LG Smart Monitor 32SQ780S is unleashed on the US market to take the 4K Samsung M8 on

LG has demonstrated that it has sat up and taken notice of the new trend toward monitors with the features of a smart TV with its new, ~90% DCI-P3-covering LCD 32SQ780S. Like the identically-sized Samsung M8, it has a 4K resolution with a standard 60Hz resolution.

Then again, the user should be able to manage their streaming apps on either external monitor, as the new LG option ships with a ThinQ Home UI and a build of webOS (v.22). The 32SQ780S is also AirPlay 2-compatible.

On that note, LG has also packed dual 5W speakers into its new Smart Monitor to go with its dual side-mounted USB type-A ports and dual HDMIs (1 with eARC), the latter of which are found on a rear-mounted port rack that also includes an RJ-45 jack and a powered type-C port.

Then again, its Samsung rival may have the edge with some consumers as it comes with a custom-built, removable SlimCam in the box, whereas this new take on the smart monitor seems to have forgotten about webcams entirely.

On the other hand, the 32SQ780S might make up for this with the in-house ErgoStand that allows the user to put it into portrait mode as well as adjust pivot, tilt and height, whereas the M8's much less flexible stand only allows for the last 2.

The new LG Smart Monitor option is also currently the cheaper of the 2 on Amazon.com, at US$499.99. It comes in just 1 white SKU, however, whereas the M80B has other options, such as the green version discounted to US$599.99 today.