8 things you need to know about LG’s new G4 OLED TV

Main points

• LG’s 2024 OLED lineup includes the LG G4 with a top-of-the-line Alpha 11 AI processor for improved brightness and image quality.
• The LG G4 ranges in price from $2,600 to $25,000, depending on size and adding a stand for smaller models.
• Upgrades to the LG G4 include a 144 Hz panel, enhanced sound and image upgrades, wireless Dolby Atmos support, and Google Chromecast.

LG G4 will be officially launched on March 18, which will be a major release for LG. Situated between the LG C4 and LG M4, the G4 is the mid-to-high-end offering in LG’s OLED range, with many attractive features. These include the MLA display used on last year’s LG G3, which is significantly brighter compared to other OLED displays.

The 2024 model retains many key features and adds even more. If you’re in the market for an OLED TV and are considering the LG G4, here are some extra tidbits you need to know before you buy. Here are the new features of the LG G4 compared to its predecessor.

1 The price will be slightly higher than G3

LG G4 also launches new 97-inch version

The LG G4 has seen a slight price increase across all sizes. Luckily, it’s not as bad as the price increase between the LG G2 and G3. Here are the 2023 prices for the LG G3.

• 55 inches – USD 2500
• 65 inches – $3300
• 77 inches – USD 4500
• 83 inches – USD 6500

By comparison, prices for both 2024 models have increased by $100. In the context of spending thousands of dollars, that’s not much. Here’s how much the 2024 LG G4 models will cost. You’ll notice the return of the 97-inch version, which hasn’t been available in a G-series OLED since the 2022 LG G2.

• 55 inches – USD 2600
• 65 inches -$3400
• 77 inches – USD 4600
• 83 inches – USD 6500
• 97 inches – USD 25,000

The only model that hasn’t seen a price increase is the already very expensive 83-inch model, which will remain at $6,500 in 2024. Somewhat surprisingly, the 97-inch model is quite expensive, but still in line with the price of the 97-inch model. in. LG G2 from 2022. Given the price increase between the 97-inch model and the 83-inch model, we’re guessing LG doesn’t plan to sell too many 97-inch models.

2 The smaller model of the LG G4 will now come with a kickstand

A few years ago, you had to buy one

LG’s G-Series OLED TVs are designed for wall-mounting, so they don’t usually come with a stand, as you’re supposed to hang them on the wall in a doorway using LG’s zero-clearance wall mount.

LG made a big switch this year and now offers the stand in both 55-inch and 65-inch models. This means people who opt for the smaller models will be able to place them on their entertainment desk rather than hanging them on the wall. In previous years, LG sold an optional stand for $150. So when you factor in the kickstand, the 55-inch and 65-inch are actually $50 cheaper than their predecessors. Those who choose the larger model will not get a TV stand.

3 LG G4 performance will be greatly improved

LG equips top-of-the-line Alpha 11 AI processor

LG launched the Alpha 11 AI processor during the launch of its 2024 OLED lineup. We haven’t been able to get our hands on the TV yet, but LG promises some pretty big improvements in performance. According to LG, users can expect a 70% increase in graphics processing power and a 30% increase in general processing power. Also, unlike last year, the LG C4 and G4 won’t share the same processor, so those opting for a more expensive TV will notice the difference.

Performance improvements will be felt in a variety of ways. For example, using webOS will be smoother than last year, the TV itself will have better image upscaling, higher brightness levels with a peak highlighter feature, and more. LG’s David Seperson told What HiFi the G4 will have “significantly better” all-around performance than the LG G3.

4 The panel will run at 144 Hz, 4K resolution

Good news for PC users

Much like the LG C4, the G4 will feature a 4K panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate. This is higher than the 120 Hz refresh rate on the LG G3. Most TV-centric devices like cable boxes, streaming sticks, and modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X won’t be able to take advantage of the higher refresh rate. However, PC gamers will have a legitimate PC monitor alternative if they choose an OLED TV.

This improvement is thanks to the Alpha 11 AI processor, as the panel doesn’t change much from the G3 to the G4. So, in this case, the extra power comes from within, rather than anything LG has done to the panel itself. Like the LG C4, the G4 will also come with AMD FreeSync and full Nvidia G-Sync VRR support.

5 The LG G4 is also brighter and more colorful than its predecessor

We don’t know the specifics yet, but LG promises better image quality

The LG G3 features LG’s Microlens Array (MLA) technology, which uses a layer of microlenses on the screen to help internal light pass through more easily, thereby increasing the brightness of the TV. The technology is back on the LG G4 and is now included in the 83-inch model. However, that’s not all LG has done.

Additionally, the aforementioned Alpha 11 AI processor will add some extra brightness via the aforementioned Peak Highlights feature. Additionally, the processor should allow the TV to reproduce colors better. One of the downsides of the LG G3 is the slight loss of saturation in some scenes. The G4 and its improved processor should solve this problem nicely.

6 LG’s AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro are getting better and better

Another benefit of the new processor

This year, LG’s AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro are back, but this time with some new features. LG has now added a Director’s Tone mode to AI Picture Pro. The TV will use artificial intelligence to analyze what’s happening on the screen and adjust settings appropriately. The G4 will also be one of the first TVs to use Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode.

On the sound front, the more powerful A11 processor will allow AI Sound Pro to upmix virtual surround sound to 11.1.2 channels, compared to 9.1.2 channels on last year’s model. We also hope LG improves the sound quality this year, as that was another nitpick we had with last year’s OLED TVs.

7 LG G4 can use wireless lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS

Including LG’s wireless bar speakers

Part of the 2024 OLED release includes support for lossless wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS via WOWCAST. It’s a relatively new technology, but some TVs (including some in Samsung’s 2023 lineup) already come with it. LG is working on providing support for its 2024 models. This means that if you choose to use a soundbar, you don’t have to sacrifice the eARC HDMI port to get high-quality audio.

The above include LG’s S95TR and SG10TY, which were also announced at CES 2024. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and WOWCAST, specifically supporting LG’s 2024 TV lineup. They’re pricey, but reviews say both sound good.

8 LG G4 will have Chromecast and WebOS built-in 24

Google makes surprise appearance at LG conference

LG and Google have announced some information about the 2024 OLED TV lineup. This includes built-in universal Chromecast support. This means you don’t need a third-party streaming stick to stream audio and video from your phone to your TV. Additionally, Google says LG’s 2024 OLED lineup will act as a Google Home hub, where you can set up and control smart home devices through LG’s ThinQ app.

On top of that, the TVs will also come with WebOS 24 out of the box, with five years of promised software updates. WebOS 24 isn’t too different from previous iterations, but it does include an improved menu system, sign language avatars, more guides, and a chatbot. It also supports up to 10 user accounts, each with their own Picture Wizard AI settings, so each user can calibrate the TV the way they want.