LG OLED65G1 Benchmark Review - AVCesar.com

After a relatively disappointing 2020 Oled TV range (especially in the presence of an HDR signal with a more aggressive ABL algorithm which offers a less dynamic image than the 2019 LG Oled models), the manufacturer LG is making an impression in 2021 with a better structured Oled range (with the arrival of an 83''/211 cm diagonal and the availability of the 48''/122 cm panel), better finished (there were many bugs when the X range was launched and fortunately all, or almost, corrected), and technologically advanced, in particular for the G1 series which embeds an Evo panel with the structure of different diodes (additional green emitter in addition to the yellow and blue diodes). And it is the LG OLED65G1 reference that we invite you to discover in detail in our hyper detailed test, the first of a new kind carried out by the editorial staff of AVCesar.com, now rated out of 10 and no longer using stars to meet the recurring request of many of you.

This test bench was of course produced with Cédric Louis, certified ISF, THX Level II and PVA (Professional Video Alliance) calibrator by trade. As usual, we used high-precision -and state-of-the-art- measurement equipment such as a Klein K-10 Colorimeter, a Jeti Spectraval 1511 HiRes (2 nm) spectroradiometer, a UHD HDR10 pattern generator and HDR Dolby Vision Murideo Seven‑G 8K, all with Calman Ultimate (and its powerful new Aurora graphics engine) and ColourSpace software. To sum up, this professional equipment (several tens of thousands of euros to purchase for this configuration) is the only one capable of indicating the true potential of a diffuser thanks to its exceptional precision. In particular to accurately measure a television out of the box and note that the LG OLED65G1 is ultimately far from the mark in terms of factory settings, both in SDR and HDR. Finally, it is also thanks to these professional devices that we can systematically operate a fine calibration to gauge the real capacities of a diffuser.

Calibrated HDR rendering

As already mentioned, the main feature of the LG OLED65G1 vintage 2021 lies in the presence of this green emitter which is a game-changer at the level of the light peak announced 20% brighter than the panels "Classic" Oled, without the need to further solicit the diodes or add an aluminum plate to cool them as on the Panasonic Professional Edition Oled TVs. And it must be said, after calibration, the Evo panel keeps its promises with a luminous peak of 797 nits with, by the way, a truly improved image, especially in terms of color precision. Thank you green sender. On the other hand, as indicated below in our Peak Luminance Stability vs Windows Size section, the benefits of this increase in brightness are not really visible in everyday use, the fault of the always aggressive ABL algorithm (129 nits for a white screen in HDR). To report all the same, specular lights more intense than on other LG Oled TVs but nothing revolutionary. Nothing to do, White Oled technology is still having difficulty with HDR. And if the dynamic remains interesting thanks to an extreme density of blacks, it no longer makes as much difference compared to LCD TVs equipped with a Mini LED backlighting system, which is making very clear progress on the subject (Full LED Local Dimming LCD TVs had already shown the way) and which are capable of much higher light peaks. Last precision, the green diode also benefits the readability of dark areas, an original defect of OLED TVs. There are more textures in the so-called “Near Black” areas, that is to say almost black. On this question, OLED technology is making progress compared to LCD TVs, even if the latter still offer more detail in dark areas.

Calibrated SDR rendering

On the other hand, in the presence of an SDR signal, the LG OLED65G1 achieves almost flawless performance (see our measurements below), once calibrated, with minimal Delta E for both grayscale and Rec.709 gamut. Already at the top of the list of SDR broadcasters, OLED TVs with the LG G1 TV series, including the LG OLED65G1, equipped with a green transmitter, widen the gap even further with their LCD competitors, and consolidate their title of best televisions Market SDR.

Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor

But the Evo designation of LG G1 TVs is not only linked to an Oled panel equipped with an additional green transmitter. It is a match between the slab and the electronics, in this case the exclusive Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor announced 15% more powerful than the Gen 3 2020 version). This is why the name Evo exists only at LG.

Already in vogue in 2018 on the first Alpha 9 chip, Artificial Intelligence is even more trendy in 2021 at LG. It essentially makes it possible to optimize video and audio processing according to the content broadcast on the screen, ambient conditions, modes and types of use, user habits, etc. As such, the Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor embeds the new AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro engines: the first is based on a Deep Learning program (image processing is adapted to the nature of the content for optimized display on screen), the same goes for the second modulo the audio content, with the aim of improving sound immersion.

For example, the Alpha 9 Gen 4 identifies faces and text displayed on screen even more accurately to optimize settings. Result, a sharpness announced on the rise and a skin tone never faulted. Similarly, the Auto Genre Selection function recognizes more precisely and automatically the nature of the content displayed on the screen and selects the optimum settings (film, sport, SD definition, HD, etc.). To learn more about the image processing and Input Lag offered by the LG OLED65G1, go to our section below.

Smart TV WebOS 6.0

In terms of new features again, we should point out the new WebOS 6.0 interface (click on the link to find out all about this unprecedented ergonomics). With it, the Launch Bar disappears in favor of a proposal similar to that of Google TV or Android TV (see photo above). On the flagship services side, in addition to Google Stadia, GeForce Now and Blade Shadow are announced on LG TVs (see our CES 21 news > Stadia, GeForce Now and Blade Shadow on LG 2021 TVs).

And the new Game Optimizer mode (see photo above) brings together all the TV settings involved with a video game signal and allows the user to set them individually as desired. Finally, the Home Dashboard (see photo below) brings together on a single screen all the products connected to the TV but also to the home (lighting, heating, robot vacuum cleaner, etc.) to manage them more easily.

Design Gallery

In terms of aesthetics, we find the Design Gallery inaugurated last year allowing wall mounting (included in the box) but also, this year, on a stand. For this last configuration, LG provides two feet to be placed at the ends of the TV. You can also opt for the new optional Gallery Stand for a magnificent result (see photo below). Precision, the LG OLED65G1 displays a thickness of only 20 mm. On the other hand, the coating of the slab is still as shiny, a real mirror. An element to keep in mind depending on your interior: the LG G1 will only be reflections if a window is in its axis. Not to mention that direct sunlight is not recommended on an Oled slab under penalty of marking.

Sound equipment

Like the design, the audio system is strictly identical to last year: 4.2 system with four wideband loudspeakers and two boomers of 10 W each for a total RMS power of 60 watts. Far from equaling the sound reproduction of a sound bar, or even better of a Home Cinema system, the sound quality is surprisingly good when you see the little space allocated to the speakers. Note also the eARC compatibility (see photo below) and Wisa to take advantage of a 96 kHz/24-bit transfer of a stream up to 7.1 to suitable speakers. Unfortunately, if the management of Dolby Atmos is part of the game (see second photo above), Jurassic Park compatibility, it is a competitor of the Dolby Digital system to which it opposes superior audio performance." >DTS, as with the GX is out of order.

To complete the summary of this test bench, under the reference of the model at the top of our test are indicated the favorite areas of the TV. As you can see, the LG OLED65G1 is particularly comfortable with sports content (ultra-fast response time and effective motion compensation), SDR films and series (in HDR, imperative need to watch them in a dark room) and for use as a monitor. On the other hand, it is much more delicate for the video game because of the risk, always present in 2021, of the marking of the screen (Burn-In of the diodes). Admittedly, LG Display has minimized the problem in recent years (at the cost of an aggressive ABL, it should be remembered) and cautious use of the TV (never completely turn off the TV and leave standby active for example), but the fear is always real.

Conclusion

With a view to buying a new television, it is therefore a question of precisely defining one's TV consumption habits. If you mainly watch DTT and have a large 1080p Blu‑Ray library (therefore SDR), Oled technology is to be preferred (be careful, however, not to stay for hours on an image with a fixed logo), if we set aside the considerations pecuniary. If you are a fan of 4K Blu‑Ray Ultra HD, HDR content via streaming or passionate about video games to the point of spending long hours with controllers in hand, you will have even better results with a brighter TV. Not to mention a serene use of the TV, that is to say without fear of marking the screen.

Ultimately, if you want to know more about our test procedure and the measurements that motivate this technical verdict, we invite you to look at the different sections below, illustrated and commented (click on the screenshots of the measurements for the view large).