The LG G4 series is the South Korean manufacturer’s high-end range, following last year’s excellent G3 TVs. This series arrives with a brightness level that’s claimed to be even higher than that of any LG 2024 TV line, and with extremely precise calibration to deliver a picture of the highest quality. Designed to be wall-mounted, these models are equipped with video game optimization technologies, including 4K compatibility up to 144Hz. Is everything about the G4 range positive? Find out in this in-depth review.
Dolby Vision and HDR10 for home theater, 144Hz 4K, G-Sync and FreeSync for gaming, a new webOS interface for greater ease of use: the LG OLED65G4 has everything to make it a must-have model. There’s a TV for everyone in the LG OLED G4 range, as the manufacturer offers five different picture sizes, from the €2,790 55” (139cm) model, to the gigantic 97” (246cm) screen sold for €24,990. You should note, however, that the latter uses the same panel as the G3 series. It isn’t as bright and is limited to 120Hz. It is also equipped with the α9 AI 4K Gen 6 chipset, while the other sizes all benefit from the new, more powerful 4K α11 chip that handles HDR content, upscaling and audio.
LG OLED65G4: accessories
The LG OLED65G4 television comes with a wall-mounting bracket and the screws needed for the installation. If you already own a bracket, note that the TV is VESA 400×400 compatible. It is also possible to install it on a base (sold separately) that is the same as the one supplied for the previous series. Plastic covers are supplied with the TV, ensuring a perfectly flat rear panel once fitted. A cable guide system is integrated to keep the cables organized.
For some time now, LG’s remote control has been virtually identical with each new generation, except for a few details. As a result, this TV comes with exactly the same LG Magic Remote, which remains one of the most intuitive on the market. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t feature backlighting.
LG OLED54G4: presentation
The LG OLED65G4 (65”) promises one of the most impressive experiences on the market, with Ultra HD resolution and an OLED Evo panel equipped with the second version of Brightness Booster Max technology. It uses a panel of micro lenses that are distributed across the entire surface, just like the previous generation. This time, however, they feature an optimized curvature to offer increased brightness in association with a new algorithm integrated into the α11 AI 4K chipset. This series should therefore offer better picture quality for HDR10 and Dolby Vision content than its predecessor, whether you’re streaming, watching movies via a 4K Blu-ray disc or playing video games.
When it comes to audio, this television no longer decodes the DTS:X format internally, although the signal can pass through it to a compatible soundbar. There’s still Dolby Atmos compatibility, offering virtual sound spatialization for an immersive audio experience. Like the previous series and the C4 range, the LG OLED65G4 features LG WOW Orchestra technology, which allows the TV’s drivers to work in symbiosis with those of a compatible LG soundbar, offering greater immersion.
The webOS 24 system has seen a small improvement to its homepage, and remains among the most intuitive and comprehensive operating systems on the market, with all the popular streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Canal+ easily accessible for movie and series fans. This year, an Accessibility menu has been added for quick access to assistance functions. We can still count on the personalized picture mode, which is easy to configure. It allows you to enjoy a tailor-made image by selecting which picture you prefer among several suggestions.
The connectivity of the LG OLED65G4 is strictly identical to that of its predecessor and the C4 series. There are 4 HDMI ports, all compatible with 4K 144 Hz, ALLM, VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync.
For gamers, the LG OLED65G4 supports 144Hz 4K, VRR (G-Sync and FreeSync) and ALLM via its four HDMI 2.1 ports. It also provides access to cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now, Blacknut and Boosteroid, whilst supporting Dolby Vision Gaming 4K at 120Hz.
Last but not least, this television is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, the LG ThiQ AI virtual assistant and Alexa for convenient voice control and an optimal user experience.
LG OLED65G4: key specifications
- Screen size: 65″ (165cm)
- Evo OLED panel (high brightness)
- HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ compatible
- G-Sync / FreeSync Premium
- 144Hz 4K
- webOS 24 Smart TV
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (passthrough) sound
- 4 HDMI 2.1 ports
LG OLED65G4: configuration
We tested the TV with its new optional stand, which is a little different from the one designed for the previous model. It consists of a hollow tube which is attached to the rear of the device, in one of two height positions, and then placed on a perfectly rectangular metal base. The base is screwed onto the tube and is 26cm deep and 48.5cm wide. The base is used to organize the cables, which must be run through its center. We connected the TV to a DTT antenna cable and to the Microsoft Xbox games console for 4K UHD Blu-ray disc playback via an HDMI cable. The LG OLED65G4 was connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
On start-up, the user is guided through the setup process via the LG SmartThinQ app, or by following the various steps using the remote control. It’s very simple and straightforward. Once these steps have been validated, you can choose whether or not to activate the AI-optimized image and sound modes. Note that you can also opt for a custom image mode, as explained above, before the TV is fully operational.
LG OLED54G4: our impressions
Design
Like the C Series models, nothing has changed from a design standpoint. It is almost impossible to tell the G3 and G4 models apart.
The screen is only 2.3cm thick across its entire surface. The surrounding black borders are just 5mm wide. Add to this a frame of just 2mm, leaving plenty of room for the picture.
The excellent anti-glare filter is identical to the previous generation and is slightly more effective than those of the C Series TVs. However, it is nowhere near as good as that used in Samsung’s S95D OLED range. The latter allows you to use the TV in bright daylight, eliminating all light pollution and bright objects, which is far from being the case here.
webOS 24
As mentioned earlier, the 24 version of webOS is at work on this TV model, as on all the brand’s other 2024 series. Don’t expect anything new in comparison with version 23, apart from a slight reorganization of the Quick Cards on the home page (different domains). Note, however, the integration of the new Sony One service, a streaming platform providing access to some 50 free channels via the Internet, similar to Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels TV (still present) and TCL Channels.
LG also ensures updates for its operating system over the next five years. This is good, because up until now, TVs were left to their fate, unable to evolve except to integrate a few new apps (if that).
The settings menus are exactly the same as on the other 2024 LG television series and previous generations. Note that it is possible to customize the quick settings.
Gaming features
Similarly to webOS 23, GeForce Now, Utomik, Blacknut and Boosteroid cloud gaming services are available, as well as direct access to HDMI-connected consoles after selecting the Gaming thumbnail.
Another advantage of this TV for gamers is the Game Optimizer interface (game bar), which provides access to settings specifically for video games, superimposed on the screen. Its color and the order of the parameters can be customized. As a result, you can quickly adjust game, image and sound settings, without losing sight of the game in progress. You can also adjust the black and white balance.
Gaming-wise, the television is very responsive, like the previous model, providing an optimal experience with the latest titles. Regardless of the game or the source, this TV is a real asset, and this year even more so for PC gamers. They can enjoy a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, while consoles stop at 120Hz. Furthermore, this television is compatible with Dolby Vision Gaming, for an optimal experience. The input lag is measured at 9.2ms, which is less than one frame delay between the moment when the controller button is pressed and when the action takes place on screen. Even the most discerning gamers will find nothing to complain about here.
4K HDR films and series
To test the LG OLED65G4’s 4K HDR picture quality, we viewed test several patterns and reference loops, as well as movie and series via streaming and on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The Filmmaker mode provided the best results, with an extremely precise calibration. The Cinema mode was slightly brighter and can also be suitable for environments with more lighting, for example.
Consequently, on the series Jack Ryan streamed in 4K Dolby Vision on Prime Video, we were treated to excellent image sharpness and precision. The posterization offered here was perfectly acceptable, with plenty of detail.
On the film Top Gun: Maverick, the picture was exceptional and HDR scene management was top-notch, with particularly effective modularity. Some scenes even gained texture, and we enjoyed a certain depth of field. Contrasts were abyssal. Colors were perfect and contours perfect. Furthermore, the smoothness was exemplary with, once again, a plethora of details.
With the movie Mad Max: Fury Road, skin tones were beautifully varied. Bright scenes were perfectly luminous, and details were clearly evident, as was the smoothness of objects. The immersion and realism were so impressive that they almost became hypnotic. Even after watching the same scenes for each test, the results were so striking that we found ourselves wanting to continue watching the film right to the end.
HD to 4K upscaling
Thanks to its new, more powerful α11 AI 4K processor, the upscaling is even better. The results may not be up to the standard of the chipset integrated into the Samsung QN900D Ultra HD 8K model, but here too, they’re very good with compelling upscaling, making it possible to enjoy content that isn’t natively in Ultra HD resolution.
The television also does a good job with TV channels in HD, offering very satisfactory images.
Audio
The TV’s built-in audio system features 4.2 real channels with virtualization over 11.1.2 channels (9.1.2 channels for the C series). LG announces a total power of 70 watts, 20 of which are for the low frequencies. An automatic calibration feature also lets you optimize the sound depending on the acoustics of the room and the TV’s placement (wall-mounted or on a cabinet). Moreover, it is possible to many audio parameters in the settings menus. As mentioned above, the DTS signal passes through, but is not decoded by the TV. This is a pity, because to enjoy it, you need to have a separate audio system such as a compatible soundbar or a receiver. Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, is still available.
As a reminder, the WOW Cast feature lets you send an HD signal (Dolby Atmos or DTS) wirelessly to one of the brand’s soundbars. In addition, the WOW Orchestra function ensures that the latter’s speakers work in tandem with those of the TV to create a more immersive audio environment.
Tested without a soundbar, the spatialization was fairly satisfactory, even though we couldn’t expect to hear the jets from Top Gun: Maverick flying overhead. There were a few (timid) attempts at lateral effects. The overall warmth was interesting, and dialogue was extremely clear.
LG OLED65G4 compared to the LG OLED65G3
The LG OLED65G4 benefits from a new chipset and provides does better in terms of brightness compared to its predecessor. However, you really have to place them side by side to notice the difference, which really isn’t that significant. The previous model was already perfectly calibrated with an exceptional Filmmaker mode, which is also available in the G4. The new 144Hz compatibility will only be of use to a handful of people. While the audio section is largely the same, the loss of DTS is a drawback, as the G3 series remains compatible. However, this won’t affect owners of soundbars and amplifiers. In our opinion, if you own a G3, the benefit is not significant enough to upgrade to this new generation, but it is more worthwhile if you have a G1 or G2.
LG OLED65G4 compared to the Samsung TQ65S95D
The Samsung TV offers superior brightness and color space coverage. What’s more, the competing model goes one step further by offering exceptional Glare-Free technology that erases all reflections, even those of bay windows in the middle of the afternoon. Its main advantage is that you can view content in a brightly lit room, without any disturbance, with blacks that are less deep, but that retrieve their depth when it’s dark. However, the same Samsung TV doesn’t have all the advantages of the G4, since it doesn’t support Dolby Vision. The Tizen and webOS systems are both highly responsive and comprehensive.
LG OLED65G4: who is it for?
Both home theater enthusiasts and demanding console and PC gamers will be totally satisfied with this LG OLED65G4 model. In fact, all audiences will enjoy a perfectly calibrated image with a natural result that’s flawless in both calm and frenetic scenes. Dolby Vision compatibility is a definite plus for movies, TV series and games alike. Fluidity is also guaranteed for all games, with 144Hz if required, and display lag times to suit all gamers, as well as support for optimization technologies.
LG OLED65G4: conclusion
Whether it is mounted on the wall or on its stand, the LG OLED65G4 TV offers some interesting improvements over the previous generation, notably in terms of brightness and compatibility with powerful gaming PCs, covering a potential audience of home theater fans and (very) demanding gamers. The experience is top-notch, with exceptional picture quality supported by a satisfying sound system, even if, for added punch and immersion, we’d add a soundbar, at the very least. This television has everything for enjoying high-quality entertainment at home.
We liked
- The high brightness (which is no longer inferior to LCD models)
- The perfect calibration right out of the box (Filmmaker and Cinema modes)
- The rich colors and crisp images
- The HDR management (Dolby Vision)
- The upscaling
- The wide range of connectors
- The warm sound
We would have liked
- A backlit remote control
- A more effective anti-glare filter
- DTS decoding
