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LG Smart Monitor 27U731SA-W 27" specifications and in-depth review

LG Smart Monitor 27U731SA-W 27"

Manufacturer: LG

The LG Smart Monitor 27U731SA-W is a 27-inch display designed for users who want a monitor that doubles as a smart screen. Built around an IPS panel with LED backlighting, it delivers wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, along with a matte, anti-glare coating that helps reduce reflections in typical office or home environments.

On the technical side, the monitor outputs a 3840 x 2160 resolution at 163 ppi across its 27-inch screen, with a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB Type-C, and three USB ports, while built-in Wi-Fi and AirPlay support expand its wireless capabilities. It also supports VESA mounting, portrait mode rotation, and color calibration, with a typical brightness of 350 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1.

Pros
  • The 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 across 27 inches results in a pixel density of 163 ppi, producing sharp and detailed image output
  • Built-in smart TV functionality combined with Wi-Fi and AirPlay support allows the monitor to operate independently without a connected computer
  • Includes a remote control, adding convenience for users who interact with the smart TV features from a distance
  • The IPS panel with 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles ensures consistent image quality from a wide range of positions
  • Supports portrait mode rotation and VESA mounting, offering meaningful flexibility in how it can be physically set up
  • Color calibration support and a 1070 million color display allow for more accurate and nuanced color representation
Cons
  • The 60Hz refresh rate and lack of adaptive synchronization make it a limited choice for tasks that benefit from smoother or variable frame rate output
  • No DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, or 3.5 mm audio jack limits wired connectivity options
  • Absence of stereo speakers means audio output requires a separate external solution
  • The EU energy label of F indicates relatively high energy consumption compared to more efficient classifications
  • No swivel stand restricts lateral adjustment without repositioning the entire unit
  • No PiP support means multiple inputs cannot be viewed simultaneously on screen
Who is this for?

This monitor is well suited to users who want a display that functions as both a workstation screen and a standalone smart TV, thanks to its built-in smart TV functionality, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay support. The 4K IPS panel with wide 178-degree viewing angles makes it a practical fit for content consumption, photo editing, and color-sensitive work where image accuracy and sharpness matter. Its VESA mount compatibility and portrait mode support also make it a reasonable option for those who need flexible desk or wall setups.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize smooth gaming or high frame rate performance will find this monitor limiting, as its 60Hz refresh rate and complete absence of adaptive synchronization technology are inadequate for fast-paced gaming scenarios. The lack of stereo speakers, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and DisplayPort connectivity make it a poor fit for users with setups that depend on wired audio output or display connections beyond HDMI. Those seeking a monitor with broad wired peripheral connectivity will also find the absence of Ethernet, DVI, and VGA support restrictive.

Display:

Display type LED-backlit, LCD, IPS
response time 5 ms
screen size 27"
resolution 3840 x 2160 px
pixel density 163 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, spanning 27 inches and rendering content at a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution with a pixel density of 163 ppi. It operates at a 60Hz refresh rate with a 5ms response time, and no adaptive synchronization technology is supported. The panel is matte rather than glossy, featuring an anti-glare coating, and offers wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically. The screen does not support touch input, and glossy panel treatment is absent.

General info:

Type Standard
EU energy label F
supports total tilt ✓
Has a swivel stand ✕
Supports VESA mount ✓
height 373 mm
width 612 mm
thickness 45 mm
weight 5851 g
supports portrait mode ✓
volume 10272.42 cm³

This is a standard-type monitor with physical dimensions of 612 mm wide, 373 mm tall, and 45 mm thick, weighing 5851 g. It supports VESA mounting and can be tilted and rotated into portrait mode, though it does not include a swivel stand. The monitor carries an EU energy label of F, and its total volume measures 10272.42 cm³.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 350 nits
supports color calibration ✓
display colors 1070 million
contrast ratio 1000:1

The monitor delivers a typical brightness of 350 nits alongside a contrast ratio of 1000:1, providing a reasonable degree of depth between light and dark areas. It is capable of displaying 1070 million colors and supports color calibration, allowing for more precise color output when accuracy is a priority.

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 3
Has USB Type-C ✓
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
supports Ethernet ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✓
has AirPlay ✓
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕

The monitor includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and three USB ports, along with a USB Type-C connection, while DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA outputs are absent. Wired Ethernet is not supported, but the monitor connects wirelessly via built-in Wi-Fi and also features AirPlay support. There is no 3.5 mm headset jack, and Thunderbolt connectivity is not available.

Power:

standby power consumption 0.5W

The only available power specification for this monitor is its standby power consumption of 0.5W, indicating the amount of energy drawn when the display is 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 and comes with a remote control, making it usable as a standalone screen without a connected computer. It does not have stereo speakers, a front camera, or an ambient light sensor, and there is no support for PiP, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround audio formats.

Final Verdict

The LG Smart Monitor 27U731SA-W occupies a distinct space in the monitor category by combining a sharp 4K IPS display with built-in smart TV functionality, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay support, making it a capable dual-purpose screen for both work and independent media use. Its wide viewing angles, color calibration support, and portrait mode flexibility add practical value for users who need an accurate and adaptable display. That said, the 60Hz refresh rate, absence of adaptive sync, and limited wired connectivity options mean it is best appreciated by content consumers and productivity-focused users rather than those with demanding performance requirements. For users seeking a single screen that transitions naturally between a computer monitor and a smart display, the 27U731SA-W delivers a coherent and well-rounded feature set.