LG is one of the biggest TV manufacturers around and sets standards in all price ranges that other manufacturers first have to overcome. In 2020, the Korean engineering company has launched powerful models, which have been equipped with the most diverse technologies.
LG’s OLED models in particular set completely new standards in terms of picture quality. The 2021 models score in this category again, which makes LG TVs a very good choice for the living room. However, the cheaper models can also shine with great features.
Here is an overview of the lineup so that you can see exactly which innovations the 2021 models bring with them, which LG devices are worth a closer look – and which are not.
From the database of the Korean Radio Research Agency, some novelties in the 2022 LG line-up became known. Besides the eagerly awaited smaller OLED model, in the form of the LG OLED42C2, the Gallery OLED lineup also gets another 83-inch model.
Furthermore, the model code was revealed through this: The model series will remain and the abbreviation 1 for 2021 has been replaced by a 2 for 2022. Thus, we can look forward to the A2, B2, C2 and G2 series!
LG OLED Lineup 2022 | 42 Inch | 48 Inch | 55 Inch | 65 Inch | 77 Inch | 83 Inch | 97 Inch |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LG A2 | OLED48A2 | OLED55A2 | OLED65A2 | OLED77A2 | |||
LG B2 | OLED55B2 | OLED65B2 | OLED77B2 | ||||
LG C2 | OLED42C2 | OLED48C2 | OLED55C2 | OLED65C2 | OLED77C2 | OLED83C2 | |
LG G2 | OLED55G2 | OLED65C2 | OLED77G2 | OLED83G2 | OLED97G2 |
LG’s UP7000 is the successor of the UN7000 and is considered a low entry-level model of the 4K UHD series. The device is especially suitable for regular TV viewing in a dark environment since there is definitely room for improvement with a contrast of 1260:1 and a brightness of 350 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness .
Gamers will also have their fun with the TV if they stick to the older consoles, as an HDMI 2.1 port and VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card are missing. On the whole, the TV is suitable for anyone on a budget with low demands. However, if you want to experience great cinema in your living room at home, then you should rather reach for another device.
The UP8000 replaces the UN8500 and UN7300 from last year and can also shine with a low price. Thus, the TV naturally lacks many features that are reserved for NanoCells or OLEDs. Nevertheless, the UP8000 is well suited for regular TV, even if it scores slightly lower than the UP7000 in terms of contrast ratio and brightness.
When it comes to gaming, both TVs perform similarly well and the UP8000 is also more suitable for older consoles, since it also lacks HDMI 2.1 ports and a VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card.
As was the case with the UP7000, the UP8000 is aimed at users who want to be easy on the wallet and prefer regular TV programming over HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content, as it is not displayed well by the device.
The NANO90 replaces last year’s model and can be distinguished from the predecessor by the suffix PA instead of NA. It is also one of LG’s entry-level models and therefore has to do without some features that are reserved for the expensive models. However, especially the fast 120Hz panel, an HDMI 2.1 port, low input lag and VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card support make the NANO90 a very good gaming TV.
Regardless, the mediocre contrast and poor performance in dark rooms should not be ignored. Here, it is recommended to unpack the controller during the day, as the TV does not perform well in terms of picture quality in the dark, despite the local dimming feature. As far as smart features are concerned, the NANO90 offers everything you could wish for. The Magic Remote, which makes it much easier to operate the TV, is particularly noteworthy here.
Compared to the UP8000, the NANO90 plays in a completely different league and can perform significantly better in almost all areas. Especially in gaming and watching sports, the NANO90 is the better choice. However, those who still want a home theater experience in their living room will not be well served with either model. The NANO90 also has problems displaying HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content well.
With the QNED91, LG also relies on the new mini LED backlight, which is already used by the competition. Thus, the TV with ADS panel delivers a good performance in terms of sports, movies and series, especially in bright rooms. With a peak brightness of 1000 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness , it gets bright enough and the Full Array Local Dimming can produce a contrast of 6000:1, which is really good for a panel of this type. In combination with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content looks really good on the QNED91.
It can also convince in the gaming field, as the QNED91 is optimally equipped. Two HDMI 2.1 interfaces deliver VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card via FreeSyncVariable Refresh Rate with AMD graphics cards or consoles and a G-SyncVariable Refresh Rate for Nvidia graphics cards compatibility, as well as an ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. and a low input lag.
LG’s new series also offers a 8K high-end model with the QNED99. The TV is especially convincing in bright rooms, since it gets bright enough with a peak brightness of 1000 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness and can generate a contrast of 6500:1 due to the Full Array Local Dimming. In addition, the ADS panel makes the viewing angle quite wide, making the TV suitable for a large seating area.
Gamers also get their money’s worth with the top model, as HDMI 2.1 connections are available with almost everything you need. Unfortunately, a VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card is missing, which is why the new consoles cannot be used to their full potential. However, an ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible. is present.
OLED TVs are considered rather expensive due to their unique technology, but LG has launched an affordable OLED this year with the A1. Thus, the A-series also has a theoretically infinite contrast and a perfect black, but you can tell that the A1 has cut some corners. Nevertheless, the TV is perfectly suitable as an entry-level OLED and delivers the excellent picture quality OLEDs are known for.
Gamers will also enjoy the OLED quality, even though the A1 is not suitable for the new consoles since it lacks an HDMI 2.1 port and VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card. The response time of ~0.3ms and an input lag of ~10ms still make it a fast TV for gaming. In terms of smart features, the A1 is in no way inferior to its more expensive colleagues and offers everything you could wish for.
The completely different panel is clearly noticeable in a direct comparison with the NANO90. Although the NanoCell TV performs much better in the gaming sector because it has HDMI 2.1 and VRR, you should rather go for the OLED TV if you want to watch movies and series in a breathtaking picture quality.
The B1 is the successor of LG’s extremely popular BX, which primarily scores with an excellent price-performance ratio. It has many of the high-end features and only has to cut a few corners. However, the TV offers the well-known OLED quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. Movie and series fans will definitely get their money’s worth here.
Gamers will also find everything they could want for the new consoles in the B1. A VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card, low input lag, as well as excellent motion handling and of course two HDMI 2.1 ports. Thus, nothing stands in the way of an extensive gaming adventure.
Only the Alpha7 Gen 4 AI processor is a weak point, since the image processing does not work quite as well as in the more expensive models. Furthermore, the B1 does not get quite as bright with 600 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness , but that is completely sufficient for a dark environment.
Compared to LG’s A1, the B1 is already in a completely different league, especially in terms of gaming features. The B1 has the edge here thanks to the HDMI 2.1 interfaces.
The C1 follows in very big footsteps, as it is the successor to the CX, which is considered the best TV of 2020. To say one thing in advance: the success story continues. Again, with the C-series you’ll get a high-end device for your living room that leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled. The perfect black and the theoretically infinite contrast of the OLED panel make movies and series really shine, because the outstanding picture quality remains. Only the Automatic Brightness Limiter has to be mentioned negatively here, since it pushes the OLED’s brightness down even further.
The C1 can convince gamers with an even lower input lag, and it also offers all other features to fully utilize the new consoles: four HDMI 2.1 interfaces, VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible.. In addition, the TV offers all the smart features that you can have nowadays including a new Magic Remote, which makes it child’s play to operate the TV.
Compared with LG’s B1, you hardly notice any differences at first glance. These are also minimal since the B1 is not quite as bright with 600 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness and it is a bit weaker with the Alpha7 Gen4 AI processor. Apart from that, the two OLEds are quite similar, but you should go for the B1 if you’re on a budget.
This year’s “Gallery TV” G1 Evo simply looks good and is an eye-catcher in every living room. The TV, which looks like a large picture on the wall, is in no way inferior to the C1 and can even perform a bit better thanks to the advanced Evo panel. The Evo panel causes the OLED to increase in brightness and is more power-efficient at the same time. Thus, a brightness of ~850 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness can be achieved without sacrificing the perfect black and infinite contrast.
The G1 Evo also offers an excellent performance in all other areas, whether in gaming or with all its smart features that leave nothing to be desired. For extensive gaming, the G1 is suitable due to its excellent picture and four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card and ALLMAuto Low Latency Mode – Automatically detects connected consoles and keeps input lag as low as possible.. Additionally, the G1 offers Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits Gaming, which will especially please Xbox gamers.
With the Gallery mode, famous artworks or your own photos can be presented when the TV is turned off, making the TV invisible in the living room and turning it into a real work of art.
The Evo panel is responsible for the slight differences between the G1 and C1. Due to the G1’s increased brightness, its reflection behavior is also better and HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content can be displayed more beautifully.
The UN7300 is a great 4K Smart TV for beginners from LG’s 2020 lineup. The IPSIn-Plane Switching, type of LCD Panel panel brings a wide viewing angle and a quite nice picture in bright surroundings, which is probably due to the good reflection handling. In dark surroundings all IPS panels do not perform very well. Due to the low contrast ratio of 1050:1 and the only weak black, the picture quality is not quite as convincing. The peak brightness is not very high with about 350 Nits and the color gamut is not extended. Therefore, HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content does not look very different from usual SRD content. But its motion handling is quite reasonable despite the 60Hz panel. Because of the low response time of about 5ms only some motion blur can be seen in fast movements.
If you are looking for a gaming TV and do not have to push the upcoming Next Gen consoles to their limits, you will appreciate the UN7300. The low input lag of 10ms makes the TV very responsive and an Auto Low Latency Mode is also available.
In terms of smart features, the UN7100 is in an excellent position and is just as smart as LG’s much more expensive OLED series – but only if you additionally buy the Magic Remote.
Further features such as HDMI 2.1, a variable refresh rateHertz is the derived SI-unit of frequency with 1Hz=1/s – When talking about TVs this means how many different pictures a TV can display in one second. or a twin tuner LG has saved for the more expensive models.
The NANO80 is the most affordable NanoCell TV and shows quite similar performance compared to the UN7100. Due to the Edge Lit Local Dimming feature, it has a higher contrast ratio; however, the Local Dimming feature is not really good, creating some negative effects like blooming or visible dimming zones. In dark rooms, the picture quality is not really good and black looks rather grayish here. The wide viewing angle and the better performance in bright surroundings are caused by the IPSIn-Plane Switching, type of LCD Panel panel.
The NanoCell technology in combination with an extended color gamut leads to purer and more vivid colors, which is especially beneficial for HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content. While it can display them better than the cheaper LG models, it does not get bright enough to really show HDR content in a great way.
In terms of gaming, the NANO81 is not an improvement on the UN7100. In this category, it performs very similar and has no additional features.
The NANO85 is very similar to the NANO80 and its picture quality is almost identical. However, its motion handling is clearly superior due to the 120Hz panel, even though the response time is slightly higher at <6ms.
Its features are much better than the ones of the smaller NANO80. It has Dolby Vision IQDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, which can adapt to the ambient brightness, which allows HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content to be optimized. The HDMI 2.1 interface and the associated enhanced Audio Return Chanel (eARC) support the Dolby AtmosObject-based surround sound format with 3D-Sound from any direction sound format, allowing external sound systems to create a rich, spatial sound backdrop.
Due to a low input lag, the Auto Low Latency Mode and the Variable Refresh RateVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card the NANO85 is a great entry-level TV for the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5, which it can fully push to its limits with [email protected] – at least for SDRStandard Dynamic Range – image/video with a conventional gamma curve (opposite: HDR) – “normal” videos games.
The Nano90 is the top of the NanoCell series. In terms of features, viewing angle and picture quality in bright surroundings, it does not have much more to offer than the NANO85. However, it has the Full Array Local Dimming feature, which makes its picture quality much better in dark surroundings. In addition to the FALD, it is a little bit brighter than the other NanoCell models with approx. 640 Nits, so that it can display HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) contents better.
The input lag is very good with ~15ms – even if it seems to be higher than the NANO85 in the first moment. This is because the NANO85 does not really display HDR games differently than SDRStandard Dynamic Range – image/video with a conventional gamma curve (opposite: HDR) – “normal” videos content and therefore the input lag was chosen for SDR content. HDR content has to be processed in a more complex way, which of course increases the response time.
Unfortunately the dirty screen effect is quite obvious on its display. It is already present on the NANO85, but not as clear.
The BX OLED plays in a completely different league than the NANO90. Due to the OLED design, it has perfect blacks and a theoretically infinite contrast ratio, which makes its picture quality in dark environments truly breathtaking. The same applies to motion handling. Televisions with IPSIn-Plane Switching, type of LCD Panel panels simply cannot match the response time of an OLED, because a response time of 0.2ms means an almost instantaneous color change of the LEDs. In addition to HMDI Forum VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card, the BX was also equipped with Nvidia G-SyncVariable Refresh Rate for Nvidia graphics cards and AMD FreeSyncVariable Refresh Rate with AMD graphics cards or consoles.
Unfortunately the BX does not become very bright. This is not only a negative factor for picture quality in bright rooms, but also for HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content. Because of the low peak brightness, HDR can not be displayed as well and bright highlights do not really stand out.
Unfortunately, the BX is not yet available in Europe, so we will have to be patient for a while (as of August 2020)
The CX OLED is the crowning glory of LG’s 2020 lineup and is probably one of the best TVs of the year. Just like the cheaper BX OLED, it has an almost unbeatable picture quality in dark environments, but in contrast to the BX, it can become much brighter. It produces about 820 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 – The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness , which should be enough for normally illuminated rooms. HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content also benefits immensely, as bright highlights can be displayed much more clearly.
Like the BX, the CX OLED also has the Black Frame InsertionProcess that inserts black “blank images” as intermediate images. This makes movements appear finer and clearer. feature at 120Hz. However, it can use it better, because the image becomes darker when using this feature and the CX can compensate this better because of the higher brightness.
The LG model GX OLED has the same technical features as the CX, but brings an elegant look and the so-called “Gallery Design“. The TV should look like an object of art and thus fit seamlessly into the interior of the room. To achieve this, LG has opted for a seamless wall mount and a narrow, stylish frame, taking advantage of the panel’s wide viewing angle. If desired, the TV can also be set up, but the matching stand must be purchased separately.
The LG WX OLED is very similar to the CX. However, it is more of a designer object. With 4mm it is unbelievably thin and does not stand out from the wall with the gapless wall mount – just like a wallpaper. For this reason, a 4.2 60W soundbar is included, which is connected to the WX via flat cable. This is also where the WX interfaces are located, so that no disturbing cables lead to the Wallpaper TV. Technically the WX is very similar to the CX, but it has no variable refresh rateHertz is the derived SI-unit of frequency with 1Hz=1/s – When talking about TVs this means how many different pictures a TV can display in one second. and the Black Frame InsertionProcess that inserts black “blank images” as intermediate images. This makes movements appear finer and clearer. feature is only available up to 60Hz.
With its NanoCell and above all OLED models in 4K and 8K 2020, LG is once again bringing new powerful devices to the market. These devices feature new Alpha Processors that enable deep learning effects. The new Black Frame Insertion feature from LG with 100/120 Hz is called “OLED Motion Pro” and is supposed to sharpen the picture even more.
The manufacturer also relies on Dolby Vision IQDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, which can adapt to the ambient brightness to adjust the screen brightness to the respective environment. With the Filmmaker Mode option, LG is trying to enhance the home cinema experience and present movies in their original, i.e. without subsequent image enhancement. LG produced the first OLEDs, which still distinguish the company on the television market today.
For your orientation: At LG, the model designations are based on the series of the device and the value within it. With the exception of the OLED series, the pattern is made up of letters, which provide information about the technology used and the panel resolution, as well as numbers. With numbers, the guideline is roughly the same: the higher they are, the higher the valence.
The term “OLED” stands for “organic light emitting diode“, which means that all subpixels either light themselves or not. OLED panels do not need backlighting or local dimming. This results in a quasi perfect black level and thus a theoretically infinite contrast.
The Evo panel was introduced as a technical innovation by LG in 2021. Primarily, it is supposed to reduce the burn-in risk of the organic pixels and thus make them more durable. The new material deuterium is responsible for this, as well as an additional green layer, which allows the two blue layers in the subpixels to become more efficient and heat-resistant. Thus, a higher brightness can be achieved, even if it does not yet come close to QLEDs. An interesting side effect: this also makes the OLED more power-efficient. So far, the Evo panel is only available in LG’s G1.
The NanoCell series from LG uses the NanoCell technology as the name suggests. Through an additional 1 nanometer thick display layer, colors are filtered out that do not correspond to the basic colors of the RGB LEDs, i.e. red, green and blue. Because these impurities are filtered out, mixed colors from these basic tones can be generated more accurately and therefore appear more vivid and less dull than it is the case with cheaper models.
Dolby is mainly known for formats that are related to sound. But with Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, the manufacturer has also developed a format to optimize HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content even further and, above all, dynamically. Brightnesses can be adjusted from scene to scene within a movie, which can make a huge difference to picture quality. The advanced version Dolby Vision IQDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, which can adapt to the ambient brightness also takes the ambient brightness around the TV into account. So if the TV is placed in a bright room, the average brightness is increased so that the image is easier to see in these conditions.
Conventional home cinema systems, e.g. a 5.1 system, have four satellite speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer. The Atmos system expands the number of speakers by adding ceiling speakers that either radiate or reflect from the ceiling to a desired location. The latter is called Atmos Enabled.
If two additional Atmos speakers are used, one would speak of a 7.1.2 system. Concerning the compatibility of the medium with Atmos, Dolby was clever: Atmos is not channel-based, but object-based. It works with the loudspeakers that are present.
If you want to play games on your TV, you should also pay attention to the fact that it has a Variable Refresh RateVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card, VRRVariable Refresh Rate – synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the output refresh rate of the graphics card for short. If this is not the case, it can happen that the graphics card of the console or the PC sends pictures in a different clock rate than the TV can use them. As a result, the upper and lower halves of the image may not fit together, making the image appear cut or torn. The VRR synchronizes the console and TV and the TV displays the images as they are output from the source. AMD FreeSyncVariable Refresh Rate with AMD graphics cards or consoles is one of the most popular VRR formats and supports graphics cards from AMD. For Nvidia graphics cards you need G-SyncVariable Refresh Rate for Nvidia graphics cards.
The Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) is a protection mechanism for the organic LEDs of an OLED TV. Since overheating can cause burn-in, the LEDs need special protection. Most of the heat is generated by large areas of bright pictures. To prevent the LEDs from getting too hot, the ABL regulates the brightness down and thus prevents damage to the LEDs. In bright environments the brightness should actually be increased to create a nice picture, but the ABL prevents this to protect the device. Therefore OLEDs do not perform as well in very bright rooms.