Now with iPad Pro Support

September 04, 2024

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.