We watched a few movies and TV series in streaming, watched a European championship game and played on the new one TV LG A1 OLED to write a review (model 55A16LA). And we were hooked on perfect image contrast, from the uniformity of black and from the splendid rendering of colors. A television that offers cinematic viewing and does it to a entry level price for the OLED category (we are still over a thousand euros). But like any technological device, the fact that it's built to perfection doesn't mean it's right for every living room. We then tell you about our experience with the 2021 version of LG A1 OLED (model 55A16LA) to see if it's for you.
LG A1 OLED review (model 55A16LA)
As soon as LG's TV was delivered to us, we wanted to mount it to start enjoying the renowned quality of LG's OLED screens. The procedure is very simple but still well explained in the material present in the box. You can decide to mount the TV on the wall or screw the support to place it on your TV cabinet. Compared to the more expensive models of the OLED line, LG has decided to equip the A1 series with gods rather simple feet and without the ability to hide the cables. They are not the most elegant solution around, but they are very stable on any surface.
Otherwise, the A1's design is virtually indistinguishable from LG's more expensive models. You can buy the version from 49, 55 (the one under test), 65 and 77 inches. All have a rear section divided in half: above you find only the very thin OLED panel, while at the bottom you have the "brain" of the device with the ports. Access to the ports is very convenient on the left side of the TV. Found tre port HDMI 2.0 (which could be a problem for players who have PS5 and Xbox Series X). Also there are two USB inputs, the one for the LAN cable and for the 'Antenna. For audio you can use the appropriate output or Bluetooth (which worked great in our tests).
If the build quality reaches its maximum that you can find on the market, we would have preferred to see a more elegant support and new generation doors. But it seems like a great compromise, considering that LG did not skimp on image quality.
LG A1 OLED 2021 review: picture quality
OLED technology still represents the best on the market when it comes to contrast. While those who choose other LED technologies (such as Samsung's QLED or classic LEDs) can get more brightness, especially when using HDR. The new LG A1 confirms this distinction. What does this mean in terms of image quality?
When watch a movie or TV series in a dark room, LG A1 offers a exemplary quality. We watched Loki's penultimate installment on Disney + in 4K and were able to fully appreciate the work of the series' cinematographer. The colors are vivid and precise, the shadow areas are dark: the contrast reaches the maximum possible. Searching for 4K test videos on YouTube we could appreciate how in a scene with a black background, no light comes from those areas of the screen. Only OLED can reach this level and LG does it better than anyone else.
Watching an episode of Veep on NOW, at noon with the French windows of the living room illuminated by the sun, we could see that the lower brightness makes itself felt. But it is far from an insurmountable problem. The TV holds up well the reflection of the sun and smoothly shows all the scenes from the series. The same goes for watching a European Championship match (or any other sporting event) - lower brightness isn't a big deal. Furthermore, the excellent viewing angles allow you to watch TV even in a rather large group.
So, if you mainly use the television to watch a movie or an episode of your favorite series in the evening, you can't do better. And although LED TVs work best in a brightly lit room, LG A1 OLED 2021 defends itself very well even in this situation where it should be technologically at a disadvantage.
Perfect for the cinema, “just great” for gaming
Let's make a separate note for the performance of the TV for gamers. In fact, if film lovers cannot dream of better, gamers may have some problems. Television has a 60Hz refresh rate. For watching TV or streaming content it is not a problem but it limits those who have bought the new generation consoles or want to connect a gaming PC to the TV. Indeed you will not be able to view content at 120Hz, which is why HMDI 2.1 ports are missing. Furthermore, there is no VRR technology to support variable refresh rate.
However, i LG A1's response times are really great, ensuring smooth performance while gaming. Those who don't want to view 120Hz content will find this TV great for gaming, with a very dynamic and truly gorgeous picture to look at. For the higher refresh rate you should go up in price and choose a LG B1 or C1 (which are also brighter, despite being an OLED).
Audio quality
The fact that TVs are getting thinner means having less space for the bass to reverberate. This TV is no exception: the sound quality in the dialogues and the highest notes of the soundtracks have good quality but the bass lacks bite. The maximum volume reached is high but you feel some distortion as you get closer to the maximum.
To have a full cinematic experience, you should pair the incredible screen with at least one soundbar equipped with subwoofer. But to watch some TV series or a game, the included speakers do the job.
Operating system, remote control and functionality
LG A1 harnesses the power of the new processor Alpha 7 Generation IV to provide enhanced content from'artificial intelligence, optimizing the settings based on the content you are watching. Whether it's to provide snappier results when gaming or adjust the image based on the movie you're watching. But the powerful processor is also used to move the webOS operating system, updated to the latest version. It offers a great user experience. The applications (many) run smoothly, without annoying delays. Installing the apps and browsing the Homepage is simple and pleasant. Even if we would have preferred there was less advertising: but unfortunately it is a true situation for every operating system of every smart TV.
The new Magic Remote is arguably the best remote we've ever used. Navigating with the arrows is very convenient but the ability to use the remote control as an on-screen mouse just works. Better than any other solution we've tried. Even those who usually use the smartphone as a remote control could change their minds. The keys that recall immediately are also very comfortable Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV or Disney+. You can use it too Google Assistant o Alexa with a dedicated button. Plus there is full compatibility with the Apple HomeKit and AirPlay ecosystem.
LG A1 OLED 2021 review: who should buy it?
There is no doubt that this product is of high quality. Such high definition and contrast cannot be found at a lower price. The LG A1 model we tested for this review costs money 1.199 € on the LG website (e something less in other sites) and is a perfect gift for anyone who loves movies and TV series. Those with limited space can opt for the 48-inch model (usually at 999 euros), while the price starts to rise for 65 inches (1.799 approximately) and 77 inches (2.999 euros).
The image quality is similar to that of LG C1, which costs 500 euros more and represents the non plus ultra of the OLED world. However, the lack of support for 120Hz gaming could convince some gamers to spend a little more. And in general we would like to advise you to opt for the C1 series if you find an offer that brings prices closer.
If, on the other hand, you want a television with great brightness, the advice is to move away from OLED technology. Although we personally we wouldn't trade those deep blacks and crisp colors for anything in the world. LG A1 OLED 2021 has allowed us to watch our movies and TV series in a quality never seen before and we can not help but recommend it. If you should find it in some super offer under a thousand euros, hurry up and buy it: we are sure it will be snapped up.
Discount
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