As two standout models in LG‘s acclaimed OLED TV lineup, the A2 and B2 offer stellar 4K picture quality and a suite of smart features. But with some key differences under the hood, is one clearly better than the other? Let‘s dig into the details and find out.
LG‘s OLED Dominance
First, a quick history lesson. LG Display has been at the forefront of OLED (organic light emitting diode) research and manufacturing for years. After acquiring Kodak‘s OLED patents in 2009, LG leveraged this expertise to launch the first consumer OLED TV in 2013.
While early OLED models were prone to issues like temporary image retention, LG has virtually eliminated these concerns with recent innovations. Thanks to LG‘s dominance, OLED has surpassed LED LCD as the premium TV technology on the market today.
LG A2 vs B2 Overview
| Model | LG A2 | LG B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55", 65" | 55", 65", 77" |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | |
| Refresh Rate | 50Hz | 100Hz |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | |
| Smart Platform | webOS | |
As you can see above, the A2 and B2 share plenty of similarities. But the B2 pulls ahead in refresh rate and size range – key advantages discussed more below.
Picture Quality
The A2 and B2 both produce the stellar contrast and color that makes OLED famous. Each self-illuminating pixel turns on and off independently for perfect black levels when needed.
You‘ll enjoy rich, cinematic images whether watching movies or your favorite shows. Thanks to the a7 Gen5 AI Processor, both TVs also upscale lower resolution material remarkably well.
That said, the B2‘s faster refresh rate (100Hz vs 50Hz) makes motion look more fluid. This helps video games and sports feel snappier with less chance of blurring.
Features and Connectivity
LG‘s user-friendly webOS platform powers the smart features on both models. Hotkeys along the bottom provide quick access to integrated apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and LG channels.
For connecting external devices, the B2 adds an extra HDMI 2.1 port over the A2’s HDMI 2.0b inputs. This is great for players who want 4K 120Hz gaming. Only the B2 also supports Variable Refresh Rate and AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth gameplay.
One area where both TVs could improve? The number of USB inputs. You only get two on the A2 and three on the B2.
Design
As premium OLED TVs, the A2 and B2 both feature LG‘s elegant thin-bezel design. They look striking mounted on a wall or resting on their slim stand.
While the rear plastic casing feels a bit flimsy, that‘s expected for the price. And you won’t actually see the back of your TV in daily use anyway.
Audio Quality
With 2.0 channel, 20-watt speakers, the A2 and B2 provide better audio than most base-model TVs. Voices sound clear and you get a sense of left/right stereo separation.
Enabling the AI Sound Pro mode gives a slight boost in immersion too. Of course, adding a soundbar still takes the experience to another level if audio quality is a priority.
Gaming Features
The B2 pulls well ahead as the top choice for gaming thanks to Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support. These sync the TV‘s refresh rate to your compatible graphics card for ultra-smooth visuals.
Variable Refresh Rate also minimizes stuttering and screen tearing. Rounding out the B2‘s gaming pedigree are automatic low latency mode and two HDMI 2.1 ports. The A2 lags far behind when it comes to features tailored for gameplay.
Cost Analysis
Given its impressive picture and features for the price, the B2 offers outstanding value, especially for gamers. But the entry-level A2 has an ace up its sleeve – aggressive pricing.
For frugal shoppers focused purely on affordability, saving $200-500+ over the B2 may outweigh the tradeoffs in gaming performance and future-proof ports. Just don‘t expect HDMI 2.1 or silky smooth on-screen motion.
The Verdict
While both OLEDs deliver stunning images, the LG B2‘s faster refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother viewing experience. Superior connectivity and extensive gaming features also give the B2 a big leg up.
As long as it fits your budget, the B2 is clearly worth the extra investment. But for a basic OLED at the lowest cost, the A2 fits the bill if you can live without HDMI 2.1 and advanced gaming perks.
Recent Updates
Since their 2022 launch, LG has provided key firmware upgrades to expand capabilities:
A2 Updates
- February 2023: Boosted screen brightness for HDR content
- June 2023: Added built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant
B2 Updates
- March 2023: Unlocked full 48Gbps bandwidth on HDMI ports
- July 2023: Added dedicated Game Optimizer mode for gamers
What Does the Future Hold?
While not yet confirmed, rumored updates for the A2 and B2 include:
- OLED Evo panels for increased brightness
- Next-gen α9 AI processor enabling better upscaling
- Expanded smart features like hands-free voice control
Additionally, successors like the pending B3 and C3 lines will raise the bar again later this year.
But for now, the A2 and B2 remain capable, competitively priced OLED TVs with ample technology on board to satisfy well into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OLED better than QLED?
Yes, OLED is considered the superior TV technology compared to QLED (quantum dot LED). OLED panels emit their own light for perfect per-pixel illumination, while QLED still relies on LED backlights.
What is LG‘s latest OLED TV line?
As of early 2023, the C3 models represent LG’s newest 4K OLED TV lineup, followed by last year’s G3 and C2 from 2022. All build on LG’s successful formula, adding faster processors and software updates over earlier generations.
Do OLED TVs suffer from burn-in?
While early OLEDs were more susceptible, burn-in is extremely rare on new models like the A2 and B2. LG has incorporated comprehensive pixel shifting and anti-burn-in technology to virtually eliminate static image retention under normal viewing.
I hope this detailed comparison of the LG A2 vs. the LG B2 helps identify the best model for your budget and needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.
