LG Unveils Global First: Bendable 5K2K Gaming Display
LG Unveils Global First: Bendable 5K2K Gaming Display
Similar to Elastigirl from the renowned Pixar movie "The Incredibles", LG's latest 4K display exhibits adaptability, transforming from a standard flatscreen to a 900R curved screen. Measuring a generous 45 inches, this premium OLED monitor will set you back quite a bit, but it could potentially be your last monitor purchase.
LG is renowned for its innovations in flexible, malleable screen technology, and the 45GX990A is no exception. LG boasts its newest 45-inch panel, boasting versatility beyond mere bendability. It offers Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) without disclosing its top refresh rate, as well as its "Dual-Mode" feature, allowing you to switch between resolution presets. The display comes equipped with a quick switch function to alter between a 21:9 or 16:9 aspect ratio or other picture sizes–either 39-, 34-, or 27-inches–without delving into monitor settings. LG claims there are a total of eight different configurations available.
To avoid any confusion about the "5K2K" resolution claims, the display has a resolution of 5,120 by 2,160, although this may vary depending on your monitor settings. The pixel count is comparable to 4K's height at 3,840 by 2,160. If you plan on gaming on such a setup, you'll need games with ultrawide support. At least the LG Flexible OLED supports Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. It should also include support for DisplayPort 2.1 HDMI 2.1 (even with HDMI 2.2 around the corner) and 90W power delivery.
The 45GX990A features typical 0.03 MS response times for an OLED display. It may not be as visually appealing as other 16:9 curved monitors, such as Alienware’s AW3225QF from earlier this year, but the difference will likely be negligible. I've also enjoyed the QDOLED on the Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 with its 1800R curve. I've never felt the need to switch from a curved display to a flatscreen, but maybe the UltraGear GX9 series could change my mind.
LG is swapping out the quantum dots of those other screens for size and flexibility–literally and figuratively. You receive a massive 45-inch screen real estate that can accommodate your desired curve, whether filling your periphery or offering a slight bend to your usual workstation. Whether you prefer a wide field of view or a subtle curve, 45 inches will likely consume most desks, so say goodbye to your multi-monitor setups.
Pricing and release details for these displays are yet to be announced, with LG showcasing them during CES 2025 in the second week of January. LG also offers non-flexible monitors such as the sister curved OLED and the 45GX950A, which includes the same 5K2K OLED but with a standard 800R curve. LG claims this model has minimal bezels, providing a "virtually borderless design." A costly, likely premium monitor, the GX9 series is joined by the "smart gaming monitor," the UltraGear 39GX90SA. This 800R curved OLED display includes LG's Linux-based webOS, functioning like a typical smart TV, making it suitable for game and movie streaming.
Again, pricing and release dates for these monitors are still under wraps. LG began selling its popular transparent Signature OLED T, which debuted at CES 2024 earlier this month, for $60,000. It's unclear how long LG will take to release its UltraGear GX9 series, but that's up to the screen manufacturer. Last year, LG's major CES announcement was a 240 Hz monitor capable of reaching 480 Hz. Priced at $1,400 MSRP, we can expect the GX9 series to cost even more, given its size.
LG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology is evident in its plans to release the UltraGear GX9 series, which will feature flexible and malleable screen technology, offering various curve options. The future of LG's display lineup could potentially revolutionize the way we use monitors, potentially negating the need for multiple displays.