Sneak peek: LG 38GN950 with 37.5″ IPS Panel, 160Hz Refresh Rate and (likely) Adaptive-sync

While there is little official information about this screen yet, we thought we would bring you what we did know so far. LG are set to release what is expected to be an adaptive-sync / FreeSync version of their only-just-about released 38GL950G . The new 38GN950 will be a 37.5″ ultrawide screen with IPS panel, 3840 x 1600 resolution and high 160Hz refresh rate.

A couple of weeks ago we brought you news of their 38WN95C which was another alternative to the 38GL950G, featuring adaptive-sync support (including ‘G-sync Compatible’ certification), an updated panel with VESA DisplayHDR 600 support and a Thunderbolt 3 connection. That model has a 1ms G2G response time spec and 144Hz refresh rate (no overclocking supported) and while not specifically part of their “UltraGear” gaming line-up, still offered the high end specs and features to rival the 38GL950G (which is part of that line-up).

This new 38GN950 looks like it will be a more direct alternative to the 38GL950G, as it is part of their UltraGear line-up. There’s not much information in the LG press release other than the following:

• 1ms G2G response time
• IPS panel
• 160Hz overclocked refresh rate
• VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification
• Upgraded stand which is stronger and more stable

We can make some other assumptions as well. It is very likely that this would be an adaptive-sync version of the 38GL950G (given it’s missing the “G” from the end of the model name) which means it does not feature a native G-sync module. LG haven’t specifically listed ‘G-sync Compatible’ support like they have for some of the other models in that press release which suggests that maybe it will not carry that certification, and will offer more base-line “support” for G-sync. Time will tell.

As it doesn’t need a G-sync hardware module this will probably allow better connectivity options including DisplayPort 1.4 (required for this res/refresh rate) and likely more than one HDMI 2.0. We would expect the Thunderbolt 3 connection to be featured only on the 38WN95C model though.

Given it will use the same LG.Display IPS panel as the 38WN95C we can assume there will be a 450 cd/m2 ‘typical’ brightness spec, and presumably a >600 cd/m2 peak brightness for HDR. There should also be a 98% DCI-P3 wide colour gamut and 1.07b colour depth.

According to the latest LG.Display panel production roadmaps we have, this new HDR600 version of the panel is penciled in for mass production in Q1 2020, which means that at best we could expect to see this new display in Q2 next year. Our personal view is that like the 38WN95C model this will slip, especially given how long it has taken for the 38GL950G panel/display to be finalized. H2 next year would be a safe bet I think right now.

More info on pricing and availability when we get it.

Source: LG

Update 14/1/20 – we have some further official information about this screen now. It will offer a 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut, 144Hz native refresh rate, 160Hz via an overclocking feature, adaptive-sync for VRR, NVIDIA G-sync Compatible certification, Sphere Lighting 2.0 feature, 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 2x USB 3.0 and a headphone out connection, tilt/height adjustable stand and VESA wall mount support.

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