LG B2 Series OLED Smart TV 65-Inch Review Ultimate 4K Visuals and Gaming

Description

Advantages of the LG B2 Series 65-Inch OLED Smart TV

Testing the LG B2 Series 65-Inch Class OLED Smart TV (model OLED65B2PUA) in my living room felt like stepping into a new era of entertainment. This TV is packed with features that elevate your viewing experience, and its sleek design ensures it fits beautifully into any space. The self-lit OLED pixels are a game-changer, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors that make every scene come alive. Watching movies or playing games felt incredibly immersive thanks to the billion rich colors and 100% color volume.

The a7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K is another standout feature. It intelligently optimizes both picture and sound, making even older shows look vibrant and modern. The 120Hz refresh rate is a dream for gamers like me, ensuring smooth motion during fast-paced action sequences. Plus, the Game Optimizer mode simplifies adjusting settings for a seamless gaming experience. Between its NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, this TV is clearly built with gamers in mind.

Key Benefits:

• Self-lit OLED pixels for stunning color and contrast.
• a7 Gen5 AI Processor ensures optimized visuals and audio.
• 120Hz refresh rate perfect for gaming and sports.
• Game Optimizer with advanced gaming features like VRR and G-SYNC.

Downsides of the LG OLED65B2PUA

As much as I enjoyed using this TV, there are a few aspects that could use improvement. The 20W speakers, while sufficient for casual watching, don’t pack much punch for intense movie nights. I found myself relying on an external sound system for a better audio experience. Additionally, while the Magic Remote is intuitive, it may take some time to get used to the motion-sensing pointer feature, especially for those who prefer traditional remotes.

Another minor gripe is the absence of a TV stand out of the box. The TV is ready for wall mounting with a 300 x 200 VESA mount, but if you’re not planning to mount it, you’ll need to purchase a stand separately. While this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s something to keep in mind.

Areas for Improvement:

• Built-in speakers could be more powerful for cinematic sound.
• Magic Remote’s motion controls might not suit everyone.
• No stand included, requiring a separate purchase.

Design and Build Quality

The aesthetic appeal of this TV is undeniable. Its sleek black finish and ultra-thin bezel make it look like a piece of modern art when mounted on the wall. Despite its large 65-inch screen, the TV feels lightweight, yet sturdy. Setting it up was straightforward, though care is needed due to the slim panel. At just 9.7 inches deep (with the stand), it doesn’t dominate the space, making it ideal for smaller rooms as well.

The Magic Remote is a handy addition. With voice control support for Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple AirPlay2, and HomeKit, navigating through apps and settings is simple. Being able to control the entire setup with my voice is a convenience I didn’t know I needed.

Performance and Gaming Features

Using this TV for gaming was an absolute pleasure. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with low input lag and the Auto Low-Latency Mode truly makes a difference during intense gaming sessions. Playing fast-paced titles like racing or first-person shooters felt buttery smooth. The HGiG compliance ensures HDR gaming looks stunning, with rich details in both bright and dark areas.

Streaming games through GeForce NOW worked without a hitch, and the four HDMI 2.1 ports gave plenty of flexibility for connecting consoles and other devices. Whether it was my PlayStation or Xbox, the performance remained consistent across the board.

Smart Features and Content Access

This TV is a content powerhouse. It offers built-in access to major streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max, alongside over 300 LG Channels. The interface is snappy, and finding my favorite shows was straightforward. The Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable, and streaming in 4K HDR didn’t cause any buffering issues.

The AI-powered recommendations based on what I watch were a nice touch. Even when I wasn’t sure what to watch, the suggestions felt spot-on. It’s worth noting that an internet connection and subscriptions to streaming services are required, but that’s standard across smart TVs.

Competing Products

Comparing the LG B2 Series OLED to its rivals like the Sony A80K or the Samsung S95B, it’s clear where this TV shines. Its self-lit pixels and AI processing deliver better contrast and vibrancy than most LED TVs. While the Sony A80K excels in motion handling, the LG holds its own with gaming features like G-SYNC and FreeSync, which Sony lacks.

The Samsung S95B, on the other hand, offers slightly brighter HDR highlights, but it can’t match the infinite contrast of OLED panels. What truly sets the LG apart is its Game Optimizer mode, which centralizes all gaming settings for convenience. That said, Samsung’s built-in speakers outperform LG’s, making it a better choice for those without an external sound system.

Money’s Worth

For what it offers, this TV delivers impressive value for its price range. The combination of OLED picture quality, advanced gaming features, and smart functionality makes it a strong contender in the premium TV market. While there are areas where it could improve, like the audio performance and included accessories, the overall experience justifies the investment. If you’re someone who prioritizes stunning visuals and seamless gaming, this TV is worth every penny.

Additional information