Ever since seeing LG's latest 45” UltraGear monitor at CES in January, I've eagerly awaited its release. LG recently sent us one of these new models ahead of launch and kindly sponsored our review. This new generation addresses several key issues from the previous model, including improved resolution, USB-C with power delivery, and better overall design.
In this extensive review, I'll compare this latest 2025 model directly with the previous generation 45” UltraGear, addressing both technical specs and real-world performance.
Unboxing and Setup
The monitor arrives in a sizable yet manageable box, thanks to the lightweight OLED panel. Included are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C cables, a substantial power brick, and an easy-to-assemble stand. Assembly is straightforward, making the setup process smooth and hassle-free.
Sleek, Minimalist Design
LG has opted for a clean, minimalist look suitable for gaming and office environments. The screen features subtle LED lighting, with a premium matte finish that significantly reduces glare and reflections. Notably, LG implemented eye-care technologies such as flicker-free display and reduced blue light emissions, enhancing long-session comfort.
Ergonomic and Functional Stand
The new stand is a welcome improvement over previous models, offering adjustable height, tilt, and swivel, with convenient built-in cable management. While the stand lacks pivot functionality, most users opting for a screen this size will prefer mounting it on an arm for extra flexibility.
Impressive Technical Specifications
The model number LG 45GX950A sports impressive features:
- Size & Aspect Ratio: 45” at 21:9
- Resolution: 5120 x 2160 (5K2K)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz standard, up to 330Hz in Dual Mode
- Curve: 800R
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C (90W charging)
- HDR: VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400
- Response Time: 0.03ms
- Features: G-Sync, FreeSync Premium Pro, DTS Headphone X output
Enhanced Resolution and Clarity
A major upgrade from the previous generation is the enhanced 5120 x 2160 resolution, delivering 125 Pixels Per Inch (PPI), significantly sharper than last year's 84 PPI. Text clarity is vastly improved, making it excellent for productivity and multitasking.
Unique Dual Mode for Gaming Flexibility
LG's Dual Mode feature allows switching from a high-resolution 5K2K display at 165Hz to a 1080p resolution at a blistering 330Hz. You can easily toggle between modes for optimal productivity during the day and competitive gaming sessions at night. While Dual Mode supports various virtual screen sizes and refresh rates, note that there's no middle-ground resolution option—it's either full 5K2K or Full HD.
Immersive 800R Curve
Despite initial reservations about the aggressive 800R curve, I found it extremely comfortable and immersive, significantly enhancing the viewing experience for both gaming and everyday productivity tasks.
Outstanding Brightness and Colour Performance
Leveraging LG's Tandem OLED technology, brightness levels exceed their listed specifications, hitting nearly 1500 nits at peak performance. Colour accuracy is exceptional with 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage and a 1.5 million-to-1 contrast ratio. OLED technology ensures perfect blacks, vibrant colours, and no blooming or halo effects.
Burn-In Prevention
LG addresses the common OLED concern—burn-in—with four pixel-shifting modes and a dedicated pixel-cleaning feature. While covered by a two-year warranty (including burn-in), implementing best practices such as automatic screen-off settings further mitigates risks. Personal long-term OLED usage has shown minimal risk when following recommended practices.
Comprehensive Connectivity
Connectivity is robust with DisplayPort 2.1 (54 Gbps), HDMI 2.1 ports, and USB-C with 90W power delivery, catering especially well to laptop users. However, there is no USB KVM functionality.
Productivity and Mac Compatibility
The monitor excels in productivity, particularly with Mac systems, fully supporting 165Hz at 5K2K resolution and HDR without colour issues. Even Mac users benefit from the impressive 330Hz refresh rate in Dual Mode. Windows users also experience full resolution support and flawless performance, aside from a known compatibility issue with RTX 50 series GPUs, temporarily resolved by a driver adjustment.
Stellar Gaming Performance
Paired with a high-end RTX 4090 gaming rig, the monitor delivered exceptional performance across various popular titles. Games like Overwatch hit maximum refresh rates of 600FPS in Dual Mode, while demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 reached a solid 115FPS at full resolution.
Console Gaming
This monitor also shines with console gaming, fully supporting features like 120Hz refresh, HDR, and variable refresh rates without black bars, making it ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gaming.
Additional Features
- Built-in Speakers: Adequate volume but limited bass; external audio devices recommended.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP): Useful for multitasking but limited to 75Hz in PbP mode.
- On-Screen Controls: Simple and intuitive with customizable shortcuts.
Final Verdict
The 2025 LG 45” UltraGear OLED sets a new benchmark, effectively addressing prior criticisms and providing a comprehensive package ideal for gaming enthusiasts and productivity users alike. While premium-priced, its unparalleled features and versatility make it an outstanding choice, easily earning its place as a flagship monitor in 2025.
Have questions or comments about the LG 45” UltraGear? Drop them below, and I'll personally respond to each one!
