The LG B2 Series shakes up the budget OLED TV market, offering a compelling option for viewers seeking the superior picture quality of OLED technology without breaking the bank. This TV boasts stunning blacks, exceptional contrast, and LG’s user-friendly webOS platform, making it a serious contender for those seeking a premium viewing experience at a more accessible price point.
Specifications
| Brand | LG |
| Display Technology | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Special Feature | Nvidia G Sync, Intelligent Voice Recognition |
| Included Components | Stand, Television, Battery, Power Cable, Remote, Quick Start Guide |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
| Supported Internet Services | Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+ |
Today’s LG B2 Series Smart 4K TV Deals
LG 55-Inch Class OLED B2 Series
LG B2 Series 65-Inch Class OLED Smart TV
LG 77-Inch Class OLED B2 Series
Picture Quality
The B2 Series utilizes self-lit OLED technology, the crown jewel of picture quality. Unlike traditional LED TVs with backlighting, each pixel in an OLED panel illuminates independently. This translates to perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and exceptional viewing angles. Whether you’re watching a space documentary with inky black scenes or a nature show bursting with vibrant colors, the B2 delivers a truly immersive and captivating viewing experience.
However, OLED technology isn’t without limitations. The B2 Series might not boast the highest peak brightness compared to some high-end LED TVs. This can be a concern for viewers with very bright rooms or those who prefer an intensely bright picture. Additionally, OLED panels are susceptible to burn-in, where static images displayed for long periods can leave a faint permanent mark.
Design
The B2 Series embraces a clean and minimalist design that complements any modern living space. The razor-thin bezels create a near bezel-less appearance, keeping the focus on the stunning picture. The sleek stand provides good stability and allows for easy placement on a TV console. The build quality feels solid, with a premium-looking back panel that reinforces the overall sophisticated look.
How Does it Compare? Stacking Up Against the Competition
The B2 Series enters a competitive market with established players. Here’s a quick comparison against two key rivals:
- Samsung S95B OLED: The Samsung S95B boasts a brighter OLED panel and might be a better fit for very bright rooms. However, the price point might be slightly higher, and the smart platform (Tizen) can feel less user-friendly compared to LG’s webOS.
- Sony A80K OLED: The Sony A80K offers similar picture quality to the B2 Series with a focus on color accuracy. However, the design might not be as sleek, and the smart platform (Google TV) can be less intuitive for some users.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you prioritize peak brightness and are willing to pay a slight premium, the Samsung S95B might be a better fit. If color accuracy and a familiar smart platform are your focus, the Sony A80K is an option. But if you value a balance of affordability, stunning picture quality, and a user-friendly interface, the B2 Series is a strong contender.
Brightness and Contrast
As mentioned earlier, the B2 Series might not be the brightest OLED TV on the market. However, its strength lies in its exceptional contrast. The self-lit OLED technology delivers perfect blacks, resulting in a stunning picture with incredible depth and detail. This is particularly noticeable in dark scenes where traditional LED TVs struggle. While some viewers might prefer a very bright picture, the B2 offers a more natural and cinematic viewing experience.
Sound Quality
The built-in speakers on the B2 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 truly 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 B2 Series boasts LG’s renowned webOS platform, praised for its intuitive interface and smooth navigation. You’ll have access to a vast library of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. Additionally, webOS offers built-in support for ThinQ AI, allowing voice control through the remote or compatible smart speakers. This lets you search content, adjust settings, and even control other smart home devices.
WebOS is generally praised for its user-friendliness. It features a clean layout with easy-to-find icons and customizable options. Compared to some competitor platforms, it offers a more streamlined experience, allowing you to prioritize your favorite apps for quick access.
Motion Handling
The B2 Series utilizes LG’s motion processing technology to reduce blur in fast-paced scenes. However, motion handling might not be perfect for viewers seeking the smoothest experience. Judder (a stuttery effect) might be noticeable in very 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 B2 Series offers basic gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. However, features like HDMI 2.1 with high refresh rates (VRR) are absent in most models. This might be a drawback for serious gamers seeking the most cutting-edge gaming capabilities on their TV.
Durability and Build Quality
The B2 Series feels well-built with a sturdy back panel and a metallic stand that provides good stability. While not the most luxurious materials, they feel well-constructed and should last for years with proper care. LG is known for its reliable products, and the B2 Series upholds that reputation.
Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity
One of the significant advantages of OLED technology is its wide viewing angles. The B2 Series offers excellent viewing angles thanks to the self-lit nature of OLED pixels. This makes it suitable for rooms with multiple viewers seated at different angles, ensuring everyone enjoys a clear and consistent picture. Additionally, OLED panels are generally less susceptible to dirty screen effect (DSE) compared to some LED TVs.
Inputs
The B2 Series offers a good selection of inputs, including:
- 4x HDMI ports (at least one with eARC for connecting a soundbar)
- 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, allowing you to connect various devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. The inclusion of four HDMI ports is a plus compared to some competitor models offering only three.
Overall Value
The LG B2 Series offers a compelling proposition for viewers seeking a significant upgrade in picture quality without breaking the bank. The OLED technology delivers stunning blacks, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles, making it a leap forward compared to traditional LED TVs. Additionally, the user-friendly webOS platform and sleek design make it a well-rounded option.
While there are limitations in motion handling, gaming features, and peak brightness compared to some high-end models, these might be acceptable trade-offs for viewers prioritizing picture quality at a more accessible price point.
Conclusion
The LG B2 Series is a solid choice for viewers who prioritize exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks and wide viewing angles. If you can live with some limitations in motion handling, gaming features, and invest in a separate sound system for a more immersive experience, the B2 Series offers a budget-friendly gateway to the superior viewing experience of OLED technology from a trusted brand.
