Are you wondering if the LG B4 OLED is the perfect entry point into premium OLED technology without breaking your budget? The LG B4 OLED has emerged as 2024’s most compelling value proposition in the OLED TV market, delivering 80% of premium features at just 50-60% of the cost of higher-tier models. With OLED TV shipments hitting 2 million units in Q4 2024 alone and the global OLED market projected to reach $50.4 billion by 2030, this entry-level OLED represents your gateway to perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and lightning-fast gaming performance that was previously reserved for premium buyers.
What makes the B4 truly exceptional is its strategic positioning – you get all four HDMI 2.1 ports (a major upgrade from its predecessor), outstanding color accuracy with a Delta-E of just 0.8, and comprehensive gaming features including VRR, G-Sync, and FreeSync support. While it makes calculated compromises in peak brightness and processing power compared to the C4 or G4 models, the B4 delivers the core OLED experience that transforms your viewing and gaming sessions. Professional reviewers consistently praise it as the “best budget OLED for gaming” and “excellent entry-level OLED” that brings premium display technology within reach of mainstream buyers.
What makes the LG B4 OLED special in today’s market
The 2024 OLED landscape is more competitive than ever, yet the B4 occupies a unique sweet spot that no competitor directly challenges. RTINGS describes it as having “noticeable improvements over the LG B3 OLED” with “increased brightness in both SDR and HDR” that makes it more suitable for brighter rooms. The most significant upgrade comes in connectivity – you now get four full-featured HDMI 2.1 ports compared to the B3’s limiting two ports, instantly making this a serious gaming contender.
Under the hood, the α8 AI Processor 4K handles upscaling and optimization duties while delivering exceptional out-of-box color accuracy. The self-lit OLED panel contains over 8 million individually controllable pixels, each capable of complete shutdown to achieve those coveted perfect blacks that LCD technology simply cannot match. Peak brightness reaches 659 nits in HDR mode, which represents a meaningful improvement over previous generations while still maintaining the infinite contrast ratio that defines OLED technology.
Core specifications breakdown
| Feature | LG B4 OLED | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | Options for every room size |
| Peak Brightness | 659 nits HDR, 628 nits SDR | 15% brighter than B3 predecessor |
| Response Time | 0.1ms GTG | Eliminates motion blur entirely |
| Input Lag | 9.7ms (Game Mode) | Competitive gaming performance |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 4 ports (all 48Gbps) | Future-proof connectivity |
| VRR Range | 40-120Hz | Tear-free gaming experience |
| Color Accuracy | Delta-E 0.8 | Professional-grade precision |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Complete format compatibility |
The B4’s webOS 24 interface provides a clean, intuitive smart TV experience with guaranteed software updates for the next four years. Voice control integration includes Amazon Alexa built-in and Google Assistant compatibility, while Apple HomeKit support ensures seamless integration with your existing smart home ecosystem.
Gaming performance that rivals premium models
Gaming represents the B4’s strongest value proposition, where it genuinely competes with TVs costing twice as much. TechRadar emphasizes that “OLED gaming doesn’t have to be expensive, and this is proven by the LG B4” – and they’re absolutely right. The combination of four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K@120Hz support, and comprehensive VRR compatibility creates a gaming experience that was previously exclusive to premium models.
Console gaming excellence
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gamers will find the B4 perfectly matched to their hardware capabilities. All four HDMI ports support the full 48Gbps bandwidth needed for 4K gaming at 120Hz, which means you can connect multiple next-gen consoles, a gaming PC, and a streaming device without compromising performance. The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches to Game Optimizer when it detects console input, reducing processing delays without manual intervention.
Input lag measures just 9.7ms in Game Optimizer mode, which puts it within 1-2ms of dedicated gaming monitors. For context, anything under 20ms is considered excellent for gaming, so you’re getting truly competitive performance. The 0.1ms pixel response time means motion blur is virtually eliminated – those fast-paced racing games and first-person shooters will look crystal clear even during the most chaotic action sequences.
Variable refresh rate mastery
The B4 supports every major VRR standard, making it compatible with any gaming hardware you own. NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible certification ensures seamless integration with RTX graphics cards, while AMD FreeSync Premium support works perfectly with Radeon graphics and the latest consoles. The 40-120Hz VRR range covers everything from cinematic 40fps gaming to high-refresh competitive gaming.
Tom’s Guide specifically praised the gaming implementation, noting that “9.7ms input latency — that’s perfect for console gamers” and highlighting how the four HDMI 2.1 ports eliminate the connectivity limitations that plague many competitors. Even Sony’s premium A95L QD-OLED only provides two HDMI 2.1 ports, making the B4 superior for multi-device gaming setups.
Cloud gaming and future-proofing
The B4 comes equipped with cloud gaming apps including GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Blacknut, transforming your TV into a complete gaming ecosystem. This feature set positions you perfectly for the streaming gaming future while maintaining full compatibility with traditional consoles and PCs.
Value comparison against Sony and Samsung competitors
Understanding how the B4 stacks up against Sony and Samsung alternatives reveals why it’s captured such strong market attention. The competitive landscape shows clear trade-offs between brightness, processing power, and price that favor different user priorities.
Head-to-head with Sony models
Sony’s A95L QD-OLED represents the premium alternative, typically priced $1,000-1,500 higher than comparable B4 sizes. While the A95L delivers superior peak brightness (1,300-1,400 nits vs 659 nits) and Sony’s acclaimed Cognitive Processor XR, it provides only two HDMI 2.1 ports – a significant limitation for gaming-focused users. The A95L excels at upscaling and motion processing, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts, but the B4’s gaming-friendly port configuration and aggressive pricing make it the smarter choice for most buyers.
Sony’s Bravia 8 OLED positions closer to the B4’s price range but still commands a $300-500 premium. You gain Sony’s superior processing and slightly better peak brightness, but lose the B4’s four HDMI 2.1 ports and comprehensive gaming optimizations. For users who prioritize movie watching over gaming, the Bravia 8’s processing advantages may justify the extra cost, but gaming enthusiasts will find the B4’s connectivity and features more compelling.
Samsung QD-OLED comparison
Samsung’s S90D QD-OLED presents the most direct competition, offering 40-50% brighter HDR performance and 144Hz PC gaming support that the B4 lacks. The QD-OLED technology delivers superior color volume and more vibrant colors in bright content. However, Samsung’s lack of Dolby Vision support (only HDR10+) creates compatibility limitations with streaming content and gaming platforms.
| Feature | LG B4 OLED | Samsung S90D | Sony Bravia 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Brightness | 659 nits | 1,200 nits | 800-1,000 nits |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 4 ports | 4 ports | 2 ports |
| Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (HDR10+ only) | ✅ Yes |
| 144Hz Gaming | ❌ No (120Hz max) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Typical Price (65″) | $1,299-1,499 | $1,700-2,100 | $2,000-2,500 |
| Best For | Gaming value | Bright room gaming | Movie processing |
Price positioning heavily favors the B4, with street prices running $400-600 lower than comparable Samsung models and $700-1,000 lower than Sony alternatives. This pricing advantage becomes even more pronounced during sales events, where 48″ B4 models have dropped as low as $549 – making OLED technology accessible to buyers who previously couldn’t justify the premium.
Best use cases and room optimization
The B4’s performance characteristics make it ideal for specific viewing scenarios while presenting some limitations in others. Understanding these strengths helps you optimize placement and expectations for maximum satisfaction.
Perfect dark room performance
OLED technology shines brightest in darker environments, and the B4 exemplifies this advantage. Those perfect black levels create infinite contrast that transforms movie watching and gaming in moderately lit or dark rooms. HDR content particularly benefits from this contrast capability – you’ll notice details in shadowy scenes that completely disappear on LED/LCD displays.
Movie enthusiasts will appreciate the Filmmaker Mode that preserves director’s intent by disabling motion smoothing and maintaining accurate color reproduction. The 100% DCI-P3 color coverage ensures you’re seeing movies as intended, while Dolby Vision support provides scene-by-scene HDR optimization for streaming content and 4K Blu-rays.
Gaming in various lighting conditions
The B4 handles gaming across different lighting conditions better than many expect. While peak brightness limitations become apparent in very bright rooms, the anti-reflective coating helps minimize distractions from ambient light. For typical living room gaming with controlled lighting, the B4 delivers exceptional performance that rivals much more expensive displays.
Console gaming represents the optimal use case – the combination of four HDMI 2.1 ports, comprehensive VRR support, and low input lag creates an experience that justifies the OLED investment. The instant pixel response eliminates the motion blur that plagues LCD gaming displays, making fast-paced games feel more responsive and immersive.
Bright room considerations
Bright room performance presents the B4’s primary limitation. With 659 nits peak brightness, it struggles against direct sunlight or very bright overhead lighting compared to Samsung’s QD-OLED models that reach 1,200+ nits. However, this limitation is often overstated – most viewers find the B4 perfectly adequate for normal indoor lighting conditions.
The key is thoughtful room setup. Position the TV to avoid direct light sources, use light-filtering window treatments during bright day viewing, and consider ambient lighting that complements rather than competes with the display. Many users report excellent daytime viewing satisfaction once they optimize their room setup appropriately.
Comprehensive pros and cons analysis
Real-world ownership reveals both the B4’s impressive strengths and the areas where cost-cutting becomes apparent. Understanding these trade-offs helps set appropriate expectations and guides your purchase decision.
Standout advantages
Picture Quality Excellence: The fundamental OLED advantages remain intact – those perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles that make OLED technology so compelling. RTINGS measured an exceptional Delta-E of 0.8 for color accuracy, meaning the B4 displays colors as accurately as displays costing thousands more.
Gaming connectivity represents a genuine competitive advantage. Four HDMI 2.1 ports provide more next-gen gaming connections than Sony’s premium models, while comprehensive VRR support ensures compatibility with any gaming hardware. The Game Optimizer interface offers genre-specific presets and real-time performance monitoring that enhances the gaming experience.
Value proposition remains unmatched in the OLED segment. Street prices frequently drop the 48″ model below $600 and the 55″ model under $1,000, bringing premium display technology within reach of mainstream budgets. TechRadar correctly identifies it as the “cheapest 2024 OLED TV you can buy” without sacrificing the core benefits that make OLED compelling.
Notable limitations
Brightness constraints become apparent in very bright viewing conditions. The 659 nits peak brightness falls well short of Samsung’s QD-OLED models that reach 1,200+ nits, limiting HDR impact in bright rooms. Reflective screen properties can create distracting reflections when positioned opposite windows or bright light sources.
Audio performance represents a clear cost-cutting measure. The 20W 2.0-channel speaker system delivers adequate but uninspiring sound quality that pales next to Sony’s acoustic surface technology or even Samsung’s more powerful built-in audio. Most users will want to budget for a soundbar or external audio system to match the excellent video performance.
Processing limitations become apparent when compared to higher-tier models. The α8 AI Processor handles basic duties competently but lacks the advanced upscaling and motion processing found in the C4’s α9 processor. Motion handling, while good, doesn’t quite match the smoothness of premium alternatives when dealing with challenging content.
User experience considerations
webOS 24 provides a generally smooth smart TV experience, though some users report occasional interface slowdowns compared to premium LG models. The Magic Remote generates mixed reactions – some appreciate the pointer functionality while others find it cumbersome compared to traditional remotes.
Gaming mode switching occasionally exhibits bugs where the TV doesn’t automatically switch modes when detecting console input, requiring manual intervention. While not a major issue, it represents the type of minor annoyance that’s more common in entry-level models.
Market trends and future-proofing considerations
The 2025 OLED market context helps frame the B4’s position and longevity prospects in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
OLED market trajectory
Industry projections show the global OLED TV market growing from $20 billion in 2024 to $50.4 billion by 2030, representing a robust 16.6% compound annual growth rate. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of OLED benefits and continued price reductions that bring the technology mainstream.
Q4 2024 performance demonstrated strong OLED adoption with 2 million units shipped – the highest quarterly performance since Q4 2022. North American growth led at 19% year-over-year, indicating strong US market acceptance of OLED technology across price segments.
The entry-level OLED segment represents the fastest-growing category as manufacturers like LG push to expand market reach. The B4’s aggressive pricing strategy reflects this industry trend toward OLED democratization, making premium display technology accessible to buyers who previously couldn’t justify the premium.
Technology evolution timeline
Four-stack OLED panels showcased at CES 2025 promise 3,700 nits peak brightness and 21% better energy efficiency, representing the next major evolution in OLED technology. However, these improvements won’t reach entry-level models for 2-3 years, giving the B4 a reasonable longevity window before major feature gaps appear.
Current OLED improvements focus on brightness and efficiency rather than fundamental technology changes. The B4’s 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity align with gaming hardware requirements for the next 5-7 years, providing solid future-proofing for most users.
MicroLED competition remains limited by high production costs, with industry experts calling 2025 a “watershed year” for the technology. Apple’s February 2024 withdrawal from MicroLED development further indicates that OLED technology faces no immediate disruption, supporting the B4’s medium-term relevance.
Value retention analysis
OLED depreciation typically runs 10% annually for premium TVs, but the B4’s aggressive initial pricing may help it retain value better than higher-priced alternatives. After 5 years, expect 40-50% value retention assuming normal technological evolution.
Upgrade pressure should remain minimal for 5-7 years as the B4’s feature set matches current gaming hardware capabilities. The four HDMI 2.1 ports and 120Hz support provide adequate headroom for foreseeable console and PC gaming requirements.
Complete buying guide and size recommendations
Choosing the right B4 configuration requires balancing room size, viewing distance, budget constraints, and specific use case priorities.
Screen size optimization
48-inch model ($549-699 street price) offers the best value per dollar and suits bedrooms, smaller living rooms, or desktop gaming setups. The compact size maintains pixel density while delivering full OLED benefits at an unprecedented price point. Gaming enthusiasts particularly appreciate this size for desk-based PC gaming where larger screens become overwhelming.
55-inch model ($899-1,199 street price) represents the mainstream sweet spot for most buyers. It provides excellent viewing for typical living room distances (8-10 feet) while maintaining reasonable pricing. This size balances screen impact with cost effectiveness, making it the most popular choice among B4 buyers.
65-inch model ($1,299-1,699 street price) suits larger living rooms and home theater setups where viewing distance exceeds 10 feet. While the per-inch value decreases slightly, the cinematic impact of OLED technology at this size creates a compelling home theater experience that justifies the premium for many buyers.
Timing your purchase strategically
Seasonal sales patterns heavily favor specific buying windows. Black Friday and Cyber Monday consistently deliver the deepest discounts, with 48″ models dropping to $549 and larger sizes seeing 30-50% reductions. Memorial Day represents another strong buying opportunity with historically significant OLED promotions.
Monthly trends show best pricing typically occurs in January-February (post-holiday inventory clearance), May (Memorial Day sales), July (Prime Day), and November (Black Friday). Avoid buying during March-April and August-September when new model launches inflate pricing across the category.
Retailer and warranty considerations
Best Buy provides excellent B4 pricing with frequent sales, price matching policies, and open-box opportunities that can deliver additional savings. Their Geek Squad services offer professional calibration and setup support that maximizes your investment.
Costco bundles B4 models with 3-year Allstate protection plans at attractive pricing, providing extended warranty coverage that matches the TV’s useful life. The $100 bundle discount effectively subsidizes the extended warranty while providing valuable protection for your OLED investment.
Amazon offers competitive pricing and renewed/refurbished options that can provide additional value for budget-conscious buyers. However, warranty support and professional services are more limited compared to traditional electronics retailers.
Essential accessories and setup
Soundbar investment becomes almost mandatory given the B4’s limited built-in audio. Budget $200-400 for a quality soundbar that matches the excellent video performance. LG’s Sound Sync technology provides seamless wireless integration with compatible LG soundbars.
Wall mounting considerations include the VESA 300x200mm pattern and potential cable management challenges with back-facing HDMI ports. Professional installation may be worthwhile to optimize cable routing and ensure proper positioning for your viewing environment.
Calibration services can optimize the already-excellent picture quality for your specific room conditions. While the B4’s out-of-box accuracy is exceptional, professional calibration can extract additional performance that justifies the $200-300 investment for serious enthusiasts.
Final verdict on the LG B4 OLED value proposition
The LG B4 OLED succeeds in its mission to democratize OLED technology without sacrificing the core benefits that make this display technology so compelling. Professional reviewers consistently praise its picture quality, gaming performance, and value proposition, while user satisfaction ratings of 4.8/5 stars demonstrate real-world approval from actual owners.
For gaming enthusiasts, the B4 represents exceptional value with four HDMI 2.1 ports, comprehensive VRR support, and competitive input lag that rivals displays costing twice as much. The connectivity advantage over Sony’s premium models and price advantage over Samsung’s QD-OLED alternatives creates a compelling value proposition that’s difficult to match.
Movie watchers and general entertainment users will appreciate the perfect blacks, accurate colors, and wide viewing angles that define OLED technology. While peak brightness limitations affect very bright room performance, the B4 delivers outstanding results in typical home viewing conditions at a price that brings premium display technology within mainstream reach.
The 2025 OLED market trajectory supports the B4’s positioning as entry-level OLED adoption accelerates and manufacturing costs continue declining. With guaranteed software updates through 2028 and feature sets that align with current gaming hardware requirements, the B4 provides solid future-proofing for most users.
Budget considerations favor the 48″ and 55″ models for optimal value, particularly during seasonal sales when pricing drops below $600 and $1,000 respectively. At these price points, the B4 delivers OLED benefits previously available only to premium buyers, making it the clear choice for anyone seeking their first OLED experience without the traditional premium pricing.
