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For 2018 LG has created a lineup that will satisfy all tastes. From the top of the line OLED models to the low 4K UHD ones LG seems to have created a model for all needs and all pockets. But it seems that the last few years LG has managed to become the leader as far as image quality is concerned and this is a result of a single technology. OLED has become the spearhead of LG’s premium offerings and because of this it has won it’s rival for the best image technology available. Samsung has made valiant efforts the last couple of years to close the gap but no matter how much they improve it, LCD is no OLED and this is something Samsung knows about.
So until we see some new technology or at least until we see Samsung to give another go with OLED, LG seems to hold the crown of offering the best image quality possible. One thing that still holds OLED out of reach is it’s high price and while things improve every year they still remain more expensive than LCD and this is the only reason why LCD technology still holds it’s ground. If OLED manages to come close in price to LCD it will be game over making the next few years very interesting to see what will happen.
For this year LG has created a new lineup of OLED models with B8, C8, E8, G8 and the top of the line W8. And although the panels for these models remain more or less the same as last year what has changed is the processor that works under the hood. Dubbed “a9 processor” by LG this new piece of silicon has a few tricks that makes this year’s models better than the previous ones.
For one the a9 processor seems to improve motion performance, a part that LG always seemed to be a bit behind from it’s competitors but is determined to close the gap this year. Another characteristic of this new hardware is support for HFR video or High Frame Rate video up to 120 frames. HFR produces such an improvement in motion that is breathtaking but unfortunately this feature is supported only by USB or streaming for now as HFR through HDMI would require HDMI 2.1 which is not ready yet. LG says that HDMI 2.1 will appear in 2019 models so this remains to be seen if they will make it happen.
Another advertised feature of the a9 processor is the Black Frame Insertion which is a feature that was designed to improve motion by inserting a black frame between two image frames. This results in smoother motion but on the other hand it reduces brightness and to some people a little flickering may be visible. LG has introduced some techniques to minimize the downsides of this technology but remains to be seen if they will actually be useful in normal use.
The entry level B8 OLED model along with all the other Super UHD LCD models come equipped with the less powerful a7 processor which keeps most of the characteristics of it’s more powerful brother but with a few omissions. It can still do HFR video but not in 4K HDR at the same time due to the computational power needed to do all at once something that the a7 lacks.
All the OLED models as well as their Super UHD LCD lineup support a wide range of HDR protocols with HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG and Advanced HDR by Technicolor. The lower UHD models support only HDR10 and HLG protocols. As for smart functionality the OLED and Super UHD models are all equipped with the latest version of their acclaimed smart TV platform, the famous WebOS that has reached version 4.0 for this year. The lower UHD models support WebOS but loose some of the more advanced features.
Lastly what we see from the entire lineup is that there is no curved models on offer meaning that Samsung is the only remaining company that still produces them. And with 3D being totally dead as no new models support it, it remains to be seen if the Curved Designs that was so heavily marketed the previous years will follow the same slow death as 3D did.
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.
OLED TVs
LG OLED W8
Dimensions :
- US : 65″ (OLED65W8PUA), 77″ (OLED77W8PUA)
- Europe : 65″ (OLED65W8PLA), 77″ (OLED77W8PLA)
Type: Flat
In the top of their OLED lineup we find the LG W8 which is an small upgrade over last year’s W7 model. For this year the W8 keeps the wallpaper design that the W7 had but has a few upgrades like the new a9 processor and High Frame Rate video support. It comes equipped with a 4.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar and is using WebOS 4.0 as well as Google Assistant.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- Flat “wallpaper” design with external soundbar
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 9 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps
- 4.2 ch. 60W soundbar, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- Magic Remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
LG OLED G8
Dimensions :
- US : –
- Europe : 65″ (OLED65G8PLA)
Type: Flat
Being LG’s original “Signature” model the G series has a very modern “picture on glass” design with the glass curving on the bottom to accommodate the soundbar. As for the specs it is similar to the W8 model featuring the new a9 processor and support for HFR video along with all the other features. It also is using the new WebOS 4.0 along with Google Assistant.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- Flat design with soundbase
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 9 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps
- Built-in soundbase, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- Magic Remote
LG OLED E8
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (OLED55E8PUA), 65″ (OLED65E8PUA)
- Europe : 55″ (OLED55E8PLA), 65″ (OLED65E8PLA)
Type: Flat
The LG E8 is very similar in specifications to the G8 model with the difference being that we don’t get a dedicated soundbar. Instead the E8 goes for an integrated sound solution. The rest of the specs seem to be similar with the new a9 processor, support for HFR video and WebOS 4.0 that includes LG’s ThinQ AI and Google Assistant.
Click HERE to read our detailed review.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- Flat “picture-on-glass” design
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 9 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps
- 4.2 ch. 60W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- Magic Remote
LG OLED C8
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (OLED55C8PUA), 65″ (OLED65C8PUA), 77″ (OLED77C8PUA)
- Europe : 55″ (OLED55C8PLA), 65″ (OLED65C8PLA), 77″ (OLED77C8PLA)
Type: Flat
All indications show that the LG C8 will for one more year be the most popular OLED model from LG. And this because as far as specifications go it has exactly the same as it’s bigger brothers with the a9 processor present as well as HFR video support, WebOS 4.0 and ThinQ AI with Google Assistant. But gone is the glass design as well as the dedicated soundbar and this is the reason why this model is offered at a more attractive price. If substance is what you are looking for and don’t care much for the looks then this is the definite model as it combines breathtaking image quality with the most attractive price.
Check out our in-depth review of the LG C8 HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- Flat design
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 9 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps
- 2.2 ch 40W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB, Twin tuner (only 77” – in Europe)
- Magic Remote
LG OLED B8
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (OLED55B8PUA), 65″ (OLED65B8PUA)
- Europe : 55″ (OLED55B8PLA), 65″ (OLED65B8PLA)
Type: Flat
The B8 model is the entry OLED model from LG and although last year the B and C models were almost the same with different stands this year LG decided to differentiate them completely. The B8 comes equipped with the a7 processor which is less powerful than the a9 processor of the higher models. What this means is that although there is support for HFR video it is not with 4K HDR as the processor is not powerful enough to handle the load.
Also using a less powerful processor means less accurate colors and noise reduction will not be as good as the top models. But it has the Black Frame Insertion feature for smoother motion that the a9 processor offers. It also features the WebOS 4.0 smart TV platform with the ThinQ AI and Google Assistant.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED display technology
- Flat design
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 7 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps (not with 4K HDR)
- 2.2 ch. 40W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- Magic Remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
SUPER UHD TVs
LG SK9500 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 65″ (65SK9500PUA)
- Europe : 55″ (55SK9500PLA), 65″ (65SK9500PLA)
Type: Flat
The SK9500 is the top of the line model in their LCD lineup that LG is calling Super UHD. This model is using Nano Cell display with Full array local dimming that will offer great color reproduction and good black color levels. Featuring the a7 processor means that it offers HFR video but not in 4K HDR, offers all types of HDR as the OLED models and comes equipped with the WebOS 4.0 with ThinQ AI and Google Assistant.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Full array local dimming Pro
- Nano Cell filter
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 7 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps (not in 4K HDR)
- 2.2 ch 40W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB
- Magic Remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
LG SK9000 / SK90 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (55SK9000PUA), 65″ (65SK9000PUA)
- Europe : –
Type: Flat
One step down we find the SK9000 which is more or less the same model as the SK9500 but with less lighting control.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Full array local dimming
- Nano Cell filter
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 7 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps (not in 4K HDR)
- 2.2 ch 40W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB
- Magic Remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
LG SK8500 / SK85 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : –
- Europe : 49″ (49SK8500PLA), 55″ (55SK8500PLA), 65″ (65SK8500PLA)
Type: Flat
The LG SK8500 is a step down from the SK9500 featuring a less than premium design and as for the specs it uses less dimming zones as well as having lower peak brightness. It still uses Full array local dimming and the a7 processor as the rest of the top LCD models.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Full array local dimming
- Nano Cell filter
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 7 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps (not in 4K HDR)
- 2.2 ch 40W speakers, Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 3x USB
- Magic Remote
LG SK8000 (SK8100) LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (55SK8000AUB), 65″ (65SK8000AUB)
- Europe : 49″ (49SK8000PLB), 55″ (55SK8000PLB), 65″ (65SK8000PLB)
Type: Flat
The SK8000 sits at the bottom of the Super UHD lineup and the biggest omission here is that it uses Edge lighting instead of Full array local dimming as the rest of the Super UHD models which means less brightness accuracy and lighting control. It still uses a Nano Cell display and is equipped with the a7 processor so this model really tries to balance between quality and price.
You can read our detailed review HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Edge LED
- Nano Cell filter
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Alpha 7 video processor
- High Frame Rate (HFR) support – 100/120fps (not in 4K HDR) – except 49”
- 2.0 ch 20W speakers (40W in SK8100), Dolby Atmos, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2 support
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 2x USB
- Magic Remote
UHD TVs
LG UK7700 / UK77 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (55UK7700PUD), 65″ (65UK7700PUD)
- Europe : –
Type: Flat
The LG UK7700 sits at the top of their UHD lineup. It still features Nano Cell display which improves contrast but it drops the a7 processor for a quad-core processor. This means that color accurancy, noise reduction and motion performance take a hit compared to the higher models. It also supports only HDR10 and HLG but keeps WebOS 4.0 and ThinQ AI with Google Assistant.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Edge LED
- Nano Cell display
- HDR10, HLG
- Quad Core Processor
- 2.0 ch 20W speakers
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 2x USB
- Magic Remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
LG UK6500 / UK65 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 43″ (43UK6500AUA), 50″ (50UK6500AUA), 55″ (55UK6500AUA), 65″ (65UK6500AUA)
- Europe : 43″ (43UK6500PLA), 50″ (50UK6500PLA), 55″ (55UK6500PLA), 65″ (65UK6500PLA), 75″ (75UK6500PLA), 85″ (85UK6500PLA)
Type: Flat
The LG UK6500 is almost the same model as the UK7700 but does not include the Magic Remote although it can be purchased seperately.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Edge LED
- HDR10, HLG
- 2.0 ch. 20W speakers, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9 support
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- 4x HDMI / 2x USB
- Magic Remote Ready (sold separately)
LG UK6300 / UK63 LCD
Dimensions :
- US : 43″ (43UK6300PUE), 49″ (49UK6300PUE), 50″ (50UK6300PUE), 55″ (55UK6300PUE), 65″ (65UK6300PUE)
- Europe : 43″ (43UK6300PLB), 49″ (49UK6300PLB), 55″ (55UK6300PLB), 65″ (65UK6300PLB)
Type: Flat
The UK6300 is almost the same as the UK6500 with a slight variation to its 4K IPS panel so you can expect more or less similar performance. It also features one less HDMI port than the UK6500.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- Edge LED
- HDR10, HLG
- 2.0 ch. 20W speakers, LG Sound Sync
- webOS, ThinQ AI incl. Google Assistant
- HEVC, VP9 support
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- 3x HDMI / 2x USB
- Magic Remote Ready (sold separately)
Cheapest Places to Buy :
FullHD TVs
LG LK5400
Dimensions :
- US : –
- Europe : –
Type: Flat
The LG LK5400 may not be a 4K TV as it supports Full HD resolution but it still offers HDR which is something not very common among Full HD panels and it can make a difference when comparing similar TVs. It comes equipped with a quad-core processor and LG’s Virtual Surround Plus.
Specifications
- Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- LCD display technology
- Flat design
- HDR10, HLG
- 2.0 ch 10W speakers, Virtual Surround Plus
- webOS
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- 2x HDMI / 1x USB
Conclusion
And that’s all for this year’s LG TV models. As you have seen from the above LG offers a wide range of models for all tastes and budgets. It seems that the company is determined to continue the trend of offering top quality with their OLED lineup but also more affordable LCD models for the budget sensitive putting a lot of pressure on Samsung and Sony on the TV segment. You can read about Samsung’s lineup HERE as well as Sony’s HERE. It only remains to be seen how consumers will react to the models on offer as 4K seems to enter slowly into more mature years.
Wow, really informative post! Didn’t realize TV’s had become so smart. Definitely will have to check in to the local TV dealer and get one. Thanks for the info…
Technology moves very fast and TVs offer nowadays much more than they did a few years back. I am glad you liked the article and I hope you will check back soon for more.
Hey, I just wanted to leave a short message to say thanks for outlining all the features here and the specifications – great level of detail. The LG OLED C8 is of particular interest to me and I appreciate the additional information provided, thank you
I am glad my article helped you Michael. You can check our other articles if you are looking for something particular. The LG C8 in particular is one amazing TV and in a really good price compared to the other top of the line OLED TVs.
I love how detailed your post is. Your graphics are so vibrant and appealing. I like how you include dimensions for both U.S. and European measurements. It’s obvious you know a lot about televisions and technology. I’ll be able to make an informed decision based on your article. Thanks!
I am always trying to include both US and European measurements in order to help people in both continents with our articles. I hope it helped you to take an easier decision.
Wow great information, I’ve had many different brands of TVs and my favorite is LG. Their picture quality, aesthetics and sound are all superb. My favorite part of an LG tv is the user interface. Very user friendly.
I’ll come here for more information when I buy my other tv.
Hey Jeffrey. LG is using WebOS smart platform and it is one of the best and user friendly platforms out there. They have really great models this year. I am glad that you will check our website for your buying decision.
I’m confused. What’s better – Super UHD or OLED ?
I’ll never be able to afford a $7000 TV, but $1500 – $2000 is a maybe and I’d like to get something that’s not going to go to way of the do-do bird like 3D did.
Hello Dave. OLED is their top lineup as they offer the best quality possible. After OLED comes Super UHD and these are LCD technology and not OLED which means they are a bit inferior. If you want the best possible picture you go for OLED but if you want good image quality but with lower price go for a Super UHD model.