LG OLED TVs are getting a new processor, alongside a new budget ‘A’ series, as LG makes a hesitant foray into MiniLED.
What can we expect from the LG TV 2021 line-up? Now that CES 2021 is underway, we have a good idea of what to expect from LG Electronics in the coming months, from expanded TV panel sizes to the introduction of MiniLED in all-new ‘QNED’ TV range. LG certainly ended 2020 in a strong position, with the runaway success of its popular LG CX OLED, and the TV maker is clearly taking pains to stress that it’s tackling any remaining areas for improvement. For one, the step-down B Series OLED is seemingly being scrapped in favor of an entry-level A Series, which will still feature an a7 processing chip but will likely feature other cost-saving measures – especially since LG hasn’t entirely ruled out an end-of-year release for a B Series model. There are more 8K TVs, with the Nano9Z and Nano9X NanoCell LCD televisions, along with a host of 4K models we go into detail on below. Not to mention a big swell of support for gaming functionality, with four HDMI 2.1 ports for each new OLED set, as well as VRR (variable refresh rate) and game streaming services Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now landing on new LG TVs too. Read on for the full lowdown on what’s coming this year, the new technologies LG is making use of, and the 2020 LG TVs that need to be improved upon. LG G1 4K OLED (55,65,77-inch): The Gallery Series OLED has a successor, with a slimmed-down form factor and an ‘OLED evo’ upgrade to the picture’s brightness that even the LG CX won’t be benefitting from. It’s set to be brighter than last year’s GX too, and come with the option of a paired Gallery Stand for those not wanting to drill this stunner into a wall. Featuring 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos too. LG C1 4K OLED (48,55,65,77,83-inch): The successor to last year’s popular CX OLED is the C1, with a new 83-inch size, an a9 Gen 4 AI processor, and support for Dolby Vision / Atmos. You’ll get the most sizing options with the C Series, going as small as 48 inches and including a new 83-inch size. LG A1 4K OLED (48,55,65,77-inch): This new entry-level OLED features the a7 Gen 4 AI processor, supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, and packs in 20W of audio, but doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 in its three HDMI inputs (unlike last year’s LG BX OLED). We’ll no doubt hear more soon, but for now know that this will be the cheapest LG OLED you’re getting this year. LG Nano9Z QNED 8K TV (65,75,86-inch): The Nano9Z is this year’s highest-spec ‘QNED’ television, meaning it makes use of a MiniLED backlight to improve brightness control and contrast over standard LCD-LED displays. It’s an 8K TV too, and packs a 120Hz panel with Full Array Local Dimming, as well as supporting hands-free voice commands. LG Nano9X QNED 8K TV (65,75-inch): The Nano9X cleaves close to the Nano9Z, as a QNED / MiniLED 8K TV, but makes do with a 60Hz panel rather than 120Hz. It uses an 8K iteration of the a9 Gen 4 AI Processor too. LG Nano9C QNED 4K TV (65,75,86-inch): This QNED television packs in 4K resolution, a 120Hz panel, and Full Array Local Dimming through its MiniLED backlight. It uses the a7 Gen 4 AI processor rather than the a9 though. LG Nano9A QNED 4K TV (65,75-inch): This step-down QNED model is also 4K, and matches the Nano9C for specs aside from its 60Hz panel. LG Nano90 4K NanoCell (55,65,75,86-inch): We’re no longer in MiniLED / QNED territory, with these 2021 iterations on last year’s NanoCell LCD TVs. The Nano90 is a 4K set featuring Nano Color, a 120Hz panel, It’s compatible with the Gallery Stand, too. LG Nano80 4K NanoCell (50,55,65,75-inch): This step-down 4K NanoCell model drops the motion rate from 120Hz to 60Hz, with an exception for its 86-inch size (which still features 120Hz). You’re making do with a quard-core processor rather than the a7 Gen 4 AI, and you won’t get Dolby Vision either. The backlight uses local dimming rather than Full Array too. It is, however, Gallery Stand compatible, unlike the other NanoCell 2021 TVs. LG Nano75 4K NanoCell (43,50,55,65-inch): Almost the same as above, but without local dimming or compatibility with the Gallery Stand. LG UP80 (43,50,55,60,65,70,75,82,86-inch): Don’t need the fancy stuff? This 4K UHD television packs a 60Hz panel for most sizes, with a 120Hz panel for its largest 82-inch / 86-inch iterations. Also with a quad-core processor, ThinQ AI and Magic Remote, and a slim ‘unibody’ form factor that’s compatible with the Gallery Stand. LG UP70 (43,50,55,60,65,70,75-inch): Similar to above, but every size is 60Hz, and you won’t get the Magic Remote thrown in. There’s no ‘unibody’ design or Gallery Stand compatibility either, but it is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. So, what’s new with LG TVs in 2021? We’re getting a new round of processors, as ever, with the a9 getting a Gen 4 AI iteration, as well as a step-down a7 Gen 3 model for the new A Series. (The A Series will cleave close to the B Series of previous years, for those wondering.) It’s that ‘AI’ part of the new a9 chip that piques our interest, though. LG claims its new chip will use deep learning to better analyze discrete objects onscreen, meaning people, backgrounds, and sections of text are all properly distinguished from each other.
