Gaming screens are historically flat or curved however what in the event that they could possibly be each? The brand new LG OLED Flex is the reply to that query. This 42-inch TV can rework right into a curved show on the contact of a button—whereas taking part in probably the most over-the-top however weirdly acceptable THX-like sound impact.
It may possibly go from flat to a 900R curve in only a few seconds due to built-in motors that means no scary guide bending just like the flawed Corsair Xeneon Flex. Even higher, you possibly can select the extremity of the curve; as much as 20 stops so you possibly can actually dial in what works for you. Moreover, you are not restricted to the normal 16:9 side ratio so you possibly can successfully rework this monitor right into a 27-inch esports monitor or a 38-inch 21:9, curved ultrawide.
LG is asking for $2,499 (ÂŁ2,699, AUD $4,999) so you possibly can have the pleasure of flexing in your mates… pun absolutely supposed. That is lots. A equally sized OLED Evo C3 would value you simply $1,299 for just about the identical TV minus the curves. That is over a $1000 distinction!
However, what meaning is that the Flex comes with LG’s prime TV options—Tremendous brilliant OLED Evo panel with 4K decision, 120Hz refresh, 1ms response, broad colour gamut, ALLM, VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync assist. You additionally get assist for Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, HDR10, and HLG with Dynamic tone mapping. The Flex provides an anti-reflective coating for a greater viewing angle, a USB hub to your peripherals, and naturally, that curving panel.
Flex 42 specs
Display screen measurement: 42-inch
Decision: 3820x 2160
Brightness: 250 nits full display screen SDR
Shade protection: 99% DCI-P3
Response time: 0.03ms
Refresh price: 120Hz
Distinction ratio: 1M:1
Options: Curving OLED Evo panel, FreeSync, G-Sync, 4x HDMI 2.1, USB hub, 900R curve
Worth: $2,499 | ÂŁ2,699 | AUD $4,999
You additionally get a 40W front-firing speaker system that delivers some excellent sound with assist for digital Dolby Atmos—undoubtedly higher than any gaming monitor I’ve used. There’s additionally a brand new in-built noise canceling microphone to your Zoom calls.
The Flex additionally comes with the α9 Gen5 AI Processor to deal with all of the AI smarts that make every part look and sound phenomenal on this TV. HDR shines due to these good distinction and additional brightness that the OLED Evo tech provides. You additionally get LG’s WebOS system and the power to run all the same old streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+. Navigating the OS is clean and fluid due to the tried and true Magic Distant.
That is all of the TV stuff although, and it is price noting that this is not actually a gaming monitor; so no DisplayPort or the power to be managed by your pc. That mentioned, it does have 4 HDMI 2.1 ports that every one assist 4K 120Hz, and one with eARC assist.
The Flex has a beefy stand that homes the motors that enable it to curve on demand. Because it’s designed to your desk, it additionally permits for some minor top and tilt adjustment. Clearly you possibly can’t VESA mount it however the stand fortunately doesn’t occupy a lot area in your desk and it even has some RGB backlighting that may get fairly brilliant.
Keep in mind that at 42-inches, you’ll undoubtedly want to sit down again a methods whereas gaming in the event you don’t wish to get a headache. One thing concerning the quick movement and being so shut. However like I mentioned, you possibly can reposition and alter the view port to your hearts content material; so long as you do not thoughts the black pillars reminding you ways a lot area you are losing.
The Flex features a USB hub on the stand’s base that enables your peripherals to work with the TV itself or a related PC. LG provides a USB-to-USB Sort-A cable within the field and there’s a particular Switching Hub button on the bottom that allows you to swap working modes.
LG’s wonderful Recreation Optimiser dashboard is right here and it really works simply in addition to on different LG TVs. The addition of display screen elements to it’s a welcome function for several types of gaming. Word that in the event you play Valorant at 300fps, this won’t be the monitor for you, nonetheless. However taking part in Future 2 Crucible was buttery clean and lovely on this huge show. It is single participant titles like Lifeless House Remake and Assassins Creed Mirage in wonderful 4K HDR which are an ideal showcase for what the Flex can actually do.
Purchase if…
âś… You need the most effective: This TV is the last word gaming flex, one for the rich and people who need the most effective of each flat and curved in a single monitor.
Do not buy if…
❌ You worth your cash: You possibly can purchase a 42-inch C3 and the superb Alienware AW3432DW-F and nonetheless have change.
So the LG OLED Flex undoubtedly ranks as my favourite BFG show expertise up to now and the most effective 42-inch gaming screens. Whereas it’s undoubtedly huge for a desk at 42-inches, it is nonetheless much more sensible than the 55-inch Samsung Odyssey Ark. What’s extra, the pliability to alter type issue and side ratios provides the advantages of each flat and curved screens.
However there’s nonetheless one large drawback and that’s worth. At $2,499, you don’t get far more than what the cheaper 42-inch OLED Evo C3 provides. I get that curving an OLED ain’t low-cost however I am not satisfied the additional $1500 is price it. I completely love the OLED Flex and am loath to let it go. No one wants this however it definitely is an superior flex.