Lg ultragear gx9 bendable 5k2k gaming monitor review

When I first heard about a monitor that could actually bend right in front of your eyes, I was intrigued. But when LG announced the LG UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor model 45GX990A, part of their new GX9 series, combining that bendable magic with a massive 45-inch, 5K2K ultrawide OLED panel, it definitely caught my attention. This isn’t just another gaming monitor. it feels like a genuine leap into the future, offering flexibility and immersion we haven’t quite seen before. Forget about just picking between a flat or curved screen – what if you could have both on demand? That’s exactly what LG is bringing to the table with this groundbreaking display, making it a standout contender for anyone looking to truly elevate their gaming and productivity setup. It’s designed to deliver sharp, lifelike images with stunning colors and exceptional contrast, all while giving you the power to customize your viewing experience to an unprecedented degree. While it’s a premium piece of tech, likely with a premium price tag, for those who crave the ultimate in visual fidelity and adaptability, the 45GX990A is shaping up to be a must.

The Bendable Brilliance: Flat to Curved with a Button Press

One of the most captivating features of the LG UltraGear 45GX990A is its bendable OLED technology. Imagine this: you’re working on a flat screen, tackling spreadsheets or browsing the web, and then, with a simple press of a button, your monitor seamlessly transitions into a deeply curved display, wrapping around your field of view for an incredibly immersive gaming session. This monitor can go from completely flat to a 900R curvature within seconds.

Now, if you’re not fluent in “curved monitor speak,” a 900R curvature is pretty tight. It means if the monitor were to form a full circle, its radius would be 900 millimeters. For us, the users, that translates to a very pronounced curve that pulls the edges of the screen closer to your natural line of sight, which is fantastic for close-up gaming, especially in titles where you want to feel truly “inside” the action like racing simulators or flight sims. This kind of flexibility is a dream come true, giving you the best of both worlds without needing two separate monitors or making a permanent commitment to one type of display. It’s like having a Swiss Army Knife of gaming monitors right on your desk.

LG’s dedication to this flexible design isn’t new. we’ve seen their 42-inch OLED Flex 42LX3Q with bendable capabilities before, but the new GX9 series takes it to the next level with increased size and resolution. The motorization is definitely the “party trick” here, and it works smoothly, allowing you to stop at any point between flat and fully curved, even controlling it with a remote, motion gestures, or an LG app on your phone.

Visual Feast: A 45-inch 5K2K OLED Panel

Beyond the bend, the core display technology is truly impressive. The 45GX990A boasts a massive 45-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio OLED panel with a 5K2K resolution 5120 x 2160. This is a huge deal because it’s the world’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED display. Xduoo TA-30 Tube Headphone Amplifier DAC Review: Your Desktop Powerhouse?

What does 5K2K mean for you?

• Ultrawide Immersion: The 21:9 aspect ratio provides a cinematic experience, expanding your peripheral vision in games and offering ample screen real estate for productivity. It’s like having two 27-inch monitors fused into one seamless panel, but without the bezels.
• Stunning Detail: With a resolution of 5120×2160, this monitor delivers incredible sharpness and detail. Compared to earlier 45-inch ultrawide OLED monitors that often topped out at 3440×1440, the 45GX990A significantly boosts pixel density to 125 PPI pixels per inch. This is a noticeable improvement, making text super clear and sharp, and enhancing the clarity of fine details in games and creative applications.
• OLED Perfection: As an OLED display, you’re getting all the benefits that come with this premium technology:
  • Perfect Blacks: Each pixel illuminates independently, meaning you get true, inky blacks with infinite contrast. This makes dark scenes incredibly rich and detailed, without any backlight bleed or ” IPS glow.”
  • Vibrant Colors: LG’s WOLED technology ensures stunning color accuracy and wide color gamut, bringing games and HDR content to life with vivid, true-to-life hues.
  • Fast Response: OLEDs are known for their near-instantaneous pixel response times, virtually eliminating motion blur and ghosting.

The display also features LG’s Anti-Glare & Low Reflection AGLR coating, which is a blessing in brighter rooms, minimizing reflections and glare so you can stay focused on the action. You’ll also find features like low blue light emissions for more comfortable extended gaming sessions.

Gaming Prowess: Speed and Responsiveness

When it comes to gaming, this monitor is engineered to impress.

• High Refresh Rate: The 45GX990A offers a native 165Hz refresh rate at its full 5K2K resolution. This ensures incredibly smooth gameplay, where every frame comes through with pristine clarity.
• Blazing Fast Response Time: With an ultra-fast 0.03ms GtG response time, you’ll experience virtually no motion blur. This is crucial for games where every millisecond counts, providing crisp action and excellent motion clarity.
• Adaptive Sync Support: It’s certified by both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which means it works with your graphics card to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, giving you a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.

One of the coolest features for gamers is the upgraded Dual-Mode functionality. This isn’t just about bending the screen. it allows you to switch effortlessly between resolution and refresh rate presets. For example, you can enjoy the full 5K2K resolution at 165Hz for cinematic, story-driven games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or God of War Ragnarök. But if you’re jumping into a competitive esports title like Counter-Strike 2 or Overwatch where every frame matters, you can switch to a 2K 2560×1080 resolution at a blazing 330Hz refresh rate. While dropping to 1080p on a 45-inch screen might seem less sharp, for competitive players, the increased refresh rate and reduced input lag can make a significant difference, offering a serious edge. This versatility effectively makes it like having multiple gaming monitors in one.

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Design, Ergonomics, and Connectivity

The physical presence of the 45GX990A is substantial. It’s a 45-inch display, so you’ll definitely need a decent-sized gaming desk to accommodate it. The design is sleek and minimalist, putting the focus squarely on the stunning display.

In terms of ergonomics, the monitor’s stand offers flexibility beyond just the bendable screen. It allows for height adjustment, tilt, and potentially pivot, letting you find that sweet spot for comfortable viewing, whether you’re working or deep into a game. The stand design often includes cable management solutions to keep your setup tidy, which is always a plus.

Connectivity options are robust, catering to modern gaming PCs and consoles:

• DisplayPort 2.1: This is crucial for driving the high 5K2K resolution at its maximum refresh rate, ensuring you get the most out of high-end graphics cards.
• HDMI 2.1: You’ll find multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, which are essential for connecting the latest game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at their full 4K 120Hz capabilities or whatever resolution/refresh rate applies to the monitor for console gaming.
• USB-C with Power Delivery: This is a fantastic addition, allowing you to connect a laptop with a single cable for video, data, and even power delivery up to 90W, keeping your desk clutter-free.
• USB-A Ports: For connecting peripherals like gaming mice or keyboards.

Some models in the GX9 series, and certainly the older LG OLED Flex, come with webOS built-in, transforming the monitor into a smart entertainment hub. This means you can stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other services directly without needing a PC or set-top box. It essentially doubles as a powerful smart TV, making it even more versatile for an all-in-one entertainment setup. Apple m3 ultra mac studio review

Who Is This Monitor For?

Let’s be real, this isn’t a budget monitor. The LG UltraGear GX9 45GX990A is clearly targeting a specific audience:

• Hardcore Gamers: Especially those who play a mix of cinematic, open-world games and competitive esports. The ability to switch between immersive ultrawide 5K2K and high-refresh-rate 2K is a huge draw. If you’re into racing or flight simulators, the tight curve will truly pull you in.
• Content Creators & Power Users: The sheer screen real estate of the 5K2K ultrawide resolution is phenomenal for multitasking, video editing timelines, coding, or graphic design. The higher pixel density also means sharper text, which is a big win for productivity.
• Early Adopters & Tech Enthusiasts: If you love having the latest and greatest technology and aren’t afraid of a significant investment, the bendable OLED feature is a showstopper that will definitely impress.
• Anyone Seeking Ultimate Immersion: If you want a display that can truly captivate you, whether through its expansive ultrawide view, deep blacks, or adaptable curvature, this monitor delivers.

Potential Considerations and Drawbacks

While the 45GX990A sounds like a dream, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Price Tag: This kind of cutting-edge technology, especially being a “world’s first,” will undoubtedly come with a hefty price. It’s an investment, so make sure it aligns with your budget and needs.
• Powerful PC Required: To truly take advantage of 5K2K resolution at 165Hz in modern AAA games, you’ll need a very powerful gaming PC with a top-tier graphics card. Pushing that many pixels demands serious horsepower.
• 2K Mode Sharpness: While the 330Hz 2K mode is great for competitive play, dropping to 1080p on a 45-inch screen can make things look noticeably less sharp, even blurry to some eyes, especially if you’re used to higher pixel densities. It’s serviceable for competitive games, but don’t expect the same visual fidelity as the 5K2K mode.
• Desk Space: A 45-inch ultrawide monitor with a stand that houses a bending mechanism will take up considerable desk space. Make sure you have enough room.
• OLED Burn-in Consideration for All OLEDs: Like all OLED panels, there’s a theoretical risk of burn-in with static elements left on screen for extended periods. However, LG has implemented various technologies to mitigate this, and for mixed-use gaming, movies, productivity, it’s generally less of a concern for most users today.

In conclusion, the LG UltraGear GX9 Bendable 5K2K Gaming Monitor 45GX990A is a monumental step forward for display technology. It’s not just about a pretty picture. it’s about unparalleled flexibility, incredible immersion, and cutting-edge performance all rolled into one. If you’re a serious gamer or a professional who demands the absolute best and can justify the investment, this monitor is poised to redefine your desktop experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific model number for the LG UltraGear bendable 5K2K monitor?

The specific model number for LG’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED gaming monitor is the LG UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor model 45GX990A. This is part of the newer GX9 series, which also includes a fixed-curve 5K2K model 45GX950A and other monitors. Apple iPhone 16e Review: The Smart Choice for Everyday Use

What does “bendable” mean for this monitor?

The “bendable” feature means the monitor can physically transition from a completely flat screen to a curved screen up to a 900R curvature with the push of a button. This allows users to choose the optimal viewing experience for different tasks, like a flat screen for productivity and a curved screen for immersive gaming.

What is 5K2K resolution and why is it significant for gaming?

5K2K resolution refers to a display resolution of 5120 x 2160 pixels, typically in a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio. It’s significant for gaming because it offers a much wider field of view compared to standard 16:9 monitors, enhancing immersion in many games. The increased pixel count over previous 45-inch ultrawides 125 PPI also delivers significantly sharper images and clearer text, blending both immersive gaming and productivity benefits.

What are the main gaming features of the LG UltraGear GX9 45GX990A?

This monitor is packed with gaming-focused features, including a native 165Hz refresh rate at 5K2K resolution, an ultra-fast 0.03ms GtG response time, and support for both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to eliminate screen tearing. It also features a unique Dual-Mode that allows users to switch to a higher 330Hz refresh rate at a lower 2K 2560×1080 resolution for competitive gaming.

Does the LG UltraGear GX9 45GX990A have smart TV features?

While the older LG OLED Flex 42LX3Q and other models in the GX9 series like the 39GX90SA are noted to come with webOS built-in, transforming them into smart entertainment hubs for streaming services, specific official details for the 45GX990A regarding webOS might vary. It’s common for LG’s premium OLED displays to include smart features, so it’s a strong possibility for the 45GX990A.

What kind of PC hardware do I need to run games at 5K2K on this monitor?

To fully enjoy games at 5120×2160 resolution at a 165Hz refresh rate, you will need a very powerful, high-end gaming PC. This typically means a modern, top-tier graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4080/4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT/XTX or newer and a capable CPU. Driving that many pixels requires significant processing power. Leica lux grip review

Is OLED burn-in a concern with this monitor?

Like all OLED displays, there is a theoretical risk of burn-in if static images like HUDs, taskbars, or logos are displayed for very long, continuous periods. However, LG has implemented various pixel-protection technologies and algorithms to mitigate this risk for modern OLED panels, and for typical mixed-use scenarios that include gaming, browsing, and media consumption, it’s generally not a major concern for most users. Regular varied use helps prevent burn-in.