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For one more year LG is drawing a lot of attention with a new lineup of TVs adding new features and technologies to an already stellar showing they had in 2018. Again this year their models are separated into 3 categories with OLED panels naturally holding the top premium tag as always.
Next comes the NanoCell series which basically is the same as the Super UHD series we had last year. We guess that NanoCell sounds more fancy and LG probably thought it will sound similar to Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology. The NanoCell series share a few similar characteristics with the OLED family but they change their OLED panels for the usual LED LCD ones. Lastly we find the 4K UHD TVs with many models across the board in order to be able to offer great flexibility and price ranges in order to satisfy all needs and all budgets.
Worthy of mentioning is that this year we get two 8K resolution models, one 8K OLED and one 8K LCD while we also find that in most premium models LG has updated the silicon to the new Alpha 9 Gen-2 processor. Last year’s silicone already offered excellent performance and the second generation of the A9 seems even more delicious. LG is heavily advertising “Intelligent AI” that comes with the new processor in order to improve picture quality, sound and in general to offer a better user experience.
An interesting appearence this year was for the first time LG’s rollable 4K OLED TV. We can definitely admit that it looks something taken out of a futuristic movie but what will be really interesting to see is if there will be a market for such a model. We couldn’t help but think of curved TVs that were so heavily promoted in the past only to fail miserably in the end and we are curious what LG is planning to do with such kind of technology. Exciting years are ahead!
A key feature we see in many top tier models this year is the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 which is able to support eARC, ALLM, VRR and 4K/120fps. Of course there are no sources yet for this new HDMI protocol but having many models already with it makes them enough future proof and obviously better value.
While last year LG had added Google Assistant in order to make some of their models voice control enabled this year we also get Amazon Alexa support so now their entire lineup support both voice control programs for your convenience. For 2019 LG has also updated their smart TV platform and now we see webOS 4.5 being featured in all TVs with LG’s content store and Full Web Browser available.
But things don’t stop there as LG has promised to add further functionality with firmware updates and one that has been announced arriving at some point is Apple’s Airplay 2 and HomeKit.
We only need to point out that because there are many new models and people can easily get mixed at the end of the article we have created tables with all models and their most crucial characteristics for easy comparison.
Before closing this part we should mention that you can check our New Product Lineups section for more reviews and articles which we will update as we manage to get our hands on these new releases.
So without further delay let’s analyze each model separately.
8K OLED TVs
LG Z9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The LG Z9 OLED is one monster of a TV. It is the first 8K OLED panel that will be commercially available and comes in only one gargantuan 88″ size. It features all the latest tech like the new A9 Gen-2 processor, HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC, Deep Learning AI Picture and AI Sound, it has the ThinQ AI suite (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa) and supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
Specifications
- 8K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 4.2 channels, 60 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
4K OLED TVs
LG R9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The Z9 may be the real flagship this year but the model that definitely draw most of the attention was the LG R9 OLED. Featuring all the top technologies like the new A9 processor, OLED panel and HDMI 2.1 what is the highlight of this one is it’s rollable design. Of course we will be waiting to see if such a feature manages to make a breakthrough in the mainstream market or it will end up as another design gimmick like many we have seen in the past.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 4.2 channels, 60 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG W9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
If you are familiar with LG’s Wallpaper TVs that are being offered the last few years then the W9 is the equivalent for 2019. It features an extremely thin OLED panel that can hang on the wall via magnets and comes with an external connection box that also houses a capable Dolby Atmos system. Think of it like a soundbar under your TV with all TV connections included there.
As with the rest of the OLED family the W9 comes equipped with the new A9 Gen-2 processor and HDMI 2.1 ports. If aesthetics is your number one goal then the W9 should be on your short list. But they don’t come cheap so be ready to pay a hefty price for it.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 4.2 channels, 60 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG E9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The LG E9 is another model that tries to offer a more premium and unusual design from the rest as it’s OLED film layer is fixed directly to a sheet of glass giving a definitely cool look. For the E9 LG seems to have redesigned the audio system as there were many complaints about it in last year’s E8. The rest of the specifications are similar to the other OLED models.
Check out our review of the LG E9 OLED HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 4.2 channels, 60 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG C9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The LG C9 will be in our opinion for one more year the most favorite model in the OLED series among home cinema fans as it’s the model that manages to offer all the top technologies and image quality while keeping the price at more reasonable levels. This was achieved by offering a more usual TV design than the exotic ones that the top OLEDs come with while it’s audio system is also downgraded into a 2.2 channels setup from the 4.2 channels that we see in the higher models.
Everything else is kept the same with image quality being one of the best we have seen that stems from all the latest tech that come with this model like the A9 Gen-2 processor among other. You can read our full review of the LG C9 HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 2.2 channels, 40 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG B9 OLED TV
Type : Flat
The B9 is for one more year the lowest model in the OLED series and it’s the first one that doesn’t come with the new A9 Gen-2 processor. Instead it uses a lower powered A7 Gen-2 processor and as a result the image quality takes a hit as the B9 cannot offer the kind of quality the other models can. At least it still comes with an OLED panel meaning that it can display the deep blacks we are used to see from this wonderful tech. The rest of the specs are the same as the others like the new HDMI 2.1 ports.
You are read our in-depth analysis of the B9 HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A7 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- 4.2 channels, 60 watts (RMS)
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
8K NanoCell TVs
LG SM9970 (US) / 75SM99 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The SM9970 is the only 8K resolution LED LCD TV and comes at a single 75″ size. It features a FALD Pro system in order to offer better black levels, it is the only LCD that comes with the A9 Gen-2 processor and has also HDMI 2.1 ports. Instead of an OLED panel here we get an IPS panel but LG has added a NanoCell film in order to offer a wider color gamut.
Specifications
- 8K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Full Array Local Dimming Pro
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A9 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
4K NanoCell TVs
LG SM9500 (US) / SM9800 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
With the SM9500 we once and for all loose the top A9 Gen-2 processor and we will have to settle with the lower A7 Gen-2 variant. Except from the processor and the lower resolution to 4K this model offers the same specs as the 8K variant like the Full Array Local Dimming Pro system and NanoCell film and thus making this the top 4K LED LCD model in LG’s arsenal.
You can read our detailed review of the SM9500 HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Full Array Local Dimming Pro
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A7 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG SM9000 (US-UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
Next in line we find the SM9000 and the only difference here is that this model get the simpler Full Array Local Dimming system. Loosing the Pro variant means that the SM9000 gets lower number of dimming zones and as a result will have lower light control that will create more visible halos around bright objects against dark backgrounds.
We should note the the 75″ and 86″ still get the FALD Pro system in contrast to the rest of the sizes so these two will have more accurate light control.
You can find our in-depth review of the SM9000 HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Full Array Local Dimming
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A7 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG SM8600 (US-UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
Going down one more step we find the SM8600 and the major difference we find here is that this model drops the FALD system and instead goes for an Edge LED Lighting variant which means even less accurate light control. At least there is still Local Dimming which means that each zone can output different amounts of light depending on the needs of the image.
Another downgrade is that we no longer get HDMI 2.1 ports which means we also loose eARC as well as the rest of the features that come with it. Lastly we find a lower audio system with this models being equipped with a 2.0 channels system (20W).
You can read our in-depth analysis HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Edge LED Lighting with Local Dimming
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A7 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.0), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG SM8500 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The SM8500 is a model we find only in Europe but it seems this is a bit of an odd one. Judging by the naming you would expect a small downgrade over the specs of the SM8600 that you can see above. Instead the SM8500 seems to have exactly the same specs as the SM9000 with it’s Full Array Backlight with Local Dimming as well as HDMI 2.1 ports.
We could spot only two differences. The most obvious one is the different stand and the second is that LG rates this one at 3,300 PMI (Picture Mastering Index) while the SM9000 is rated at 3,800. Because the PMI number is calculated by various factors we cannot know for sure what changes here but what is certain is that the SM8500 while similar in specs seems to offer slightly lower image quality to the SM9000.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Full Array Local Dimming
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- A7 Gen-2 Intelligent processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.1), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG SM8200 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The SM8200 returns to normal by following down the specs from the higher models. As such this one seems to be a downgrade from the SM8600 with the most obvious omission being the A7 Gen-2 processor and instead we get a Quad Core variant. Loosing the A7 means that we loose a few features that come with it also like Intelligence AI, features that help with image quality, AI sound and HFR.
Also this is the first model that drops Dolby Vision as we find only HDR10 and HLG support. Lastly it’s PMI is rated at 2,300 which is a major difference from the 3,300 PMI of the SM8600 which is an indication that while both of them have the same lighting system the SM8200 is less capable.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Edge LED Lighting with Local Dimming
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 4x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG SM8100 (US)
Type : Flat
The SM8100 is a US model only and judging from the specs and design it’s exactly the same model as the SM8200 that is available in Europe.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Edge LED Lighting with Local Dimming
- NanoCell film
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 4x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
4K LCD TVs
LG UM8070 (US)
Type : Flat
The UM series is supposed to be the lower tier series in 2019 lineup of TVs and the UM8070 that will come only in the US seems to be the biggest with one size at 86″ only.
The downgrades we get in the UM series is that we loose the NanoCell film meaning less accurate colors and instead of an Edge LED lighting with Local Dimming we get a Direct Backlight here.
On the other hand this model seems to be the only in the UM series that comes with the A7 Gen-2 processor, it has both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support while we still get all the smart TV platform features like the webOS 4.5, ThinQ AI and Magic Remote.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- Dolby Atmos
- 4x HDMI (2.0), 3x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG UM7570 (US) / UM7660-UM7600 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The UM7570 in the US and both UM7660 and UM7600 models in Europe seems to be the same TVs as specifications are all identical with the only difference being the stand. The US model gets a bench type stand while the two European models a Y-shaped one. The UM7660 comes with a dark silver stand while the UM7600 with a light silver stand.
As for their specs we get a Quad Core processor, direct backlight system, only HDR10 and HLG support and there is no Dolby Atmos. All smart features like webOS 4.5, ThinQ AI and Magic Remote are supported here also.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 4x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG UM7500 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The UM7500 is a Europe only variant and the only differences we could spot is the different stand and that there are 3 HDMI ports available instead of 4. Everything else remains the same as the above model.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG UM7450 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The UM7450 comes with exactly the same specs as the above UM7500 model with the only difference being the Y-shaped stand that comes with it.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
LG UM7400 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
With the UM7400 we are loosing a few smart features as well as the Magic Remote. At least webOS 4.5 and ThinQ AI are still supported.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- DTS Virtual:X
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Standard remote
LG UM7390 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The UM7390 is another Europe only model and this is the same as the UM7400 in spec with only two changes. Firstly it comes with a different design with it’s unique white color and bench type stand while it drops DTS Virtual:X support and you only get Ultra Surround instead.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- Ultra Surround
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Standard remote
LG UM7370 (US) / UM7100 (UK-Europe)
Type : Flat
The UM7370 in the US and UM7100 in Europe seem to be the exact same models both in specs and designs. The difference between these and the above UM7390 is the dark color of the main body while this model here also drops it’s IPS panel. Also while the US model gets the Magic Remote the European one gets a standard remote instead.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- Ultra Surround
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control (US) – Standard remote (Europe)
LG UM7300 (US)
Type : Flat
Last but not least the UM7300 which comes only in the US brings back the IPS panel and essentially is the same model as the UM7390 we get in Europe but in different color. Also since this is a US model it comes with LG’s Magic Remote.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- IPS panel with LCD display technology
- Direct Backlight
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- Ultra Surround
- 3x HDMI (2.0), 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- webOS 4.5
- ThinQ AI (Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa)
- Magic Remote Control
An informational article, I didn’t know that such beautiful TV’s are out for 2019 and I really need one because it would be great having such a UHD TV in my home. I also need a TV for gaming because gaming in a 4K TV would be awesome. Thank you for sharing this guide and taking the time to put everything together.
Can you suggest me which one would be great for gaming OLED or NanoCell?
If your budget can afford it then go for the OLED C9 as it offers the best quality with a reasonable price. If not then go for the SM9500 NanoCell which is still a very good alternative.
LG tv’s are very reliable, the one currently in our living room is 10yrs old and still working as good as new. But its time to move into future and get smart to stay up with the times. We don’t watch much tele anymore now the kids have moved on. But upgrading to a 2019 model is going to be great for watching my favorite YT video’s and make life much easier and my wife won’t moan so much for me being om my laptop to much lol.
Thanks for making my choice so much more easy,
All the best Rob
I am glad you found our guide useful.