LG Class G4 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart TV Review 2026
Are you looking for a premium OLED TV that delivers jaw dropping picture quality and top tier performance? The LG G4 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart TV has been a favorite among home theater fans since its launch.
It packs LG’s second generation MLA panel, the powerful Alpha 11 AI Processor, and peak brightness levels that put most competitors to shame. But does it still hold up in 2026 with newer models on the market?
This review covers everything you need to know. We will break down the picture quality, sound performance, gaming features, smart TV platform, and overall value.
Key Takeaways:
- The LG G4 uses a second generation MLA (Micro Lens Array) OLED panel that pushes peak brightness up to approximately 3,000 nits. This is a massive improvement over previous OLED generations and makes HDR content look stunning in both dark and bright rooms.
- LG’s Alpha 11 AI Processor delivers four times higher AI performance than its predecessor. It handles upscaling, noise reduction, and dynamic tone mapping with remarkable precision. You will notice the difference with lower resolution content like cable TV and older streaming titles.
- Gaming performance is excellent with four HDMI 2.1 ports, support for 4K at 120Hz (and up to 144Hz), VRR, ALLM, and low input lag. The LG G4 is one of the best TVs for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming.
- The webOS smart TV platform gives you access to all major streaming apps. It is smooth, responsive, and includes LG’s AI powered recommendations. The included Magic Remote with point and click navigation makes browsing feel natural.
- The slim, gallery style design mounts flush against the wall with the included slim wall mount bracket. This gives it a clean, art like appearance that blends into any living space.
- Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, and HLG are all supported. The built in 4.2 channel speaker system with virtual surround sound is better than most flat panel TVs, though a dedicated soundbar will improve the experience.
LG G4 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart TV: Overview and First Impressions
The LG G4 Series OLED Evo is the flagship OLED television from LG’s 2024 lineup. It is available in 55 inch, 65 inch, 77 inch, 83 inch, and 97 inch screen sizes. The model numbers include OLED55G4SUB, OLED65G4SUB, and OLED77G4WUA depending on the size you choose.
Right out of the box, the build quality is impressive. The panel is incredibly thin and comes with a slim wall mount bracket included. LG designed this TV to hang flat against the wall like a piece of art. The bezels are minimal, and the overall aesthetic is modern and premium.
The back panel houses all the connections and the built in speaker system. You get four HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an optical audio output. Wi Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 handle wireless connectivity. The Magic Remote comes included and offers voice control through both Alexa and Google Assistant.
First impressions of the picture quality are extraordinary. Colors pop immediately. Blacks are perfect. The brightness boost from the MLA panel is visible even in a casual viewing environment. This is a TV that looks special the moment you turn it on.
Display Technology: Second Generation MLA OLED Panel
The star of the LG G4 is its second generation Micro Lens Array (MLA) OLED panel. MLA technology places tiny lenses over each OLED pixel. These lenses direct more light toward the viewer instead of letting it scatter. The result is significantly higher brightness without increasing power consumption.
LG claims the G4 can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. In real world testing by RTINGS, the TV achieved approximately 1,502 nits on a 2% white HDR window. That is a substantial improvement over non MLA OLEDs and puts the G4 in direct competition with the best LED TVs for brightness.
The Brightness Booster Max feature works alongside the MLA panel. It uses an improved light boosting algorithm and light control architecture to push brightness up to 150% higher than standard OLED panels. This makes a real difference with HDR content, where highlights look vivid and lifelike.
Color volume is outstanding. The G4 displays dark, saturated colors with exceptional accuracy. Pure whites are among the best of any OLED TV available. The infinite contrast ratio from self emissive OLED pixels ensures that black areas of the screen produce zero light, giving you true black performance.
Alpha 11 AI Processor: The Brain Behind the Picture
The Alpha 11 AI Processor is LG’s most advanced TV chip to date. It features four times higher AI performance compared to the Alpha 9 Gen 6 found in the previous G3 model. It also delivers 1.7 times higher graphics performance and 70% faster processing speed.
This processor handles multiple tasks at once. It analyzes each frame of content in real time and adjusts brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness accordingly. The AI Super Upscaling feature does an excellent job of making lower resolution content look sharper. Old DVDs, standard definition cable channels, and compressed streaming content all benefit from this processing.
The AI Sound Pro feature works on the audio side. The processor analyzes incoming audio signals and upscales them to virtual 11.1.2 channel surround sound. It identifies dialogue, music, and sound effects separately and optimizes each one. Voices sound clearer, and spatial effects feel more immersive.
One of the standout features is AI Brightness Control. The processor adjusts screen brightness based on both the content and the ambient light in your room. It does this smoothly and without aggressive dimming. You will rarely notice the adjustments happening, which is exactly how it should work.
Top 3 Alternatives for LG G4 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart TV
If the LG G4 is outside your budget or you want to compare it with other premium options, here are three excellent alternatives worth considering.
Samsung S95D OLED 4K Smart TV uses a QD OLED panel with Samsung’s OLED Glare Free technology. It offers vivid colors, strong brightness, and an anti glare screen finish that works great in bright rooms. The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor handles upscaling and motion processing effectively. This is the top pick if you deal with a lot of ambient light.
Sony BRAVIA XR A95L QD OLED 4K TV delivers some of the most accurate and cinematic picture quality available. Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR produces outstanding color accuracy and motion handling. It supports Google TV and integrates perfectly with PlayStation 5 consoles. Movie lovers and cinephiles often prefer Sony’s picture processing over the competition.
LG C4 OLED Evo 4K Smart TV is LG’s own mid range OLED option. It shares the same webOS platform and many of the same features as the G4 but uses a standard OLED panel without MLA. The result is lower peak brightness but still excellent contrast and color performance. It is a fantastic choice if you want LG OLED quality at a more affordable price point.
HDR Performance and Color Accuracy
The LG G4 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats. Dolby Vision is the preferred format for streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus. The TV handles Dolby Vision content with dynamic metadata, adjusting the picture on a scene by scene basis for optimal results.
HDR peak brightness is a major strength of this television. The MLA panel allows HDR highlights to truly pop. Specular highlights on metal surfaces, sunlight reflections, and bright explosions in movies all look convincingly bright without washing out the surrounding darker areas.
Color accuracy out of the box is very good. The Filmmaker Mode disables unnecessary processing and delivers content as the director intended. In professional calibration tests, the G4 shows near perfect Delta E values below 2.0 in most color points. This means the colors you see on screen are extremely close to the source material.
The wide color gamut coverage is excellent. The G4 covers nearly 100% of the DCI P3 color space and a substantial portion of the BT.2020 standard. This gives HDR content a rich and vibrant look. Reds, greens, and blues appear deep and natural without oversaturation.
Gaming Features and Performance
The LG G4 is one of the best gaming TVs available. All four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth with 4K at 120Hz pass through. The TV also supports 4K at 144Hz through its Game Optimizer mode, which benefits PC gamers with compatible graphics cards.
Input lag is impressively low. In Game Optimizer mode, the G4 achieves approximately 9 to 10 milliseconds of input lag at 4K 120Hz. This is fast enough for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. FPS games, racing games, and fighting games all feel responsive and fluid.
The TV supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) through both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G Sync compatibility. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches the TV to its game preset when it detects a console or PC connection.
The Game Optimizer dashboard is a useful addition. It provides quick access to gaming settings like black stabilizer, genre specific picture modes, and input lag indicators. You can also enable a minimap zoom feature and adjust the aspect ratio for ultra wide gaming. The LG G4 genuinely makes gaming look and feel incredible.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
The LG G4 features a built in 4.2 channel speaker system with a total output of 60 watts. For a flat panel TV, this is above average. The speakers produce clear dialogue, decent midrange, and some bass presence. Most viewers will find the sound acceptable for casual viewing.
However, the G4 really shines with its audio processing capabilities. The Alpha 11 processor’s AI Sound Pro can upscale stereo audio to virtual 11.1.2 surround sound. It creates a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage. Overhead effects in Dolby Atmos content feel present, even without external speakers.
Dolby Atmos support is built in. The TV decodes Dolby Atmos audio from streaming services and passes it through to connected soundbars or AV receivers. If you use the built in speakers, the TV processes Atmos content using its virtual surround technology.
The WOW Orchestra feature is noteworthy. If you pair the G4 with a compatible LG soundbar, the TV speakers and soundbar work together as a unified system. The TV fills in sound gaps that the soundbar might miss, creating a more complete and enveloping audio experience. For the best results, pairing the G4 with an LG SC9S or similar soundbar is highly recommended.
WebOS Smart TV Platform and User Experience
The LG G4 runs webOS 24, LG’s latest smart TV operating system. It is clean, responsive, and easy to learn. The home screen displays your favorite apps in a horizontal row. You can customize the app order and remove apps you do not use.
All major streaming services are available. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, and Peacock are all present. The apps load quickly and stream smoothly. The TV supports 4K Dolby Vision streaming from compatible services without any issues.
The included Magic Remote is one of the best TV remotes available. It features a gyroscopic pointer that lets you navigate the screen by pointing and clicking, similar to a mouse cursor. It also includes dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus for quick access. Voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant, and LG’s ThinQ AI gives you hands free options.
LG Channels offers a selection of free ad supported streaming content. Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration allow you to stream from Apple devices and control the TV through the Home app. Chromecast built in lets Android users cast content directly. The smart TV platform covers all the bases without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
Design, Build Quality, and Installation
The LG G4 has a gallery style design that prioritizes a flush wall mount installation. LG includes a slim wall mount bracket in the box at no extra cost. Once mounted, the TV sits nearly flat against the wall with minimal gap. This gives it a clean, modern look that resembles a framed picture.
The panel itself is remarkably thin. The upper portion of the TV measures just a few millimeters thick. The lower section is slightly thicker to house the speakers, processor, and connections. The overall profile is still much slimmer than most LED TVs.
Build materials feel premium. The back panel uses a combination of metal and high quality plastic. The bezels around the screen are extremely narrow, which maximizes the screen to body ratio. The TV looks expensive because it is.
If you prefer a table top setup, LG offers an optional stand accessory sold separately. The stand elevates the TV and provides a stable base. However, the G4 is primarily designed for wall mounting. The included bracket and the flush mount design make wall installation the recommended approach.
LG G4 77 Inch Model: Is Bigger Better?
The 77 inch LG G4 (OLED77G4WUA) offers the same picture quality and features as the 65 inch model but with a significantly larger screen. For home theater enthusiasts with a larger viewing distance, the 77 inch size delivers a more cinematic and immersive experience.
The bigger panel does not sacrifice brightness or color performance. The MLA technology scales effectively across all screen sizes. Peak brightness and contrast ratios remain consistent whether you choose the 55, 65, or 77 inch variant.
The 77 inch model is ideal for living rooms where the primary viewing distance is 8 feet or more. At this distance, the larger screen fills more of your field of vision and makes movies, sports, and games feel dramatically more engaging. If your budget and room size allow it, the 77 inch version is the one most reviewers recommend.
Weight and wall mounting considerations are important. The 77 inch G4 weighs approximately 29 pounds without the stand. The included slim wall mount supports this weight comfortably, but you will need to ensure your wall can handle the load. Professional installation is recommended for larger screen sizes.
Energy Efficiency and Panel Longevity
OLED technology has improved its energy efficiency over the years, and the LG G4 continues this trend. The MLA panel directs more light forward, which means the TV can achieve higher brightness at similar or lower power consumption compared to non MLA OLEDs.
The G4 includes several energy saving features. The AI Brightness Control adjusts screen output based on ambient room lighting. An eco mode reduces overall power consumption during casual viewing. The screen also dims automatically after periods of inactivity.
Burn in concerns are a common question for OLED buyers. LG addresses this with multiple preventive measures. The TV features pixel shifting, screen savers, logo luminance adjustment, and pixel refresher cycles. These tools work automatically in the background to minimize the risk of permanent image retention.
LG also offers a 5 year panel warranty on the G4 series for added peace of mind. This warranty covers burn in related defects, which shows LG’s confidence in the long term durability of their panels. Under normal usage patterns, the G4’s OLED panel should last well over 100,000 hours before any noticeable degradation.
Pros and Cons of the LG G4 OLED Evo 4K Smart TV
The biggest strengths of the LG G4 include its outstanding picture quality, exceptional HDR brightness, perfect black levels, and top tier gaming performance. The Alpha 11 processor handles upscaling beautifully. The webOS platform is smooth and well stocked with apps. The gallery design with the included wall mount is a thoughtful touch.
The main drawbacks are the premium price point and the lack of an anti glare screen coating. While the MLA panel pushes brightness high enough to overcome most room reflections, the glossy screen can still show visible reflections in extremely bright environments. The Samsung S95D handles glare better thanks to its matte finish.
The built in speakers, while better than average, cannot replace a good soundbar or AV receiver system. If you are spending this much on a TV, you should budget for an external audio solution. The optional stand being sold separately also adds to the overall cost if you do not plan to wall mount.
Despite these minor issues, the LG G4 remains one of the best televisions available. Its combination of OLED technology, MLA brightness, AI processing, and gaming features is hard to beat. For most buyers looking at the premium OLED category, this TV sits at or near the top of the recommendation list.
Final Verdict: Is the LG G4 OLED Evo Worth It in 2026?
The LG G4 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart TV remains a remarkable television. Even as newer models have arrived, the G4 holds its own thanks to its excellent MLA panel, powerful Alpha 11 processor, and complete feature set. If you find it at a discounted price in 2026, it represents incredible value for a flagship OLED.
For buyers who want the absolute latest technology, LG’s newer G5 model offers incremental improvements. But the G4 still delivers 97% of the experience at a significantly lower price point. Picture quality, gaming performance, and smart TV features are all still top tier.
If you are ready to invest in a premium viewing experience that will serve you well for years, the LG G4 OLED Evo is an outstanding choice. It earns a strong recommendation from us in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LG G4 OLED Evo good for bright rooms?
Yes. The second generation MLA panel pushes peak brightness to approximately 1,500 nits in real world usage. This is bright enough to overcome most ambient light conditions. The AI Brightness Control also adjusts the picture automatically based on room lighting. However, the glossy screen may show some reflections in extremely bright environments with direct sunlight.
Does the LG G4 support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos?
Yes. The LG G4 fully supports Dolby Vision for picture and Dolby Atmos for audio. It can decode Dolby Atmos through its built in speakers or pass it through to an external soundbar or AV receiver. All major streaming apps on webOS support Dolby Vision playback.
How many HDMI ports does the LG G4 have?
The LG G4 has four HDMI 2.1 ports. All four support 4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC on one port. This gives you plenty of connections for gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu ray players, and soundbars without needing an HDMI switch.
Is the LG G4 better than the LG C4?
The LG G4 offers higher peak brightness thanks to the MLA panel, a more powerful Alpha 11 processor compared to the C4’s Alpha 9 Gen 7, and the included gallery style wall mount. The C4 is a great value alternative that offers excellent OLED picture quality at a lower price, but the G4 is the superior TV in terms of raw performance.
Does the LG G4 have a risk of burn in?
LG has built in multiple burn in prevention features including pixel shifting, screen savers, logo luminance adjustment, and automatic pixel refresher cycles. LG also backs the G4 with a 5 year panel warranty that covers burn in. Under normal viewing habits, burn in should not be a concern for most users.
What screen sizes are available for the LG G4?
The LG G4 is available in 55 inch, 65 inch, 77 inch, 83 inch, and 97 inch screen sizes. The 65 inch and 77 inch models are the most popular choices. Each size uses the same MLA OLED panel technology and Alpha 11 processor.
