LG made a big move in 2021, announcing the LG A1 OLED TV, a 4K Smart TV with an OLED image at a lower price than other products in the 2021 OLED lineup.
Its affordability makes this inexpensive OLED one of the most anticipated TVs of the year. So, here is a summary of information released before this new TV hits store shelves this spring.
From official announcements and news articles to rumors and independent analysis, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming LG A1 OLED TV.
The LG A1 OLED TV has more basic features than other LG OLED TVs like the LG C1 and LG G1 OLED models. All of these TVs have 4K resolution and OLED panels, but the A1 is the most basic of the bunch, with no brightness boost like the G1's OLED evo display and only 60 Hz instead of the LG C1 OLED's higher 120 Hz refresh rate.
Other areas where the A1 OLED has a more basic feature set can be found in the processor, audio, and port selection.
The A1 is powered by LG's ALpha 7 Gen 4 processor, which handles all of the TV's video processing and smart functions. This processor handles all of the video processing and smart functions. And while it should be quite capable in all of this, it is still a step back from the Alpha 9 Gen 4 chip used in the C1 and G1 OLED models.
The A1 also has basic 20-watt stereo speakers. While this is sufficient for casual viewing of TV shows and movies, it is a step down from the multi-channel, high-wattage audio offered by more expensive models.
The biggest difference, however, may be the port selection: instead of four HDMI ports on the A1, there are only three. Also, instead of the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, which supports high frame rate gaming and other gamer features, the A1 OLED TV uses HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.0, which supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, is still a high-performance connection, but an affordable gaming OLED TVs, it may not be the answer shoppers were hoping for.
The A1 OLED will be available in April and June, and we will update this article as soon as links to retailers become available.
The LG A1 OLED TVs will go on sale in April, with the 55-inch model starting at $1,599 and the 65-inch version at $2,199; in June, the less expensive 48-inch A1 OLED will be $1,299. And a 77-inch model will also be available in June for a (relatively) affordable $3,199.
The Vizio OLED TV sells for $1,299 for the 55-inch model, and last year's LG BX OLED also sold a 55-inch model for $1,299. Nonetheless, the LG A1 OLED TV offers one of the lowest prices of any OLED TV to date.
Unlike most of LG's OLED TVs, the LG A1 OLED will have a more mainstream design, closer to the look of LG's NanoCell and UHD TVs. instead of the LG Gallery G1 OLED's sleek display-on-glass aesthetic and ultra-slim cabinet the A1 will have a standard enclosure with plastic construction and attachable plastic feet.
This change would make the A1 OLED a less sophisticated looking but more affordable set than its more premium OLED siblings. It may also make it easier to install on a standard TV stand, whereas the previous pedestal design did not leave much room under the TV for cables, sound bars, etc.
While the A1 OLED uses a slightly less capable processor than more premium offerings, the affordable OLED will boast some of the improvements of LG's latest smart TVs.
Like other LG 2021 TV models, the A1 OLED will feature webOS 6.0, the latest version of LG's excellent smart TV interface; LG has updated the software with a new home screen and unified menu design, allowing one place more immediate access to apps and recommended content, providing a more consistent experience when adjusting feature settings and purchasing apps.
Other new smart TV tricks include shopping recommendations, easy access to frequently used apps and favorite cable and local channels, and a redesigned magic remote control.
LG's motion-sensor-equipped Magic Remote Control allows users to control the on-screen cursor when the remote is pointed at the TV. It also retains LG's excellent clickable scroll wheel/button to easily cycle through lists and options.
Overall, we are excited about the LG A1 OLED. We are not expecting a new OLED TV, as more affordable OLED TVs in the market is a good thing. However, the affordable OLED category really heated up last year thanks to the introduction of the Vizio OLED TV.
However, when comparing prices to the LG BX OLED and Vizio OLED TVs already on the market, affordability looks good, but a better feature set would be nice.
Regardless of our thoughts on price, we'll see how well LG's affordable TVs stack up when they hit store shelves in the coming weeks.
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