The entry-level LG A1 OLED is a new line, specifically designed to create a lower-end version of LG’s 4K OLED smart TV. And to do this, LG has changed the feature set to better distinguish it from more expensive sets like the LG C1 and G1 OLEDs.
But as I looked over the specs and features of the A1 OLED models, an urgent suspicion left me wondering what the total value of the less expensive OLED TVs would be when we knew their specifications. everything. Would it be a more affordable version of LG’s brilliant OLED TVs? Or would it feel less like an LG OLED TV at a cheaper price and more like LG putting its OLED panels in a cheap TV?
Well, we finally have that LG 2021 OLED TV Prices and I’m afraid this is the last one.
The new LG A1 OLED will start at $ 1,299 for a 48-inch model, steps up to $ 1,599 for a 55-inch model, $ 2,199 for a 65-inch model and tops out at $ 3,199 for the largest 77-inch screen size . (For a deeper look at prices, features and how they pile up, check it out LG 2021 OLED TVs in comparison: Which one should you buy?)
Now let me say beforehand, cheaper OLED TVs are a good thing. The quality of OLED is incredible, and LG has effectively rounded out this market by being the source for almost every OLED TV panel out there, including the OLED TVs. from Sony and Vizio. And OLED technology promises excellent picture quality anyway; the nature of the technology allows for high black levels, excellent per-pixel backlight control and an elegant surround image.
Well, the prices for the A1 OLED TV are certainly lower than other OLED models in the LG lineup, but they may not be as low as we had hoped. And it may not be with the value that people have been associated with OLED for so long.
Why the LG A1 OLED TV is so cheap
Allows what LG did to differentiate the A1 OLED from the more expensive models.
| LG G1 OLED | LG C1 OLED | LG A1 OLED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel type | OLED display evo | OLED 4K | OLED 4K |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Processors | α9 Gen 4 | α9 Gen 4 | α7 Gen 4 |
| Sound | 4.2 Ch / 60W | 2.2 Ch / 40W | 2.0 Ch / 20W |
| HDMI ports | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 3 HDMI 2.0 |
The panel appears to be the only 4K OLED panel seen in the LG C1 OLED, which should be very good, if past performance is any indication. But the refresh rate is lower, opting for 60Hz instead of the 120Hz the C1 OLED can do. Is it a difference in panel quality, or a change in the processing side that limits it to the lowest refresh rate? I’m not sure. In any case, that won’t be a big deal, as most of the content will be out at 60Hz or lower, and even gaming (one area where higher frame rates now get support) still full play at that frame level.
The processor is a step down, with the A1 OLED shipped with LG’s LG 7 Gen 4 chip replacing the Alpha 9 option used on the C1 and G1 OLEDs. Since that processor will affect everything from upscaling and transition handling to smart tasks, it could lead to all sorts of small performance differences. We have to wait for a test and review to find out for sure how it will stand up against the more prestigious OLEDs.
Sound, ports and design LG A1 OLED
The audio, on the other hand, is a different story. Instead of the powerful, multi-channel sound you get on more expensive models, the LG A1 only has stereo speakers, and they are relatively weak with only 20 watts of power. This is one set where you will definitely want to add with one of the best soundbars.
The choice of port also influences. Instead of 4 HDMI ports, the A1 OLED gets just three. That’s still enough for, say, a cable or satellite box, a Blu-ray player and a game console. But what if you have two game consoles? Or an Apple TV or Roku streaming stick to access an app or show that LG doesn’t have access to? Expect more plugging and unplugging things by hand now that you have one less port. (See why we are proposing more ports in the TV Buying Guide.)
And even though all 2020 LG OLED boasted HDMI 2.1, the latest OLED line is stuck with HDMI 2.0. While that’s a great service – and this is the one you’ll find on most TV 2020 of all types and price ranges – it’s a big step down when it comes to gaming. The latest HDMI 2.1 standard supports variable refresh rates (VRR) and support for PC gaming with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, the HDMI 2.0 standard does not. And what status will the new PS5 and Xbox Series X use? Yup, HDMI 2.1.
You get support for low self-latency mode (ALLM) which switches to game mode when your console fires up a game, but the other 2.1 connection features are not supported.
Finally, there is the design. Instead of LG’s slippery display-on-glass design, or the sleek sleek base of the LG CX and BX OLED TVs, the A1 OLED looks more pedestrian-friendly, with accessible plastic legs and a non-slip cabinet design. not so neat.
LG A1 OLED vs other cheap OLED TVs
Put up all the small adjustments, and the A1 OLED still looks like a good bargain, but one you’ll notice the compromises in a much easier way than even other affordable OLED TVs.
Personally, I had been hoping for something of a middle ground between entry level and cheap. I’m good with cheaper TV design. Plastic construction and an average looking stand should not force anyone to buy the A1 if they really want an OLED TV.
But the lower-end processing and port selection gives me the wrong touch. Not because they don’t accept it – there are plenty of TVs on the market with HDMI 2.0 ports and only three ports in total, and LG ‘s processing technology should be above average even at this lower price point and lower power.
Comparing the 2021 A1 OLED to the most affordable OLED sets by 2020 is a discount. The LG BX OLED (the A1 is definitely not a replacement, but was LG’s “entry-level OLED line” last year) selling for less than an A1 OLED, with a 55-inch model selling more now for $ 1,299, the same price as the 48 minimum. -inch A1 OLED. And the BX has two HDMI 2.1 ports along with two HDMI 2.0 ports, offering a much better connection. The overall design is better too. In fact, it was just like the extra-premium LG CX OLED that our review is openly concerned about both customers.
The newcomer in OLED TV, the Vizio OLED TV (OLED55-H1) they also had a better design, and mostly matched A1 OLED features, but with a beefier 30-watt sound system. The only major difference playing out to the strengths of LG A1 is that the Vizio OLED TV uses that manufacturer’s proprietary SmartCast software, while LG uses webOS, which used to be the exclusive LG, but which will appear on more TV this year thanks to a new licensing contract from LG.
And what do you think? Yup, the Vizio is also cheaper than the A1 OLED, with a 55-inch model selling for $ 1,299 (less during retail events), and the 55-inch A1 OLED will be $ 1,599 when it launches in April .
Finally, many people hoped that the A1 would not just be an affordable OLED TV, but an affordable way for gamers to access the benefits of OLED without spending a fortune. You can definitely enjoy games on the A1 OLED, but you can’t get all the convenience features of HDMI 2.1 (like VRR) and you’ll be limited to 60Hz refresh rates, even on games that support up to 120Hz.
Without testing, we don’t know enough about lag times and motion manipulation to say exactly how well the A1 OLED will perform as a game TV. But we know it will be out of the box as a less capable gaming TV than other affordable OLED TVs already on the market, like last year’s LG BX OLED.
There is still hope, if you are patient
Price seems to be the saving grace for the LG A1 OLED TV, simply because TV prices are not stable throughout the year. The prices seen when TV launches in the spring are not the prices that TV sells in the fall, and if you are a bargain hunter look for deals around Black Friday and the cheap- days, those prices are even lower.
Could the LG A1 OLED TV still end up as the first OLED to sell for less than $ 1,000? Yes, but not immediately. And with other TVs already hitting those price points at sales events, the A1 OLED may just end up as one of several affordable OLED options, and a not-so-surprising one at that. .
Suffice it to say that my high expectations for LG’s OLED TV are not as high as they once were. And with competitors monitoring the same entry-level area with a better OLED TV argument, shouldn’t LG be a little more concerned?