LG is gearing up to launch its next-generation flagship OLED TV, the G4, in January 2023. The G4 is expected to be a significant upgrade over the G3, which was already one of the best TVs of 2022. Here are some of the features and improvements that we can look forward to in the G4.
One of the most exciting rumours about the G4 is that it will have a higher refresh rate than the G3. According to a leak from AMD, the G4 will support a variable refresh rate (VRR) range of 40-144Hz, compared to the G3’s 40-120Hz. This means that the G4 will be able to display smoother and more fluid motion, especially for PC gamers who can take advantage of the higher frame rates. The G4 will also feature AMD’s FreeSync Premium technology, which reduces screen tearing and stuttering for a more immersive gaming experience.
Brighter and sharper picture quality
The G4 will also boast a brighter and sharper picture quality than the G3, thanks to its Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. MLA is a layer of tiny lenses that sits on top of the OLED panel, enhancing the light output and contrast of each pixel. The G3 was the first OLED TV to use MLA, and it delivered brightness levels similar to those of backlit models, without compromising OLED’s perfect blacks and pixel-level contrast control. The G4 is expected to improve on the G3’s performance, offering a more vivid and realistic image quality.
New Alpha 10 processor for smarter features
Another rumoured improvement for the G4 is the new Alpha 10 processor, which will power the TV’s smart features and image processing. The Alpha 10 is said to have a powerful neural processing unit, which will enable the TV to analyse the content and adjust the picture settings accordingly. The Alpha 10 will also support LG’s AI ThinQ platform, which allows the TV to interact with other smart devices and voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Same sleek design and wall mount
The G4 will retain the same sleek design and wall mount as the G3, which was praised for its minimalist and elegant appearance. The G4 will have a uniform thickness of just 2.4cm, and a stepped design to the edges that creates a slight gap between the TV and the wall when using the Zero Gap wall mount. The wall mount will come in the box, but the pedestal stand will not, so you will have to buy it separately if you prefer to place the TV on a table or a cabinet.
Same screen size options and pricing
The G4 will also keep the same screen size options and pricing as the G3, which ranged from 55 to 83 inches. There will not be a 97-inch G4, as LG has decided to carry over the 97-inch G2 into 2023. The G4 will be priced higher at launch than the G2 was, as shown in the table below:
| Size | G3 (2022) | G4 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 55 inches | £2400 / $2200 / AU$4799 | £2600 / $2500 / AU$TBC |
| 65 inches | £3300 / $3200 / AU$6359 | £3500 / $3300 / AU$TBC |
| 77 inches | £4500 / $4200 / AU$11,399 | £5000 / $4500 / AU$TBC |
| 83 inches | £6500 / $6500 / AU$15,599 | £7500 / $6500 / AU$TBC |
| 97 inches | £25,000 / $25,000 / AU$39,995 | N/a |
However, the G3 is now available for significantly less than it was at launch, so you might want to consider buying it while it’s still in stock.
The verdict
The LG G4 OLED TV is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TVs of 2023, with its higher refresh rate, brighter picture quality, and smarter features. It will be a worthy successor to the G3, which was already a superb TV in its own right. However, the G4 will also come with a higher price tag, and it will face stiff competition from other OLED TV makers, such as Sony and Panasonic. Whether the G4 will be the 2023 TV to beat remains to be seen, but we are certainly looking forward to finding out.
