Not to be confused with the smartphone of the same name, the LG G3 is the newest 4K OLED television from one of the industry’s leading brands.
But, as is often the case with consumer electronics, the newest doesn’t always inherently guarantee the best. Is this true of LG’s latest? What happens if you compare the LG G3 and the B2, one of LG’s best OLED TV models from the previous generation? There’s only one way to find out!
Let’s make a full comparison of these two 4K OLED TVs, paying extra attention to the key differences between them.
LG G3 vs. B2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG G3 | LG B2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Q1 2023 | March 2022 |
| TV Type | OLED | OLED |
| Subtype | WOLED | WOLED |
| Available Sizes | 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | 55″, 65″, 77″ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Ports | 4 HDMI, 3 USB | 4 HDMI, 2 USB |
| Operating System | webOS | webOS |
| Processor | α9 AI Processor Gen6 | α7 AI Processor Gen5 |
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels for vivid viewing experience
- Advance α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K algorithmically adapts and adjusts picture and sound quality
- 120Hz refresh rate for fast-paced games
- LG Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
LG G3 vs. B2: Key Differences
After breaking down these primary specs above, it’s important to take some time contextualizing the key differences between the LG G3 and B2. It’s no use saying which LG OLED model is superior if we don’t first explain what these specs actually mean. From brightness levels to sizing options, and internal processors to sound quality, let’s get into the key differences between the LG G3 and B2.
Level of Brightness
The brightness is really no contest between these TVs. Though both boast HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG capabilities for their high dynamic range options, the LG G3 is so much brighter than the B2.
It’s not that the B2 is in any way dim, it’s just that the LG G3 is equipped with a variety of new technology and smart algorithms that help it increase its brightness as much as 70% more than previous LG OLED generations. The B2 never really stood a chance against the G3 in this regard.
Quality of Sound
Both have Dolby Atmos support, which is definitely a good thing. No self-respecting OLED brand would dare forget Dolby Atmos support, as it’s largely seen as an optimum sound quality standard industry-wide.
However, the LG G3 once again has an advantage here. Its new α9 AI Processor Gen6 gives it the ability to deliver an astounding 9.1.2 surround sound virtual set-up build right into the television’s speakers. This is unprecedented in the OLED market, and it gives the LG G3 a major leg up over the B2.
Range of Sizes
Another important factor when ranking two television types is the range of sizes available to you. Not every space can comfortably fit a gargantuan television, and conversely, not every smaller television will look good in a large space. With this in mind, the LG G3 offers four options: 55″, 65″, 77″, and 83″. By comparison, the LG B2 offers just three: 55″, 65″, and 77″. Though the B2 suffers without options larger than 77″, both are at a disadvantage by not offering televisions smaller than 55″. That’s going to be too big for some consumers.
Number of Inputs
Whether you have an extensive home theater setup or something as simple as a Roku or Apple TV device, you’re undoubtedly going to need at least a couple of input ports on your TV.
Thankfully, the LG G3 has more than half a dozen: four HDMI ports and three USB ports. The LG B2, by contrast, has one fewer. It boasts four HDMI ports, as well, but only has three USB ports on the side.
This is yet another area where the LG G3 outperforms the B2.
Processing Power
You might think of a processor as a more vital part of a computer or a smartphone than a television, but with how advanced smart TVs have become, it’s important that their processors are up for the challenge.
The LG G3 has the brand’s newest processing technology inside: the α9 AI Processor Gen6. Naturally, being an older model, the LG B2 has a less powerful processor on the inside: the α7 AI Processor Gen5. The LG B2 is not that much older than the LG G3, so the difference isn’t too drastic, but it’s nevertheless a difference worth highlighting.
©Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com
Additional Features
Lastly — but far from least — is the inclusion of bonus features for the LG G3 and B2. The LG B3 has several, including Brightness Booster Max, Quick Media Switching VRR, 9.1.2 virtual surround sound, a no-gap wall mount, WebOS 23, and numerous other bonus features we’re sure to learn more about once the television hits shelves later this quarter. The B2 has its fair share of bonus features, including built in smart assistant support, excellent 4K upscaling for both picture and audio, and more.
However, these so-called bonus features are simply a part of the G3 now. The G3 comes out ahead once more.
5 Must-Know Facts About LG OLEDs
- While LG’s 4K OLED TVs are plenty impressive, the popular television manufacturer is one of few to also offer an 8K OLED TV line. There aren’t many other brands investing in 8K just yet, as no broadcast networks, streaming services, home video formats, or video game consoles are capable of displaying 8K content as of now.
- The overall response time of an LG OLED TV far exceeds that of LG’s LED LCD alternatives. According to LG’s own calculations, their OLED line has a response time that is 1,000 times faster than its LED LCD TVs. This means better picture quality, more lifelike movement, and overall superior images.
- In the early days of OLED televisions, LG was the sole supplier of OLED panels in the industry. From Samsung to Sony and TCL to Hisense, LG OLED panels were the ones being used. As of 2022, LG is no longer alone: Samsung has now begun to produce OLED panels as well.
- One of the most appealing aspects of OLED is its ability to display what’s called “perfect black.” In other words, during dark or dim moments on-screen, OLED screens can go darker than any LED LCD competitor. While the OLED pixels are not completely black, they are dark enough that the human eye cannot discern the very minimal presence of light.
- OLED TVs can avoid one of their only downsides, burn-in, by defaulting to screensavers after a period of inactivity. However, one other downside remains elusive: the lifespan of OLED. Prolonging OLED lifespans is one of LG’s most tireless efforts. Ten years ago, LG had achieved an OLED lifespan of just over 36,000 hours before quality noticeably started to dip. A few years later, LG had prolonged that lifespan to over 100,000 hours.
©History-Computer.com
The History of OLED
Experts and consumers alike are in agreement: OLED is the best type of TV that money can buy today. Beyond LED LCD, QLED, ULED, QNED, and all those other abbreviations, OLED reigns supreme in picture quality, energy consumption, build, and more.
Since the very earliest days of OLED technology, dating back to the early part of the 21st century, LG has been at the forefront of this particular display technology. As a company, LG has gone on to continually innovate and advance their OLED technology each year.
With that being said, not everyone shopping for a television knows exactly why OLED is superior to all other TV types on the market. Thankfully, the answer isn’t a difficult one. Once you understand exactly what OLED is, you’ll agree: when it comes to a state-of-the-art 4K television, OLED is so much better than the LED LCD alternatives. OLED — i.e. organic LEDs — substitute the traditional LED LCD backlight found in most major 4K televisions with an array of electroluminescent diodes. This bright layer of OLEDs are capable of illuminating one by one when electricity is channeled through.
This use of electroluminescent diodes differs drastically from what you’d find inside an LCD television. Inside these TVs, there is an array of LED (or mini LED lights) that illuminate the screen in hundreds (or sometimes thousands) of zones. While the picture quality is certainly good, these LED LCD televisions are not capable of replicating the same individual illumination nor the perfect blackness of an OLED television. This means that, though the overall resolution is still 4K, the LED LCD TV is ultimately less bright and less lifelike than that of an OLED TV. That is what makes OLED the best in the biz.
LG’s 2023 OLED TVs
Just as San Diego Comic Con serves as the home for some of the biggest film and television announcements of the year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the place for the biggest and best brands in the tech industry to make their latest and greatest products known.
Interestingly enough, though, LG decided to get ahead of the competition and drop heir latest OLED TVs for 2023 ahead of CES 2023. These new TVs? The top-of-the-line LG G3 and the mid-range LG C3. (These new OLED TV models from LG serve as the replacements for the previous generations, the LG G2 and LG C2).
Both of LG’s latest OLED TVs come equipped with a α9 AI Processor Gen6, a state-of-the-art smart processor that amplifies the already great LG OLED TV quality with better upscaling and superior dynamic range compared to the previous generations. The α9 AI Processor Gen6 does more than just improve picture quality: it also helps power the LG G3 and LG C3’s new virtual 9.1.2 surround sound, built right into the television’s speakers. Though both of these new models are impressive in their own right, the G3 is a cut above.
The LG G3 offers users what’s called the “Brightness Booster Max.” This new tech delivers an OLED picture quality that’s as much as 70% brighter than other OLED TVs. It works with the OLED’s inherent ability to brighten or dim diode by diode, ensuring an even sharper, even more lifelike picture. You won’t find the Brightness Booster Max in the C3. It’s a G3 exclusive, as is the no-gap wall-mount feature on the rear of the television.
Combine this with the new Quick Media Switching VRR and the α9 AI Processor Gen6, and the LG G3’s superiority is as obvious as ever.
LG G3 vs. B2: Pros and Cons
LG G3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brighter than the LG G2 | Not many smaller size options |
| Faster processor than previous generations | Very expensive |
| Less lag when switching between inputs | LG is constantly putting out better TVs, threatening obsoletion faster |
| Virtual 9.1.2 surround sound | Still faces the threat of burn-in |
LG B2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| OLED delivers excellent 4K images | Still faces the risk of burn-in |
| A more affordable LG OLED TV | Not as many USB ports as other OLED TVs |
| Support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG | Relies on an older processor |
| Equipped with smart webOS | Fewer size options |
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels for vivid viewing experience
- Advance α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K algorithmically adapts and adjusts picture and sound quality
- 120Hz refresh rate for fast-paced games
- LG Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
LG G3 and B2: Recent Updates
LG has made some minor software updates since February 2023 to the LG G3 and LG B2. These software updates fixed a few bugs and improved their performance. The Filmmaker Mode, which optimizes the picture quality for watching movies, was added to the LG B2.
LG G3 and B2: What’s Next?
LG is continuing to improve the quality and performance of its TVs. Because of this, we might see the following updates to LG’s TVs in the next six to 18 months:
- Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology: MLA could improve the contrast ratio by up to 30%.
- Improved brightness: The brightness of LG’s TVs could be improved by up to 50%, which would make them better for watching HDR content in bright rooms.
- Wider viewing angles: LG is working on making their viewing angles wider. To make it possible to watch a TV from any seat in the room without sacrificing picture quality.
- New features and capabilities: We might see new features such as AI upscaling, voice control, and gaming modes.
LG G3 vs. B2: Which is Best?
So, if it hasn’t been made clear thus far, let’s make it as clear-cut as can be: the LG G3 is a much better product than the LG B2.
It’s not that the LG B2 is a bad television. Not at all, in fact. The LG B2 is still an excellent OLED television from LG, and it’s going to look a lot better than any LED LCD rival. However, the LG G3 is simply the newer, more impressive OLED television in the LG catalog.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com.
