Hello everyone
I recently got the LG’s latest 45-inch ultrawide monitor (the 5120x2160 model) and I want to share my experience since I already own the Samsung G9 OLED. Many are curious if it’s worth the switch, so here’s what I think.
Quick overview:
The LG is impressive but I’m returning it. Here’s the breakdown:
• Work performance: The LG wins hands down with better height, making it easier to manage multiple windows.
• Gaming experience: The LG provides a more immersive feel, almost like looking into a different world.
• Color performance: Samsung shines with its vibrant and lively colors.
• Usability: The LG performs better in bright spaces, while the Samsung excels in darker environments.
Final conclusion: The LG is solid, but Samsung remains superior for gaming.
Productivity Performance - LG Dominates
I was honestly surprised by this. The LG outperforms the Samsung when it comes to productivity.
I can easily manage six different applications at once (arranged in two rows of three), and everything remains clear. With my Samsung, I typically can only fit 3 or 4 windows before I start experiencing neck pain from looking at the edges.
The added height from that 21:9 aspect ratio is a game changer. If your primary use is work, then the LG is the clear choice.
However, I did notice that text appears a bit blurry on the LG compared to the Samsung, despite the higher resolution. Not entirely sure why.
Gaming Experience - LG Slightly Edges Out
This is somewhat complicated to explain.
The LG gives the impression of gazing through a window into the game. The extra vertical space enhances immersion, especially in first-person games.
While the Samsung wraps around your sides nicely, you also see more of your actual room, which can disrupt the immersion.
HUD issues:
- The Samsung tends to spread UI elements too widely, requiring head movements;
- The LG keeps things closer together, but I found myself moving my eyes up and down frequently, which became tiring.
Ironically, I felt more adept at processing gaming events on the Samsung. Maybe it’s just a matter of habit.
Color and Visual Quality - Samsung Clearly Wins
This factor ultimately led to my decision to return the LG.
Samsung’s color quality stands out significantly. Effects like explosions and lighting are far more vivid. While the LG looks good, side by side comparisons reveal a marked difference.
I spent two full days adjusting the LG’s settings to achieve similar vibrancy to the Samsung, but never quite reached it. Reds appeared muted and effects lacked depth.
Could it be the type of panel or the matte finish? Possibly. But if you value vibrant visuals, Samsung is still the top choice.
Size and Setup Considerations
A few quick notes:
- The 45-inch display felt smaller compared to my previous 49-inch, but it’s still sufficient;
- The LG has a gentler curve, which some users may prefer;
- Matte displays reduce glare, but the glossy Samsung looks better in dark surroundings.
Performance Impact - A Major Issue That’s Often Overlooked
This is something that many reviewers miss - the LG significantly impacts your frame rates.
The 5120x2160 resolution means dealing with many more pixels compared to Samsung’s 5120x1440, translating to over 30% more demand on your graphics card.
With my 7900XTX, I noticed a drop of about 20-25 fps in several games. This is a significant setback, especially in competitive games where every frame matters.
The frustrating part is that the supposed visual improvement isn’t worth the performance sacrifice. You end up trading smooth gameplay for marginally sharper text that’s hardly noticeable during gaming.
Final Reflections
The LG is a great monitor, but it doesn’t surpass my current setup.
Choose LG if your focus is primarily on work and reducing neck strain. Stick with Samsung if vibrant colors and gaming are your priorities.
I keep pondering - if Samsung released a 45-inch model with similar vibrant colors, would I still opt for the LG? Definitely not.
I’ll be returning the LG and keeping my Samsung. Sometimes, what seems better isn’t always the case.
If you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll do my best to assist.