LG 55 B4

B46 / B42 / B43

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

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Panel technology: WRGB OLED | Brand: LG | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: WebOS | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

8.1

Overall rating

LG OLED B4 is an exceptionally versatile device in the semi-premium category. For how else can you describe an OLED television that is so well-priced, and whose price, as history shows, will quickly drop? Perfect blacks and contrast are two things that inevitably hypnotise, and we are sure that anyone who has ever owned a device with this panel will not be able to return to LCD units. The brightness results of the TV in HDR content may seem quite low, however, in this case, due to such a panel, they will appear optically much higher. It is worth noting their stability and uniformity in practically every scene. In this case, a minor downside is the brightness of full-frame content filled with a lot of white. However, we do not consider this a serious issue, as there are not many such instances. The factory colour reproduction also deserves praise, which in our unit is quite decent, but one cannot help but recall the beneficial effect calibration had on the image, allowing the director's intentions to be conveyed in full. LG B4 will be an excellent choice for all sorts of gamers, as well as sports fans. The former will certainly appreciate the rich support in the form of all the conveniences arising from the HDMI 2.1 standard. Meanwhile, the latter will enjoy the advanced motion smoother with multi-level adjustment. And finally, it is impossible not to mention the convenience resulting from the remote control with a built-in gyroscope, which allows it to function like a mouse. The WebOS system, which we will navigate, is incredibly smooth and responsive. It offers a multitude of applications that will be more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. The heart of the LG B4 TV is the advanced Alpha processor, which is responsible for image smoothness and advanced signal analysis. In summary: who is the LG OLED B4 for? It is the perfect device for those expecting the highest possible image quality within a given budget, but not only that. The LG B4 clearly stands out from the competition at its price point, which cannot offer such high-quality image in this price range.

Advantages

Reference colour reproduction after calibration
Very good image compliance with the director's intentions
Excellent compatibility with consoles and PCs
Advanced motion smoothing system
Deep and vivid image
Developed WebOs system and "mouse" remote

Disadvantages

Visible tonal transitions

Movies and series in UHD quality

8.1
Classic TV, YouTube

8.8
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

8.6
Gaming on console

9.3
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

5.7
Utility functions

9.5
Apps

9.7
Sound quality

7.1

Competing TVs in this price range

8.6

LG OLED G4 55”

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8.4

Samsung OLED S95D 55”

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8.4

Panasonic Z95A 55”

Go to review

8.3

Sony A95L 55”

Go to review

8.3

LG OLED C4 55”

Go to review

8.1

Review Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) Main photo

Samsung OLED S90D / S94D (WRGB OLED) 55”

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8.1

Philips OLED909 55”

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7.9

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN95D Main photo

Samsung Neo QLED QN95D 55”

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7.9

Sony Bravia 8 (XR80) 55”

Go to review

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

10/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Review LG 55 B4 Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

∞:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

∞:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

LG B4 uses OLED panels produced by LG Displays. The use of this type of panel gives us perfect contrast and black levels. Thanks to these conditions, the image is incredibly three-dimensional, almost as if it were three-dimensional. The manufacturer's series with the letter "B" has always been the ideal solution for those seeking very good image quality while not wanting to pay extra for features that are only available in higher series. Therefore, these models have been somewhat of a dark horse in this price range, as their competitive pricing primarily allowed them to compete with Mini LED televisions. It’s not hard to say that these models have won these battles due to the absence of characteristic flaws found in LCD receivers with multi-zone backlighting, such as blooming/halo effects or dimming of images with fine bright details. And as we can see in the test scenes from the films "Oblivion" and "Sicario 2," the image quality stands at the highest level. Looking at the first one, we see a spectacular play of lights that, despite their brightness, are perfectly separated from each other. Even the more difficult scene with the helicopter poses no problem for LG B4, showcasing a wealth of detail and the specific colour grading characteristic of this title.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6.3/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 75.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

664 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

650 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

677 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

662 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

410 nit

The brightness results in HDR materials LG B4 are very good. It is true that none of them exceed 1000 nits, although the luminance stability is excellent and looks practically the same in every scenario. The only moment where the tested television performs worse is the last scene, although this should not come as a surprise. Large frames filled with a lot of white have always been, and will likely continue to be, somewhat of a weakness for OLED televisions. However, the combination of perfect contrast, black levels, and brightness in the LG B4 allows for a full spectrum of the HDR effect. Additionally, the incredibly high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which reached 99%, deserves recognition. As a result, colours look incredibly vibrant and stunning.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Let's take a look at our two challenging test scenes from the films "Mr" and "Billy Lynn". The first one, mastered to very high brightness, performed excellently. Of course, the television cannot generate such luminance and the image is slightly dimmed, but the preservation of all details in the highlights and clouds is at the highest level. This is due to the well-implemented dynamic tone mapping feature. The second test frame, more varied, is meant to showcase both high contrast and impressive bursts of fireworks. The LG B4 handled this task beautifully, and it can be said that the scene was rendered according to the director's intentions. We also note the very natural reproduction of skin tones, which are full of shades, making it extremely realistic.

HDR luminance chart:

As we have seen, the tone mapping function in movies works very well. Despite this, we decided to test it in one more challenging scenario, in an image with a lot of white. Thanks to the efficient DTM function, or dynamic tone mapping, all details are very well visible, and only minor elements blend into the surroundings. Therefore, we certainly recommend using it. LG B4 is equipped with Dolby Vision HDR format, which has dynamic metadata enabling image adjustment on a frame-by-frame basis. When such a signal is provided, everything that was less visible appears in full glory. This just shows how much this format is needed by units that do not break the magical barrier of 1000 nits.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.4/10

The smoothness of tonal transitions, often overlooked in various tests on competitive portals, is an equally important aspect of image quality assessment. It is particularly crucial when watching materials that feature a wealth of colours and many intricate effects, where textures blend together. This often leads to what's known as colour banding, or a lack of smooth gradation. The tested television handles tonal transition smoothing quite well. However, it's worth noting that it has its weaker moments, such as the bright colourful sky in the film "Kingsman" or "The Martian." These, however, are not issues that detract from the viewing pleasure. Therefore, we assess the quality of tonal transitions in LG B4 positively.

Review LG 55 B4 Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.9/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In this paragraph, we will take another look at the tonal transition smoothing feature, but we will also check how the TV handles lower quality material. As we have managed to check, the setting responsible for smooth gradation works quite effectively, although it has its weaker moments. While the feature works well with SDR content, it becomes less useful with HDR content. Even at the lowest of options, it blurs essential details, so we advise against using it.

The image scaling on LG B4 is rated fairly moderately positively. Although there is no edge splitting, the image itself is naturally "soft". We can change this by adjusting the sharpness slider.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 120Hz

Brightness drop with BFI: 49%

The maximum refresh rate we can set on the LG B4 is 120 Hz. This is the absolute minimum for those who require high image smoothness. The manufacturer has implemented a multi-level motion smoother called "TruMotion". It has been divided into two separate sliders that adjust the sharpness of moving images (De-Blur) and stuttering (De-Judder). Both sliders can be set in the range from 0 to 10, with each level affecting the degree of smoothness, so everyone can find their sweet spot.

The LG OLED B4 panel features an average response time of 0.1 ms (which directly results from our measurements), allowing for an incredibly clear image, unattainable for LCD TVs, which have response times of even several milliseconds. This can be clearly seen in images from the "UFO Test", showing no trace of blur trailing behind the object.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

An additional feature that maximises picture fluidity is "OLED Motion", which uses black frame insertion (BFI) between film frames to "reset" the retina, thereby enhancing image sharpness. Unfortunately, it is completely useless, as when enabled, the television drops every second frame, which significantly affects the viewing comfort.

Console compatibility and gaming features

10/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 40 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: Yes
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

The LG B4 television is equipped with four full-fledged HDMI 2.1 ports with a full bandwidth of 48Gbps. All functions corresponding to this standard activated without any issues, and throughout the entire testing procedure, they caused no problems. The combination of such extensive functionality and low input lags leads us to say that the tested television is truly designed for gaming. This is not surprising, considering that the manufacturer has always placed great emphasis on this. Therefore, we can enjoy both a properly implemented HGIG mode and gameplay in Dolby Vision with low latency. Such a tandem will surely attract the attention of all passionate gamers for whom quality is the most important.

A standard feature in televisions from the Korean manufacturer is also the implementation of GameBar, allowing for quick adjustments of settings "on the fly," without the need to exit the game. It also enables image adjustments for individuals with visual impairments, which is an extremely nice touch. Another important piece of information is that when the VRR technology is turned on, we will not experience a drop in contrast. This is, of course, due to the construction of the panel and the lack of conventional backlighting. However, it is normal for shades of grey to flicker slightly, although this is a characteristic feature of this function regardless of the manufacturer and the television.

In summary: The LG B4, like all OLEDs from the manufacturer equipped with 120Hz panels and HDMI 2.1 ports, creates a harmonious whole with the console. In practice, it is a complete television, and if we expect the highest possible efficiency in gaming, the B4 will be the ideal choice.

Input lag

10/10

Delay times for LG B4 are incredibly low in every scenario. Even the most passionate gamers will certainly appreciate the very low input lag of just 5 ms at demanding settings of 4K 120 Hz with HDR. It's also worth noting that the latency at the same settings, but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled, remains unchanged, which is not as obvious with the competition. Therefore, it deserves the highest rating and recommendation.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 13 ms	2160p60: 13 ms	2160p60 DV: 13 ms
1080p120: 5 ms	2160p120: 5 ms	2160p120 DV: 5 ms
2160p60: 13 ms
2160p120: 5 ms

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 5ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RWBG

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

LG B4 paired with a PC performs excellently due to its very low latency of just 13.5 ms, which is virtually instant response between the mouse, the eye, and the screen. A crucial aspect of working on a display is readability, which in the case of the tested television is very good. However, it's worth noting that to achieve sharp fonts, you need to enable the passthrough option in the settings.

The RWBG pixel layout does not significantly affect the display of fonts or letters, which is a notable advantage over Samsung's QD-OLED matrices. Users of both Windows and macOS equipped computers will certainly be pleased with the performance on the tested television screen.

Viewing angles

7.4/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 29%

The undeniable advantage of OLED panels is their efficiency in group viewing, meaning from different angles. LG B4 maintains very good contrast, colour saturation, and fidelity. While it may not match organic TVs supported by MLA technology, it cannot be said that anyone who purchases the device has been dissatisfied with the results. However, it should be noted that at sharp angles, a slight greenish tint can be observed. This is a characteristic feature of WRGB panels from LG, without the aforementioned micro-lens technology, and unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about it.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.7/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

The maximum brightness of the TV in SDR materials is 370 nits. For an OLED TV, this is a very good result, allowing for quite comfortable viewing during the day. There are two things worth noting. The first is the rather average handling of reflections caused by the satin finish of the panel, which means that direct light hitting the TV can be quite intrusive. The second issue is the screen brightness at 100% white fill, hovering around 260 nits, which is an outstanding result, as until recently, OLED TVs in this range could "boast" a brightness two times lower. This means that conditions for watching, for example, winter sports, will be very good.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

LG 55 B4: 374 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 03.11.10

Panel uniformity:

TV features

9.5/10

System operacyjny: WebOS
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): Yes
Recording programming: Yes
Picture in Picture (PiP): Yes
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
AirPlay: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
Audio only mode: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

LG B4 uses the well-known proprietary WebOS system that has been around for many years. The system itself offers virtually all the most important applications, and those that are missing can be counted on one hand, such as CDA or KODI.

WebOS also features a highly valued ability to perform operations using a cursor that appears when the remote is in motion. The convenience of such a function is invaluable when entering queries or passwords for portals. WebOS, like most systems, also supports features such as screen mirroring, AirPlay, voice search in Polish, and the ability to connect headphones via Bluetooth. More down-to-earth things, WebOS allows us to use headphones and the TV's speakers simultaneously, which will surely be a great assistance for people with hearing disabilities. Among the more interesting features that will primarily appeal to sports fans, there is the option to turn on an alert informing about an upcoming match, ensuring that we never miss a broadcast. The home panel also deserves praise, allowing control of all smart devices connected to the home network. For example, the end of a washing cycle will be signalled by a notification in the top right corner.

In summary, the WebOS system, although less known and having certain limitations compared to Android TV, offers stable and fast operation and supports most features that users might need. It is a solid solution for those looking for a simple and effective operating system in a television.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.5/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The default file player in LG B4 definitely handles most photos quite well, although it's surprising that some equally popular ones are missing. We can successfully play videos recorded in practically all the most popular formats, including Dolby Vision. The only codec that LG B4 won’t play is H.266 VVC, although this is currently rather unused. However, it’s worth noting the supported photo formats, which are just two: JPEG and PNG. Apple phone users may feel disappointed by the lack of support for the HEIC format, which is the default format when taking photos. The remedy for this is to use the built-in AirPlay feature. We should also mention the lack of TXT subtitle support.

Apps

9.7/10

Sound

7.1/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The audio system built into the LG OLED B4 can be considered quite decent. We can say that it holds up fairly well in its price range. The bass is quite noticeable, but it doesn't overpower the other frequencies. It can be said that the sound is reasonably well balanced. We believe that those opting for this class of display are, or will be, in possession of an appropriate audio system. Therefore, the presence of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos codecs is not insignificant.

Manufacturer's marketing solutions:

AI Processor α8 Gen6 – The sixth generation of the α8 processor uses artificial intelligence for advanced image and sound analysis and optimisation, adjusting them to match the displayed content and environmental conditions.
AI Picture Wizard – A feature that allows for personalisation of image settings by analysing user preferences, creating the perfect settings from millions of possible combinations.
AI Sound Pro – Sound processing technology that delivers realistic, spatial sound, adapting it to the content and surroundings.
OLED Care – A set of maintenance features designed to maintain optimal performance of the OLED panel, minimising the risk of pixel burn-in and extending the lifespan of the screen.
webOS 24 – The latest version of LG's Smart TV operating system offers an intuitive user interface and access to a wide range of applications and streaming services.
AI Brightness Control – Automatic adjustment of screen brightness based on room lighting, ensuring comfortable viewing in various conditions.
AI Super Upscaling – A feature that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of lower-resolution content to near 4K levels, improving sharpness and detail in the image.
Filmmaker Mode – A mode that allows for watching films according to the creators' intentions, automatically adjusting image settings to lighting conditions.
Game Optimizer – A control panel that provides quick access to game settings, such as VRR, ALLM, and synchronisation with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos – Support for these standards delivers realistic images and immersive, spatial sound, creating a cinematic experience in the comfort of home.

In the Review of the LG OLED B4 , the optimisation of details in the darkest and brightest parts of the image is clearly noticeable, making movie watching and gaming even more immersive. The processor effectively reduces noise and improves the overall quality of displayed content, which is especially important when watching 4K material. As a result, the LG B4 offers even better image quality than many competing models in a similar price range. Currently, OLED technology is gaining increasing recognition, and the LG B4 is an excellent example of its advantages. The LG OLED B4 test demonstrated that the device handles dynamic action scenes excellently, offering smooth transitions without motion blur. Browsing other TV tests, it can be seen that OLED TVs are becoming increasingly popular among demanding users who value high image quality and modern technology. Most importantly, there is no shortage of any popular applications. In summary: who is the LG OLED B4 for? It is the ideal device for those expecting the highest possible image quality within a set budget, but not limited to that. The LG B4 distinctly stands out from the competition in its price range, which cannot provide such high image quality at this price.

LG 55 B4

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound