While the monitor resolution is 4K, I get the best-looking images by scaling the resolution down slightly to 2560 x 1440. This also means that application menus are clear and easy to read.

LG Electronics UHD 4K Monitor 27UN83A-W, 27 inch, 4k, 60Hz

This calibration works the same as every other Mac-compatible monitor, which is what I would expect, except that you adjust the monitor using the toggle switch on the monitor itself, not software controls.It can also upscale regular SDR (standard dynamic range) content into HDR, using an algorithm to improve tone mapping and luminance. It’s not true HDR, but a nice feature to have nonetheless. The total image area is 3840 x 2160 pixels, which equals a UHD display. However, it defaults to Retina Display behavior which means that it changes the screen resolution to 144 ppt, then pixel doubles a 1920 x 1080 image. This makes text much easier to read, without, as far as I can tell, damaging image quality. When you first turn your Mac on, the monitor does not turn on. The power switch is located on the underside of the case, immediately under the LG logo.

27UN83A 27 Inch Monitor IPS 4K (3840x2160 LG Electronics UHD 27UN83A 27 Inch Monitor IPS 4K (3840x2160

This monitor has a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160, making it 4K. It also has a refresh rate of 60Hz via all of its inputs, offers HDR 10, and is compliant with the VESA DisplayHDR 400 standard. This isn’t the greatest version of HDR, and you can certainly find greater dynamic range and higher peak brightness on higher-priced monitors, but if this is a monitor used mostly for regular computer work you won’t be using HDR much anyway.For most users, these ports should give them everything they need. We connected a MacMini using the USB-C port and a couple of game consoles via HDMI. And because the USB-C port carries power as well as video and audio, the monitor can be used to charge a MacBook (or other USB-C laptop) while also acting as an external screen. During our time with the LG 27UL850 we enjoyed the breadth of its capabilities. The IPS panel means colour and contrast remain consistent when viewed from any angle, while the resolution, HDR, brightness, response time and refresh rate are all good for working, gaming and watching video. The display doesn’t particularly excel in any one of those use cases, but in a world where we are all working at home more than ever, a do-it-all display is of more value than one that is superb at gaming but is overkill for spreadsheets and Zoom calls. When given HDR content, the display automatically shifts into the right mode and cranks up the brightness to deliver a more immersive experience. The monitor’s HDR capabilities are most often seen when watching compatible content on streaming services like Netflix, or when gaming with a compatible console. I’ve been using this monitor for a year-and-a-half and I’m still very happy with it. It’s been problem-free the entire time. But I’ve discovered two quirks you should know about: Assembly required attaching the stand and connecting the HDMI and power cables. The entire process took 15 minutes; I timed it. You’ll need a Philips screwdriver to attach the stand. However, even though the printed instructions are cryptic, you won’t have any problems assembling this.