If you prioritize a sleek design and are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Studio Display could be a better fit, although it comes at a higher cost and lacks certain ergonomic adjustments. On the other hand, the LG UltraFine 5K offers a similar exceptional screen resolution and color accuracy for photo editing, at a lower price point, with an adjustable stand for comfort during long periods of use. Neither is suited for competitive gaming due to their lower refresh rates, but both are suitable for casual gaming, productivity, and media consumption with outstanding image clarity and text quality. If budget is a concern, the LG may provide better value for similar features. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Studio Display (IPS)
Best in class for productivity
Advantages of the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS)
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Apple Studio Display (IPS).
Key differences
Productivity
9.5/10
8.7/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
218 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
218 PPI
No
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
The Apple Studio Display (IPS) is best in class for productivity, while the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) is very good.
Cost
$1,439
$1,228
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Apple Studio Display (IPS) has a price of $1,439 and the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) costs $1,228.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.1/10
6.0/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
1052:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1200:1
584 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.0 %
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
The Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
Competitive Gaming
5.0/10
5.0/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
20.4 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
14.0 ms
N/A
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
N/A
No
STROBING / BFI
No
584 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
The Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Media Consumption
7.0/10
7.0/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
1052:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1200:1
584 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
The Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both good for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Apple Studio Display (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the Apple Studio Display (IPS) and the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) compare to other monitors
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.