Anyone using an m1 with the LG32UN880?

[andrewstirling]

I haven’t tried better dummy. Is that not more to resolve issues with non 4k screens? I’m pretty happy with the resolution I have so I don’t see a need for it in my case.

I can’t compare to the 34” unfortunately as I’ve never seen it. The reduced vertical resolution would be a downside for me though. I was moving from a 5k retina mac so was already going to be stepping down in resolution. If I was going ultrawide I would’ve gone for a 5k x 2k screen.

 

[alFR]

Been thinking of getting one of these as well. How's the panel evenness / colour balance? I'm just in the process of returning a Dell display with yellow-tinted sides (as well as a loose bezel and fairly bad light leaks) and have had another one previously that had a magenta tint on one side and greenish on the other, both of which bugged me a lot, so would really like something with even colours... Also, how are you finding the size? I've always had 27" displays before, so this one would be a bit of a step up: there is a 27" version of this display I think (LG 27UN880-B) but there don't seem to be any reviews around of that panel whereas I've seen a few positive reviews of the 32".

 

[andrewstirling]

I’m finding the colours really even actually. I had initially thought the corners were dulled but it’s just that I was a bit close to the monitor so was viewing them ‘off axis’.

I previously had a 27” retina iMac which is higher resolution so I was pretty anxious about the change but overall I’m pretty happy.

Black levels aren’t spectacular but they weren’t on the iMac either. They both use ips panels I believe so I wasn’t expecting an improvement in this area. I guess I’m just spoiled with the blacks on my Oled tv. I’m not seeing any patches of light leak either whereas I did have uneven backlighting on my iMac.

I haven’t measured but I’m pretty sensitive to inaccurate colours (I always have my TVs calibrated) and I’m happy with colour accuracy using the settings described above. Also it’s not super bright but it comfortably manages my day to day iMac brightness settings.

The built in speakers are awful so if you intend to listen to music then best get something external.

I know all this doesn’t sound as I’m bursting with enthusiasm but I’m just trying to give some balanced feedback. I think they key point to emphasise is that I’m pleasantly surprised and thats pretty impressive given that I’ve moved from a 5k 27” display.

 

[alFR]

Thanks for the feedback, sounds like it's fine overall. IPS is IPS so I'm not expecting it to look as good as an OLED. Don't think I'd use the speakers so that's not a big deal either. Just need to find one in stock from somewhere reliable in the UK now, Amazon usually have them but they're out at the moment.

 

[0906742]

Did you also try https://github.com/waydabber/BetterDummy ?

No, and it does not matter which way you test it if you can trick MacOS to feed HiDPI to non HiDPI monitor. I had real 4k monitor on another port when I tested so that I could trick my QHD in HiDPI mode. As I said, it was hardly marginal improvement and it looked like crap against real 4k monitor on HiDPI mode.
I would suggest that route only in case you already have non HiDPI supported monitor which you absolutely want to use. But if you are shopping for a new monitor for Mac computer, I would suggest 4k or above.

And do you think, that the described LG32 4K display is far better than the 34" Wide screen with 3.440 x 1.440 |110PPI

Yes, the difference in fonts will be like night and day. It depends on what you use your Mac for, in case you don't really much need working with writing and reading but rather with graphics, videos and games, you might consider non HiDPI.

Sorry for asking that much - but I cannot afford it to buy several displays to try it...

No problem, I hope someone with the knowledge I have learned the hard way myself about displays with Mac would have told me this when I did not know better yet. All I found at the moment was non sense speculation about cables and colors space settings and while that maybe in some cases could make picture even worse, it was not the case with my QHD monitor. I had it running in RGB mode and cable was fine - fonts just looked like crap. I absolutely wanted to run it in 2560x1440 desktop, so even tricking it to HiDPI mode did not look much different. Surely fonts are still readable and such, and I know many people are happy with non HiDPI look so it is hard to say if you like it until you see it yourself. Also if you would run your non HiDPI monitor tricked in HiDPI mode well under its native resolution you might find it acceptable but I was not keen to give up 2560x1440 desktop, that is hardly tolerable these days and I'm much happier with 3008x1692.

Anyway, if you already have some old monitor that is not HiDPI, then you pretty much see how the fonts would look in that 34" wide screen you are considering. If you are happy with that, the maybe, but I strongly suggest you forget about it and get 4k monitor. I mean even 4k monitor will look like crap if you run it in native 3840x2160 resolution because it is non HiDPI, so doing that I can make my 4k monitor look as bad as my QHD did, just with smaller fonts due to screen size difference!

 

[0906742]

Been thinking of getting one of these as well. How's the panel evenness / colour balance? I'm just in the process of returning a Dell display with yellow-tinted sides (as well as a loose bezel and fairly bad light leaks) and have had another one previously that had a magenta tint on one side and greenish on the other, both of which bugged me a lot, so would really like something with even colours... Also, how are you finding the size? I've always had 27" displays before, so this one would be a bit of a step up: there is a 27" version of this display I think (LG 27UN880-B) but there don't seem to be any reviews around of that panel whereas I've seen a few positive reviews of the 32".

I find panel evenness and color balance pretty damn good (more about that in the end of this post). I actually tried two Dell U2720Q's and returned both due to same issues you described! It was practically driving me crazy because tint difference was so different between left and right side. One of them had pretty little back light bleed but other than that terrible. Also build quality in my opinion was not good at all, monitor was creaking when adjusting it or slight touching it and frame around panel was warped (on both of them). I was also considering 32" would be way too big as I watch my screen pretty close, if I extend my arm my display is about where my wrist is. However when I got 32UN880-B and used it, I find that size just perfect for me. Not too big at all, plus I can comfortably use 3008x1692 looks like desktop, the same was a bit too small in 27".

Also 32UN880-B was cheaper than that 27" Dell. Surely 32UN880-B is not perfect and there is obviously dimmer backlight on the sides than middle but there is almost no tint difference between sides, nothing that really would bother me the same way it did with those Dell monitors, and even that minor thing I mentioned is only due to slightly dimmer sides, not that there is actually tint difference much all, it is just little more dimmer on the left than right side. Those things seems to be mentioned in the reviews I read, so more or less normal. I strongly suggest this LG, plus the arm is great! I did not realize how nice it is until I tried it, very solid. I suggest 32" version rather than 27". Those LG models have different brand panel by the way, so not sure if 27" would look as good as 32", because 27" is only sRGB 99% while 32" is DCI-PC 95%, so 32" would give more like saturated colors you see on real build in Apple displays.

 

[andrewstirling]

Are you sure it’s dimmer at the sides? I thought mine was too but if I move my head over to the side they’re brighter. I think it’s just what happens when you view an ips monitor off axis. The screen is pretty big so when I look at the corners theyre off to the side a bit

 

[0906742]

Are you sure it’s dimmer at the sides? I thought mine was too but if I move my head over to the side they’re brighter. I think it’s just what happens when you view an ips monitor off axis. The screen is pretty big so when I look at the corners theyre off to the side a bit

I know what you mean and I know it looks more pronounced viewing closer and much harder to see from the distance but I actually tried some measuring with primitive tool to verify that. Anyway backlight on this big monitors are more or less like this. This it not really an issue but I'm very demanding about displays and more or less every display I have had or seen myself I find something to complain about, and many others don't even know about what I'm seeing until I point it out to them and even then most don't see it is an issue for them. I definitely suggest this monitor!

 

[alFR]

I suggest 32" version rather than 27". Those LG models have different brand panel by the way, so not sure if 27" would look as good as 32", because 27" is only sRGB 99% while 32" is DCI-PC 95%, so 32" would give more like saturated colors you see on real build in Apple displays.

Good to know, thanks. I did wonder if the panels would perform differently between the two sizes.

 

[dafi]

I suggest 32" version rather than 27". Those LG models have different brand panel by the way, so not sure if 27" would look as good as 32", because 27" is only sRGB 99% while 32" is DCI-PC 95%, so 32" would give more like saturated colors you see on real build in Apple displays.

You are absolutely right, but choosing a 32" isn't always possible, in my case the desk space is limited

 

[0906742]

You are absolutely right, but choosing a 32" isn't always possible, in my case the desk space is limited

I see your point. I'm afraid smaller 27" version is different and I'd suggest DCI-P3 color space monitors for Mac use, so you might wanna check other choices then.

There is still one thing you might want to check before giving up on 32UN880-B. Is your desk space limited other than just table width? You realize arm that comes with 32UN880-B gives you lot of choices and allows you to push it back to the wall when not using it, so it does not really matter if it wider than the desk. Also with arm there are two choices how to attach it to the table, either clamp on the side or a hole in the desk.

 

[andrewstirling]

Yeah it has a smaller footprint than any other monitor I can think of. You can even rotate it vertically to portrait mode when not in use.

 

[0906742]

Yeah it has a smaller footprint than any other monitor I can think of. You can even rotate it vertically to portrait mode when not in use.

Correct. Mounting plate is practically about palm size, thats how much it takes actual desk space. It required nothing as much space as typical stand that comes with monitors. I had 25" Dell before this and it took more space from my desk, now with LG I can place stuff like Mac Mini under it and there is still plenty room for something else.

 

[alFR]

Just to follow up on this: mine came today. First impressions: build quality much better than the Dell, panel seems very good for uniformity, no dead pixels as far as I can see. Ergo stand is really nice, saves a lot of desk space. Running scaled at "looks like 3008 x 1692" appears nice and sharp (to my eyes, anyway) and gives UI elements pretty much the same size as on the built-in XDR display. Pleased with it overall.

 

[andrewstirling]

Great. Glad you like it

 

[nemofish]

Yeah, 32UN880-B is 4K monitor. I honestly would not even consider anything less than 4K monitor for new MacOS because only then you get HiDPI support. Sure there are some tricks you can get HiDPI for QHD too but I tested that and I did not find it usable because you have to accept some way under 2560x1440 resolution for that to get fonts even remotely good looking, and testing full 2560x1440 mode in HiDPI did not make much difference. But even using native resolution fonts are surely readable and such, so if your only requirement is 1:1 graphics then that might be worth to consider. Myself I appreciate fonts a lot even I hate non 1:1 graphics in scaling mode and I find night and day difference between QHD and 4K monitor in MacOS. For Windows use either one is perfect. Also scaling in graphics use is not really noticeable unless you need pixel perfect 1:1 for some reason.

What do you mean by 1:1 graphics?

 

[0906742]

What do you mean by 1:1 graphics?

Panel native resolution, like in 4k it is 3840x2160 (usually) and in QHD it is 2560x1440.

 

[nemofish]

Panel native resolution, like in 4k it is 3840x2160 (usually) and in QHD it is 2560x1440.

So if I run scaling - say 150% - in photoshop 100px is still 100px isn't it?

 

[0906742]

So if I run scaling - say 150% - in photoshop 100px is still 100px isn't it?

No, it does not work that way in MacOS (in Windows it does). Practically for 1:1 photoshop pixels in MacOS you need to set 1:1 resolution and suffer from crap looking fonts, or use scaled resolution and suffer from not 1:1 graphics. You need to choose between plague and cholera so to speak...

 

[omeletpants]

I just side by side tested this monitor on a M1 Mini next to my 27" 2020 iMac yesterday

Don't know how the LG compares to other 32" 4K monitors but next to the 27" iMac it was disappointing. The whites were greyish-white and there was a warm and veiled cast. My wife described it as "dirty". I cycled through all 10 picture "modes" on the LG and nothing could bring the color and whiteness up to the retina level. Regarding the fonts, the LG fonts were grey-black not true black. Also, this was wierd: on some apps there is a black box that surrounds a "button" you click on. On the LG, many of those outlines just disappeared into the background. Maybe someone has an explantation for that.

If I wasn't directly comparing against a 5K retina I think I would have been happier with the LG. But as Andrew says, the only way to duplicate Retina is with an 8K display

I'm disappointed this morning as I just packed and returned about 6 pieces of equipment I bought for this new system, especially the Mini M1, which was incredible on opening apps, surfing, etc.

Looks like I spoiled for anything less than a 32" iMac, if that ever happens 🙂

 

[andrewstirling]

I can’t say I get ‘dirty whites’. The matt screen might dull things a little bit however for me it brings many benefits over the glass iMac screen…but ultimately I’m not sure why you’re seeing what you’re seeing with regards to whites.

The greyish fonts are a symptom of the lower resolution. There are less pixels to smooth out the edges so there’s more dithering and the fonts take on a less precise greyish appearance by comparison. In every square inch of screen, you have 40% less pixels. Nobody has done anything wrong, the LG32UN880 is a great monitor but a 4K resolution spread over 32 inches is going to look less sharp / clear than a 5k resolution over 27”. The 27” retina imacs have a best in class screen and the imacs are an absolute bargain for that very reason. They’re a little too small to run my preferred resolution which brings me benefits in terms of productivity but at the resolution you’re running i’d absolutely stick to the iMac. Especially when you have such a recent model

With regards to a 32” iMac screen… it might well happen but get ready to part with some serious cash for it. Best guess is that it would be around $1000 more expensive than the 27” versions

 

[omeletpants]

I can’t say I get ‘dirty whites’. The matt screen might dull things a little bit however for me it brings many benefits over the glass iMac screen…but ultimately I’m not sure why you’re seeing what you’re seeing with regards to whites.

The greyish fonts are a symptom of the lower resolution. There are less pixels to smooth out the edges so there’s more dithering and the fonts take on a less precise greyish appearance by comparison. In every square inch of screen, you have 40% less pixels. Nobody has done anything wrong, the LG32UN880 is a great monitor but a 4K resolution spread over 32 inches is going to look less sharp / clear than a 5k resolution over 27”. The 27” retina imacs have a best in class screen and the imacs are an absolute bargain for that very reason. They’re a little too small to run my preferred resolution which brings me benefits in terms of productivity but at the resolution you’re running i’d absolutely stick to the iMac. Especially when you have such a recent model

With regards to a 32” iMac screen… it might well happen but get ready to part with some serious cash for it. Best guess is that it would be around $1000 more expensive than the 27” versions

I have been tweeking high resolution TVs for years and even had a Sony reference monitor CRT. So, I have played with service menus. There was nothing I could do to get the LG to approximate the whites and eliminate the veil versus the Retina. Without that direct comparison, I would have liked the LG more

I was really looking forward to a new toy with more screen space and a faster processor. But the truth is the 2020 iMac is more than I need.

I want to thank you for all your help in the other thread. Without you I would have really gone off track.

 

[andrewstirling]

No worries. It’s a shame it didn’t work out but at least you have some clarity now.

 

[0906742]

I just side by side tested this monitor on a M1 Mini next to my 27" 2020 iMac yesterday

Don't know how the LG compares to other 32" 4K monitors but next to the 27" iMac it was disappointing. The whites were greyish-white and there was a warm and veiled cast. My wife described it as "dirty". I cycled through all 10 picture "modes" on the LG and nothing could bring the color and whiteness up to the retina level. Regarding the fonts, the LG fonts were grey-black not true black. Also, this was wierd: on some apps there is a black box that surrounds a "button" you click on. On the LG, many of those outlines just disappeared into the background. Maybe someone has an explantation for that.

If I wasn't directly comparing against a 5K retina I think I would have been happier with the LG. But as Andrew says, the only way to duplicate Retina is with an 8K display

I'm disappointed this morning as I just packed and returned about 6 pieces of equipment I bought for this new system, especially the Mini M1, which was incredible on opening apps, surfing, etc.

Looks like I spoiled for anything less than a 32" iMac, if that ever happens 🙂

Because LG is matte surface, it will never look as white and clear, and blacks will look also less black causing it more washed out looking against Apple glossy screen. But there are many good qualities in matte surfaces and I prefer them for longer periods using the computer and more that fine when not directly comparing to Apple screen. Also resolution is "lowish" in the terms of Apple, so only 4k pixels in 32" area. You would need 2x pixels to make it even close to Apple Retina. As far as comparing colors, my LG looks about equal to my MBA M1.

Also we need to remember that 32UN880-B is rather cheap, so 32" monitor that would be equal to iMac would cost many times more. I however appreciate huge screen estate comparing my M1 Mini + LG combination against iMac 24" that would cost more that this. Also I have other computers connected to this display and that would never be possible with iMac. Plus for me, matte screen is much more pleasing to watch for long periods of time and I use with rather dim settings (brightness 37) to cause less eye strain. But for someone who prefer iMac screen with high or full brightness, they will never find LG satisfying.

I think this would be more like something rivaling iMac display in some ways even being only 4k monitor but it is still much dimmer (price around $4k).
https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-32ep950-b-oled-monitor
Dell has real 32" 8k monitor with glossy surface but still only 400 nits brightness (also about $4k).
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/sho...18k/apd/210-alez/monitors-monitor-accessories

There is also one good choice not costing much more than 32UN880-B, is to get 48" LG OLED TV and use it as a monitor but it is so huge probably causing issues with placement. Also it is much dimmer than iMac with displaying a lot of whites in the screen (due to ABL) but CR is infinite making it better than iMac. But it has only 4k resolution.

 

[andrewstirling]

Yeah I’ve spent most of December researching and writing an essay. I definitely found the 32” LG less fatiguing to work on than my old iMac. Having more space and being able to zoom in whilst still seeing as much of the page was helpful. But the matte screen probably made the biggest difference. It doesn’t have the glossy look of the iMac and certainly wouldn’t stand out in a showroom but it was much more pleasant to look at for 8hrs. Obviously I miss the retina sharpness but the trade offs suited my usage. In non covid times I might have headed off somewhere with fewer distractions with my MacBook which is obviously another advantage over an all in one setup.