The LG 80 Series 4K UHD Smart TV (80 Series) is a tempting proposition for budget-conscious viewers seeking an entry point into the world of stunning 4K resolution. LG boasts its webOS platform and a minimalist design, but with so many TV options, how does the 80 Series stack up? This review dives deep into the 80 Series’ strengths and considerations to help you decide if it aligns with your viewing needs.
Specifications
| Brand | LG |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Special Feature | Real 4K Display; Cinema/Slim Design; Quad Core Processor 4K; webOS and LG ThinQ AI with Magic Remote; Active HDR |
| Included Components | Remote Control, Power Cable, Magic Remote |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Today’s LG 80 Series Alexa Built-in 4K UHD Smart TV Deals
LG 80 Series 43” Alexa Built-in, 4K UHD Smart TV
LG 80 Series 50” Alexa Built-in, 4K UHD Smart TV
LG 80 Series 55” Alexa Built-in, 4K UHD Smart TV
LG 80 Series 65” Alexa Built-in, 4K UHD Smart TV
Picture Quality
The 80 Series utilizes an LED panel with basic HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. While it delivers a noticeable step up from Full HD in terms of sharpness and detail, it falls short of the picture quality offered by pricier competitors. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
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Resolution and Sharpness: Embrace the crisp details of 4K. Text appears clear, and nature documentaries or action movies showcase improved sharpness compared to Full HD. Lower-resolution content is upscaled decently, although artifacts might be noticeable in older shows.
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Color Accuracy: Colors appear acceptable for casual viewing. However, videophiles might find them less vibrant or accurate compared to higher-end TVs. Calibration options are limited, making fine-tuning the picture a challenge.
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HDR Performance: The 80 Series supports HDR10 and HLG, but limitations become apparent. Peak brightness isn’t sufficient to deliver the full impact of HDR content, resulting in a somewhat flat look in highlights. Additionally, the lack of local dimming results in blooming (halo effect) around bright objects in dark scenes.
Overall, the picture quality of the 80 Series is suitable for casual viewers who prioritize affordability. However, discerning viewers or those seeking a more immersive HDR experience might be better served by looking elsewhere.
Design
The 80 Series embraces a minimalist aesthetic with thin bezels and a sleek design that complements most living spaces. The included stand provides decent stability, but some users might find it a bit narrow for larger screen sizes. While not the most luxurious looking TV, the LG branding and clean lines offer a touch of modern sophistication at this price point.
Standing Out from the Crowd: How the 80 Series Compares
The 80 Series faces stiff competition in the budget 4K TV market. Here’s a quick comparison against two key rivals:
- TCL 4-Series (S434): The TCL 4-Series offers a similar price point and boasts a VA panel with potentially deeper blacks. However, viewing angles might be narrower on the TCL, and the smart platform can feel less intuitive compared to LG’s webOS.
- Hisense U6G: The Hisense U6G boasts Quantum Dot technology for potentially richer colors. It might also offer slightly better contrast due to a higher native contrast ratio. However, the smart platform on the Hisense might not be as user-friendly as LG’s webOS.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your viewing habits. If deeper blacks are essential, the TCL might be a better fit. If richer colors or a user-friendly smart platform are priorities, the 80 Series becomes a stronger contender.
Brightness and Contrast
The 80 Series offers decent brightness, making it suitable for most living room settings. However, it might struggle in very bright rooms where glare can be an issue. The contrast is a point to consider. The lack of local dimming technology limits the panel’s ability to produce deep blacks, resulting in a somewhat washed-out look in dark scenes. This can be particularly noticeable when watching movies or shows with a lot of dark content.
Sound Quality
The built-in speakers on the 80 Series are adequate for casual viewing but lack the depth and power needed for a truly immersive experience. Dialogue is clear, but bass is lacking, and the overall audio can feel thin for action movies or music.
To elevate your viewing experience, investing in a soundbar or a surround sound system is highly recommended. This will provide a more robust and immersive soundscape, especially for movie nights and big sporting events.
Smart Features
The LG 80 Series boasts LG’s webOS smart platform, a user-friendly interface known for its intuitive navigation and vast library of streaming apps. Here’s a deeper look at what it offers:
- Simple Navigation: webOS is known for its clean and user-friendly layout. Finding content, launching apps, and navigating menus is a breeze, even for non-tech-savvy users.
- Content Galore: Access a vast library of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and HBO Max. You’ll never be short of something to watch.
- Think with Alexa: The 80 Series integrates with Alexa, allowing you to control playback, adjust settings, or even search for content using your voice. This voice control functionality can be a major plus for hands-free control of your TV.
Motion
The 80 Series utilizes motion processing technology to reduce blur in fast-paced scenes. However, motion handling might not be perfect for viewers seeking an ultra-smooth experience. Judder (a stuttery effect) might be noticeable in rapid movements, particularly in action movies or sports. Hardcore gamers seeking the absolute smoothest motion for competitive gaming or fast-paced movies might want to consider a TV with a higher native refresh rate (like 120Hz) or more advanced motion processing.
Gaming Features
The 80 Series offers basic gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. This can be a plus for casual gamers who want to minimize the delay between their controller input and what appears on the screen. However, features like HDMI 2.1 with high refresh rates (VRR) are absent. These cutting-edge features are becoming increasingly important for serious gamers who want the most responsive and visually immersive gaming experience possible.
Durability and Build Quality
The 80 Series prioritizes functionality over luxurious materials. It utilizes a plastic back panel and a basic stand. While not the most glamorous design, the construction feels well-built and should last for years with proper care. Budget-conscious viewers who prioritize functionality over aesthetics will likely find this approach acceptable.
Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity
The 80 Series offers decent viewing angles thanks to the LED panel technology. This makes it suitable for rooms with multiple viewers seated at different angles. Everyone can enjoy a clear picture without significant color or brightness shifts, even when not positioned directly in front of the TV. However, some users report issues with dirty screen effect (DSE), which can be more noticeable on larger screens. This can manifest as blotchy patches, especially in dark scenes. It’s important to note that DSE variance can exist from panel to panel, so some users might experience more or less of this effect than others.
Inputs
The 80 Series offers a good selection of inputs, including:
- 2x HDMI ports (may vary depending on model size)
- 2x USB ports for media playback or connecting external devices
- Digital optical audio output
- Ethernet port for wired internet connection
This selection caters to most viewers’ needs. You can connect various devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and external hard drives without any limitations.
Overall Value
The LG 80 Series 4K UHD Smart TV strikes a balance between affordability and features. Here’s a quick recap:
- Strengths: Affordable price point, user-friendly webOS platform with Alexa integration and a vast app library, decent viewing angles, and enough connectivity options for most users.
- Considerations: Limited picture quality compared to higher-end TVs, average motion handling, basic gaming features, potential for DSE issues, and average brightness contrast.
Conclusion
The LG 80 Series emerges as a compelling option for budget-conscious viewers seeking a user-friendly 4K TV with built-in Alexa. The webOS platform offers a smooth and intuitive experience for navigating content and accessing streaming apps. While picture quality might not be top-of-the-line, the 80 Series delivers a decent viewing experience for casual viewers. With built-in Alexa and a good selection of connection options, you can control your TV with your voice and connect all your favorite devices. However, if you prioritize cutting-edge picture quality, ultra-smooth motion handling, or advanced gaming features, you might want to consider a higher-end TV.
