The UltraFine 6K can be a Nano IPS Black show, which is one thing the Asus mannequin shouldn’t be. Nano IPS Black is definitely a mix of two applied sciences that enhance the picture high quality of IPS in numerous methods. Nano IPS enhances colour protection, whereas IPS Black cranks up the distinction. The mix of the 2 is fairly spectacular, particularly on a monitor this sharp. It covers sRGB and AdobeRGB at a full 100%, one thing I’ve by no means seen on an IPS monitor earlier than. The colour accuracy can be extremely sturdy. Proper out of the field, I measured the typical colour error at a Delta-E of 0.62. Something beneath 1.0 is taken into account wonderful, even for skilled colour graders. No additional calibration wanted right here.
When it comes to brightness, my assessment unit topped out at 480 nits in commonplace dynamic vary (SDR), which is sort of brilliant. The display screen has an anti-reflective, matte coating that deters glare and reflections with out dimming the display screen an excessive amount of. That is most likely going to hassle some individuals coming from a shiny, older LG 5K show. Though I would additionally want a shiny show, LG’s resolution is adequately subtle. And whereas that is definitely not a correct HDR monitor in that it makes use of a standard LED IPS panel, I used to be in a position to measure 640 nits of peak brightness in HDR. That is removed from what OLED or mini-LED can do. Keep in mind: The HDR impact is created by increased brightness and distinction. That is what makes OLED shows engaging. The UltraFine Evo 6K has a 2,000:1 distinction ratio, however I solely received 1,720:1 in my testing. That is nonetheless higher than the typical, although, as screens just like the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K use an enhanced IPS Black as a way to push the distinction nearer to three,000:1.
The refresh price is the one huge downside with the UltraFine Evo 6K’s image. It’s solely 60 Hz. It does not matter how sharp, vibrant, and color-accurate your picture is that if the movement feels stiff. Even pretty reasonably priced screens like my favourite, the Dell 27 Plus 4K ($300), have a 120-Hz refresh price. That’s doubtless not the fault of LG, as Asus’ 6K monitor can be caught at 60 Hz—but it surely’s a present limitation of the decision on provide. I’ve little doubt that future 6K screens will come out with a 120-Hz refresh price, however as of now, that is a trade-off you may be making for the additional pixels.
Expensive Proposition
{Photograph}: Luke Larsen
The LG UltraFine Evo 6K prices $2,000. Whereas that is not as a lot as Apple’s ridiculous Professional Show XDR, it additionally lacks the HDR capabilities that make that monitor particular. The worth feels particularly egregious when you think about how low cost OLED screens are getting. Dell’s first nongaming OLED, the Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED, is just $850 and is commonly on sale for beneath $700. It is solely 4K, but it surely’s higher for each watching and producing HDR content material.
Lastly, for those who’re set on 6K, there’s additionally the Asus ProArt PA32QCV to contemplate. I have never examined it but, but it surely’s $600 cheaper than LG’s mannequin, regardless of utilizing the identical 6K panel. What does that further $700 purchase you? A flashier design, for one, but in addition extra up-to-date ports. Though I like the place Asus has positioned its ports higher than LG, it makes use of outdated specs reminiscent of Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4. The most important distinction is the shortage of Nano IPS Black, which implies it doubtless does not have the colour efficiency and distinction of the LG mannequin. These variations aren’t insignificant, however are they value $700? That’s robust to say, particularly since they’re in any other case the equivalent panel. I can’t say for positive till I’ve examined Asus’ mannequin, however on the floor, the LG UltraFine 6K does really feel somewhat overpriced by comparability.
Alternatively, for those who’re already dropping this a lot money on a 6K monitor, picture high quality is paramount, and the inclusion of Nano IPS Black makes the LG UltraFine 6K a greater different to OLED or the Professional Show XDR.
