Having been the main name in OLED tech for nearly a decade now, LG show no sign of slowing down as they throw their weight behind this impressive screen technology with their G4 series.
Another year, another series of OLEDs. Now that we’ve stopped accelerating through new buzzwords and tech at quite such a breakneck speed since OLED really showed up in 2015 and shook up the TV world (and all the associated letters like a game of Boggle), we can see smaller improvements year on year – evolution not revolution as we like to say in store.
Another thing we typically end up saying, is that ‘If you’re buying an OLED, you’re getting an LG panel regardless’ – which is largely true aside from a few exceptions like the phenomenal 77” 2000 series from Panasonic’s own factory. And this itself isn’t an issue either – but does it mean that LG hand over their panels for others to enhance, or can they hold their own against the arguably more established TV brands like Sony and Samsung?
The C series and G series have been the staple flagships for a few years now – C being their ‘core’ (or at least that’s how I’ve interpreted the letters) and G is Gallery due to it’s razor thin profile and wanting to be wall mounted only. Until the last couple of years, that was the main difference, aesthetics and maybe a couple of bells and whistles but no substantial image difference. However, that’s not the case with the later series. Below is a whistle-stop of the differences between the two sets to try and help you decide between the two as we start to approach the all important Black Friday/Cyber Monday period.
Aesthetically, the difference between the G4 and C4 is fairly obvious, although both are slim with barely a bezel to notice or mention, the G4 is a sleek, uniform thickness which makes it perfect for hanging on a wall – as it always has been. There is however the G4S series, nothing to do with the security firm, with the S meaning stand here. So an included stand, but no free wall mount. The stand is also a little higher than the C4 series’ ‘alpine’ stand, meaning that the pedestal mount should help raise it above some larger soundbars out there if you’re worried about losing a centimetre or two from the screen.
On paper, you’d also be forgiven for thinking that they are all largely the same, much like looking at a range of cars – all 4 wheels, all going forward, and largely running on petrol. So why the difference in cost for changing some letters at the end? (think AMG tuned Mercedes if it helps) However the G series is hiding the very latest that LG can put in their TV’s and shows a genuine difference between the two for it.
The LG G4 is one of the best OLED TVs to arrive this year offering brilliant picture quality and general improvements across the board.
Both might be current generation LG OLED Ex panels with MLA (Micro Lens Array – fancy tiny mirrors in each pixel to boost your contrast naturally), but the MLA+ in the G series takes this a step further. Coupled with the Vantablack screen to help negate ambient brightness and really show off those OLED inky blacks, you’re left with a sense of contrast and shadow detail that most other screens, including the C4 can only hope to match.
New for this year is also a new processor, not just an updated one. To take full advantage of the increased panel technology, LG have developed an a11 processor over and above their former flagship the a9 to ensure colour, skin tone and motion are as natural as possible, and look as close to the artist’s intention as possible when you’re streaming or watching films. The C4 still retains an updated a9 processor – which is no bad thing, but it shows the difference they’re willing to make for the G series now.
If you’re totally anti-soundbar (although with us at Richer Sounds frequently running discounted or even free bars on this series – why would you not get one?!) the G series also has improved sound and amplification over the C series, meaning you can really ensure you have the most minimal TV if that’s what you’re looking to achieve.
“But blog man, I can only fit a smaller TV in my room and don’t WANT a 55”+ TV in my living room – why do you keep on about the G series” I hear you cry, for the purposes of this article. Well LG have ensured that the C series is available in 42” and 48” sizes too. Whilst the fancier additional features of the G series are nice to have, there’s a good argument that you won’t necessarily benefit from them in a small screen, as you simply can’t get the detail on a TV that size. For this, you can still have nearly the pinnacle of technology – but in a far more room-friendly size now that LG has opted to make smaller flagships.
Overall, LG will represent fantastic value if you’re looking to make the foray into OLEDs – and they’ve never been at a better price to do so. You’re buying from the brand that brought the technology into the mainstream, and from the company that will back that technology for 6 years. Why not see it in action at your local store before the promotional rush, and get ready to buy with our Black Friday price promise?
Author: Tom, Cardiff Store
