LG 27GP850 180Hz WQHD Nano IPS model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made using the “Buy” button at the bottom of this post. Where possible, you'll be redirected to your nearest store. Further information on supporting our work.LG’s gaming-focused UltraGear lineup includes a range of high refresh rate models of various screen sizes and resolutions. Their 27GL850 has been a long-running favourite for many gamers seeking a combination of speed and colour quality. The LG 27GP850 (27GP850-B owing to black rear) is the true successor to this model, rather than the much more minor 2020 refresh (27GN850). The styling is similar to the ‘GN’ model, with matte black plastics used extensively with some red accents on the stand base for a bit of extra visual interest. The brand logo has been removed from the stand base this time. The top and side bezels are dual-stage, including a slim panel border that’s flush with the rest of the screen plus a thin hard plastic outer component. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick that faces downwards in the centre of the bottom bezel.
The monitor uses 27” 2560 x 1440 (WQHD or 1440p) Nano IPS panel. A refresh rate of 180Hz (165Hz + internal factory overclock) is supported, a boost from the previous 144Hz. Adaptive-Sync is also supported, including AMD FreeSync Premium and also Nvidia’s ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’, the latter of which the monitor is specifically certified for. A 48 – 180Hz VRR range plus LFC is supported. A light matte anti-glare screen surface is included, whilst a 1000:1 static contrast and 178°/178° viewing angles are specified. 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) colour is supported, whilst a flicker-free WLED backlight offers a 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut and 400 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. A bit of a boost from the previous models, accompanied now by VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. This is a basic level that doesn’t require particularly high luminance by HDR standards or local dimming, but allows the monitor to put its wide colour gamut to good use alongside 10-bit colour support. A 1ms grey to grey response time is specified (approach with caution) and integrated Dynamic Action Sync (DAS) low latency technology is included.
MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) is included as a strobe backlight setting – a feature this model’s predecessors lacked. This can be used in conjunction with Adaptive-Sync if you wish, although clarity is poor there due to strong strobe crosstalk. Due to the KSF phosphors used for the backlight (the ‘Nano’ in IPS), a distinct magenta to red fringe can be seen in places regardless of whether Adaptive-Sync is active at the same time. Additional gaming-focused additions include an ‘FPS Counter’ which displays refresh rate in a VRR environment and therefore acts as an FPS display. An on-screen crosshair and a ‘Black Stabilizer’ gamma enhancement feature to improve the visibility of dark shades is also included. The rear is mainly matte black plastic, with some stylistic red elements included. LG’s ‘Sphere Lighting’ feature is not found here, reserved for models such as the 27GN950 and 27GP950 instead. The included stand attaches centrally using a quick release mechanism and can be detached to make way for an alternative 100 x 100mm VESA compatible solution, if preferred. The stand offers tilt, height and pivot adjustment. The ports face backwards in a recessed area to the right of the stand attachment point and include; DP 1.4, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports (plus upstream), a 3.5mm headphone jack and DC power input (external ‘power brick’).
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Be aware that some images are placeholders, showing a ‘4-sided borderless’ design which this model does not offer. The monitor is listed for ~$500 USD. A version without the 180Hz overclock or USB ports is also available, the 27GP83B (27GP83B-B).
