The LG 27GP850-B has become one of the most talked-about 1440p gaming monitors in Singapore since its release in mid-2021. Positioned as a high-refresh-rate IPS panel with wide colour gamut and fast response times, it competes directly with the Dell S2721DGF, ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM, and the Samsung Odyssey G7. This article provides a thorough, evidence-based examination of the LG 27GP850-B, its specifications, real-world performance, pricing in Singapore, and how it fits into different use cases. We draw on widely available technical data, retailer listings, and community feedback, and we flag areas where claims may not match experience.
Whether you are a competitive gamer, a creative professional who also games, or someone building a dual-monitor setup in an HDB flat, this review will help you decide if the LG 27GP850-B is the right monitor for you. For a broader framework on monitor selection, refer to our complete guide to choosing a monitor in Singapore.
Key Specifications and Features
The LG 27GP850-B is a 27-inch IPS monitor with a QHD (2560×1440) resolution, a native 165 Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 180 Hz), and a claimed 1 ms GtG response time. It uses LG’s Nano IPS technology, which employs a layer of nanoparticles to absorb excess light wavelengths, resulting in a wider colour gamut. Below is a summary of the core specs:
- Panel type: IPS (Nano IPS) with anti-glare coating
- Screen size: 27 inches diagonal
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440 (QHD / 1440p)
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz native, up to 180 Hz overclocked
- Response time (MPRT): 1 ms (GtG unspecified; see what is response time for explanation)
- Colour gamut: DCI-P3 98% (typical), sRGB 135% (volume)
- Brightness: 350 cd/m² typical (400 cd/m² peak with HDR)
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1 typical
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400 certified
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible
- Connectivity: 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 2× HDMI 2.0, 2× USB 3.0 downstream, 1× USB-B upstream, 1× 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Ergonomics: Height adjust (110 mm), tilt (-5° to 15°), swivel (-30° to 30°), pivot (90° clockwise)
- VESA mount: 100×100 mm
- Weight: 6.2 kg with stand
The monitor includes a joystick-based OSD (On-Screen Display) with several gaming-oriented features: crosshair overlay, FPS counter, black stabiliser, and six-axis colour adjustment. It also supports sRGB emulation mode, which is important for colour-accurate work.
Nano IPS Panel: Colour and Viewing Angles
The defining feature of the LG 27GP850-B is its Nano IPS panel. Standard IPS panels typically cover around 80-90% of DCI-P3, while Nano IPS pushes that to 98% as measured by LG. In practice, this means the monitor can display very vivid reds and greens, making it suitable for HDR content (even if the brightness is limited) and for creative work that requires wide gamut, such as photo editing in Adobe RGB or video editing in DCI-P3.
However, there are nuances. The 98% DCI-P3 coverage is a typical value, individual units may vary slightly. Also, the sRGB colour volume of 135% means that standard sRGB content (like most web pages and non-colour-managed apps) can appear oversaturated unless the sRGB emulation mode is enabled. That mode clamps the gamut to roughly sRGB, but some users report that it also reduces brightness slightly. If you plan to use the monitor for both gaming and design work, you will likely need to toggle modes depending on the task. For a deeper dive into colour spaces, see our colour gamut guide.
Viewing angles are excellent, as expected from IPS. Colour shift is minimal even at extreme angles, and gamma remains stable. This makes the 27GP850-B a good choice for co-op gaming or for setups where the monitor is not directly in front of you.
Response Time and Motion Handling
LG claims a 1 ms MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time) for the 27GP850-B. It is important to understand that MPRT is not the same as GtG (grey-to-grey). MPRT includes the time a pixel is visible due to sample-and-hold persistence, and it can be lowered by using backlight strobing (which this monitor does not have). The actual GtG response time is closer to 4-5 ms at the fastest overdrive setting, which is typical for high-end IPS panels.
The monitor offers four overdrive levels: Off, Normal, Fast, and Faster. At the Fast setting, motion clarity is very good with minimal overshoot. At Faster, you may notice some inverse ghosting (bright halos around moving objects) in certain transitions. Most reviewers and users recommend using Fast for competitive gaming and Normal for slower-paced titles. The difference between 165 Hz and 180 Hz overclock is marginal, you will not perceive a noticeable improvement in motion clarity, but the overclock generally works without issues on DisplayPort.
For a more detailed explanation of how response time affects gaming, read our motion blur and overdrive article. In summary, the LG 27GP850-B handles motion well for an IPS monitor, but it cannot match the pixel response of high-end TN panels like the 240 Hz+ models. For most gamers, the difference is negligible.
HDR Performance: What DisplayHDR 400 Really Means
The LG 27GP850-B carries VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. This is the entry-level HDR tier, requiring a peak brightness of at least 400 cd/m², a colour gamut of at least 95% sRGB (which it exceeds), and support for 10-bit colour processing (the panel uses 8-bit + FRC). In real-world HDR content, the experience is underwhelming compared to true HDR monitors that reach 600 or 1000 nits.
The monitor’s peak brightness in HDR mode is around 400 cd/m² on a small window, but sustained full-screen brightness is lower (around 350 cd/m²). There is no local dimming, the backlight is edge-lit with only a few zones (reports suggest 8 or 16 zones, but LG does not specify). This means that in dark scenes with bright highlights, you will see haloing and limited contrast. The contrast ratio remains at the typical IPS level of 1000:1, which is far below the 3000:1 of VA panels or the near-infinite of OLEDs.
Therefore, we recommend treating HDR on the 27GP850-B as a bonus feature rather than a reason to buy it. For HDR gaming or movie watching in a dark room, a VA panel or an OLED would be far more satisfying. In a bright Singapore living room with windows, the 400-nit peak may be sufficient for some HDR highlights, but it will not deliver the impact of a true HDR experience.
Connectivity and Cable Considerations
The LG 27GP850-B provides one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. To achieve the full 165 Hz (or 180 Hz overclock) at 1440p, you must use DisplayPort. HDMI 2.0 is limited to 144 Hz at 1440p, which is still very smooth but not the maximum. If you connect a console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.0 will cap at 120 Hz at 1440p (if the console supports 1440p output, which both now do).
The monitor also includes a USB 3.0 hub with two downstream ports and a headphone jack. The USB-B upstream cable is required to enable the hub and to use the OSD software (LG OnScreen Control). Note that the USB hub does not support fast charging, it delivers standard 5V/0.9A. For more on cable types and limitations, see our cable choices guide and HDMI vs DisplayPort vs USB-C comparison.
One missing feature is USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and power delivery. Many competing monitors in 2023 have USB-C, which simplifies laptop connectivity. If you intend to use the monitor with a MacBook or a thin-and-light Windows laptop, you will need an adapter or a separate USB-C hub. The lack of USB-C may be a dealbreaker for some users seeking a clean single-cable setup.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
The stand included with the LG 27GP850-B is fully ergonomic: height adjustment of 110 mm, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The build is mostly plastic but feels solid. The base is wide and takes up about 30 cm of desk depth. In Singapore HDB flats where desk space is often limited, the stand’s footprint may be a concern. If you prefer a cleaner setup, you can use a VESA arm or monitor mount, the monitor supports 100×100 mm VESA. For guidance, see our VESA mount guide and ergonomic monitor stands article.
The OSD joystick is responsive and well-placed at the bottom centre of the bezel. The menu layout is logical, though some submenus (like the gaming settings) could be more streamlined. The sRGB mode is buried under “Game Mode > Custom > Color Adjust > Color Gamut”. You can assign a shortcut to the joystick to switch modes quickly.
Pricing in Singapore and Retailer Availability
As of early 2025, the LG 27GP850-B is widely available at major Singapore retailers including Lazada, Shopee, Courts Singapore, Harvey Norman, Challenger, and Sim Lim Square shops such as Bizgram, PC Themes, and Dynacore.
Pricing has fluctuated since launch. The initial retail price in mid-2021 was around S$799. By late 2023, prices had dropped to approximately S$549, S$599 during sales events. In January 2025, the typical street price is S$479, S$529, with occasional flash sales bringing it below S$450. The monitor is often bundled with a free LG mousepad or a small discount on LG peripherals. Warranty in Singapore is 3 years, covering backlight and pixel defects, but note that LG’s dead pixel policy is not as generous as some brands. For details, see our dead pixel policy in Singapore article and monitor warranty comparison.
If you are considering second-hand units, check for signs of wear on the anti-glare coating (scratches are common) and ensure the overclock function works. Prices on Carousell typically range from S$350 to S$420.
Competitor Comparison
The LG 27GP850-B competes in a crowded segment. Here is how it stacks up against three key rivals:
Dell S2721DGF
The Dell S2721DGF is the closest competitor. It uses the same Nano IPS panel (LG Display) but with a slightly different backlight. Specifications are nearly identical: 165 Hz, 1440p, 1 ms MPRT, DisplayHDR 400. The Dell typically costs S$499, S$599 and includes a USB-C port (though only for data, not video). The Dell’s OSD is less gaming-focused, and its stand is not as adjustable (no pivot). The LG has a slight edge in colour gamut (98% vs 95% DCI-P3) and overclock capability. In Singapore, the LG is often preferred for its better ergonomics and slightly lower price during sales.
ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM
The ASUS PG279QM is a premium 27-inch 1440p 240 Hz IPS monitor with G-Sync Hardware Module. It costs around S$1,099, S$1,299, more than double the LG. It offers superior motion clarity at 240 Hz, better HDR (DisplayHDR 600), and a more robust build. However, for most gamers, the extra cost is hard to justify unless you have a high-end GPU that can push 240 fps in competitive titles. The LG is the better value for money.
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70A / G71B)
The Samsung Odyssey G7 series includes both 4K 144 Hz and 1440p 240 Hz variants. The 27-inch 1440p model (G70A) typically costs S$599, S$799. It uses a VA panel with 2500:1 contrast ratio and DisplayHDR 600, giving better HDR and deeper blacks. However, VA panels suffer from black smearing and narrower viewing angles. The LG’s IPS panel offers more consistent colour and faster pixel response. For fast-paced gaming, the LG is generally preferred; for cinematic single-player games, the Samsung may be better.
Who Should Buy the LG 27GP850-B?
The LG 27GP850-B is an excellent choice for:
- Competitive gamers who want high refresh rate (165-180 Hz) and fast response at 1440p without paying for 240 Hz.
- Mixed-use users who game and do colour-sensitive work (photo editing, graphic design) but can manage the sRGB mode toggle.
- Users with mid-to-high-end GPUs like the RTX 3070/4070 or RX 6700 XT/7800 XT that can drive 1440p at high frame rates.
- Singaporeans with limited desk space who need a 27-inch monitor with full ergonomic adjustment and VESA mount compatibility.
It is less suitable for:
- HDR enthusiasts, look for a monitor with DisplayHDR 600/1000 or OLED.
- Mac users who want USB-C, consider the Dell S2722QC (4K) or LG 27UP850N (4K with USB-C).
- Budget buyers, if you are on a tight budget, a 1080p 144 Hz monitor like the ASUS VG249Q1A (S$229) may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
The LG 27GP850-B remains a strong contender in the 1440p gaming monitor market in Singapore as of 2025. It offers a well-rounded package: fast IPS panel, excellent colour gamut, good ergonomics, and a competitive price point of around S$479, S$529. While it lacks USB-C and its HDR performance is limited, these are acceptable compromises for a monitor that excels in its primary role, responsive, colourful gaming at 1440p. If you are building a gaming PC or upgrading from a 1080p 60 Hz monitor, the LG 27GP850-B is a solid investment that will serve you well for years.
For further reading, explore our related guides below.