If you’re in the market for an affordable 27″-28″ 4K 60Hz Monitor, there are plenty of options available, and picking the best one can be overwhelming. Here’s how the LG 27UP600 compares to similar alternatives.

Image Quality

Unlike LG’s previous 27″ 4K 60Hz models, such as the LG 27UL600 and 27UK600, the LG 27UP600 uses an IPS panel by BOE, which brings it a big upgrade in DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.

Thanks to its 95% DCI-P3 color gamut (~125% sRGB), the monitor delivers vibrant and lifelike colors. In comparison, the UL and UK models are limited to ~80% DCI-P3 color space coverage.

Additionally, you will find dedicated sRGB and DCI-P3 color modes, allowing you to restrict the color output to ~100% sRGB to avoid over-saturation; dithered 10-bit color depth is supported as well for 1.07 billion colors and smoother gradients.

You also get a bit higher contrast ratio than that of the previous models. The contrast ratio of the UL series ranges from 700:1 to 1,000:1, while the UK variants sit at around 1,000:1. On the 2021 UP models, it ranges from 1,000:1 to 1,200:1.

Now, there is only a noticeable difference in contrast when it comes to extreme cases here, such as between 700:1 and 1,200:1, but the contrast ratio varies across different units of monitors. In truth, you won’t get as deep blacks as that of VA monitors at this price range, which usually have a higher contrast ratio of ~3,000:1, but also have other disadvantages.

All IPS monitors are affected by IPS glow, which can be characterized as visible glowing around the corners of the screen. The intensity of IPS glow changes depending on the angle you’re looking at the screen as well as from panel to panel, but in most cases, it’s manageable.

The 4K UHD resolution results in a high pixel density of 163 PPI (pixels per inch) on the 27″ viewable screen of the monitor. This means that you get plenty of screen space as well as crystal-clear details and text.

The main advantage of IPS technology is excellent color consistency and viewing angles as the image will remain basically perfect regardless of the angle you’re looking at it. The display is factory-calibrated at Delta E

This is expected from a budget 4K monitor. The models with more accurate Delta E Datacolor SpyderX for similar, if not better results.

Moving on, the LG 27UP600 has a peak brightness of 400-nits, which is in line with the older models. Even in particularly bright rooms, you won’t have any problems with glare as the screen’s high brightness can mitigate it.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is supported as well. However, the display lacks proper hardware for the true HDR viewing experience, such as a multi-zone local dimming solution and much stronger peak brightness. Thanks to its wide color gamut and decent brightness, some HDR scenes might look a bit better depending on its implementation, but you’ll mostly prefer to have it disabled.

Performance

The LG 27UP600 monitor has a specified response time speed of 5ms GtG (gray to gray pixel transition). There’s no noticeable ghosting or overshooting behind fast-moving objects as long as you stick with the Normal overdrive option.

Input lag is low at around 9ms of delay, which is imperceptible.

Most gamers will be disappointed with the maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, but considering how demanding UHD resolution is on your GPU, you shouldn’t expect more from a budget 4K monitor. If you have a powerful gaming graphics card, you should look for a 4K 144Hz monitor, though they’re almost double the price.

Further, the LG 27UP600 supports AMD FreeSync, which provides you with a variable refresh rate (VRR). This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with GPU’s frame rate in order to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.

Related:What Is FreeSync And What Does It Do?

The monitor’s VRR range amounts to 40-60Hz, so as long as your frame rate is within that range, you’ll be able to enjoy tear-free gameplay. Below 40FPS, FreeSync stops working until your frame rate is back within the supported range.

Even though the LG 27UP600 is not officially certified as ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ by NVIDIA, you can use it with supported GeForce cards (10-series or newer) over DisplayPort without issues. With compatible AMD GPUs, VRR is supported over both DP and HDMI.

The backlight of the monitor is flicker-free and there’s an integrated low-blue light filter (Reader mode), ensuring a comfortable viewing experience even after prolonged use.

Features

Beneath the bottom bezel of the screen, there’s a directional joystick for easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Alternatively, you can download and use LG’s On-Screen Control desktop application.

Noteworthy features include Black Stabilizer (improves visibility in darker scenes), Super Resolution+ (upscaling adjustments) and Dual Controller, which allows you to use a single set of keyboard/mouse for two PCs connected to the monitor.

Besides the standard image adjustment tools (brightness, contrast, color temperature, aspect ratio, input source, etc.), you also get access to some advanced settings, such as sharpness, four gamma presets, 6-axis hue/saturation and color temperature fine-tuning in increments of 500K.

Sadly, Auto Input Switch is not supported, so you will have to manually change the input source.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is tilt-only, but it’s fairly sturdy. You can also detach it and mount the screen via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.

Next, the monitor has ultra-thin bezels at the top and at the sides of the screen and there’s a light matte anti-glare coating that prevents reflections.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone jack.

Price & Similar Monitors

The LG 27UP600 price ranges from ~$300 to $350. There’s also the LG 27UP650 model, which is the same monitor but with an ergonomic stand, going for $300 – $450.

Keep in mind that for $300, you can get the ASUS VG289Q with a 28″ 4K 60Hz IPS panel, a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, FreeSync and a fully ergonomic stand. So, the LG 27UP600 is only worth considering at ~$250 if you prefer LG’s design and don’t need an ergonomic stand.

If you’ve got a limited budget, besides the above-mentioned displays, it’s also worth checking out the Dell S2721QS, the older LG models, such as the LG 27UK650, and the 28″ alternatives based on the same panel as the VG289Q, including the Samsung U28R550 and the Acer CB282K as they can go on sale for below $300.

To learn more about monitors and ensure you’re getting the model most suited for your personal preference, visit our comprehensive and always up-to-date best gaming monitor buyer’s guide.

Conclusion

Overall, the LG 27UP600 is a decent 4K monitor if you can find it at a good price and don’t mind its tilt-only stand.

Specifications

The post LG 27UP600 Review: 4K IPS FreeSync Monitor appeared first on Display Ninja.