45″?
This monitor is ideal for:
- Hardcore gamers seeking top-tier visuals and performance.
- Simulation enthusiasts who value ultrawide immersion in racing or flight sims.
- Multitaskers looking for a productivity boost with ample screen space.
However, users prioritizing 4K resolution for productivity may find the 1440p vertical resolution limiting. Additionally, the monitor’s large footprint requires a spacious desk setup.
Conclusion: The Perfect OLED Ultrawide?
The LG UltraGear 45″ 240Hz monitor is a testament to how far gaming display technology has come. Its combination of OLED brilliance, ultrawide immersiveness, and lightning-fast performance makes it a compelling choice for gamers ready to embrace the future.
While the steep price tag and large size may not suit everyone, those who make the leap will likely find it hard to return to traditional monitors. Whether you’re upgrading from a 60Hz LED or looking to dive into ultrawide gaming for the first time, the LG UltraGear 45″ offers a transformative experience that justifies its premium status.
