LG has updated its UltraFine lineup of displays, which are aimed especially at computers made by Apple. The entry-level UltraFine 4K has received a larger screen, whereas the more advanced UltraFine 5K has gained a USB Type-C port. Both monitors are now compatible with Macs as well as the latest iPad Pro tablets, enabling owners of the latter to use them as desktops.

The new entry-level LG UltraFine 4K monitor is now based on a 23.7-inch IPS panel featuring a 3840×2160 resolution, 500 nits brightness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and the usual 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles. The display comes with integrated stereo speakers, and an built-in PSU. When compared to the original UltraFine 4K introduced in 2016, the new LCD is bigger, but its resolution is the same, and as a result the pixel density got lower.

The larger LG UltraFine 5K display uses a 27-inch IPS panel featuring a 5120×2880, 500 nits brightness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles. The new LCD is equipped with a webcam, built-in stereo speakers and a microphone, as well as an integrated power supply. In an important change, this model now no longer requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection; the monitor can be used with a USB-C port as well (with DP alt mode), making it compatible with a wider range of devices, and likely indicating that LG has upgraded to Intel's Titan Ridge TB3 controller.

As these monitors are primarily meant to be used with Apple products, LG’s UltraFine monitors only support the P3 color gamut – where Apple offers very robust OS-level support – and are compatible with Apple’s latest Macs as well as 2019 iPad Pro tablets, making this the first time these displays have worked with an iPad. Both displays can connect to hosts using a Thunberbolt 3 or a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports that can deliver up to 85 W or 94 W of power to a laptop or a tablet.

LG's 2019 UltraFine Displays
  LG UltraFine 4K LG UltraFine 5K
Panel 23.7" IPS 27" IPS
Native Resolution 3840 x 2160 5120 x 2880
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Brightness 500 cd/m²
Color Gamut Display P3
Color Depth 8 bit (?) 10 bit (?)
Viewing Angles 178°/178° horizontal/vertical
Inputs Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C
USB Hub 3 x 5Gbps USB-C
Audio Stereo speakers Stereo speakers
Microphone
Webcam - Integrated
Stand Adjustable stand
Power Delivery 85 W 94 W
Price $699.95 $1,299.95

The new LCDs are currently available from Apple. The LG UltraFine 4K 23.7-inch display is priced at $699.95, whereas the UltraFine 5K 27-inch monitor is priced at $1,299.95.

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Source: LG

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  • Alistair - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    still waiting for that base model imac to hit 24 inches like this monitor, we've passed the 10 year mark, but it should get an upgrade in less than 20 years...
  • Sahrin - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    Or discontinued...
  • rangerdavid - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    You mean, they should not sell a 21.5" model at all? Or you just want the 24" iMac to be cheaper, I assume? Lots of clients want a smaller screen (libraries, computer labs at schools, etc.) where space is more cramped than perhaps your work area. I don't see that model going away soon.
  • Alistair - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    No one would buy the 21" if it was the same price as the 24". No one. 24" can easily be compact.
  • close - Monday, August 5, 2019 - link

    No one would buy a 24" if it was the same size as the 27". No one. Unless you have a 20"/50cm wide desk and really can't afford a few cm on the side...
  • close - Monday, August 5, 2019 - link

    ^^read "same price"^^

    People don't pick the size based on the size of the desk but rather based on price. Otherwise 27" would be the lowest size the vast majority would get.
  • RSAUser - Tuesday, August 6, 2019 - link

    /looks at 27" screen
    I bought it based on the size though...
  • Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    Both the 21.5" and 27" iMacs are around ~220 ppi, the former being (true) 4K and the latter being 5K. There really isn't that much room in-between for a 24" screen...I guess they could do 4.5K (4608x2592) at 24.3", but that's not exactly a standard resolution.

    Hah, who am I kidding? This is Apple we're talking about; they invented their own 6K standard (5.875x1024), they'll do whatever they want.
  • krazyfrog - Tuesday, August 6, 2019 - link

    The current iMacs are the particular size and resolution because it works out best for macOS in terms of pixel density. https://bjango.com/images/articles/macexternaldisp...

    Of course, Apple doesn't care much about that anymore as can be seen by the default scaling on the different Retina MacBooks so there very well may be an iMac with a random display size/resolution.
  • ironwing - Thursday, August 1, 2019 - link

    Is the 24" monitor Win 10 w/ Thunderbolt 3 compatible? I was reading up on the 22" predecessor and the level of effort required to make one work with Win 10 was silly. I'm still looking for a smaller, high pixel density monitor for Win 10 and this one would fit the bill.

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