Compare LG 39GX950B-B vs LG 45GX950A-B

Tandem WOLED has surprisingly restrained consumption in full-white usage for a panel this large.

Energy use is a noticeable drawback for such a large, bright OLED screen. Efficiency is not its selling point.

Most tested samples showed little distracting banding in routine use, though dark-gray banding can vary between panels or modes.

Some panels show faint dark-gray banding, tinted edges or edge dimming, especially on uniform images. These flaws often recede during varied gaming content.

Despite its large 39-inch screen, the monitor occupies less width than many dual-screen arrangements or 45-inch ultrawides, but a deep desk helps.

The huge panel demands substantial desk width and depth, although its relatively compact flat stand helps recover some usable surface. Measure your workstation before making room for the 800R curve.

Modern consoles work well with the display at 16:9, although their lack of ultrawide output means black sidebars.

Consoles can output a sharp 16:9 image with HDR and supported high refresh rates, but they cannot fill the ultrawide format natively. Stretched presentation and side bars make this a secondary rather than ideal console screen.

Frame-rate swings can cause visible flickering in dark scenes, especially in the 330Hz mode, without an anti-flicker adjustment to mask it.

Variable-refresh flicker remains an OLED caveat, especially in dark scenes with unstable frame rates. Some testing found it restrained, while another assessment saw it worsen in the 330Hz mode.

Native 165Hz is fluid for detailed 5K2K gaming, but lower than some flagship alternatives; 330Hz demands a drop to 2560×1080.

Native 165Hz is smooth for high-resolution games, and the optional 330Hz mode is enticing for fast play. Achieving the faster rate requires giving up the detailed 5K2K image.

The reduced esports-size window works, but the small active area and coarse lower-resolution image are awkward on such a large panel.

Shrinking the display to 24 inches offers a focused view for fast games, but the lower-resolution scaling can look soft or downright unusable. The smaller competitive modes are far more divisive than the native 5K2K picture.

High pixel density makes text generally crisp, although white-subpixel fringing is still visible to some people; RGB-stripe rivals can look cleaner.

The updated pixel structure and higher density reduce colored edges around text versus older WOLEDs. Some residual softness and fringing remain compared with conventional LCD or RGB-stripe panels.

The gentler 1500R curve draws in the edges for immersive play without the distortion and discomfort associated with LG’s earlier 800R curves.

The tight 800R curve can feel wonderfully enveloping during gaming and simulations, yet others find it excessive for everyday use and straight-line work. Its shape is a major preference-dependent decision.

Different HDR presets offer distinct brightness and saturation looks, although none combines every desirable accuracy characteristic.

There are several HDR settings to suit taste and room conditions, including more faithful and punchier choices. None perfectly combines maximum highlight brightness with the tightest tonal accuracy.

Fine detail in games and desktop apps is one of its signature strengths, particularly compared with 3440×1440 ultrawides.

Fine detail and text look far clearer than on previous low-density 45-inch OLEDs. Native 5K2K is impressive, although smaller 4K screens and glossy or RGB-stripe designs can still look crisper.

Instantaneous OLED transitions produce remarkably crisp motion, especially at 330Hz, with some refresh-rate limitations relative to faster OLEDs.

The OLED panel renders fast motion with excellent clarity and almost no response smearing. Switching to 330Hz improves smoothness further, although the reduced resolution brings its own softness.

The matte anti-glare coating does a convincing job diffusing reflections, especially for a curved display, though direct sunlight can still distract.

The matte treatment is effective against sharp reflections, although certain light positions still create diffuse glare or raised-looking blacks. Moderate room lighting generally suits it better than a sunny window behind the user.

The monitor worked reliably with a Mac, including dual-mode, making it practical as part of a mixed Mac/PC desk.

The USB-C input works with MacBooks and supports a work-and-game setup, though macOS scaling can add overhead. It is convenient but not completely frictionless.

The integrated speakers are a welcome convenience for consoles and occasional listening, though they are not substitutes for dedicated audio.

The built-in speakers are a useful convenience and can sound clear and surprisingly loud, but assessments vary sharply. Some find them distorted or weak enough to prefer headphones or external speakers.

Switching between highly detailed 165Hz output and much faster 330Hz action adds flexibility, but the lower-resolution mode looks visibly soft.

The choice between detailed 5120×2160 at 165Hz and smoother 2560×1080 at 330Hz makes the monitor unusually versatile. The high-speed mode sacrifices obvious sharpness, and opinions differ on how often that tradeoff is worthwhile.

The stand is solid enough in ordinary use but the big panel can wobble when touched or operated.

Several assessments found the stand solid and well controlled, while others noticed wobble when the large panel was bumped. Stability depends partly on the desk and how it is positioned.

AI upscaling can sharpen certain low-resolution console signals, but PC use is inconsistent or impractical and cannot replace modern GPU upscaling.

Lower-resolution modes look much softer than native 5K2K, and the smaller simulated screen sizes suffer particularly poor scaling. Smoother 330Hz motion does not always make up for the loss of definition.

Driving eleven million pixels at high frame rates requires substantial graphics horsepower, so weaker systems will need major compromises.

Driving 11 million pixels at high settings is demanding, especially in modern AAA games. A powerful graphics card is needed to get the full benefit of 5K2K and high refresh rates.

OLED-care options are basic compared with rival premium monitors, and prolonged static desktop content still calls for caution.

Pixel shifting, a screen saver and cleaning cycles offer basic OLED care. Protection controls are more limited than on some competitors, and static desktop content remains an ownership concern.

At roughly 143 PPI, this monitor approaches the text sharpness of a 32-inch 4K display while offering much more horizontal room.

At about 125 pixels per inch, the 5K2K panel is a huge upgrade over earlier 45-inch OLED ultrawides. It is still less dense than smaller 4K monitors, but text and fine details are much more usable.

The matte finish reduces mirror reflections but does not deliver quite the crystalline sheen favored by fans of glossy OLED.

The anti-glare finish is polarizing: it mutes mirror reflections, but its visible grain or haze reduces perceived crispness. Fans of glossy OLED clarity may find this coating disappointing.

Height, tilt, and swivel help tailor ergonomics; some users found the height mechanism stiff or noted wobble during adjustments.

Height, tilt and swivel adjustment are generous enough to position the screen comfortably. The compact flat metal base adds practical space compared with wide-legged stands.

Very low lag and optional 330Hz speed help fast shooters, but the lower-resolution picture and large form factor make it conditional for esports.

The 330Hz mode and OLED responsiveness can serve fast competitive play, but the huge image and softer scaling make it less focused than smaller esports monitors. Competitive suitability depends on the game and priorities.

Audio is serviceable at ordinary volumes but lacks bass and can turn thin with demanding music or movie soundtracks.

Sound quality splits opinion: several find the speakers rich, clear or surprisingly powerful, while others hear distortion or thin sound. External audio remains attractive for demanding listeners.

Coverage of modern wide color spaces is extensive, producing vibrant games and HDR imagery even if a few saturated colors remain outside its reach.

The WOLED panel covers DCI-P3 well and produces vibrant game colors, but color range trails leading QD-OLEDs. The difference is most apparent in highly saturated HDR imagery.

Atmospheric and cinematic games flourish on the large, sharp OLED, with high contrast and impressive HDR lighting.

The enormous 21:9 field of view and high native resolution make story-rich, exploratory and cinematic games a standout experience. Deep blacks and fast OLED response complete the effect.

The 21:9 format expands game views and workspace substantially; standard 16:9 inputs need side borders rather than full-screen stretching.

The taller 21:9 layout offers more useful vertical room than many 32:9 alternatives without sacrificing much horizontal immersion. It is especially appealing for games and work that benefit from height as well as width.

Its cinematic OLED image and unusually useful 39-inch format impress strongly, though price and several feature compromises limit the value proposition.

The monitor earns strong enthusiasm for its screen size, sharpness and immersive gaming, even from those who criticize particular settings. Its steep cost, aggressive curve and a few display compromises keep it from being an easy all-purpose recommendation.

USB-C video and up to 90W charging make a convenient connection for compatible laptops and other desk devices.

USB-C with up to 90W delivery is a practical bonus for laptops and MacBooks. A single cable can supply video and charge a compatible notebook.

Modern DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports cover many setups, though a missing KVM and certain USB routing limitations temper flexibility.

High-bandwidth HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C make the main video connections versatile. The small downstream USB selection and missing KVM are disappointing at this price.

True OLED blacks look inky and deep, with Tandem WOLED generally retaining their depth under ambient light better than QD-OLED rivals.

Individual OLED pixels switch fully off for exceptionally deep blacks. This gives dim environments, shadowy games and high-contrast scenes real depth.

Independent OLED pixels eliminate the halos and backlight blooming that can appear on LCD and Mini-LED screens.

OLED's per-pixel lighting produces clean bright objects against dark backgrounds, with essentially no blooming or halo distractions. Starfields and high-contrast game scenes look particularly crisp.

Bright effects look striking and fine HDR details generally remain visible, but aggressive tone-mapping settings can sacrifice accuracy.

Small HDR highlights stand out against inky blacks, giving explosions, sparks and bright reflections impressive definition. Detail stays visible in many demanding contrast-heavy scenes.

Input lag is very low in the gaming presets and main refresh modes, although certain picture modes and low-rate dual-mode inputs add delay.

Input lag is consistently very low on PC, keeping controls responsive in both primary modes. Some console measurements are less impressive, but PC gaming responsiveness is a clear strength.

The fourth-generation Tandem WOLED panel offers deep pixel-level blacks, much stronger brightness than older WOLED ultrawides, and rich color.

WOLED brings the expected deep blacks and rapid response with a notably higher pixel density than earlier 45-inch OLED designs. Its color volume still trails some QD-OLED competitors.

PC gaming is excellent with a sufficiently powerful GPU, unlocking full 21:9 views, 5K2K detail, and rapid OLED motion.

Fast motion, high-bandwidth connections and vivid OLED picture quality make the monitor highly capable when paired with a gaming PC.

The 5120×2160 5K2K resolution is a major upgrade over earlier 39-inch ultrawides, bringing finely detailed games and substantially sharper desktop content.

The 5120×2160 resolution finally gives a 45-inch ultrawide the detail it deserves. Games and desktop text look substantially sharper than on older 3440×1440 panels of similar size.

Extremely fast pixel transitions keep moving objects clear with little conventional ghosting or smearing.

Pixel response is extraordinarily fast across refresh rates, giving clean movement with little overshoot. It compares particularly well with even high-end LCD gaming panels.

Dark-scene detail is generally well preserved, with black-level adjustments available to bring out shadow information.

Dark-game details remain clear thanks to OLED pixel control and strong black separation. It handles shadows particularly well when a scene mixes darkness with bright highlights.

The 21:9 curved screen supplies a wide field of view and deep immersion, especially in games that natively support ultrawide layouts.

Ultrawide PC games gain tremendous immersion from the tall screen, high resolution and wraparound curve. The experience is outstanding when games support 21:9 well and the desk can accommodate the display.

The small USB-A hub adds convenience, although routing its upstream signal through USB-C may complicate some desktop/laptop combinations.

The two USB-A downstream ports can handle basic peripherals, but their data path relies on the USB-C connection. The arrangement is less convenient than a fuller desktop hub.

FreeSync and G-SYNC-compatible operation help limit tearing across a broad range of PC and console refresh rates.

Support for common adaptive-sync standards broadens compatibility across modern GPUs. The screen can take advantage of variable refresh in both principal display modes.

Full-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 is a standout, capable of 5K2K at 165Hz without relying on compression from compatible hardware.

DisplayPort 2.1 offers modern connectivity, but its bandwidth falls short of the UHBR20 maximum, so full-resolution high-refresh signals can require compression. One setup also suffered HDMI-versus-DisplayPort reliability differences.

The DisplayPort bandwidth allows native 5K2K at the full refresh rate without DSC, whereas other inputs may still need compression.

Display Stream Compression is generally treated as an acceptable way to obtain the maximum native-resolution refresh rate. There is limited user control over DSC, which may frustrate enthusiasts who want every signal option exposed.

Mode switching is generally convenient, though one review encountered rare Windows layout problems when leaving dual-mode.

Switching between the two main display modes is generally straightforward, sometimes with a dedicated button or software shortcut. A few connection-specific reports describe slower or troublesome changes, particularly over DisplayPort.

For an OLED ultrawide, brightness is excellent in both SDR and HDR, although sunny windows and larger bright scenes can still expose limits.

Small bright highlights can be punchy for OLED, but sustained bright scenes are comparatively dim. Brightness evaluations vary with content, mode and room lighting.

Colors are impressive overall, but the white-subpixel design cannot match the brightest saturated colors available from some QD-OLED competitors.

Bright saturated colors are a weak spot compared with QD-OLED alternatives. Higher white-highlight brightness does not produce the same improvement in vivid color brightness.

Displaying two inputs at once helps multi-device use, though refresh rate can drop when sharing the panel between a Mac and PC.

Picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture make the broad screen useful for viewing two sources at once. The modes are particularly handy for PC-and-console or laptop-and-console setups.

The sRGB and calibrated modes can be accurate, but default wide-gamut settings may oversaturate SDR colors and some presets require tuning.

SDR color is often pleasing or accurate with appropriate settings, including good factory calibration on some units. Other measurements find oversaturation or color errors, so demanding work benefits from tuning.

The on-screen controls are approachable and the LG software simplifies management, although some menu choices and the interface style divide opinion.

LG's joystick-driven menus are generally straightforward, with convenient shortcuts and clear setting groups. Some controls feel more limited or inconsistent than those on competing premium gaming displays.

Tiny highlights look punchy against OLED blacks and HDR games can be spectacular; mode calibration and full-screen luminance are not flawless.

Dark HDR gaming scenes can look spectacular thanks to deep blacks, crisp highlights and rapid pixel response. Bright full-screen scenes and bright color reproduction are less convincing, with different settings favoring punch or accuracy.

A built-in KVM is missing, disappointing those hoping to share peripherals between multiple computers.

There is no integrated KVM switch, a notable omission for a premium monitor with multiple video inputs. Switching a keyboard and mouse between computers needs another solution.

Adaptive sync works smoothly in tested gaming scenarios, helping avoid tearing and supporting variable frame rates.

FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility keep motion fluid with minimal tearing and stutter. Adaptive sync works effectively across different refresh settings.

Uniform brightness controls tame distracting OLED luminance changes, though brighter presets can still dim as content changes.

SDR's uniform-brightness behavior keeps desktop windows from constantly dimming, though OLED brightness limiting remains noticeable in some bright content. Static-area dimming can also intrude during HDR viewing.

Pixel-level OLED control delivers extraordinary contrast and depth, especially alongside bright effects in otherwise dark scenes.

Near-perfect OLED blacks yield exceptionally strong perceived contrast and depth. High-contrast gaming and HDR imagery are among its biggest strengths.

The internal cooling fan is nearly inaudible in normal use, with noise noticeable only at extremely close range.

The active cooling fan runs quietly enough to go unnoticed even by someone sensitive to noise. Operating sound should rarely distract from work or play.

Image quality is outstanding with razor-sharp detail, brilliant OLED blacks, and impactful color and HDR.

The towering 5K2K OLED delivers crisp details, deep blacks and strong HDR impact in many games. It is most spectacular in dark or mixed scenes rather than bright full-screen content.

Materials and construction are generally solid, although the large display can move on its stand when nudged.

The stand and chassis feel substantial and carefully built, with a reassuringly solid base. The large panel still needs careful handling.

The 39-inch format gives noticeably more vertical presence than 34-inch ultrawides without the imposing dimensions of a 45-inch panel.

The towering 45-inch screen delivers an unusually expansive view and plenty of workspace. It can also dominate an ordinary desk, so buyers should be comfortable with its size.

A restrained chassis, slim bezels, and understated stand give the large OLED a clean, polished appearance.

A clean rear shell, slim bezel framing and restrained accents make the monitor look stylish without excessive gaming decoration. A few find the finish less luxurious than its premium price suggests.

Gamma is reasonably controllable, but several factory and HDR settings shift dark or midtone brightness away from the intended target.

Gamma and white balance are often strong out of the box, but certain profiles and calibration attempts can introduce tracking errors. Getting an exact preferred gamma curve may require software workarounds.

High, low, and uniform brightness options provide useful control, but achieving the best balance requires choosing settings for the content.

Low and High peak-brightness selections give useful control over HDR presentation. The tradeoff is that the brightest setting can lift the entire dark scene instead of preserving the most faithful tone curve.

Hardware calibration and selectable sRGB/DCI-P3 presets give unusually flexible options for tailoring color, despite some locked settings.

There is a worthwhile selection of white-balance, gamma and six-color adjustments, plus software calibration. Controls vary by picture preset, and some modes lock useful adjustments.

HDR presets trade accuracy against brightness and saturation, with some modes overbrightening shadow and midtone content.

HDR tone mapping is a recurring compromise: the most accurate mode caps peak highlights, while brighter modes over-lift darker areas. Console calibration and source-based tone mapping are additional concerns.

Standard 16:9 console or video sources can display correctly with black sidebars instead of stretched proportions.

The tall 21:9 format works beautifully with games that support ultrawide output, but some titles add black bars or distort the field of view. Checking individual game support matters.

The two-year panel warranty feels short beside common three-year OLED coverage, with burn-in terms not always clearly promoted.

The two-year warranty is less reassuring than the three-year burn-in coverage available on several rivals. Burn-in terms could be stated more clearly, especially for such an expensive OLED.

HDMI 2.1 connectivity suits modern consoles and PCs and supports high-resolution, high-refresh video feeds.

The two high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports are well suited to current PCs and consoles. They help make a large PC-first monitor flexible for secondary gaming devices.

The OLED picture quality is top-tier, but its premium price and cheaper competitors make the value proposition hard to defend.

The launch-level price is a major barrier, even allowing for its unusual 45-inch 5K2K panel. A lower sale price helps, but there are much cheaper OLED alternatives for owners who do not need this exact format.

AI audio enhancement receives mixed-to-negative reactions: voices may become clearer, but compression artifacts and compatibility limits reduce its usefulness.

The black stabilizer can make dark objects easier to distinguish without unnecessarily lifting the OLED black floor.

One unboxing found the supplied DisplayPort cable too short for a PC positioned farther from the desk. Owners with distant towers may need a longer cable.

DTS Headphone:X delivers a striking spatial presentation when paired with a compatible headset. The distinct EQ presets are particularly appealing for immersive gaming audio.

Automatic picture adjustment may suit hands-off users, but it can upset creators who need stable color and brightness settings.

A dedicated black-frame-insertion mode is missing, leaving a gap for gamers who want further sample-and-hold blur reduction.

The built-in speakers deliver some bass at moderate volume, but low-frequency impact is modest. They suit everyday playback better than bass-heavy entertainment.

The rear RGB accent adds a little personality without cluttering the front. Its colors can be customized or switched off for a more restrained setup.

The compact stand, cable pass-through and rear cover help keep wires tidy despite the enormous display. Management is useful without being especially elaborate.

The factory picture is already appealing, and both on-monitor tweaks and calibration software can refine its grayscale and color accuracy. Exact targets can still require additional calibration tools.

Careful packaging kept the large curved test panel in good condition on arrival. A protected delivery is especially welcome for a display of this size.

The monitor accommodates PC, Mac, and current console connections, even though each uses different optimal display modes.

Protective dimming around the edges can show up as uneven brightness, especially in uniform dark scenes. It is usually subtle in varied content but can bother people who notice vignetting.

LG’s companion software adds access to firmware updating and useful display controls.

Useful gaming aids and dual-mode are available, but absent anti-flicker, KVM, and black-frame-insertion functions leave the feature set uneven.

Useful gaming profiles and picture modes are available, but some defaults over-sharpen the image or hide adjustments. Finding the most natural-looking configuration may require experimentation.

Instant OLED pixel transitions produce little or no visible ghosting, overshoot or smearing. Fast camera movement remains exceptionally clean.

Fine gradients are reasonably smooth, but subtle tonal transitions do not quite match the refinement of the best QD-OLED alternatives.

The four-pole headphone output and DTS modes deliver engaging, distinct sound profiles with compatible headsets. Headphone playback receives much stronger praise than some built-in speaker assessments.

The rear can become noticeably hot after extended sessions, although high heat is understandable for this demanding panel.

An HDMI cable, DisplayPort cable and USB-C cable are included, sparing buyers several immediate accessory purchases. The package generally feels well equipped for setup.

The resolution and large canvas can help with graphics and photo work, but the tight curvature can distort straight lines. It is better as a versatile creative display than as a flat reference monitor.

The appearance is understated, but a premium price does not always translate into the luxurious finish offered by some competing ultrawides.

Abundant horizontal and vertical workspace makes window tiling, timelines and simultaneous applications genuinely practical. The strong 800R curve and OLED burn-in concerns are the main compromises for full-time work.

PS5 gaming works with a properly proportioned 16:9 image, HDR and high-refresh output where supported. Expect black bars, not genuine ultrawide console gameplay, and some console-specific HDR compromises.

An included remote makes it convenient to change modes and audio level without reaching behind the massive display.

Availability can be limited even after launch, making it harder to find a reasonable deal on this unusual screen.

The best HDR and SDR looks can require separate picture presets, creating extra switching work for mixed media use.

Standard VESA mounting gives flexibility to use an arm or wall mount if the desk stand is unsuitable. The size and weight still demand appropriate support.

Viewing angles are consistently excellent, with little degradation when looking from the sides or sitting within the curve. The wide panel retains strong color and contrast across the image.

Windows Auto Color Management offers another way to improve SDR color handling while keeping settings flexible. It can be a little less accurate than the best dedicated profile.

The small joystick responds readily to directional inputs, making picture adjustments less fiddly than they could be on a screen this large.

LG's desktop control and calibration utilities make certain settings easier to change without using the rear joystick. Software also adds tuning options beyond the monitor's basic menus.

LG’s desktop software makes adjusting settings easier than using the monitor controls, despite a brief loading delay.

A warmer Reader mode and hardware low-blue-light provisions make lengthy text sessions more comfortable.

The monitor's anti-flicker provisions are limited, so sensitive owners may still need to consider OLED flicker behavior in variable-refresh situations.

Slim, evenly proportioned bezels and a logo-free front let the OLED image dominate. The restrained frame reinforces the premium, minimalist appearance.

LG's calibration software and profile memories offer serious tuning options for owners with measurement tools. The facility is useful, but realizing its full benefit takes extra equipment and effort.

Connections can work smoothly, but one setup had serious DisplayPort HDR and mode-switching problems and worked reliably over HDMI instead. Performance appears sensitive to the particular hardware and input.

Tool-free stand attachment and supplied cables make initial assembly approachable despite the giant panel. The bulk of the monitor remains the main handling consideration.