Will LG’s 2024 entry-level OLED TV replace the C4 series? LG’s C-series models are the most popular OLED TVs in the world, and for good reason. They represent an almost perfect combination of performance, number of features and price. However, in 2024, the C4 is not ready to surpass its new B4 sibling by a huge margin.
Although the gap between the C4 and G4 in 2024 will be larger than at any time in the history of the C and G series, the difference between the B4 and C4 will be smaller. Choosing a B Series model will no longer mean having to use fewer HDMI 2.1 connectors. There will also be the option to have a smaller OLED as the B4 will be available at 48 inches for the first time.
Of course, the C4 will still have some advantages over the B-series TV. However, many OLED buyers will actually prefer the brand’s new entry-level model. What is the difference between LG C4 and LG B4? What is the price difference between these models? Should I buy LG B4 instead of C4? We will look at the answers to these and other questions in this article.
LG B4 and LG C4: Differences
Design
The LG B4 TV’s design is similar to that of the C4 (which looks identical to last year’s C3). However, there are a few differences. The most obvious is that all versions of the B4 have feet, while all versions except the 42-inch C4 have a stand. B4 legs are a bit thin. They occupy quite a wide area of the TV.
LG B4
At the same time, they create a large enough space to accommodate a compact soundbar. The plastic case, containing the hardware, connectors and speakers, covers more of the B4’s rear panel than the C4 equivalent. But the total thickness of the kit is the same 4.5 cm. In addition, most of the B4 body remains thin. This suggests that the LG OLED55B46LA TV will look great when mounted on a wall.
LG C4
Game Mode
An important innovation is the fact that, unlike its predecessors, the B4 TV has four HDMI 2.1 connectors that support 4K@120Hz, VRR and ALLM. This is very important for avid gamers who find two HDMI 2.1 connectors too limited. The B4 also supports games with Dolby Vision up to the same limit (4K@120Hz Hz).
This is another plus for Xbox Series X/S gamers. The excellent HGiG feature that made previous LG OLED models very easy to calibrate for HDR games will be coming to the B4, as well as the C4 and G4. However, the LG OLED55B4 TV does not fully match the C4 in terms of gaming performance.
After all, the latter has a new 4K@144 Hz mode. However, this feature will only be useful to the most avid PC gamers with super-high-end hardware. For example, PS5 and Xbox Series X won’t be able to go beyond 4K/120Hz.
webOS
The operating system for LG’s 2024 TVs will, as expected, be called LG webOS 24 . It has a small but useful improvement over last year’s version of webOS 23. The advertising banner (which, let’s face it, shouldn’t exist at all) has been slightly smaller.
Quick Tiles (folders with related apps and features) have also been significantly smaller. This frees up space for a row of recommended content at the bottom of the home screen, making it quicker to jump straight to a TV show or movie. LG also plans to make these recommendations more personalized by adding user profiles.
AI-Processor Alpha 8
Although the user interface of the B4 is the same as the C4, the Alpha 8 AI processor that is its brain is not as advanced as the Alpha 9 AI Gen 7 in the LG C4 TV. I’d like to think it won’t have a significant impact. However, this fact concerns the responsiveness of webOS. On the other hand, it doesn’t make any difference to the picture and sound processing features available on both TVs.
Both models get features from last year’s C3, plus a few new additions, including Object Enhancement through Visual Perception, which is designed to subtly sharpen people and animals in the foreground of an image.
However, there will definitely be at least one difference between the two TVs in terms of picture quality: brightness. While the C4 is what LG calls an “Evo” OLED, the B4 has no such technology. Most obviously, this difference applies to a number of elements, but it does not depend on the type of OLED panels. It all comes down to a pretty simple fact. B4 is not able to perform as brightly as C4.
Sound quality
As for sound, the main difference between the B4 and C4 TV is the sound system. While the C4 comes with a 2.2-channel audio system that outputs 40W, the B4 has a two-channel system with a claimed output of 20W. This is a bit of a concern, especially since LG already has a reputation for making TVs with subpar sound. However, with the help of settings and additional equipment, you can fix a lot of things.
Image quality
Based on practical experience, the B4’s relative lack of brightness shouldn’t be a problem for many users. Of course, the C4 TV produces images that are brighter, but not by much. The B4 itself looks quite bright, even with a lot of ambient light in the room.
In other words, the B4 TV can be considered bright enough if you do not compare it with the C4 TV. If you watch TV on a fairly cloudy day with the blinds tilted to reduce some of the light coming through the windows, the difference in brightness is almost imperceptible. On the other hand, it is under such conditions that most daytime viewing occurs.
If you regularly watch TV in a room with a lot of direct sunlight, the B4 probably won’t be bright enough. At the same time, it will be bright enough for most people who watch TV under normal conditions. Otherwise, the B4 is very similar to the C4 in image quality.
The viewer will certainly get the stunning inky blacks and pixel-level contrast control that comes with any OLED TV. In the preset Filmmaker mode, both TVs perform very well in terms of colors. In terms of detail, the B4’s image looks identical to the C4’s.
Prices
Prices for LG’s 2024 TVs in Europe have not yet been officially announced, but prices have already appeared for some models in the US, including most B4 models. The LG 55B4 will cost $1,700, the 65-inch version of the LG 65B4 will cost $2,200, and the LG 77B4 will cost $3,400.
Available in 55-inch and 77-inch sizes, the B4 is $300 cheaper than the C4. With a 65-inch screen, the difference between the LG 65B4 and LG 65C4 is $500. In both cases, these are significant savings that will be tempting to many buyers.
LG B4 vs LG C4 – conclusion
To conclude the comparison between LG B4 and C4, let’s summarize. At this stage, the B4 looks like the OLED TV that most consumers will need. The new B4 has attracted a lot of attention due to its improved performance compared to last year’s model. It will be more than enough TV for most people.
While the price difference (confirmed in the US) between the B4 and C4 is small, the money is better spent on a budget soundbar than on the extra brightness and 144Hz support of a more expensive model. TV. In any case, B4 looks like a pretty strong option on its own.
