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LG Smart Monitor 27SR5BF 27" specifications and in-depth review

LG Smart Monitor 27SR5BF 27"

Manufacturer: LG

The LG Smart Monitor 27SR5BF is a 27-inch display that blends traditional monitor functionality with built-in smart TV features, including AirPlay support and a bundled remote control. Its IPS panel delivers wide 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, while the matte, anti-glare surface helps reduce reflections during everyday use. Stereo speakers are integrated into the unit, and the stand supports tilt, swivel, portrait mode rotation, and VESA mounting for flexible placement.

On the technical side, the monitor runs at a 1920 x 1080 resolution across its 27-inch screen, yielding a pixel density of 81 ppi, with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. Brightness is rated at 250 nits with a 1000:1 contrast ratio and support for 16.7 million colors. Connectivity includes two HDMI 1.4 ports and two USB ports, alongside built-in Wi-Fi, though there is no DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA, or Ethernet connection available. Operating power consumption is rated at 20.1W, dropping to 0.5W in standby.

Pros
  • The stand supports tilt, swivel, portrait mode rotation, and VESA mounting, offering flexible positioning options
  • Built-in smart TV functionality and AirPlay support allow wireless content streaming without an external device
  • Integrated stereo speakers and a remote control reduce the need for additional peripherals
  • The IPS panel provides 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically
  • The matte, anti-glare coating helps manage reflections in lit environments
  • Color calibration is supported, giving users control over display output
Cons
  • The 60Hz refresh rate and lack of adaptive synchronization make it unsuitable for gaming or fast-motion content
  • Resolution is limited to 1080p on a 27-inch screen, resulting in a relatively low pixel density of 81 ppi
  • No USB-C, DisplayPort, Ethernet, or 3.5mm audio jack limits wired connectivity options
  • Brightness is rated at only 250 nits, which may be insufficient in very bright surroundings
  • Picture-in-Picture mode is not available
  • There is no front camera, ambient light sensor, or Dolby/DTS audio support
Who is this for?

This monitor is well-suited for general home use, media consumption, and casual everyday computing. The built-in smart TV functionality with AirPlay and Wi-Fi makes it a practical choice for users who want a single screen that can serve as both a computer monitor and a streaming display without additional hardware. The flexible stand with tilt, swivel, and portrait mode support, combined with VESA mount compatibility, appeals to users who need adaptable screen placement in a living room or home office setup. The integrated stereo speakers, remote control, and wide 178-degree viewing angles further suit shared viewing environments where multiple people may be watching from different positions.

Who is this NOT for?

This monitor is not a good fit for users who prioritize sharp image detail, as the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen produces a relatively low pixel density of 81 ppi that may appear noticeably soft at close viewing distances. Those looking for a capable gaming display will find the 60Hz refresh rate and complete absence of adaptive synchronization a significant limitation, as fast-moving content will not render as smoothly as on higher-refresh-rate alternatives. Users with demanding audio needs will also be underserved, given the lack of Dolby Digital, DTS Surround, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while professionals requiring a broader set of wired connections will find the absence of USB-C, DisplayPort, and Ethernet particularly restrictive.

Display:

Display type LED-backlit, LCD, IPS
response time 5 ms
screen size 27"
resolution 1920 x 1080 px
pixel density 81 ppi
Adaptive synchronization None
has anti-glare coating ✓
refresh rate 60Hz
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º
has a matte panel ✓
has a glossy panel ✕
has a touch screen ✕

The display uses an IPS panel with LED backlighting across a 27-inch screen, delivering a 1920 x 1080 px resolution at 81 ppi. It operates at a 60Hz refresh rate with a 5ms response time, and no adaptive synchronization technology is supported. Viewing angles reach 178 degrees on both the horizontal and vertical axes, which is typical of IPS technology. The panel has a matte, anti-glare coating rather than a glossy finish, helping to reduce reflections in well-lit environments. Touch screen functionality is not available on this display.

General info:

Type Standard
supports total tilt ✓
Has a swivel stand ✓
Supports VESA mount ✓
height 370 mm
width 612 mm
thickness 45 mm
weight 5579 g
supports portrait mode ✓
volume 10189.8 cm³

This is a standard-type monitor measuring 612 mm wide, 370 mm tall, and 45 mm thick, with a total weight of 5579 g and a volume of 10189.8 cm³. The stand supports tilt, swivel, and portrait mode rotation, offering a reasonable degree of flexibility when adjusting the screen's position. VESA mount compatibility is also included, allowing the monitor to be mounted on a wall or third-party arm if the built-in stand is not preferred.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 250 nits
supports color calibration ✓
display colors 16.7 million
contrast ratio 1000:1

The monitor has a typical brightness of 250 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, with support for 16.7 million colors across the display. Color calibration is supported, giving users the option to adjust color output to suit their specific needs.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 2
supports Thunderbolt ✕
DisplayPort outputs 0
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
has a DVI connector ✕
USB ports 2
Has USB Type-C ✕
HDMI version HDMI 1.4
supports Ethernet ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✓
has AirPlay ✓
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕

The monitor provides two HDMI 1.4 ports and two USB ports for wired connections, while DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and USB-C outputs are not available. Wired Ethernet is not supported, but built-in Wi-Fi is included alongside AirPlay, enabling wireless content streaming without a physical cable. There is no 3.5 mm audio jack and no Thunderbolt support on this model.

Power:

operating power consumption 20.1W
standby power consumption 0.5W

The monitor draws 20.1W during normal operation and drops to 0.5W when in standby mode.

Features:

has PiP ✕
has stereo speakers ✓
has built-in smart TV ✓
has a remote control ✓
supports Dolby Digital ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✕
has DTS Surround ✕
has an ambient light sensor ✕
has a front camera ✕

The monitor includes built-in smart TV functionality along with integrated stereo speakers and a remote control, making it usable as a standalone screen without a separate media device. Picture-in-Picture is not supported, and there is no front camera or ambient light sensor. On the audio side, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Surround are all absent from this model.

Final Verdict

The LG Smart Monitor 27SR5BF occupies a clear niche as a home-oriented hybrid screen rather than a conventional desktop monitor. Its strongest appeal lies in the built-in smart TV platform with Wi-Fi and AirPlay, which, combined with integrated stereo speakers, a remote control, and a versatile stand, makes it a genuinely functional all-in-one display for casual use and media consumption. That said, the 1080p resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and limited wired connectivity mean it is best appreciated by users whose needs center on everyday tasks and streaming rather than precision work or performance-driven applications. For that specific audience, the 27SR5BF delivers a coherent and practical feature set.