The LG G4 OLED Review: The New King of Brightness

For years, the debate between OLED and high-end LED TVs has hinged on a single trade-off: OLED’s perfect, inky blacks versus the sheer, room-searing brightness of its rivals. With every new generation, LG has chipped away at this compromise, but the G4 feels different. This isn’t just an incremental step; it’s a confident stride towards ending the debate entirely. Armed with next-generation Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology and the formidable new Alpha 11 processor, the LG G4 is a statement piece, an unapologetic attempt to craft the best consumer television on the market. But does it succeed?

A Design That Demands a Wall

True to its “Gallery” designation, the G4 is engineered to be a centerpiece. Its defining characteristic is the “One Wall Design,” a completely flat back and uniform thickness that allows it to sit perfectly flush against a wall, leaving no discernible gap. The effect is stunning, transforming the television from a mere appliance into a piece of digital art. The build quality is impeccable, with a sturdy metal frame and razor-thin bezels that all but disappear when the screen is active.

However, this design philosophy comes with a significant caveat: a tabletop stand is not included in the box. LG provides a proprietary slim wall mount, reinforcing the G4’s intended placement. If your setup demands a stand, be prepared to purchase it separately. While this choice is understandable from a design perspective, it’s a practical consideration that feels like an upsell on an already premium product.

The Power of Light and Intelligence

The G4’s picture quality is, in a word, breathtaking. The star of the show is the combination of MLA and LG’s “Brightness Booster Max” algorithm. This pairing allows the G4 to achieve brightness levels previously unheard of for OLED panels, pushing spectacular HDR highlights that give scenes incredible depth and realism. Explosions, sunlit skies, and reflections don’t just look bright; they feel energetic and lifelike, all while maintaining the pixel-perfect contrast and absolute blacks that make OLED technology so special. This is the best of both worlds, offering a dynamic range that few other displays can match.

Driving this visual feast is the new Alpha 11 AI Processor. This chip is more than just marketing fluff; its power is evident in the G4’s masterful handling of motion and its superb upscaling of lower-resolution content. The “AI Director Processing” feature is particularly impressive, analyzing the image to ensure it adheres to the filmmaker’s original color grading and intent. The result is a picture that is not only technically brilliant but also cinematically authentic. For gamers, the G4 is a dream machine, boasting four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, a native 144Hz refresh rate for PC gaming, and flawless support for VRR, G-Sync, and FreeSync.

Features, Foibles, and Final Thoughts

LG’s webOS 24 smart platform is snappy and feature-rich, offering access to every streaming app imaginable. The interface has been streamlined, but it can still feel a bit busy with content recommendations and advertisements. A major and welcome change is LG’s promise of five years of OS upgrades, adding long-term value and future-proofing your investment. On the audio front, the G4’s built-in speakers are serviceable for casual viewing, but they simply can’t match the grandeur of the visuals. To do this screen justice, a dedicated soundbar or full surround sound system is practically a necessity.

This brings us to the ultimate question of value. The LG G4 OLED is an expensive television, commanding a steep premium over its excellent sibling, the C4. Is it worth it? For the videophile who demands the absolute pinnacle of picture quality, for the bright-room viewer who has craved OLED’s contrast without compromising on luminosity, and for the enthusiast who appreciates its flawless wall-mounted aesthetic, the answer is a resounding yes. The G4 isn’t just an iteration; it’s the new benchmark for flagship TV performance. It’s built for those who don’t want to compromise, delivering an image that is as close to perfect as modern technology allows.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon