LG 55-Inch Class OLED B4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor (OLED55B4PUA) Review

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The LG 55-Inch Class OLED B4 Series Smart TV (OLED55B4PUA) is an impressive mid-range television, featuring the hallmark qualities of OLED technology, such as deep blacks, vivid colors, and remarkable contrast. With smart functionality, a powerful 4K processor, and integration with Alexa and other AI assistants, it offers a well-rounded viewing experience for various types of users.

Design and Build Quality
The LG OLED B4 Series boasts a slim, modern design with ultra-thin bezels that provide an almost edge-to-edge display. Its minimalist aesthetic complements any home décor, making it a centerpiece for a living room or home theater. The TV's build quality is solid, with a stable stand that supports the display well. Despite its sleek design, OLED panels are inherently delicate, so care is needed when moving or installing the TV.

The included Magic Remote enhances the user experience with its intuitive, point-and-click interface, voice commands, and shortcut buttons for popular streaming services. The remote feels comfortable in hand and makes navigating the TV’s interface smooth and straightforward.

Display and Picture Quality
At the core of the B4 Series is LG's OLED display technology, which delivers exceptional picture quality. With OLED, each pixel is self-lit, allowing the TV to produce true blacks by turning off individual pixels entirely. This results in infinite contrast, making dark scenes in movies or shows stand out with incredible detail and realism.

The TV's 4K resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, and the wide color gamut ensures that colors are vibrant and accurate. HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support provide additional dynamic range, allowing for more nuanced highlights and shadows, though it lacks support for the more advanced Dolby Vision format seen in higher-end LG models.

One standout feature of this TV is its AI-powered 4K processor, which enhances image quality by upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K levels. It also helps optimize the TV’s performance by adjusting settings in real-time based on the type of content being watched, be it movies, sports, or gaming. However, while the AI processing improves clarity, it's not always perfect, and some scenes may occasionally look over-processed, particularly in fast-moving action sequences.

Smart Features and Interface
The webOS platform that powers LG’s smart functionality is user-friendly and feature-rich. It offers access to all major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+, with quick response times and minimal lag when switching between apps. The Magic Remote’s voice control feature allows you to search for content or control other smart home devices via Alexa, Google Assistant, or LG’s proprietary ThinQ AI, all of which are built into the TV.

This model includes Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, allowing easy streaming from Apple devices. While the smart features are robust, the overall app ecosystem may feel slightly less polished compared to rivals like Samsung’s Tizen or Roku’s OS.

Sound Quality
The sound quality of the LG B4 Series is decent, with clear dialogue and a balanced soundstage for casual viewing. However, like most modern ultra-thin TVs, the audio lacks deep bass and dynamic range. To truly enhance the audio experience, especially for movies and gaming, it’s recommended to pair the TV with a soundbar or external speaker system.

Connectivity
The B4 Series is well-equipped with four HDMI ports, all supporting 4K, as well as USB inputs and Ethernet. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connections. The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows easy integration with a soundbar, and eARC support enables better audio quality for compatible devices.

Conclusion
The LG 55-Inch OLED B4 Series excels in delivering a top-tier viewing experience thanks to its OLED panel, excellent 4K upscaling, and AI-powered features. While it may lack some of the premium features of higher-end OLED models, such as Dolby Vision or advanced gaming features, it remains a solid choice for those looking to enjoy vibrant visuals, deep blacks, and smart TV functionality.

Positive Points:
Outstanding picture quality: OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast.
AI-powered 4K processor: Upscales content to near-4K quality and optimizes performance.
Intuitive Magic Remote: Easy navigation with voice commands and shortcuts.
Smart features: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and webOS provide robust streaming options.
Negative Points:
Lacks Dolby Vision support: HDR10 is good, but Dolby Vision would offer an even better HDR experience.
Sound quality is average: External sound systems are needed for a richer audio experience.
Slight over-processing in fast scenes: AI upscaling may occasionally make scenes look too sharp or unnatural.