LG UltraGear 5K2K: The next-level curved monitor that pulls you into the game

If you’re looking to level up your gaming monitor in a big way, the LG UltraGear 45″ 5K curved OLED is the ultimate choice. The world’s first 45-inch curved 5K OLED display has been designed with gamers in mind. It offers a Dual-Mode refresh rate that allows you to switch between Wide Ultra High Definition (WUHD) at 165Hz and Wide Full High Definition (WFHD) at a blistering 330Hz. In addition, it has a lightning-fast 0.03ms (GtG) response time and jaw-dropping colour reproduction. Alongside its impressive specifications, it doubles as a versatile option for both productivity and play, providing you with the space and clarity to multitask like a pro.

In this review, I’ll be putting the LG UltraGear 45” OLED 5K2K gaming monitor through its paces, exploring all its features to see if this powerhouse earns a spot in your gaming setup.

Unboxing the LG UltraGear 5K2K curved gaming monitor

The unboxing and setup process for the LG UltraGear 5K2K is fairly streamlined, especially considering the display’s size. The trickiest part is removing the large panel from the box. Thankfully, LG designed the packaging so that you can mount the stand arm to the panel before lifting it out. I still recommend a two-person setup to reduce strain on the screen and make the process smoother.

Inside the box, you’ll find the monitor, L-shaped stand, HDMI cable, DisplayPort 2.1 cable, power cord plus brick, and manuals. The overall build quality is sturdy but the 800R curvature to the monitor does take up quite the footprint. The back of the device features LG’s Unity Hexagon Lighting system, which is great for blending into a flashier, LED-lit gaming setup. You can also turn this feature off entirely for a more understated look.

Design and comfort

Right out of the box, the LG UltraGear 5K2K makes a statement. The 800R curvature draws you in immediately, offering a wraparound feel that’s not only immersive but also easier on the eyes during long play sessions. The futuristic design, paired with ultra-thin bezels, gives the display a premium styling that doesn’t look too over the top. That said, it is pretty large, and if you are low on desk real estate, I would recommend wall mounting the monitor to save space.

If you opt for the included stand, it is quite robust. It offers several options for adjustments, allowing you to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel for optimal comfort. Even after extended periods of gaming, I found the panel to be comfortable to use.

Specs and connectivity

The star of the show is the 45-inch 5K ultrawide OLED panel with a resolution of 5120 x 2160 in a 21:9 aspect ratio. It’s like having two 4K monitors fused together without any distracting bezels in between. It’s an incredible canvas for multitasking, creative workflows, and above all gaming. On the rear of the UltraGear, you’ll find a well-rounded set of ports and connections: two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 2.1, 2x USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port.

Display performance and colour accuracy

The LG UltraGear 5K2K’s OLED panel is a visual showpiece. It supports VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, delivering deeper blacks and exceptional detail in even the darkest scenes. With a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio and DCI-P3 98.5% colour gamut, the monitor ensures images are reproduced with realistic detail. In addition, the panel achieves a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, giving HDR content incredible punch. Whether it’s the glint of sunlight reflecting off a car hood in Forza Horizon 5 or the glowing neon signs of Cyberpunk 2077, highlights are dazzling, and shadows remain perfectly defined.

Gaming on the LG UltraGear 5K2K

This is where the LG UltraGear 5K2K truly shines. With its refresh rate of up to 330Hz and near-instant 0.03ms response time, games feel fluid and responsive. The monitor also supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring smooth gameplay free of tearing or stutter.

On PC, I tested out widescreen-supported titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Forza Horizon 5 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. They all looked jaw-dropping in ultra wide. The colours pop, blacks are inky and deep, making environments look lifelike.

There were no instances of screen tearing or input lag, even during fast-paced action sequences, thanks to the monitor’s blazing-fast refresh rate and adaptive sync support. The smoothness and clarity made every movement feel fluid and precise. It’s the kind of performance that gives you a competitive edge while still delivering a cinematic experience.

LG UltraGear 5K2K OLED Visuals

Thanks to its OLED panel, the UltraGear produces some of the most vivid and accurate images I’ve seen on a gaming monitor. Colours look natural yet vibrant, and the contrast levels from OLED’s self-lit pixels deliver deep, true blacks and dazzling highlights. Whether you’re enjoying a Hollywood blockbuster or a high-fidelity gaming experience, the LG UltraGear 5K2K offers a vivid visual showcase with exceptional clarity and depth. Every scene feels alive, textures are more detailed, lighting is more realistic, and motion is smoother than ever. It’s a display that doesn’t just show your games and movies, it immerses you in them.

Multimedia and sound performance

While the LG UltraGear 5K2K is clearly designed for gamers, LG hasn’t overlooked its multimedia side. The built-in 10W x 2 stereo speakers deliver clear, detailed audio with impressive definition for a monitor. They handle day-to-day use and casual gaming sessions, with ease. However, serious players will still want to pair the display with a quality headset or external sound system for maximum immersion.

Speaking of headsets, the 4-pole headphone jack supports DTS Headphone:X, offering realistic 3D spatial audio. If you are a competitive gamer, this is a huge technical advantage in FPS games where positional sound and team communication can make all the difference. Having the DTS Headphone technology at my disposal was great, and the directional audio was pinpoint accurate.

For top-tier gaming performance

The LG UltraGear 45″ 5K2K curved OLED gaming monitor blends stunning visuals with top-tier gaming performance. Its massive, curved OLED panel delivers incredible immersion and exceptional multitasking potential. I truly felt drawn into the action with the sweeping 800R curvature of the screen. Beyond gaming, the monitor also excels in productivity. Editing graphics, videos, or even spreadsheets is a breeze thanks to the expansive 5K2K resolution, which provides ample workspace for viewing multiple windows side by side without feeling cramped.

Performance-wise, features like a 240Hz refresh rate, near-instant 0.03ms response time, and adaptive sync technology make it a dream for competitive players who demand precision and speed. On the downside, its sheer size and premium price mean it won’t suit every setup, and it requires serious GPU horsepower to unleash its full 5K potential.

That said, if you have the budget and space, the LG UltraGear 5K2K is one of the best gaming monitors I’ve ever tested. It’s an elite display that stands in a class of its own. From marathon gaming sessions to creative workflows and everyday multitasking, it handles everything and looks incredible.

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