LG OLED TVs are back for 2021, and they’re rolling out worldwide
The updated LG CX OLED TV is here
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The2021 LG TVrange is now upon us, with the electronics company confirming its latestOLED,QNED(Mini LED) and NanoCell LCD TVs arebeginning to roll out worldwide.
It’s an exciting time for anyLGTV fan, with an upgrade to last year’s excellentLG CX OLED(theLG C1), an ‘OLED evo’ iteration of theGallery Series OLEDwith higher peak brightness (LG G1), as well as a brand newA1 OLEDaimed at smaller budgets.
This year’s range packs in a large number ofOLED TVs, even for LG. Alongside the sets above, we’re also getting a Z18KOLED, and an update to theLG BX OLED(LG B1) we saw last year – even if the new A1 model looks set to beat it for sheer value.
The biggest unknown comes in the form of the QNED range – LG’s Mini LED backlit TVs that will sit underneath the OLED range, and offer a more premium LCD experience. We’re yet to test any of these, and while the benefits of Mini LED seem pretty certain – with improved brightness control, for one – we’ll need to wait until we’ve done some thorough testing to make any definitive pronouncements.
Given the rollout announcement, we expect models to start landing in retailers in the coming weeks, with flagship models arriving in late February and more mid-range sets coming in early-mid March.
Same but different
LG doesn’t need to do a whole lot to convince TV shoppers in 2021: its OLED TV range is highly accomplished already, particularly when it comes to picture quality, and to a certain extent any iterative changes this year are just ticking any remaining boxes.
We’re told that “Every model in the 2021 LG TV lineup supports the advancedHDMI 2.1feature”, as well aseARCand ALLM (auto low latency mode) – which is quite extensive coverage by anyone’s standards. The new a9 Gen 4 AI processor only looks set to improve picture processing too, better identifying onscreen objects and up-mixing “two-channel audio to virtual 5.1.2 surround” for a more fleshed-out home theater system – which we hope addresses the slightly disappointing built-in audio of last year’s LG OLEDs.
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There’s a new webOS 6 smart TV platform, for one, as well as redesigned Magic Remote.
The new entry-level A1 OLED is only going to bring the benefits of OLED to more cash-strapped buyers, though it might be that the compromises needed to bring down the cost put consumers off. As ever, we’ll need to wait until we have a firm price to make any further predictions – and we’re hoping LGmanages to offer some more consistent pricing compared to 2020.
We’re told that “Select TV series, models and sizes will begin rolling out to participating retailers in the first quarter continuing throughout the year with specific dates and lineups announced locally” – so we’ll be sure to keep you informed of the pricing and availability in specific territories as more information comes through.
Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.
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