LG UltraGear 27GX700A: The Game-Changing OLED Reviewed

With the UltraGear 27GX700A, we are looking at one of the first fourth-generation WOLED panels with an RGB Tandem structure, which on paper means more brightness and even more faithful colors. However, reducing everything to an absolute technical improvement would be limiting, because rather than chasing precision at all costs, this project also emphasizes impact. It features a 2560 x 1440 resolution (110 ppi), native 10-bit panel.

From the first use, what strikes you is not just sharpness or contrast — which remain excellent and typical of OLED — but rather the way light is managed. Scenes are no longer “corrected” but more vivid and present, even aggressive. This is a precise choice aimed at making everything even more exciting, starting with video games.

The panel maintains the typical aesthetic of the UltraGear series, without revolutions: taut lines, fun backlighting, solid construction. The only element that might raise some doubts is the base: 2x elements between the column and the heavy metal base that seem to make it disproportionate. However, when you start using it, you understand its importance, because the screen is even more solidly anchored, and in a competitive context, this also matters.

The panel's treatment is notable: not completely matte or glossy. It's a sort of middle ground that manages ambient light without sacrificing image depth. This might seem like a minor detail, but it actually contributes to concretely improving the user experience.

27GX700A - Connectivity: Almost Everything You Need

We are in the premium segment where the expectation is not only for an excellent unit but also a complete ecosystem ready to cover every usage scenario. At the back, the equipment includes 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and a small USB hub with USB-A ports, in addition to the classic audio jack. It's a clean configuration, clearly designed for pure gaming – consoles and PCs connected directly.

The absence of USB-C might be more impactful than it seems on paper. It's not just a matter of “one less port” but giving up a single connection for laptops capable of managing video, data, and power with a single cable. In an increasingly oriented context towards hybrid configurations – between work and gaming, desktop and notebook – this lack translates into a more cluttered desk and less immediate usability.

The absence of a KVM switch is also evident, a feature that is becoming increasingly relevant in this market segment. Those who use a dual system – perhaps a desktop PC and a work laptop – are forced to find external solutions to share keyboard and mouse. This is not an insurmountable obstacle, of course, but an extra step that can be avoided with competing monitors.

For those aiming for exclusive gaming use, these shortcomings may be marginal. However, for those looking for a “total” product that seamlessly accompanies both leisure and work, these details can make a difference.

27GX700A - Few Limitations, Many Technical Virtues

In HDR, the 27GX700A builds its identity, within a project that doesn't just adhere to specifications but begins to interpret them. Brightness is not simply pushed upwards but managed, distributed, modeled to make every element more legible. Mid-tones open up, shadows sacrifice some of their cinematic depth to gain visibility. It's a precise, almost ideological choice, which in competitive gaming translates into a concrete advantage.

And it is precisely in gaming that this philosophy finds its full expression. The 280 Hz is not just a number on paper: it is clearly perceptible. Movement is sharp, immediate, free of dragging. OLED continues to operate in a different category compared to LCDs, eliminating ghosting and trails at the root. Even in the most chaotic situations, the image always remains legible, never muddy.

To this is added HDR-10, which marks a further generational leap. Lights, reflections, and particle effects gain presence and incisiveness, for superior illumination and a more decisive visual impact. Even daytime scenes, often a weak point of OLEDs, find new solidity here.

From PC to Consoles

On PC, the experience borders on perfection. VRR support is remarkable (G-Sync Compatible/FreeSync Premium Pro), total fluidity, and extremely low input lag provide an immediate sense of control. Pixel response is practically instantaneous, with a motion clarity that few other panels can approach. However, some intrinsic limitations remain: flickering with active VRR in dark scenes and, in some cases, the presence of visible banding in more critical content. These are known flaws that do not compromise the experience but are worth considering.

On consoles, the behavior changes significantly. With PS5, everything works surprisingly effectively: the monitor is recognized as a 4K/120 Hz display, despite being 1440p. This allows for a richer signal, then internally adapted, with a cleaner and more defined visual result than one would expect.

With Xbox Series X, however, some limitations emerge. The lack of consistent 4K signal recognition prevents the use of supersampling, just as the absence of Dolby Vision is significant, considering the widespread use of this format on the Microsoft platform. The image remains of high quality but less incisive than what is seen on PlayStation. Furthermore, the monitor does not offer complete control of RGB ranges, making configuration less immediate. An incorrect setting can lead to raised blacks or loss of detail, which moves the experience away from true plug & play.

Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 greatly benefit from the technical capabilities, with HDR that enhances lights and reflections. Similarly, the dark atmospheres of The Last of Us highlight the quality of low lights with precise shadows, absence of noise, and truly convincing contrast management. Even going back in time by loading remastered versions of Doom I&II on PC, and the countless variants with alternative maps created after 1993, the fun is total; just set the “Gamer 2” preset (darker “Gamer 1”, then there are “FPS” and “RTS” with minimal differences) to explore darker environments with a completely different visual impact.

The instant response eliminates any ghosting issues, while the extremely high contrast delivers a sharp image. The slight perceived motion blur, linked to the sample-and-hold nature, remains subjective and in any case not very intrusive on a 27-inch diagonal.

27GX700A - Space for Colors and Lights

The extremely high contrast and almost complete coverage of the DCI-P3 space allow for vivid and brilliant colors. However, the choice to prioritize brightness sometimes leads to slightly overexposed images, while banding in dark scenes can be visible.

The factory calibration is overall very good, but requires attention, especially for console users. The sRGB preset stands out for its contained deltaE values and good color fidelity, but imposes constraints on RGB range management. 

The other presets utilize the panel's native P3 gamut, increasing saturation compared to the reference. The DCI-P3 profile, designed for cinema, features a high gamma and a white point different from D65, making it unsuitable for gaming.

In HDR, the Gamer 1 preset (DisplayHDR 500) is the most accurate. The PQ curve tracking is generally correct, although influenced by the Black Stabilizer parameter. By adjusting the latter, a more precise grayscale can be obtained. The peak luminance reaches approximately 560 cd/m² at 10% window, with values that can exceed 1300 cd/m² on smaller details by activating Peak Brightness, sacrificing tone mapping precision, however.

27GX700A - Beyond Video Games

In SDR, the monitor performs very well. The sRGB mode already represents a balanced starting point, though without reaching absolute perfection. In daily use, including browsing, office work, and relatively demanding photo and video management, no critical issues emerge, but when entering more demanding areas, targeted calibration can make a difference. It is by adjusting the white balance that the panel truly transforms, delivering an extremely precise, almost surgical image.

LG has managed to mitigate one of the historical limitations of OLEDs: the handling of static content and text. The new anti-reflective treatment and more stable brightness significantly improve the user experience. White appears more neutral than in the past, with direct benefits for readability. Documents, spreadsheets, and web browsing are less tiring for the eyes even after long sessions.

Although present, fringing changes nature: it doesn't disappear but becomes less intrusive, relegated to specific high-contrast situations. Those who work intensively with text will probably still prefer a high-end IPS, but the gap has significantly narrowed.

Conclusion

The initial 899 euros requested at launch positioned this monitor in a difficult price range to defend. Too high for what it offers in terms of versatility, too close to more complete solutions for those who go beyond gaming. Currently, the most attractive price is around 600 euros, changing the scenario significantly. No longer a choice to be justified with difficulty, but a sensible proposition, especially if the goal is primarily to play at the highest possible level.

LG UltraGear 27GX700A

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All things considered, a monitor that doesn't try to be neutral at all costs, designed to push hard on a precise aspect: video games in a fast, reactive, visually impactful environment. Truly capable of igniting the spectacle.