LG Launches 32QK500-W QHD Display: IPS and Freesync for $300
by Anton Shilov on December 14, 2018 10:00 AM ESTLG has introduced its new entry-level display designed for the mainstream market but supports a number of premium features such as AMD’s FreeSync dynamic refresh rate tech. The 32QK500-W relies on an IPS panel and features a larger size and a higher resolution than most monitors in the ~$300 class.
High-end displays for enthusiasts and gamers evolve at a rather rapid pace with improved and larger models introduced every year. On the other hand, workhorses used for everyday work and play are updated on a much longer cadence. In fact, the most popular LCD models on the market still feature 23.5-inch to 27-inch 8-bit Full-HD panels and do not support any modern technologies. While not being a high-tech breakthrough, LG’s 32QK500-W changes what we come to expect from a budget monitor produced by a renowned brand.
The 32QK500-W relies on an 8-bit + FRC 31.5-inch IPS panel with a 2560×1440 resolution, 300 nits brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 75 Hz refresh rate (with FreeSync), an 8 ms response time, and 178°/178° viewing angles. The monitor can display 1.07 billion colors (a rare feature in this class) and is rated at 72% NTSC CIE1931 (roughly equals to 100% sRGB).
Being aimed at SOHO market, the LG 32QK500-W does not omit gaming features. In addition to already mentioned AMD FreeSync (works only over HDMI), the monitor also supports LG’s Dynamic Action Sync that skips some of the internal image processing to cut down input lag when activated. There is also the Black Stabilizer motion blur reduction tech that makes fast-paced scenes look sharper by inserting a black image between frames (though it remains to be seen how well it is going to work with a 75 Hz panel), and the Crosshair overlay to simplify lives of FPS gamers.
As far as connectivity is concerned, the LG 32QK500-W has one DisplayPort, one Mini DisplayPort, and two HDMI inputs. In addition, the display has a 3.5-mm audio connector for headphones.
Like premium monitors from LG, the 32QK500-W features the company’s stylish Edge-ArcLine stand that in the case of the particular display enables to adjust tilt. Alternatively, the stand can be detached and the LCD mounted to the wall using VESA 100x100 mm mounting holes.
Specifications of the LG 32QK500-W 31.5-Inch Display | ||
32QK500-W | ||
Panel | 31.5" IPS | |
Native Resolution | 2560 × 1440 | |
Maximum Refresh Rate | 75 Hz | |
Dynamic Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync | |
Response Time (Grey-to-Grey) | 8 ms | |
Brightness | 300 cd/m² | |
Contrast | 1000:1 | |
Viewing Angles | 178°/178° horizontal/vertical | |
Pixel Pitch | 0.2727 × 0.2727 mm | |
Pixel Density | 93 PPI | |
Color Gamut | 99% sRGB (tbc) 72% NTSC CIE1931 |
|
Inputs | 1 × DisplayPort 1 × Mini DisplayPort 2 × HDMI |
|
Audio | 3.5-mm headphone jack | |
Stand | Can adjust tilt | |
Power Consumption | Standby | 0.5 W |
Typical | 46 W | |
Maximum | 50 W |
The LG 32QK500-W is currently listed at many of the company’s websites around the world. Considering the fact that the product does not feature any unproven technologies, it is likely that the display will hit the market shortly. The price of the new unit in Japan is estimated to be ¥34,800 ($307) without tax, so it is safe to say that the monitor will retail for $299 in the US.
Related Reading
- LG Unveils 32UK550: 31.5 Inch 4K Display with DCI-P3, HDR10, & FreeSync for $500
- Dell Announces Ultrathin S2719DC LCD: FreeSync USB-C with HDR600
- LG Develops ‘Nano IPS’ LCD, Unveils 32UK950 4K Display with DCI-P3, HDR600, TB3
- Smooth As 240 Hz Butter: LG's 27GK750F-B, a 27-inch eSports Monitor with FreeSync, Launched for $550
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bubblyboo - Friday, December 14, 2018 - link
"The monitor can display 1.07 billion colors (a rare feature in this class)"8 bit + FRC is quite common now.
Alistair - Friday, December 14, 2018 - link
not for cheap 1440p monitors, only for "cheap" 4k onesdromoxen - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
SO thats £310-£340 in the UK ...whats the actual size , in feet and inchs , and the weight, in Pounds of this ?? I should be able to work it out as its a right angled triangle , hypotenuse = 32in ??And the cost in Pounds Shillings and Pence LOL
timecop1818 - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
Not 4K? Yawn.GreenReaper - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
For many, it's better having 1440p that you can play on casually, than a 4K you can't - or which has pixels that are too small to use effectively (so you have 1440p or even 1080p resolution). Bandwidth limitations may mean you can't have 4K HDR, but you *can* on 1440p. And I don't just mean display bandwidth - YouTube will gladly serve up 1440p, and I suspect other providers will too.The issue for me would probably be the pixel pitch - I'd prefer to have it in a 27" format than 32" - that said, it's still 5% more dense than my current 1680x1050 Samsung 226BW.
Murloc - Sunday, December 16, 2018 - link
I just bought a similar 4K monitor from LG for 340$Rocket321 - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
I suspect these are going to sell like hotcakesAllan_Hundeboll - Sunday, December 16, 2018 - link
AOC q3279vwfd8 has very similar specs, but no VESA mount. Cost 230$saiga6360 - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
Nice features but you can probably buy an Acer display for $100 less now, just maybe not as bright.timecop1818 - Saturday, December 15, 2018 - link
This is not bright at ALL. 300 cdm is garbage. for a usable desktop monitor 400 is minimum, and 450-500 is great. (not talking about HDR junk, just normal desktop)