LG B5 OLED Review: subtle luxury

LG B5 It is an adorable TV that you probably shouldn’t buy, at least not yet. As usual, Serie B is among the cheapest ways to obtain an LG OLED and its perfect black levels, the rich contrast and naturalistic colors that improve everything you look at. In addition, it is the Step-up series C which generally offers the best overall value for your OLED dollars.

This includes the C4 last year (9/10, wired advice) for sale and even the Updated C5 If the weather is right. In fact, while I write this review, you can take a 65 -inch C5 for only $ 100 more than the B5, which guarantees you the “EVO” panel technology of LG for better brightness and colors, a more elegant and robust design and other benefits of performance. In addition, the B4 and C4 of last year are so close to prices, it makes more sense for most people to move on to the medium ranger.

None of this takes away the excellent performance of the B5. It offers extraordinarily accurate colors, impressive contrast and shadow details for viewing in multiple environments and game features that best some top TVs. In short, it is a good OLED TV, and although it is not All You have to know, it’s an excellent starting point if you appreciate performance. Once the price of the B5 really sinks, it will once again be the most convenient way to get some of the best TV technologies you can buy.

(Don’t do it) Fold it like Beckham

Photography: Ryan Waniata

The B5 design looks like an explosion of the past OLED. Most modern OLEDs are thicker than the thin pencil panels of a few years ago, probably due to a mix of new panel technology to increase brightness and desire for longer duration. The B5 is old school, extending only one hair or two thicker than the four -year LG C1 in my bedroom. As such, I was not shocked in seeing my well used review model slightly bent at the base on the one hand.

With my relief, the image was fine – an advantage of OLED’s emissive design, but it is a reminder to be both delicate and complete during the fist. The feet of the B5 frame make the installation easier than the common pedestal in most of the pace models, but they look like Chintzier. If you are mounting the wall, the low -slunghi Vesa holes on the lower panel and two HDMI ports aimed at the back may require to adjust (or rethink) your frame.

The software configuration is easy with the phone or remote control. LG Webos are not as simple as Roku or full of features such as Google TV, but it is quite easy to find content, with an integrated vocal research through Amazon Alexa. The loading of videos and apps was regular, if not as immediate as the flagship G5 (9/10, Wired recommended). My main complaint is the lack of a function of continuing to look globally, but at least the rapid keys to the new Magic Remote are mostly useful.

Photography: Ryan Waniata