Monitor Review: LG 42 OLED Flex

The LG 42 OLED Flex Monitor is a new, highly innovative display offering from LG, designed to combine the immersive visual experience of OLED technology with flexible form factor, providing a unique viewing experience for both work and play. This monitor is part of LG’s growing lineup of OLED displays, but it stands out due to its flexibility, size, and high-end features.

Key Features

1. OLED Panel Technology

   • The 42-inch OLED panel is at the core of this monitor, offering stunning color accuracy, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles.
   • OLED panels are known for their superior contrast ratios (infinite contrast), making this a premium choice for those who prioritize image quality in their setup.

2. Flexible Curvature

   • One of the unique features of the LG 42 OLED Flex is the ability to adjust its curvature. You can manually set the curvature of the screen between a flat 0R and a dramatic 800R curve, providing a tailored viewing experience. This is particularly useful for gamers who want a more immersive experience or for productivity setups where you prefer a wider or flatter screen.
   • The mechanism for this adjustment is motorized, meaning you can effortlessly switch between flat and curved configurations at the push of a button.

     

3. Ultra-Wide 21:9 Aspect Ratio

   • The monitor is essentially an ultrawide display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering plenty of screen real estate for multitasking or gaming. This provides more room for work windows, creative software, and gaming setups, giving you a more immersive and productive workspace.

4. 4K Resolution (3840 x 2160)

   • The monitor supports 4K resolution at 120Hz, delivering crisp images and smooth motion in video, gaming, or work-related tasks. It’s an excellent option for those who need high resolution and a fast refresh rate for tasks like video editing, gaming, or graphic design.

5. HDMI 2.1 Support

   • With HDMI 2.1 ports, the LG 42 OLED Flex is capable of high-speed data transfer, making it ideal for the latest gaming consoles and PCs, supporting 4K at 120Hz for gaming enthusiasts. This is especially attractive for gamers who need to take full advantage of the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

6. HDR10 and Dolby Vision Support

   • The display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing high dynamic range content for movies, games, and media that support these standards. This allows for vivid colors and highlights, further enhancing the visual experience.

7. Customizable User Interface (UI)

   • The OnScreen Control software allows users to customize settings for optimal work and entertainment modes. You can adjust color profiles, input sources, and more.

8. High-End Audio

   • The monitor comes with integrated stereo speakers (usually 20W total) with Dolby Atmos support for a decent audio experience, but of course, for high-end sound, external speakers or headphones are recommended.

Pros

1. Excellent Picture Quality

   • OLED’s true blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and exceptional color reproduction make this monitor one of the best options for viewing experiences. This is ideal for content creators, gamers, and movie enthusiasts.

2. Customization with Flexibility

   • The flexibility of the screen (adjustable curve) is a game-changer. You can go from a flat setup to a curved one with ease, depending on what you’re doing. This customization makes it incredibly versatile for a variety of use cases.

3. Large Screen Real Estate

   • At 42 inches, the size of the monitor offers a massive working space without being overly cumbersome. It’s ideal for multitaskers or gamers who need to track multiple things at once.

4. Gaming Ready

   • With HDMI 2.1, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for G-Sync and FreeSync, this monitor is a top-tier choice for gamers. The 4K resolution at 120Hz makes it highly suitable for modern consoles and PC gaming.

5. Wide Color Gamut

   • The LG OLED Flex excels in color accuracy, providing a wide color gamut and support for high-end color standards like DCI-P3. This makes it perfect for professionals working in creative industries, such as graphic designers and video editors.

6. Future-Proofed

   • With HDMI 2.1, 4K resolution, and support for the latest gaming and media formats, this monitor is highly future-proof, ensuring longevity as tech advances.

     

Cons

1. Price

   • As with most OLED displays, the LG 42 OLED Flex is expensive. While it’s packed with features and technology, it’s still priced higher than traditional LED or VA panel monitors. This may be a barrier for casual users who don’t need all of its capabilities.

2. Size

   • While 42 inches is a sweet spot for many, it could be too large for some users, especially those who prefer more compact desktop setups or have limited desk space.

3. No Built-In Webcam

   • Unlike some competing high-end monitors that include webcams for video conferencing, the LG OLED Flex lacks this feature. This may be a downside for those who intend to use the monitor for remote work or virtual meetings.

4. Not Ideal for Bright Rooms

   • While OLED provides stunning image quality in dimmer environments, it might struggle a bit in very bright rooms due to lower peak brightness compared to premium LED displays. This is a minor issue for users in well-lit spaces.

5. Limited USB-C Connectivity

   • While there are HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, the monitor lacks USB-C support for quick charging and video transfer, which some other high-end displays are adopting.

6. Limited Ergonomics

   • While the curvature can be adjusted, the stand offers limited ergonomic adjustability. It lacks features like height adjustment, which could be a dealbreaker for users who require such adjustments for comfort.

Comparison to Other Monitors

1. Samsung Odyssey G9

   • The Samsung Odyssey G9 is another 49-inch ultrawide curved monitor. While it doesn’t feature an OLED panel, it offers VA panel technology, which provides good contrast, but not quite the same true blacks and vibrant colors as the LG OLED Flex. The Odyssey G9 also lacks the OLED Flex’s adjustable curvature, and while it’s fantastic for gaming with high refresh rates, it’s less versatile for productivity.

2. Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

   • The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW is another premium ultrawide option, but it offers an IPS panel rather than OLED. While it has excellent color accuracy, it lacks the contrast and deep blacks of OLED displays. The Dell also comes with a built-in USB-C hub, which is a feature absent from the LG OLED Flex. The Dell is better suited for professionals, while the LG OLED Flex leans more toward immersive gaming and media.

3. ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ

   • The ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ is a competitor in the OLED gaming space. It also offers 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate with OLED technology. While both monitors are great for gaming, the LG OLED Flex offers the additional flexibility with its adjustable curvature, while the ASUS monitor leans more towards traditional gaming use.

The LG 42 OLED Flex Monitor is a top-tier, flexible OLED display that combines the incredible picture quality of OLED with the versatility of an adjustable curve. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers, creative professionals, and anyone who desires a large, immersive screen. However, its price and size may be prohibitive for some users, and its limited ergonomics might not be ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for a monitor that offers flexibility, stunning image quality, and future-proof features, this is a solid investment. Price: $2,199.99

LG 42 OLED Flex Monitor specifications: