The LG G3 elevates its game by incorporating enhanced OLED TV technology, resulting in heightened contrast for a breathtaking visual experience. Paired with exceptional gaming capabilities and a top-tier design, the G3 reaffirms the enduring relevance of traditional OLED technology. Nevertheless, its premium attributes entail a steep cost, and it falls short in comparison to high-end competitors.
Pros:
- Exceptional picture quality
- Impressive brightness levels
- Unparalleled gaming performance and features
Cons:
- Audio quality lags behind the visual excellence
- Additional expense for the optional stand
- Falls short in value proposition when compared to the Samsung S95C.
LG G3: A Brief Overview
The LG G3 stands as a testament to LG’s OLED TV prowess, pushing the boundaries of brightness in OLED technology.
Pricing and Options
Priced in the premium flagship category, the G3 offers a range of sizes from 55-inch to 83-inch. Note that the 83-inch variant has a different panel, affecting performance.
Picture Quality
With Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech and an upgraded image processor, the G3 delivers remarkable picture quality. Vibrant colors, sharp textures, deep blacks, and dynamic contrast create a truly sensational visual experience.
Audio Considerations
While its built-in sound is decent, audiophiles might opt for soundbars like those on the Sony A80L or Samsung S90C for a superior audio match.
Gaming Excellence
Gamers rejoice as the LG G3 offers an array of gaming features, including 4K 120Hz support on all HDMI ports, Dolby Vision gaming at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. The Game Dashboard menu and Game Optimizer picture mode enhance the gaming experience.
Smart TV Platform
LG’s webOS 23 is user-friendly and customizable, offering improved app categorization and refined recommendations.
Elegant Design
The G3 boasts a sleek, bezel-less design ideal for wall mounting. However, note that a desktop stand incurs an additional cost.
Top Choice for Various Scenarios
Whether for gaming, movies, or daytime viewing, the LG G3 is a top choice, though it’s not the cheapest OLED. The Samsung S95C offers better sound and value.
In the realm of 4K TVs, the LG G3 remains a strong contender.
LG G3 Review: Pricing and Release Date
| Model | Release Date | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 55-inch | March 2023 | $2,099 / £1,999 / AU$4,195 |
| 65-inch | March 2023 | $2,799 / £2,699 / AU$5,295 |
| 77-inch | March 2023 | $3,999 / £4,299 / AU$8,395 |
| 83-inch | March 2023 | $5,799 / £5,999 / AU$10,995 |
The LG G3, positioned just below the LG M3 and 8K Z3 series, made its debut in March 2023. Initial pricing started at $2,099 / £1,999 / AU$4,195 for the 55-inch model, and went up to $5,799 / £5,999 / AU$10,995 for the 83-inch variant. This pricing was in line with its rival, the Samsung S95C.
Several months post-launch, LG G3 prices have seen reductions, though it still occupies the upper echelon of the OLED market. While it may appear costly, when compared to similarly equipped TVs like the Samsung S95C or Sony A95L, the G3’s pricing holds up well.
LG G3 Review: Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen type | OLED (Micro Lens Array) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Audio support | Dolby Atmos, DTS |
| Smart TV | webOS 23 |
| HDMI ports | 4x HDMI 2.1 |
LG G3 Review: Features
The LG G3 boasts groundbreaking features:
- Micro Lens Array (MLA) OLED Evo panel: A technology that elevates brightness by 70% compared to previous OLED generations, achieved through MLA lenses enhancing light transmission.
- Alpha 9 Gen6 processor: Empowering gaming and picture processing for top-notch performance.
- 4K 120Hz with Dolby Vision: Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate this support, along with four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, and HGiG compatibility.
- Audio Enhancement: Equipped with a 4.2-channel speaker system, Dolby Atmos, and DTS support to elevate audio quality.
- webOS 23 Smart TV: Offers seamless access to major apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Apple TV Plus. Quick Cards categorize apps by genre, while the cleaner home screen minimizes ads and recommendations.
Features: LG G3 earns a perfect score of 5/5.
LG G3 Review: Picture Quality
In assessing the LG G3’s picture quality, impressive numbers and performance shine through:
- Brightness: In Filmmaker HDR mode, it reached 1,449 nits, outshining the Samsung S95C’s 1,400 nits.
- Micro Lens Array (MLA) Technology: The G3 incorporates MLA tech, a microscopic lens layer enhancing brightness by 70%, distinguishing it from the LG C3.
- Color Accuracy: The LG G3 displayed excellent color accuracy with an average Delta-E value below three, which is suitable for TV viewing.
- Color Space Coverage: It achieved 98% DCI-P3 coverage and 73.8% BT.2020 coverage, both excellent.
- Grayscale: Grayscale Delta-E values, averaging around 1.9, indicate exceptional contrast accuracy.
- Anti-Glare Screen: The G3 handles bright indoor lighting impressively, with minor reflections.
- Out-of-the-Box Picture: The G3 offers remarkable out-of-the-box picture quality, with Cinema and Filmmaker modes enhancing contrast and brightness.
- Dolby Vision HDR: In Filmmaker mode, it delivers dynamic colors without being overly bright, maintaining a natural look.
- Motion Handling: The G3 smoothly handles fast-paced action scenes, such as car chases and fighter jets, with ease.
- Motion Processing: Be cautious with Trumotion in brighter picture modes, as it can create a ‘soap opera’ effect. Filmmaker mode is recommended for the best picture quality.
Picture quality: the LG G3 earns a perfect score of 5/5.
LG G3 Review: Sound Quality
The LG G3 offers diverse sound modes for a unique auditory experience:
- Multi-Speaker Setup: The G3 introduces a multi-speaker setup for positional sound.
- Standard TV Mode: Clear dialogue and treble, lacking bass; requires higher volume.
- Cinema Mode: Enhanced bass, improved balance, and immersive sound. Excellent for action sequences.
- AI Sound Pro: Creates a 9.1.2 mix, boosting volume and Dolby Atmos effects, but reducing bass for dialogue-centric content.
- Auto Acoustic Tuning: Promises balanced sound using remote mics, with subtle differences observed during testing.
- WOW Orchestra: Combines TV speakers with a compatible LG soundbar (not tested).
While the G3’s built-in speakers provide a satisfactory audio experience, soundbars offer a more immersive option. For robust built-in audio, the Samsung S95C is recommended by reviewers. In the realm of TV speakers, the G3 remains above average.
Sound quality score: 4/5
LG G3 Review: Sound Quality
The LG G3 offers diverse sound modes for a unique auditory experience:
- Multi-Speaker Setup: The G3 introduces a multi-speaker setup for positional sound.
- Standard TV Mode: Clear dialogue and treble, lacking bass; requires higher volume.
- Cinema Mode: Enhanced bass, improved balance, and immersive sound. Excellent for action sequences.
- AI Sound Pro: Creates a 9.1.2 mix, boosting volume and Dolby Atmos effects, but reducing bass for dialogue-centric content.
- Auto Acoustic Tuning: Promises balanced sound using remote mics, with subtle differences observed during testing.
- WOW Orchestra: Combines TV speakers with a compatible LG soundbar (not tested).
While the G3’s built-in speakers provide a satisfactory audio experience, soundbars offer a more immersive option. For robust built-in audio, the Samsung S95C is recommended by reviewers. In the realm of TV speakers, the G3 remains above average.
Sound quality score: 4/5
LG G3 Review: Design
The LG G3 flaunts an elegant and slim design, typical of the ‘Gallery’ range:
- Slim Aesthetics: Its slim profile effortlessly enhances wall-mounted aesthetics with a silver and metallic frame.
- Sturdy Build: Despite its svelte 2.4cm (just under 1 inch) thickness, the G3 feels surprisingly solid and substantial.
- Wall Mount: The included flush-to-the-wall wall mount sits near the top rear, providing convenient access for cable adjustments.
- Optional Stand: Regrettably, the stand is not included, adding an extra cost of $149 / £99 for those opting to place the TV on furniture.
- Magic Remote: The familiar Magic Remote offers voice control, a central wheel for menu navigation, and a sensitive pointer, streamlining the user experience.
Design: the LG G3 earns a design score of 4/5.
LG G3 Review: Smart TV and Menus
The LG G3 boasts an improved and user-friendly smart platform, webOS 23:
- Streamlined Interface: WebOS 23 condenses the Home screen to just two pages, reducing ads and recommendations for a smoother experience.
- Effortless Navigation: Changing settings, like picture mode or sound output, is straightforward. A quick menu on the left and a neatly categorized main settings page simplify adjustments.
- Quick Cards: New Quick Cards on the main hub allow for easy organization of apps by theme, enhancing user customization.
- Hands-Free Voice Control: The G3 introduces hands-free voice control with the command ‘Hi LG.’ While responsive, it occasionally cuts off or misinterprets commands.
Smart TV and menus score: 4.5/5
LG G3 Review: Gaming Experience
The LG G3 offers an exceptional gaming experience with a range of features:
- Gamer’s Paradise: Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support, VRR (including AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), and ALLM provide ample choices for gamers.
- Input Lag: Impressive input lag results, with Game Optimizer’s Boost mode reducing it to 9.2ms, one of the best in its class.
- Smooth Gameplay: In Battlefield V, the G3’s Game Optimizer mode delivers smooth, jerk-free motion at 120fps, enhancing the gaming pace.
- Graphics Quality: Game Optimizer mode preserves depth and details, showcasing the G3’s display quality. Terrain and small elements appear natural and defined.
- Game Dashboard: The Game Dashboard menu allows for precise picture and sound adjustments, enhancing the gaming experience.
With its rich gaming features, connectivity, and top-notch picture quality, the LG G3 is a standout choice for gamers.
Earning a perfect gaming score of 5/5.
LG G3 Review: Value Proposition
The LG G3 is undeniably high-end and, consequently, comes with a high-end price tag. However, it delivers remarkable picture quality and gaming features, making it a solid investment.
Its primary rival, the Samsung S95C, shares a similar price point in many regions, intensifying the competition over affordability. The LG G3 falls slightly short in terms of value due to the absence of an included stand, weaker sound, and lower full-screen brightness compared to the Samsung S95C.
For those seeking a premium OLED TV, the price is expected. Fortunately, since its release, the G3’s prices have dropped noticeably. While it offers an outstanding picture and excellent gaming performance, the Samsung S95C provides a slightly better overall value.
Value score: 3.5/5
Considering the LG G3: Is It Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a TV, the LG G3 is a compelling choice with its standout features:
- Features: Boasting extensive gaming features and picture enhancements, it scores a perfect 5/5.
- Picture Quality: The G3 offers a bright, dynamic picture with vibrant colors, earning it a solid 5/5.
- Sound Quality: While it provides decent built-in audio, it falls short of some competitors, scoring 4/5.
- Design: Its sleek, slim build is impressive, but the extra cost for a stand is frustrating, resulting in a 4/5 rating.
- Smart TV Platform: The G3’s smart platform excels with good customization options and a tidy home screen, earning 4.5/5.
- Gaming: If you’re a gamer, the G3 delivers superb performance and all the desired gaming features, receiving a perfect 5/5.
- Value: It’s a fantastic TV, but it faces tough competition on audio and price, meriting a 3.5/5.
Consider Buying the LG G3 If:
- You prioritize outstanding picture quality.
- You seek the ultimate gaming TV with an array of gaming features.
- You need a TV that minimizes reflections with its MLA technology.
Don’t Buy the LG G3 If:
- You demand the best built-in sound quality.
- You plan to place the TV on a stand, as it requires an additional purchase.
- You require HDR10+ support, as the G3 lacks this functionality.
Also Consider:
Comparing the LG G3 to other options like the Samsung S95C, Samsung S90C, and LG C3 can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a quick overview:
| Samsung S95C | Samsung S90C | LG C3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (65-inch) | $2,499 / £2,699 / AU$4,995 | $2,099 / £1,999 / AU$4,299 | $1,699 / £1,999 / AU$3,899 |
| Screen Type | QD-OLED | QD-OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Smart TV | Tizen | Tizen | webOS 23 |
| HDMI Ports | 4x HDMI 2.1 | 4x HDMI 2.1 | 4x HDMI 2.1 |
Evaluate these options based on your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.