A good 4K smart TV is not hard to find. But a great one? That takes a bit of research and understanding of some advanced technologies and features. You’ll also need to know how they work together as well as stack up against each other.
With this LG TV, things are pretty straightforward once you start reading the specs list. Even more so if you’ve owned a similar TV before, and have already developed a taste for what you like and don’t like.
LG OLED55C9PUA C9 Series
One of the top sellers among LG smart TVs is the OLED55C9PUA from the C9 series. Due to its attractive pricing and a good balance of features and processing power, it’s one of the best devices to build a home cinema around.
Who is this product for?
This model can be a solid choice for homeowners that want a large smart TV with a 4K Ultra HD capable display. It also fits well with both 2.0 and 5.1 sound systems, so there’s plenty of versatility right there.
Of course, the best fit would probably be as a replacement to an older smart TV model, one that’s already part of a decent home entertainment system. That’s because the TV doesn’t come with a soundbar or peripheral speakers.
And, if you like immersive experience that Dolby Atmos can give you during movies, this model may be the one for you. Last but not least, if you’re a gamer and plan to use this with a console or PC, this should also be a great fit as long as you’re using an NVIDIA graphics card.
What’s included?
Although loaded with built-in features, the OLED55 C9PUA TV doesn’t come with any accessories to speak of except a remote — not even a dongle transmitter or a dedicated soundbar. Of course, this bare-bones bundle helps if you already have other gear and if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
Overview of features
Right off the bat, three features make this model an exciting choice for a range of buyers. The Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies are responsible for the superior audio processing and cinema-like picture optimization.
Vivid colors and moving audio will help create an immersive experience. The NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility will help you get better frame rates when running a compatible graphics card. Of course, the screen’s refresh rate is just 120Hz, so don’t think it can outperform a dedicated 144Hz gaming monitor.
You may also appreciate the LG ThinQ feature. That’s LG’s proprietary technology that allows the integration of both Google Assistant and Alexa. Both assistants can perform equally well, so there’s no limit regarding the types of devices you can use with this TV.
Another great thing is the built-in AirPlay 2. It helps when you want to quickly cast something from your iPhone, without needing additional gadgets. Last but not least, the LG GEN 2 processor is robust and designed to enhance picture quality, maintain the desired sharpness and contrast, and reduce the load on the TV during demanding tasks.
How to get the most out of it
Since everyone prefers particular picture settings, it’s hard to say how exactly to configure the TV to your satisfaction. The default settings are pretty decent, as well.
However, there are two things you may want to keep in mind. First of all, don’t forget to add a sound system to boost the quality and volume of the sound. The built-in speakers are decent but lack depth.
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- Decent 2.2Ch speakers
- High-performance processor
- Cinema screen with 4K HDR10 capabilities
- Highly compatible with almost any platform and OS
Cons
- No accessories included
Alternative
Samsung QLED Q90 TV
Maybe what you’ve read so far doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, or you think that some essentials are missing. If that’s the case, you might want to consider the Samsung QLED Q90 TV. This one costs more, but you can also get it with a top-of-the-line soundbar as part of a bundle deal.
And, even though the QLED Q90 may not have as many built-in features, it still has decent support for almost all smartphones and tablets. It has Alexa integration and a wide viewing angle, which the LG TV doesn’t impress with. On top of that, you can get Samsung’s 4K TV with a diagonal of up to 82” while this LG tops out at 77”.
Conclusion
LG has been a household name since tube TVs, and it should surprise no one that some of the best 4K smart TVs carry its logo. This model is affordable for its size and built-in audio performance and offers a level of picture quality that’s hard to match, let alone beat.
Even with its few shortcomings, the level of compatibility, the amount of top-of-the-line technologies, and everything else should compensate for what’s not there.