I've tested LGs cheapest OLED TV - here are 3 things it does as well as expensive TVs

Date:
Mon, 25 Jul 2022 20:55:03 +0000

Description:
LG's new A2 series TVs are its least expensive OLEDs. Do they hold up against the company's more premium models?

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LGs A series OLED TVs are the companys value-focused line, with models in all screen sizes priced substantially lower than its more performance-oriented C series, a perennial top choice in our Best OLED TV buying guide.

The new A2 series is sold in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes in the US, with the 55-inch model priced at $1,299 / 1,078. A 48-inch model is also available in the UK for 999.

As the least expensive LG OLED TVs, the A2 series lacks some of the
higher-end features found in the companys C2 , G2 , and even step-up B2
series models such as HDMI 2.1 ports, 120 Hz display, AMD Freesync, and hands-free voice control. They also lack LGs higher-brightness OLED evo panel and the latest generation a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K, having to make do instead with last years a7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K.

But the A2 series nonetheless appears to be fairly feature-rich for a value-oriented TV. Heres a rundown of what it offers: 48- 55-, 65-inch screen sizes (48-inch not available in US) 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG, and HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) high dynamic range support HDMI 2.0b inputs (3) with auto low latency mode (ALLM) and eARC Filmmaker mode Web OS22 interface ATSC 1.0 tuner AirPlay 2 Bluetooth 5.0 GeForce Now and Stadia cloud gaming Game Optimizer mode with Game Dashboard Built-in Google Assistant / Alexa voice assistant

LG sent us the 55-inch version (model number: OLED55A2PUA) to test and, eager to see how the A2 would hold up against pricier OLED TVs, we gave it a quick measurements run to get a handle on its performance. This post will be followed up by a full TechRadar review, so keep an eye out for that in the near future. Near-infinite contrast

Multiple light output readings made on a full-black test pattern yielded an average measurement of 0.0017 nits. Thats strikingly close to the 0 nits, or true black, needed for a TV to qualify as having infinite contrast something that more expensive OLED models like LGs G2 manage.

Although contrast on the 55-inch A2 was only near-infinite, blacks looked extremely deep in the manner of the best 4K TVs , making this a promising start to our A2 evaluation. Screen brightness was also sufficient for the dim environment where initial tests were carried out, but well have much more to say about that in our full review. Near-full DCI-P3 color space coverage

Sonys A80K OLED TV , a step-down model in that companys OLED lineup, achieved full coverage of DCI-P3, the color gamut used for mastering movies for
digital cinema and 4K Blu-ray disc release, and so we were eager to see if
the A2 would measure up (using Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software ) to that more value-oriented Sony model.

At 98.8% DCI-P3 coverage, the result turned out to be pretty close, and
better than many other TVs, including some more expensive models, manage. LGs OLED TVs have traditionally measured well on this parameter, however, so we werent too surprised. This is good news for both streamers and for 4K Blu-ray collectors, because the LGs near-full DCI-P3 coverage will indeed do their discs justice. Low input lag for gaming

While the A2 series sets are not 120Hz-capable TVs, they are nonetheless packed with gaming features including a Game Optimizer onscreen menu that gives you extended controls over the sets performance when in that mode. With the Low Input Lag setting selected in Game Optimizer mode, the 55-inch A2 TV measured 10ms a lower input lag result than the Sony A80K, and one that
holds up against the best gaming TVs . LG's A2 series OLED TV comes with spindly feet instead of a solid table mount, though upgrade options are available. (Image credit: Future) A2 series: awesome OLED TV value?

We havent had a chance yet to do a deep-dive on the LGs performance, but the few sports and news programs weve had a chance to watch so far indicate promising overall picture quality for a budget TV. The big questions now are how this set will hold up with HDR movies and for viewing in more well-lit rooms.

Those questions and others! will be answered in our forthcoming full
review, so stay tuned. If this set can look even 80% as good with games, movies, and sports as LGs C2 series TVs, the A2 series will turn out to be an excellent value.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/ive-tested-lgs-cheapest-oled-tv-here-are-3-thin gs-it-does-as-well-as-expensive-tvs/


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