LG's C-series models have brilliantly captured the spotlight as the world's favorite OLED TVs, dazzling us with their almost magical blend of performance, features, and price point. Yet, this year's model, the C4, finds itself in a surprising twist, potentially outshined by the emerging star, the B4.

In an intriguing turn of events, the divide between LG’s premium C4 and G4 models is expected to stretch wider than ever before. Meanwhile, the B4 is hot on the heels of the C4, narrowing the gap to its slimmest margin yet. Opting for the B series no longer means compromising on an ample supply of HDMI 2.1 ports or foregoing the chance to own a compact OLED, as the B4 debuts a 48-inch model for the first time in the series.

Despite the C4’s lingering edge in certain areas, an initial hands-on experience at LG’s UK headquarters revealed the B4 as a formidable contender, poised to satisfy a broad spectrum of OLED enthusiasts with its outstanding entry-level offering.

Discover the Latest in Entertainment: LG's 2024 TV Collection

Excitement is building with the anticipation of LG's 2024 TV lineup making its debut. While the UK audience is on the edge of their seats for local pricing details, we're thrilled to share a sneak peek into the US market prices, especially for the B4 models that are causing quite the buzz.

Imagine this: the sleek 55-inch B4 model could be yours for $1700, step up in size to the 65-inch for $2200, or go big with the 77-inch variant at a cool $3400. That's right, stunning visuals and cutting-edge technology within reach.

How do these prices stack up against the competition, you ask? Let’s break it down. Compared to the C4 series, the B4 offers a pleasant surprise -- it’s $300 less for both the 55 and 77-inch models and an even more impressive $500 less for the 65-inch model. A noticeable difference that makes premium quality more accessible without compromising on the essentials.

For our UK fans eagerly awaiting news on pricing, hang tight. We anticipate the price difference between the B4 and C4 models to hover around a £300 gap across the various sizes. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch.

Design

Stepping into the design realm, the B4 showcases a familiar silhouette reminiscent of the C4—echoing the aesthetics of last year's C3. Yet, it distinguishes itself with notable differences. A standout feature is the universal adoption of feet across all B4 models, setting it apart from the predominantly pedestal-anchored C4 variants—except the petite 42-inch model. This choice in support not only casts a broader stance but conveniently carves out ample space beneath, perfectly accommodating a sleek soundbar for an auditory upgrade.

Diving deeper, the B4 wraps its technological innards within a more expansive plastic housing compared to its C4 counterpart, covering a larger portion of its back. However, this expansion doesn't compromise its profile, maintaining a slim 4.5cm thickness. It’s this meticulous balance between robust functionality and slender elegance that promises to captivate any visiting admirers with its part-impossibly thin chassis—a testament to modern design ingenuity.

Features

Exciting times for gaming enthusiasts! The latest addition to our lineup, the B4, stands out with its four HDMI 2.1 inputs. These aren't just any inputs; they support 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, catering to the demands of serious gamers who find the usual two HDMI 2.1 ports restrictive. The B4 elevates gaming experiences further with its support for Dolby Vision gaming up to 4K/120Hz, a dream come true for Xbox Series X/S gamers. Plus, the acclaimed HGiG feature from previous LG OLED models, renowned for its hassle-free HDR game calibration, is making a comeback with the B4, together with newer models like the C4 and G4.

Though the B4 may not match the C4 in every gaming aspect, owing to the C4's newer 4K/144Hz mode, it remains a formidable contender, especially considering that the latest consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X max out at 4K/120Hz. It's a trade-off most gamers would gladly accept.

Stepping into 2024, LG introduces its newest TV operating system, webOS 24, smoothing out the edges of its predecessor for an even sleeker experience. Despite the mixed feelings about advertisement banners, they've been reduced in size along with the Quick Cards. This redesign clears out more space on the home screen for a row of personalized content recommendations, making it easier to dive right into your next watch.

Both the B4 and C4 share the user-friendly interface of webOS, with the B4 being powered by the Alpha 8 AI Processor - a step down from the C4's Alpha 9 AI Gen 7 but still incredibly efficient in handling the TVs' essential picture and sound processing features. This minor difference is unlikely to impact the overall responsiveness or quality of the TVs significantly.

Picture quality does see a divergence between the B4 and C4 due to the 'Evo' OLED distinction, with the latter boasting higher brightness levels. However, the real question is, how noticeable will this difference be for the average viewer? The B4 still promises an exceptional viewing experience, further enhanced by features like ‘Object Enhancing by Visual Perception’ designed to bring subjects to life with improved sharpness and clarity.

Discover the Visual Feast with LG's Latest OLED TVs

Stepping into the luminous world of LG's UK showroom, the immediate impression is of innovation and quality. The comparison between LG's B4 and C4 OLED TVs reveals a fascinating insight into modern viewing experiences. Despite a subtle difference in brightness, with the C4 shining slightly brighter, the B4 stands out with its own brilliance, making a compelling case for its place in the well-lit living spaces of today.

Natural light from windows, often a challenge for TV viewing, seems less of a foe for the B4. Reflections, though noticeable in photos, diminish in person, suggesting the B4's adeptness in typical living room environments. It's a testament to LG's design that even on a dim day in Weybridge, with minimal artificial light intervention, the B4 delivers a viewing experience that feels just right for casual, daytime TV watchers.

What truly unites the B4 and C4 models is their remarkable visual performance. The hallmark of OLED technology, with its deep blacks and exceptional contrast at the pixel level, is evident in both. Their colors, when viewed in the Filmmaker Mode preset, appear meticulously balanced, showcasing a dedication to delivering a true-to-life picture. Detail-wise, the B4 matches the C4 step for step, presenting a crisp, immersive viewing experience.

This preliminary exploration, though brief and centered around LG's select visuals and trailers, hints at the potential residing in both models. Awaiting a thorough evaluation in controlled testing conditions, the promise of what these TVs can offer to the home cinema enthusiast is undeniable.

Exploring the Audio Landscape

During our evaluation, the B4 model was not in operation, leading us to rely solely on its specifications for insights.

Contrasting with the C4 model, which boasts a robust 40W 2.2-channel audio system, the B4 brings to the table a more modest 20W two-channel setup. This specification might raise eyebrows, especially considering the broader perception that LG's TVs don't always hit the high notes in the sound department. However, it's worth noting the potential for audio processing to transform and elevate the listening experience.

Early Verdict

The latest B4 model is sparking conversations and curiosity with its enhanced specifications over its predecessor, emphasizing its potential to fulfill the needs of many users. Though a thorough and unbiased evaluation is pending, there's a budding consensus that this model could serve as an ideal choice for many.

The slight price increase over the C4 model, particularly noted in the US market, is a consideration worth weighing. Such funds could arguably be more effectively allocated towards a budget soundbar, enhancing one’s viewing experience without necessarily springing for the higher cost tied to added brightness and 144Hz support found in pricier models. Presently, the B4 stands out as a compelling contender.