Testing the Sony Bravia 7, we quickly noticed that this TV can do quite a lot. Although it is the "lowest" model from the Japanese manufacturer in the new 2024 lineup, it certainly doesn’t feel like a compromise. The picture impressed us with its deep blacks and the detail in bright scenes – thanks to Mini LED technology, which makes a difference. When we played movies in Dolby Vision, it was immediately obvious how much HDR adds life to every scene. The intense colors and great dynamics made watching evening shows a true pleasure for us. Daily use of this TV also positively surprised us. The Google TV system worked flawlessly, and the choice of apps was so extensive that we easily found everything we wanted to watch. The backlit remote is a small but practical addition – we really appreciated not having to fumble around for buttons in the evenings. The older content we watched improved in quality thanks to advanced image processing. When we tried the TV for gaming, it also made a good impression on us. The 120 Hz refresh rate provided smooth visuals, and the low input lag allowed us to enjoy fast-paced and dynamic gameplay. We particularly liked the Game Bar feature – easy access to settings during the game is something that every gaming enthusiast will appreciate. The TV handled even more demanding titles excellently. However, not everything was perfect. Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is dedicated to eARC, may pose a problem if someone plans to connect several devices simultaneously. Additionally, when we watched the TV from an angle, we noticed that the picture quality was not as good as when looking straight on – the lack of a layer to enhance viewing angles was noticeable here. Nevertheless, the Bravia 7 is a TV that positively surprised us. It combines excellent picture quality with functionality that works well for both everyday use and evening shows or dynamic gaming sessions. The minor limitations are noticeable, but they do not overshadow the overall experience, which definitely deserves attention from buyers.
The LG OLED B4 is an exceptionally versatile television within the semi-premium category. Given its impressive features and competitive pricing—set to drop further as history suggests—it offers outstanding value. The hypnotic combination of perfect black levels and high contrast will captivate anyone familiar with OLED technology, making a return to LCD screens almost unthinkable. While its peak brightness in HDR content might seem modest on paper, the visual experience is enhanced by the panel’s inherent strengths, making the brightness appear far more impactful. It’s also worth highlighting the stability and uniformity of brightness across most scenes. The slight drawback is the reduced brightness in full-frame white scenes, though these are relatively rare and thus not a major concern.
Factory colour reproduction is commendable, offering a good baseline that benefits significantly from calibration, fully realising the director’s vision. The LG B4 is particularly well-suited for gamers and sports enthusiasts alike. Gamers will appreciate the comprehensive HDMI 2.1 support and associated features, while sports fans will enjoy the advanced motion smoothing with its extensive adjustment options. The remote control, equipped with a gyroscope, allows for intuitive navigation akin to using a mouse, making the experience even more seamless.
The WebOS system is another highlight, offering a smooth, responsive interface with a vast array of applications, meeting the needs of most users. At the core of the LG B4 is its advanced Alpha processor, responsible for enhancing image smoothness and conducting detailed signal analysis. The processor’s ability to optimise the darkest and brightest areas of the image significantly improves the viewing and gaming experience. Furthermore, it effectively reduces noise and elevates the overall content quality, especially when viewing 4K material, placing the LG B4 ahead of many competitors in its price bracket.
The growing popularity of OLED technology is well-reflected in the LG B4, which excels in handling dynamic action scenes, offering seamless transitions without blurring. This makes it particularly appealing to discerning users prioritising high image quality and cutting-edge technology. All essential applications are present, ensuring a comprehensive user experience.
In summary, who is the LG OLED B4 for? It’s the perfect choice for those seeking top-tier image quality within a set budget, yet it offers more than just value for money. The LG B4 stands out distinctly in its price range, offering superior image quality that many competitors cannot match.