Ultrafine 4K/5K with 13 inch laptops

[addoh]

Hi everyone! I'm currently planning my home office. I have a 13 inch Macbook Pro from 2018 (4 tb port-version). I might get a M1 Macbook Air for me and/or the wife soon.

I was going to wait on new iMacs, but now I feel like an external display might be better (more flexible, cheaper). I don't need high performance (most intensive task i Lightroom).

I want a display with excellent picture quality and a USBC dock. The LG Ultrafine 4K seems like a great option, only concern is screen real estate. Scaled to 200% (standard for that display) looks like 1920x1080p. The LG Ultrafine 5K looks like 2560x1440 at standard scaling.

I don't know how much other scaling options affect image sharpness and computer performance.

I've read about issues with using proper 5k resolution with the M1 macs, so that + price pushes me towards the 4k. On the other hand, M1 macs only support 1 display so if the 4K gets cramped I'm out of luck.

Any comments from owners of Ultrafine 4K?

 

[LiE_]

I've had the 24" Ultrafine, it's a very good monitor. It's bright, crisp and provides good connectivity. It was connected to the 2018 Mac mini which has a weak GPU, this meant some animations would have micro stutter occasionally.

Editing photos in Lightroom was fine, not as good as a 27" 5K, but certainly doable. I found myself minimising some UI elements while I was tweaking a photo. You'll not need to zoom as much due to Lightroom not scaling the photo, you'll see much more detail.

I've got an entry level M1 MBA now and just won an auction for the 21.5" Ultrafine to pair with it. The older 21.5" provides more resolution (and higher PPI) in a smaller package. When using 200% scaled it provides 2048 x 1152, which is a nice bump over the 1920 x 1080 on the 24" Ultrafine, all in a smaller foot print.

 

[addoh]

I've had the 24" Ultrafine, it's a very good monitor. It's bright, crisp and provides good connectivity. It was connected to the 2018 Mac mini which has a weak GPU, this meant some animations would have micro stutter occasionally.

Editing photos in Lightroom was fine, not as good as a 27" 5K, but certainly doable. I found myself minimising some UI elements while I was tweaking a photo. You'll not need to zoom as much due to Lightroom not scaling the photo, you'll see much more detail.

I've got an entry level M1 MBA now and just won an auction for the 21.5" Ultrafine to pair with it. The older 21.5" provides more resolution (and higher PPI) in a smaller package. When using 200% scaled it provides 2048 x 1152, which is a nice bump over the 1920 x 1080 on the 24" Ultrafine, all in a smaller foot print.

Thank you for the response! I’m leaning towards the Ultrafine 4K no. The other option is this:

LG 27UK850 Review 2025: Here's Why You Want This 4K Monitor

The LG 27UK850 4K UHD monitor offers HDR, FreeSync, USB-C, and many more features which make it perfect for a variety of different purposes.

www.displayninja.com

 

[LiE_]

I’ve also had a 27” 4K from LG. I wasn’t a fan. All I will say is that your MacBook screen will make the LG 27 look like garbage next to it.

 

[addoh]

I’ve also had a 27” 4K from LG. I wasn’t a fan. All I will say is that your MacBook screen will make the LG 27 look like garbage next to it.

Alright, hmm difficult decision! I'd get the 4k Ultrafine (23.7 inch) straight away if I didn't have doubts about the workable real estate at 1080p. Did you use scaled modes?

 

[LiE_]

Alright, hmm difficult decision! I'd get the 4k Ultrafine (23.7 inch) straight away if I didn't have doubts about the workable real estate at 1080p. Did you use scaled modes?

I used it at 200%.

 

[addoh]

I used it at 200%.

Same as I would. I'm thinking 2 windows side by side should be fine, I rarely need much more.

 

[LiE_]

Same as I would. I'm thinking 2 windows side by side should be fine, I rarely need much more.

Split screen would be cramped, but you have another screen on the MacBook so you already have more space than I did 😅

 

[jungleghost]

I've had the 24" Ultrafine, it's a very good monitor. It's bright, crisp and provides good connectivity. It was connected to the 2018 Mac mini which has a weak GPU, this meant some animations would have micro stutter occasionally.

Editing photos in Lightroom was fine, not as good as a 27" 5K, but certainly doable. I found myself minimising some UI elements while I was tweaking a photo. You'll not need to zoom as much due to Lightroom not scaling the photo, you'll see much more detail.

I've got an entry level M1 MBA now and just won an auction for the 21.5" Ultrafine to pair with it. The older 21.5" provides more resolution (and higher PPI) in a smaller package. When using 200% scaled it provides 2048 x 1152, which is a nice bump over the 1920 x 1080 on the 24" Ultrafine, all in a smaller foot print.

What are your thoughts about the setup M1 MBA + LG 21.5 4K?

 

[LiE_]

What are your thoughts about the setup M1 MBA + LG 21.5 4K?

I’ve not had that combination but I can’t see there being any issues as the M1 GPU is a lot better than the old Mac Mini intel GPU.