The LG A2 offers stunning OLED picture quality at a tempting price, perfect for movie lovers who control the lighting. But, gamers will miss the advanced features found in higher-end models, and its limited brightness struggles in bright rooms and with HDR content. If you prioritize movies and value affordability, the A2 is the best option.
My friend recently purchased the new 2023 model of LG’s 65-inch 4K OLED TV. As an avid TV and tech enthusiast, he was kind enough to lend it to me for 3 days to test out and provide my thoughts.
In this review, I’ll give you an in-depth look at its design, display quality, features, performance, and my overall assessment after spending 72 hours with this impressive LG OLED TV.
IguideSmart’s Verdict
| I’m torn on the LG A2. It’s a movie masterpiece in dim rooms, boasting stunning blacks and wide viewing angles. But its lack of brightness makes it struggle in daylight and with HDR. It’s decent for gaming, but next-gen consoles deserve more. The price is right for an OLED, but the sound is weak and advanced features are missing. If you’re a movie buff with controlled lighting and a budget, the A2 shines. Otherwise, consider options that handle brighter environments and cater more to gamers or audiophiles. |
| Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
|---|
| Design: Sleek ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Build: Lightweight ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Picture: Exceptional ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Audio: Clear ⭐⭐⭐ Smart Features: Responsive ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Resolution: Versatile ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Connectivity: Adequate ⭐⭐⭐ Gaming: Responsive ⭐⭐⭐ Performance: Smooth ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- ✅ Perfect black levels enhance movie-watching in dark rooms.
- ✅ No blooming around bright objects contributes to visual purity.
- ✅ Fantastic reflection handling for well-lit room viewing.
- ✅ Wide viewing angle accommodates varied seating arrangements.
- ✅ Excellent for gaming with impressive motion handling.
- ✅ Low input lag ensures a responsive gaming experience.
Cons
- ❌ Some colors and highlights in HDR movies may lack desired vividness.
- ❌ Not bright enough to effectively combat extensive glare.
- ❌ Stuttering may occur with low-frame-rate content.
- ❌ Lacks advanced gaming features for optimal utilization with Xbox Series X, PS5, or high-end PCs.
LG’s latest OLED TV promises exceptional picture quality powered by an intelligent α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K. It’s geared toward viewers who want cutting-edge display technology and premium image processing for movies, sports, gaming, and more.
With Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos sound, it delivers cinematic audio video in the comfort of your living room.
LG A2 Design and Build Quality
I’m impressed by the sophisticated yet understated design of this TV. The slim form factor, premium materials, and easy wall-mount option allow it to assimilate beautifully into any living space.
Front
I quite like the minimalist front design of this LG OLED TV. It has super slim bezels, measuring just 0.39 inches, which allows the 65-inch screen to take center stage. The bezels blend seamlessly into the display, almost giving the illusion of a screen floating mid-air when viewing head-on.
Back
The back panel sports a classy brushed metal finish which adds an understated premium touch. All the inputs and ports are tucked away neatly into a plastic housing at the bottom. While the side-facing inputs are easily accessible, the ones facing down are trickier to reach for plugging in devices.
Stand
The stand has an elegant truncated V-shape with a small footprint that fits most TV cabinets. I appreciate how it raises the screen high enough to accommodate my soundbar in front without any obstruction. Although it appears study, there is some wobble if I accidentally nudge my TV table.
Wall Mount
I tried wall-mounting using the 300×200 VESA mount and it was an easy installation. Cable management is tidy with the detachable clips on the feet acting as conduits to prevent dangling wires. This maintains a clean, wireless look against the wall.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of this 65-inch LG OLED TV is superb. It emanates durability with the sturdy metal stands and glossy rear panel able to endure long term use.
I did notice minor flexing of plastic housing when I examined back closely, but it’s only concerning if I deliberately press down hard, which during normal use, I don’t.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
The LG A2 TV is a relatively lightweight and compact TV, making it easy to transport and install. It is also VESA mount compatible, which gives you the flexibility to mount it on the wall if you prefer.
| Dimension | Without Stand | With Stand | Box | Stand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 1070 x 620 x 45.9 | 1070 x 684 x 235 | 1220 x 735 x 152 | 933×235 |
| Weight (kg) | 11.5 | 11.7 | 14.5 | – |
| VESA Mount Compatibility (mm) | 300×200 | – | – | – |
TV Dimensions without Stand
The LG A2 TV presents a sleek and space-efficient profile with dimensions of 1070 x 620 x 45.9 mm when used without the stand. This makes it a suitable choice for those aiming for a minimalist and compact setup.
TV Dimensions with Stand
When opting for the TV with its stand, the dimensions slightly change to 1070 x 684 x 235 mm. The inclusion of the stand not only adds stability but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the television.
Box Dimensions
For those interested in the packaging details, the box dimensions measure 1220 x 735 x 152 mm. This information is valuable for those considering shipping or moving the TV and its accessories.
TV Stand Dimensions
The TV stand, which plays a crucial role in providing support and stability, has dimensions of 933×235 mm. This ensures compatibility with various furniture setups and allows for convenient placement.
TV Weight without Stand
The TV is notably lightweight when used without the stand, weighing in at 11.5 kg. This makes it manageable for setup, installation, and any adjustments that may be required.
TV Weight with Stand
With the stand attached, the TV’s weight slightly increases to 11.7 kg. The additional weight is distributed evenly, contributing to the overall stability and balance of the television.
Box Weight
For those handling the packaging, the box weight is 14.5 kg. This information is essential for anyone involved in the unboxing process or transporting the TV to a different location.
VESA Mount Compatibility
The LG A2 TV is VESA mount compatible with dimensions of 300×200 mm, providing flexibility for those who prefer a wall-mounted setup. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of VESA wall mounts available in the market.
Display
It has a gorgeous 65-inch 4K OLED display with over 8 million self-lit pixels. The OLED technology allows for exceptional contrast with perfectly deep blacks. The picture looks wonderfully life-like with vibrant, accurate colors.
The viewing angles are also wide enough for a good experience from anywhere in a room.
Picture Quality
The picture quality is exceptional thanks to the α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K which accurately upscales content to 4K.
Images are razor sharp with outstanding clarity. Bright, vivid HDR content looks stunning while dark moody scenes remain atmospheric without losing shadow detail. From movies to sports, picture quality shines through.
Picture Quality : 4.5/5
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast ratio | Near-infinite | |
| Black levels | Perfect | |
| HDR performance | Great | Peak brightness not as high as some other OLED TVs |
| SDR performance | Good | Peak brightness not as high as some other OLED TVs |
| Banding | Some visible banding in dark grays and greens | |
| Viewing angles | Wide | |
| Reflections | Handles reflections well | Strong light sources can get distracting |
| Gradient handling | Decent | Some visible banding in dark grays and greens |
| Low-quality content smoothing | Decent | Some fine details are lost in the process |
The LG A2 OLED TV has a near-infinite contrast ratio that results in perfect black levels and no blooming. It also has good HDR brightness, reaching up to 554 nits in the 2% window. However, its SDR brightness is only okay, at 309 nits in the real scene peak brightness.
Overall, the LG A2 OLED TV is a good option for those who want a high-quality OLED TV with good HDR performance. But if you’re looking for the brightest possible TV, you may want to consider a different model.
LG A2 Sound Quality
With Dolby Atmos onboard, the soundstage is enveloping. The TV can decode Atmos content and virtualize surround effects reasonably well. Voices sound clear and the audio has a good presence across gunshots, car chases, and background scores even at high volumes. It may lack the rumble of a subwoofer but gets loud enough for most living rooms.
Sound Quality : 3.5/5
Audio Capabilities
Overall, the LG A2 OLED TV’s audio capabilities are decent but not great. The TV supports eARC, which means it can pass high-quality audio to a compatible receiver or soundbar.
However, it doesn’t support DTS or DTS:X, which is disappointing as many Blu-rays use this audio format. The TV also doesn’t produce much bass, so it’s best to get a dedicated subwoofer for that. The TV’s distortion handling is mediocre overall.
There isn’t too much distortion at moderate listening levels, but it gets much worse at its max volume.
LG A2 Smart Features
The user interface is fast and responsive powered by webOS 22. It offers all popular streaming apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Apple TV+. With built-in Google Assistant and Alexa, you can control TV functions and smart home devices via voice.
It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for effortless media streaming from Apple devices.
Pros
- ✅ Fast and responsive webOS 22 interface.
- ✅ Popular streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+).
- ✅ Built-in Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
- ✅ User-friendly webOS interface.
- ✅ Intuitive LG Magic Remote with voice control.
- ✅ Inclusion of essential accessories in the box.
Cons
- ❌ Presence of non-removable ads on the home screen.
- ❌ Suggested content cannot be hidden.
- ❌ Abundance of advanced options may overwhelm users.
- ❌ Limitations on adjusting certain settings via voice commands.
- ❌ Lack of NFC support for content casting on models ending in PUA.
I was pleasantly surprised by the overall smart features experience of the LG A2 OLED TV. The webOS interface was user-friendly and responsive, and the included remote was comfortable and intuitive to use.
While the presence of ads was a minor annoyance, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the TV.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Smart Platform | webOS 22, user-friendly, supports user profiles |
| Ads | Yes, cannot opt out |
| In The Box | Remote, batteries, cable management clips, user guides |
| TV Controls | Single button for power, volume, input, and channel change |
| Remote | LG Magic Remote, point-and-press feature, voice control, CEC menu control, other smart features, LG ThinQ app |
| Model Ending in PUA | No NFC for content casting |
| Model Ending in AUA | Supports NFC for content casting |
LG A2 Interface
The webOS 22 interface was a significant improvement over previous versions, with a cleaner design and faster navigation. I appreciated the ability to create separate user profiles, which allowed me to customize the home screen to their preferences.
The interface was responsive enough for daily use, and the 3-second access to YouTube and 6-second backlight adjustments were particularly convenient. However, the abundance of advanced options may be overwhelming for some users.
Ad Experience
The presence of ads on the home screen was a bit of a letdown, and unfortunately, there was no option to opt-out. The suggested content was informative, but it would have been nice to have the ability to hide it. Despite this, the ads didn’t interfere with my ability to use the interface effectively.
In Box
I was impressed with the inclusion of all the essential accessories in the box, including a remote, two AA batteries, cable management clips, and user guides. This attention to detail made the setup process a breeze.
TV Controls
The single button beneath the center of the TV provided basic control over power, volume, inputs, and channels. It was simple and easy to use, which I appreciated.
Remote
LG’s Magic Remote was my favorite part of the TV’s smart features. I loved the large size and the point-and-press feature, which made navigation feel very intuitive.
The built-in microphone was also a great addition, as it allowed me to control the TV using voice commands.
However I was disappointed that I couldn’t adjust certain settings, such as brightness, via voice commands.
LG A2 Resolution Supported
The LG A2 OLED TV supports a variety of resolutions, including 480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and 4k. It also supports chroma 4:4:4 with any of its supported signals, which helps result in clear text while using it as a PC monitor. It accepts 1080p @ 120Hz signals, but it skips frames.
| Resolution | Supported |
|---|---|
| 480p @ 59.94Hz (Widescreen) | Yes |
| 720p @ 59.94Hz | Yes |
| 1080p @ 60Hz@4:4:4 | Yes |
| 1080p @ 120Hz | No |
| 1080p@144Hz | No |
| 1440p @ 60Hz | Yes (forced resolution required) |
| 1440p @ 120Hz | No |
| 1440p @ 144Hz | No |
| 4k @ 60Hz | Yes |
| 4k @ 60Hz@4:4:4 | Yes |
| 4k @ 120Hz | No |
| 4k @ 120Hz@4:4:4 | No |
| 4k @ 144Hz | No |
| 8k @ 30Hz or 24Hz | No |
| 8k @ 60Hz | No |
LG A2 Inputs
There are 3 HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 USB inputs, 1 Digital Optical Audio out, 1 Tuner input, 1 Ethernet port. There are no HDMI 2.1 or USB 3.0 ports. The HDMI inputs support HDR content up to 4K 60Hz.
Low Input Lag
The TV has outstanding low input lag of 11ms at 60Hz across various resolutions. This responsiveness is crucial for gaming where you want quick reactions to on-screen actions. Game mode further brings lag down to imperceptible levels.
Limitations
Unlike higher-end LG OLEDs in 2022, this model is stuck with HDMI 2.0 bandwidth. So 4K 120fps gaming is not possible. The ATSC 1.0 tuner also cannot stream over-the-air 4K channels which is a shame.
LG A2 Connectivity
The connectivity options cover the basics and tick most boxes for casual users. Gamers may bemoan the lack of HDMI 2.1 support. But for most everyday media consumption and last-gen gaming, the ports available should suffice.
For ports, you get 4 HDMI inputs, 3 USB ports, RF antenna input, Ethernet, Optical audio out, and more. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0. The HDMI 2.1 inputs allow gaming consoles to leverage features like 4K 120fps, VRR and ALLM.
LG A2 Gaming Features
The LG A2 OLED TV is a great choice for last-gen 60fps gaming. It offers a responsive experience.
Pros
- ✅ Great for last-gen 60fps gaming.
- ✅ Very low 11ms input lag for competitive gaming.
- ✅ Automatic Game Optimizer mode with ALLM support.
- ✅ OLED technology ensures superb image quality.
- ✅ Vibrant colors and deep blacks enhance SDR gaming.
Cons
- ❌ Limited to a 60Hz panel, no 4K 120fps support.
- ❌ No Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.
- ❌ Moderate HDR peak brightness (around 500 nits).
Input Lag
The LG A2 OLED TV has a measured input lag of 11ms, which is one of the lowest input lags of any TV on the market. It means that there is very little delay between your controller input and the action on screen. This is essential for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.
ALLM Support
The LG A2 OLED TV supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches the TV to its low-lag Game Optimizer mode when it detects a compatible gaming console or PC connected. This means that you don’t have to manually switch to Game Optimizer mode, which can be a hassle.
OLED Gaming Benefits
OLED TVs are known for their excellent image quality, and the LG A2 OLED TV is no exception. The infinite contrast ratio and pixel-level dimming provide perfectly uniform blacks, which is essential for a good gaming experience. This means that you won’t see any gray blacks or blooming around bright objects, which can be distracting during dark scene gaming.
Limitations
The LG A2 OLED TV has a few limitations that may be a deal breaker for some gamers. First, it has a 60Hz panel, which means that it can’t display 4K 120fps content. This means that you won’t be able to take full advantage of the latest gaming consoles, such as the Xbox Series X and PS5. Second, the LG A2 OLED TV doesn’t support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). VRR is a feature that helps to smooth out gameplay by preventing screen tearing and stuttering.
HDR Gaming
While HDR looks good on the LG A2 OLED TV, the merely decent peak brightness means that some highlights don’t pop as much as a higher-end OLED. This is because the LG A2 OLED TV has an OLED panel with a peak brightness of around 500 nits, while higher-end OLED panels can have peak brightnesses of over 1,000 nits.
SDR Gaming
The LG A2 OLED TV is also a great TV for SDR gaming. The vibrant colors and deep blacks provide a visually stunning gaming experience.
Performance & Usability
With the α7 Gen5 Processor powering the slick webOS interface, performance is smooth across the board. Apps open swiftly, the interface is responsive, motion handling is great for sports & action movies. The remote is ergonomic with quick access buttons for popular streaming apps. The TV’s menus are well organized and settings are easy to navigate.
Why LG A2 Might Be Perfect for You?
Consider buying LG A2 if:
- You prioritize picture quality and want an OLED TV at a reasonable price.
- You primarily watch movies in a controlled lighting environment.
- You don’t need advanced gaming features.
- You’re willing to add a soundbar for better audio.
Skip it if:
- You watch TV in bright rooms or during the day.
- You’re a serious gamer who needs all the latest features.
- You don’t like the webOS 22 smart TV platform.
- You prefer better built-in audio and don’t want to add a soundbar.