LG G3 OLED review

The G3 is probably the most important new OLED TV from LG in years, principally as a result of it’s constructed round an all-new OLED Evo panel design from LG Show that makes use of a Micro Lens Array (MLA) of tiny lenses to raised focus its gentle output. This implies it will possibly generate brighter photographs, with out requiring extra energy. 

Add a class-leading processor, brimming with brightness boosting algorithms and AI applied sciences and the upshot is stunningly nice picture high quality. 

In fact, many patrons will merely be turned on by the G3’s premium design and end. Or maybe they only need a TV that may serve next-gen avid gamers in addition to it does dwelling cinema lovers.  

No matter manner you have a look at it, the G3 is a really particular telly. Let’s dig slightly deeper… 

Design & Options

• One Wall design 
• Upgraded webOS sensible TV 
• Freeview Play 

As befits its premium price ticket, the G3 is constructed to impress. The seamless metallic panel wrap seems luxurious, whereas the bodywork cleverly accommodates audio system and connectivity.  It’s now known as One Wall relatively than Gallery Design.

As with earlier G-series screens, the set up default is wall mounting, so there’s no standard stand provided within the field. If you wish to use AV furnishings, you’ll have to spend money on the elective centre stand. 

The set has a uniform depth, so when wall-mounted, it sits flush – even nearer than the LG G2. Bundled within the field is a novel wall mount which inserts inside a properly on the again of the TV case (though keep in mind you’ll additionally have to accommodate energy and cabling). 

The excellent news for wall-hangers is that the G3 is constructed from light-weight composite fibre, which reduces the general weight in comparison with old style OLEDs.  

Steve Could / Foundry

Rear connectivity contains 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, all of that are 4K 120Hz enabled – excellent if you happen to’re operating each an Xbox Collection X and PS5. There’s additionally eARC on HDMI 2. As well as, there’s a digital optical audio output, three USB (V2.0) jacks, and Ethernet (to help built-in Wi-Fi).   

The set has a Freeview Play terrestrial tuner (within the UK), alongside a satellite tv for pc tuner, and CI card slot.  

Management comes through the newest iteration of the LG Magic Distant, with it’s distinctive thumbwheel and on-screen cursor like a Nintendo Wii Distant. This has devoted buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Disney+, Amazon Alexa (within the UK) and LG’s personal assortment of IP-delivered TV channels.

I’m not an enormous fan of the magic distant idea, as I discover the cursor a bit clunky however chances are you’ll adore it. 

Steve Could / Foundry

The excellent news is that LG has refreshed the webOS Dwelling consumer interface for 2023, chopping again the variety of curated content material rails (which on earlier webOS iterations scrolled down for an age).  

As an alternative, the brand new UI design works on a two-page design. There are fewer thumbnails to load leading to simplified navigation. This makes for a sooner, extra responsive shopping expertise. Generally much less is extra. 

Streaming companies are grouped, relatively than having separate cabinets. LG has additionally launched Fast Playing cards, folders which organise apps by content material.  We’ve additionally received a extra highly effective Dwelling Hub, which now helps Matter gadgets; the webOS 23 platform is natively licensed for Matter gadgets.   

Image High quality

• MLA OLED panel
• Brightness Booster Max 
• α9 AI Processor Gen6 
• Dolby Imaginative and prescient 

Spoiler alert: the G3 delivers the perfect trying LG OLED image I’ve seen outdoors of a lab. I’m in awe as this TV is solely attractive to have a look at.

Each HD and native 4K content material seem gloriously detailed, gradations and color constancy are excellent. 

A lot of this refinement might be put right down to the highly effective α9 AI Processor Gen6 behind the glass. This has the clout to deal with AI-assisted Deep Studying know-how in addition to new processing methods like Dynamic Tone Mapping Professional, which guarantees even better refinement, albeit from choose (non-HDCP protected) sources. 

And boy does it shine. Not solely does the G3 use that intelligent new Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel, it additionally boasts Brightness Booster Max know-how, a mixture of brightness boosting algorithms, with Mild Management Structure, which is a {hardware} part.  

LG quotes as much as a 70% brightness enchancment in comparison with customary (non Evo) LG B OLED collection. 

The set’s HDR efficiency is excellent. I measured peak HDR brightness at 1270 nits utilizing a 5% window, and 1180 nits with a ten% patch, within the Commonplace image mode.

Because of this actually small specular highlights, like brilliant lights, glittering reflections and brilliant VFX, actually zing off the display, and there’s barely any distinction with bigger HDR objects.

In fact, measure the set with even smaller patch home windows and the HDR peak brightness determine will inevitably rating increased. No matter manner you look it, the G3’s HDR footage are a knockout. 

Steve Could / Foundry

This luminosity bonus is straight away apparent. Footage have an unusual stage of pop. Skies are bluer, whites extra sensible. It’s not simply HDR highlights that profit from Brightness Booster Max, the common image stage will get a considerable raise too, so even SDR content material seems extra interesting.  

Fortunately, MLA doesn’t work on the expense of OLED’s famend black stage or its near-black (shadow) nuance.  

Image modes are many and varied. There’s Cinema, Sports activities, Vivid, Commonplace, Filmmaker mode, ISF Professional settings and Sport. HD help covers vanilla HDR10, HLG and Dolby Imaginative and prescient, however not HDR10+ (as favoured by Amazon Prime Video).

Cinema and Commonplace are very straightforward on the attention. Use the Trumotion Cinematic Motion mode to make sure movies nonetheless look cinematic. 

Steve Could / Foundry

Latency is nice. I measured enter lag at 12.9ms (1080p/60fps) in Sport mode. There’s additionally Freesync Premium and NVidia G-Sync VRR help. A devoted Sport Optimizer window teams gaming associated settings collectively.

LG clearly takes gaming extra critically than most! 

Sound High quality 

• Dolby Atmos 
• WOW Orchestra appropriate  
• AI Sound Professional 
• DTS Imax Enhanced help 

The set could haven’t any apparent audio system, but it surely nonetheless sounds remarkably good. Utilizing a 4.2 speaker configuration, there’s weight and element within the soundstage.

The AI powered sound mode of the G3 delivers a extra detailed, beneficiant soundscape. It’ll decode Dolby Atmos or bitstream immersive audio out to a ready soundbar or dwelling cinema system. 

AI powered audio modes embody AI Clear sound, Auto Steadiness management and 9.1.2 digital upscaling.  

AI Clear sound is ready to establish picture content material and match sound appropriately. The processor adjusts the amount of various frequencies in order that treble can’t be overwhelmed by bass. It’s refined however fairly helpful. 

The G3 can also be appropriate with LG’s ‘Wow Orchestra’ system, which integrates a appropriate LG soundbar with the set’s personal audio audio system.  

Value & Availability

The LG G3 is obtainable in 4 display sizes, and so they’re beginning to ship proper now.

Select from 55-, 65- 77- and 83in display sizes (OLED55G3, OLED65G3, OLED77G3, OLED83G3 in order for you the mannequin numbers) are priced at £2,599, £3,499, £4,999 and £7,499 respectively. 

On my check bench is the 65-inch mannequin and you should buy the TV from LG, John Lewis and Sevenoaks.

Within the US, the identical fashions can be found for $2,499, $3,299, $4,499 and $6,499 – out there from LG and different retailers to comply with together with, we assume, BestBuy and Amazon.

The G3 successfully sits on the high of LG’s TV vary, above the mainstream C3 and cheaper B and A fashions. The model nonetheless provides its Signature Z 8K collection, however for many patrons, it’s the G3 that will probably be seen because the hero mannequin. Oh, it additionally comes with a 5 12 months panel guarantee, which covers ‘regular TV utilization.’ 

Try our chart of the perfect TVs for extra choices. Keep in mind that final 12 months’s fashions, together with the LG G2 and LG C2 will now be discounted and will make for a cut price if you happen to don’t must have the newest options.

Verdict  

Simply if you thought OLED couldn’t get significantly better, alongside comes the LG G3. This stunner combines extremely dynamic photographs, with stunning ranges of element and a color vibrancy that warms the soul.

As a house cinema show it’s sensational, and it doesn’t drop the ball with regards to gaming both. Having 4K 120Hz help on all HDMI inputs is nice and that’s not the top of the advantages for avid gamers.  

The LG G3 could also be expensive, but it surely units a brand new benchmark different panels will probably be judged in opposition to. I believe it’s magnificent, though it could be good if LG included a stand for individuals who don’t wish to wall-mount. 

Specs

• Mannequin examined
• 65in (55-, 77-, 83in additionally out there)
• OLED Evo 4K show know-how with MLA
• Decision: 3840 x 2160  
• HDMI: x4  
• HDR help: HDR10, HLG,  Dolby Imaginative and prescient 
• webOS sensible platform  
• Freeview Play terrestrial tuner 
• 4.2 sound system with Dolby Atmos and DTS X help 
• Dimensions: 1441(w) x 826(h) x 24.3(d)mm   
• Weight: 23.9kg