LG 34GP63A-B 34 Inch Curved Ultragear Gaming Monitor Review with QHD and 160Hz

Description

Immersive Design and Build Quality

Testing the LG 34GP63A-B 34″ Curved UltraGear QHD Gaming Monitor was an experience in itself, thanks to its sleek and immersive curved design. The 21:9 aspect ratio and ultra-wide 3440 x 1440 resolution created a panoramic effect that pulled me straight into the action. It’s not just about the visuals; the monitor stands solidly on my desk with its tilt and height-adjustable stand, which made it easy to find a comfortable viewing angle. The 100 x 100 mm wall mount compatibility offers flexibility if desk space is a concern.

The build feels robust yet elegant, with the black finish adding a sophisticated touch. Despite its substantial size, the monitor doesn’t feel overwhelming. At 31.2 inches wide, it occupies a significant part of your workspace, but the streamlined design ensures it doesn’t look bulky. I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of both a DisplayPort cable and power cable in the box, so there was no need to scramble for accessories.

Performance and Visual Quality

The 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms Motion Blur Reduction are standout features. As someone who loves fast-paced games, the smoothness of motion and absence of ghosting were immediately evident. Whether I was dodging enemy fire in a shooter game or zipping through tight corners in a racing game, the refresh rate kept up with every frame. The AMD FreeSync Premium also deserves a shoutout, as it eliminated screen tearing and ensured that stutters were non-existent, even during intense scenes.

Color accuracy is another area where this monitor shines. With HDR10 support and 99% sRGB coverage, the visuals were vibrant and true to life. Watching cinematic cutscenes felt like I was viewing them on a high-end TV, and the details in shadows and highlights were remarkable. Testing it with a game that heavily relies on dynamic lighting, I noticed how well it handled contrasts without overexposing brighter areas.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-wide curved display for immersive gaming.
• 160Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and lag-free visuals.
• AMD FreeSync Premium eliminates screen tearing.
• HDR10 support provides vivid and accurate colors.
• Adjustable stand for customizable ergonomics.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its impressive features, the monitor isn’t without its flaws. The 5ms response time, while decent, could feel slightly sluggish compared to other high-end gaming monitors boasting 1ms GTG response. Additionally, the 300-nit brightness (typical) might not be sufficient for rooms with a lot of natural light. I noticed that under direct sunlight, the screen’s visibility was somewhat compromised.

The lack of USB-C connectivity felt like a missed opportunity, especially for users who want a single-cable setup for gaming and productivity. Also, while the speakers are functional, they don’t deliver the punch of a dedicated audio system. I found myself relying on external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.

• 5ms response time could feel limiting for competitive gamers.
• Brightness levels may not be ideal for brightly lit rooms.
• Speakers lack depth and clarity.
• Missing USB-C port reduces connectivity options.

Gaming-Centric Features

This monitor is packed with features designed to enhance gaming. The Black Stabilizer was a game-changer for me. It enhanced visibility in darker scenes, allowing me to spot enemies lurking in the shadows. Another feature I found useful was the Crosshair overlay, which added precision during FPS games.

The Dynamic Action Sync reduced input lag significantly, making my controls feel immediate and responsive. It’s small touches like these that show how much thought went into optimizing this monitor for gaming. Additionally, the Flicker Safe technology ensured long gaming sessions didn’t strain my eyes, which is always a plus.

Competing Products

When comparing this monitor to Samsung’s Odyssey G5, I noticed that while the Samsung may offer competitive pricing, it doesn’t match the color accuracy and HDR performance of the LG 34GP63A-B. Similarly, Dell’s UltraSharp U-series, known for its productivity-oriented features, lacks the gaming-specific enhancements like Black Stabilizer and AMD FreeSync Premium found here.

On the flip side, ASUS ROG Swift monitors tend to edge out in terms of response time and higher brightness levels, which might appeal to competitive gamers. However, they often come at a premium, and the LG UltraGear’s balance of performance and price makes it a compelling choice for casual and enthusiast gamers alike.

Affordable Quality

For a gaming monitor in this price segment, the LG 34GP63A-B offers tremendous value. The combination of ultra-wide resolution, high refresh rate, and gaming-specific features makes it a strong contender in its category. While it might not have every bell and whistle, the feature set is more than sufficient for most gamers.

Compared to other monitors with similar specifications, this one strikes a balance between premium features and affordability. The lack of USB-C and slightly lower brightness might deter some, but for those focused on gaming performance, it delivers. In my experience, the price-to-quality ratio justifies the investment, especially if you’re upgrading from a standard 1080p monitor.

This monitor left me feeling impressed, both as a gamer and as someone who values a quality display for everyday use. But as always, choices depend on individual priorities, so weigh the positives and pitfalls before diving in.

Additional information