The LG OLED55B46LA, known as the LG B4, is LG’s entry-level OLED in the 2024 lineup. It delivers flagship-level performance—perfect blacks, vibrant colors, rapid pixel response—at a more appealing price than the C- or G-series. The TV features a capable α8 AI Processor 4K for upscaling, dynamic tone mapping, and refined image and audio intelligence. With four HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K/120 gaming and VRR, it’s tailored for both movie lovers and gamers alike.
Design & Build Quality
This model sports the sleek, minimalistic design typical of OLEDs—with virtually bezel-less edges and a thin chassis (~45 mm total). It weighs about 14 kg (stand included) and supports VESA 300 × 200 mm mounting. According to reviews, the build is solid and well-engineered for wall mounting or stand use. The included Magic Remote is smooth to navigate thanks to a pointing cursor system, though some users may prefer directional buttons to avoid occasional alignment issues.
Picture Quality & OLED Contrast
At its core, the B4’s self-lit OLED panel delivers infinite contrast, perfect true blacks, and rich color depth. Expert measurements show excellent screen uniformity and wide viewing angles. Industry lab tests report a peak brightness around 700 nits in HDR—adequate for most living-room viewing though not top-of-the-line . Still, Tom’s Guide confirms its “stellar picture performance” with rich blacks and vibrant colors, while TechRadar praises its deep contrast and cinematic picture .
HDR & AI Video Processing
The LG B4 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Pro, and HLG. Dynamic tone mapping ensures highlights are preserved while avoiding clipping or dimming. The α8 AI Processor 4K provides “AI Super Upscaling” and real-time scene processing. Reviewers cite its excellent upconversion of non-4K content (e.g., YouTube, Blu-ray), delivering smooth and clean visuals free of jagged edges.
Gaming: HDMI 2.1 × 4, VRR, ALLM & Low Lag
A standout for gamers: four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium, and NVIDIA G‑Sync. In testing, input lag measures impressively low—under 10 ms. TechRadar hails it as a “great all-around gaming TV” , while Tom’s Guide highlights the cloud-gaming suite and 4x full-feature HDMI 2.1 ports at a lower price than competitors. Additional support for Dolby Vision gaming further enhances immersive gameplay.
Smart Features: webOS 24 Ecosystem
The B4 runs webOS 24, a refined interface with Quick Cards, Multi-View, universal search, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and voice assistants. The Magic Remote supports voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa but isn’t hands-free—it requires a button press. LG’s commitment to five years of updates ensures ongoing support.
Audio Performance
Equipped with a 2.0-channel, 20 W speaker setup, enhanced by α8 AI Sound Pro and Dolby Atmos upmixing, the built-in sound is adequate, with clear dialogue and virtual surround capabilities. While sufficient for everyday use, acoustically rich content benefits greatly from external soundbars via HDMI eARC. Multiple reviews caution that bass and fullness are average.
Connectivity & Build-In Features
The connectivity suite includes:
- 4× HDMI 2.1 (one with eARC)
- 2× USB 2.0
- Optical audio out, Ethernet, dual‑band Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, RF tuner, RS‑232.
Additional modes include Filmmaker Mode, Ambient Light Sensor, HGIG, and low-profile picture settings for movies, sports, and games.
Comparison & Market Context
The B4 hits a sweet spot: it delivers nearly all high-end features at a price far below LG’s C4 and G4. Tom’s Guide labels it the “value OLED TV of the year”. TechRadar echoes this sentiment, stating it’s “a more affordable option for OLED fans” with enhanced gaming capabilities. When discounted (55″ at ~$996 or 48″ at ~$599), it becomes one of the best OLED bargains available.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional OLED contrast & rich colors
- Dynamic HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG)
- Intelligent AI upscaling
- Robust gaming features: HDMI 2.1×4, VRR, ALLM, low lag
- Smart webOS 24 with broad app & voice compatibility
- Five years of OS updates
Cons
- Moderate brightness (~700 nits) vs. premium models
- Audio quality just OK—needs soundbar for serious audio
- Glossy screen may show reflections in bright rooms
- Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner and HDR10+ support
Real‑World Use Scenarios
Movies & Streaming
Exact blacks, infinite contrast, and accurate HDR with Filmmaker Mode make it ideal for cinema nights. The α8 processor enhances old and new content alike.
Gaming
Optimized for consoles or PC with 4K/120 Hz, VRR, and ALLM, plus cloud gaming portals and responsive input lag.
Everyday TV
Smart platform is user-friendly, devices connect seamlessly, and AI sound keeps dialogue intelligible for casual viewing.
Bright Room Considerations
Reflective screen and average peak brightness make dark rooms ideal. Brightly lit environments may benefit from controlled lighting/shades.
Deal Alert & Value Proposition
Recent pricing:
- 48″: ~$599 (Prime Day/Black Friday in July)
- 55″: ~$996 on Amazon/Walmart/Best Buy
At under $1,000, it outperforms most budget TVs in terms of contrast, gaming, and features.
Final Verdict
The LG 55″ OLED55B46LA (B4) is a standout in today’s TV market, delivering flagship-level OLED performance, advanced gaming compatibility, and smart OS features, all while being priced significantly lower than competitors. Whether you’re into cinematic movie nights or immersive gaming sessions, it offers an unbeatable balance of value and versatility—with top-tier features and reliable future support.
If you’d like deeper insights into calibration tips, comparisons with the C4 or G4 models, or guidance on soundbar pairing, just let me know!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the B4 support Dolby Vision?
Yes—supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Pro, and HLG, with dynamic tone mapping for optimal brightness. - Can it handle 4K/120 gaming with consoles?
Absolutely. It includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, supports 4K/120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync, and G‑Sync. - How loud is the audio?
The built‑in 20 W 2.0 system is fine for everyday viewing but lacks bass and depth. eARC support allows external enhancement. - Is this a good deal compared to LG C4/G4?
Yes—Tom’s Guide and TechRadar rank it as the best value OLED, nearly matching flagship models for far less . - Will it receive software updates?
Yes—LG’s webOS Re:New initiative guarantees five years of updates. - Will reflections be an issue?
It uses a glossy panel. In bright rooms, you may notice reflections—ideal in moderate or low light environments.
