LG B3 OLED55B3 review: Excellence in every pixel

Discover unmatched visual clarity with LG's OLED B3 - The perfect TV for the discerning viewer

LG OLED55B3 55-inch TV
(Image: © What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, NASCAR: Full Speed)
last updated May 22, 2024

Verdict

For certain individuals, the savings offered by the B3 in comparison to the C3 may not justify the compromise, yet many will find the B3 to fully satisfy their television requirements without the need for additional expenditure.

Pros

  • + Incredible OLED visuals
  • + True-to-life image quality
  • + Superior gaming and software

Cons

  • - Lacks vibrant sound
  • - Limited HDMI ports
  • - Less bright OLED display

Get ready to be wowed by the latest sensation in the tech world, the LG B4! This groundbreaking model is creating waves of excitement for being the first in the B-series lineup to feature four HDMI 2.1 sockets. This upgrade positions it as a fantastic, budget-friendly option for the C4, particularly appealing to the dedicated gamers looking for the ultimate gaming experience.

But, let's take a moment to ponder – if the allure of additional HDMI 2.1 sockets doesn't quite catch your fancy, might the LG B3 be the savvy choice you're searching for? Absolutely. The B3 model, while not boasting some of the more refined features of the C-series, like the enhanced HDMIs and a brighter display, still offers incredible OLED TV quality most would find beyond satisfactory. Plus, with a price tag that's easier on the wallet, it represents an unbeatable value for those looking to maximize their entertainment budget.

Discover Unbeatable Deals on Premium TVs

Looking for a top-notch TV without breaking the bank? The 55-inch LG B3 is your ticket to premium viewing, now more affordable than ever. Originally launching at a price tag that made everyone's eyes water, £1799 / $1699 / AU$3145, it's now a steal at just £999 / $1100 / AU$1899 as of March 2024. This price drop is thanks to the LG B3 entering its end-of-life phase, with the new B4 model on the horizon. Bargain hunters, take note: this might be your last chance to snag it at such a bargain as stocks are dwindling.

Considering the step-up model? The 55-inch LG C3 comes in at £1299 / $1300 / AU$2595. With a modest price difference of £300 / $200 / AU$696 compared to the B3, it begs the question: is the upgrade worth it? Perhaps that extra cash could be better spent on enhancing your home entertainment setup with a sleek soundbar.

Need something bigger? The B3 also comes in 65 and 77-inch sizes for those seeking a more immersive viewing experience. However, if you're looking for something more compact, the C3 boasts both 48-inch and 42-inch models, with an additional 48-inch model introduced to the B4 series this year.

LG OLED55B3 55-inch TV from front slight angle on TV stand
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, NASCAR: Full Speed)

Revamping Design for Today's Tech Enthusiasts

Stepping into the future, the B3's architecture shares a striking resemblance with its predecessor, the C1 model from 2021. It boasts a sleek plastic cover that wraps around half the panel's rear, leaving the other half to flaunt its ultra-slim profile.

The stand provided with the B3 strays from the broader dimensions seen in previous C-series models, opting instead for a more refined and angled design. Although aesthetically pleasing, this configuration means a soundbar would unlikely coexist without hiding a portion of the display. Those eyeing an enhanced audio setup might need to consider an alternative TV stand.

When it comes to the bare viewing experience, the B3 transforms your living room into a cinematic paradise. Its minimalistic bezel merges with the black panel, creating an illusion of Your favorite movies and TV shows floating in space in a dark room, elevating the immersion factor.

The B3 is navigated through a remote control nearly identical to the ‘Magic Remote’ seen with the C3, minus the peculiar pointer feature. While some might miss this quirky addition, others who prefer simpler interactions might find this change a welcome evolution, highlighting that sometimes, less is more.

Discover the Latest in Home Entertainment: The LG B3 OLED TV

Exciting times for home entertainment enthusiasts! The LG B3 OLED TV brings to the table an impressive suite of features, albeit with a few differences from its sibling, the LG C3. Among these, the notable adjustment is the inclusion of two HDMI 2.1 ports — a step down from the C3's four. This setup encompasses an eARC port, catering to the modern soundbar or sound system connections, with one port left for gaming consoles. A reality for most TVs, yet the B3 excels in gaming prowess with its available features supporting 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision, offering an unmatched gaming experience.

Delving deeper, the B3 differs as it's not an 'Evo' variant like the C3, thus having a different brightness peak due to panel properties. This difference might influence your TV choice based on your specific viewing environment. Additionally, the B3 operates on the Alpha 7 Gen 6 processor, contrasting the C3's Alpha 9 Gen 6, offering a variance in upscaling and HDR tone mapping capabilities.

Audio-wise, the B3 is equipped with a simple yet potentially more effective 2.0-channel 20-watt sound system versus the C3's 2.2-channel 40-watt setup. Coupled with a competitive price point, this makes the B3 a savvy choice for consumers focused on both quality and value. Furthermore, the B3 is powered by the latest webOS 23 smart platform, ensuring a speedy and user-friendly interface experience, with an upcoming update to webOS 24 promising an even sleeker interaction, including a Chromecast addition for enhanced connectivity.

The application suite is robust, catering to diverse entertainment needs — from streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, to music services and gaming platforms, ensuring there's something for everyone. Plus, each app is perfectly optimized for the best viewing experience across 4K and HDR content.

While the B3 may not support HDR10+, its comprehensive coverage of other major HDR formats ensures a visually stunning viewing experience, making the absence of HDR10+ a minor aspect in the grand scheme. With its plethora of features, the LG B3 OLED TV stands as a beacon of home entertainment, promising to elevate your viewing experience to new heights.

LG OLED55B3 55-inch TV from front, angled
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, NASCAR: Full Speed)

Discover Outstanding Visuals with the B3 OLED TV

Step into the world of stellar viewing with the B3 OLED TV - a spectacle that closely rivals the admired C3, delivering an extraordinary TV experience. It's a marvel in darker environments where it showcases its strength, providing punchy visuals and impact. The magic of OLED technology shines through with each pixel's ability to independently illuminate or dim, crafting breathtaking contrast and dynamism that sets a new standard in visual storytelling.

Under the glow of your living room lights, the B3 continues to captivate. However, in very bright conditions, its allure slightly dims due to its modest peak brightness, yet this does not overshadow its prowess. The B3 is adept at minimizing reflections, ensuring that even with HDR content, the show goes on brilliantly, albeit with a tad less intensity compared to its brighter counterparts.

In essence, the B3's charm is predominantly unshaken. It presents a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors that are both rich and true to life, especially when indulging in Dolby Vision content or utilizing the TV's precise picture presets. A harmony between deep blacks and meticulous shadow detail ensures a picture that's both deep and revealing.

Although it might not boast the ultra-crisp edge of competitors like the Sony A80L, the B3 holds its ground with images characterized by solid depth and engaging clarity. Detail is finely expressed, steering clear of artificial enhancements for a beautifully natural presentation.

LG's prowess in motion handling is evident, smoothly navigating scenes with minimal judder in its most subtle TruMotion settings. While Sony's top-tier TVs achieve an even more fluid motion, the B3 remains impressively close behind in delivering lifelike movement.

The B3 also performs admirably with sub-4K content, gracefully handling the nuances of 1080p and standard definition to deliver a pleasing viewing experience from any source. Though it slightly trails behind the C3 in refining lower resolution content, the difference is negligible from the comfort of your couch, ensuring your enjoyment remains unchanged.

Sound Quality: A Vital Update

It seems the 2023 lineup of LG TVs has fallen a bit short in the sound arena, chiefly because of a lack in punch and dynamic range. This essentially leads to a sound output that might not grab your attention. The B3 model, while not exacerbating these issues, unfortunately, doesn't offer a remedy either.

For casual daytime viewing, the performance is satisfactory. The clarity is there, voices come through quite clearly, and the sound is smooth without any harshness. However, when it comes to the cinematic experience of movie nights, it simply doesn't live up to expectations. The absence of impactful sound and dynamic appeal can strip away the emotional essence of iconic movie scores seen in films like Oppenheimer or Blade Runner 2049, potentially leaving viewers underwhelmed.

The go-to fix? Pairing the TV with a superior sound system. For those on a budget, the Sonos Ray offers a considerable improvement in audio quality. Yet, for a bit more investment, the Sonos Beam emerges as a fitting choice, delivering an affordable and effective upgrade to your audio experience.

LG OLED55B3 55-inch TV
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

Why the LG B3 Might Just Be Your Next TV

When it comes to finding the perfect TV, the LG B3 stands out as a formidable choice. It inherits many of the qualities that make its sibling, the C3, a crowd favorite. What makes it even more appealing is its price point, which, while not drastically lower, is still more wallet-friendly, offering almost the same high-quality viewing experience.

One might wonder about the differences, and rightly so. The B3 scales back slightly, offering fewer HDMI 2.1 ports, which might not even be a deal-breaker for many. Unless you're a tech enthusiast with a need for multiple game consoles and devices connected simultaneously, the difference in connectivity options should hardly impact your decision.

Now, if you're someone who enjoys watching TV under the blaze of daylight, or if your living space is bathed in natural light, you may notice a difference in performance compared to the higher-end models. However, for the average viewer, the B3’s picture quality still provides an immersive experience without the need for curtains drawn during the day.

Considering the purchase of a soundbar might be a wise move with the savings from opting for the B3. Enhancing your audio experience can transform your viewing into something truly special, making this smart buy even smarter.

In summary, for those looking for high-grade entertainment without the premium price, the LG B3 offers an exceptional balance of quality and value. It's a choice that brings you close to the top-tier experience without straining your budget, making it an excellent addition to any home.

LG OLED55B3 55-inch TV from front, straight on, on TV stand
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix, NASCAR: Full Speed)
LG OLED55B3 OLED TV from rear of set
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
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