LG B7/B7A OLED  TV Review

Reviewed Nov 07, 2017 at 10:24am
Test bench update Mar 14, 2018 at 12:21pm
Tested using Methodology v1.2 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

LG B7/B7A OLED

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

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Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

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HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

Track

 0
 TV Settings
Notice: This TVs was replaced by LG B8 OLED
The LG B7 is a high-end 4k OLED smart TV with exceptional picture quality thanks to its infinite contrast ratio and wide viewing angle. It produces little motion blur, and its ability to reproduce a very wide gamut of colors and relatively high peak brightness helps it produce an impressive HDR image. It does, however, tend to retain a ghost of static images temporarily and isn't quite as bright as some LCD TVs. It offers the same performance as the B7P found at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's club.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The LG B7 is a great TV for a mixed usage. Its picture quality is remarkable, and it features a large set of powerful features that make it a well-rounded set fit for almost any usage.

Pros
  • Perfectly uniform blacks thanks to infinite contrast
  • Great picture even from an angle
  • Low input lag for gaming
Cons
  • Static images can get "stuck" temporarily
  • Screen brightness varies with content being displayed (ABL)
0.0
Movies 

Exceptional 4k TV for watching movies in a dark room. The LG B7's ability to shut off individual pixels gives it perfectly uniform blacks and an infinite contrast ratio. Combined with its 4k resolution, this makes for an exceptional home theater.

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TV Shows 

Great TV for watching TV shows in a brighter environment. The B7's screen finish takes good care of reflections, and it gets just bright enough not to appear dim in most environments.

0.0
Sports 

Great TV for watching sports. The B7's OLED screen displays very uniform colors so grassy football fields don't have any banding or blotches. It also handles motion very well, making fast moving players look very fluid.

0.0
Video Games 

The B7A is a great 4k gaming TV. It's very responsive thanks to its low input lag and low amount of motion blur. Its overall great picture quality also helps make video games particularly immersive.

0.0
HDR Movies 

The LG B7's HDR capabilities are excellent. The very high dynamic range produced by its infinite contrast ratio and its very wide color gamut creates a realistic and vibrant image. It's not the brightest TV, but its capable of brightening small highlights well enough to give a very nice effect.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

Great TV for HDR gaming. The B7's excellent picture quality and HDR capabilities are well retained for gaming, and its input lag is not affected by the type of input. People that find the image too dim might prefer to enable the "Adaptive Contrast" feature which helps brighten up the picture for gaming.

0.0
PC Monitor 

The LG B7 is a good TV to use as PC monitor. Its input lag is low, and it supports even essentials like chroma 4:4:4 as well as more niche features like a 120 Hz input. Unfortunately, some users might not find it bright enough, and some static content can have ghosts remain temporarily if kept on-screen too long.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 14, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
    2.  Updated Nov 07, 2017: Review published.
    3.  Updated Nov 05, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Nov 05, 2017: Early access published.

    Check Price

    55"OLED55B7A
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    65"OLED65B7A
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 55" (OLED55B7A). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 65" (OLED65B7A).

    The B7P (OLED55B7P, OLED65B7P) is a warehouse exclusive model in the USA and is also available in Canada but we expect its performance to be identical. One difference is that the B7P can play Dolby Atmos using its own speakers because it has a 2.2 speaker setup, while the B7A can't play Atmos with its own speakers because it only has a 2.0 setup. The B7A can still passthrough Atmos to an external receiver though.

    The B7V (OLED55B7V, OLED65B7V) is a European variant which sports a different stand, similar to what is found on the LG SJ8500. We also expect this to offer the same performance as the German B7T (OLED55B7T, OLED65B7T).

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their LG OLED 55B7A (55OLEDB7) or 65B7A (65OLEDB7) doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Size US Model Warehouse Model EU Model
    55" OLED55B7A OLED55B7P OLED55B7V
    65" OLED65B7A OLED65B7P OLED65B7V

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Samsung MU9000 (UN55MU9000). Bottom left: LG C7 (OLED55C7P). Middle: LG B7A (OLED55B7A). Top right: Vizio P Series 2017 (P65-E1). Bottom right: Sony X930E (XBR55X930E).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The LG B7 is a great TV overall and offers a lot of value for money. Since it has the best picture quality while still being reasonably priced, it's a very competitive model. See our recommendations for the best smart TVs and the best 4k TVs.

    LG C8 OLED

    Track

    55" 65" 77"

    The LG C8 OLED is somewhat better than the LG B7/B7A OLED. While the overall performance of the two is very similar, the LG C8 has an optional Black Frame Insertion feature that the B7A doesn't have. This feature helps to improve the perceived clarity of motion on the C8, at the expense of some brightness.

    LG B8 OLED

    Track

    55" 65"

    The LG B8 OLED is somewhat better than the LG B7/B7A OLED. The LG B8 has slightly better motion handling due to the black frame insertion (BFI) feature, which is great if you play video games. Also, the LG B8 performs somewhat better in temporary image retention if you use it as a PC monitor, although this could be due to panel variance. On the other hand, the LG B7A has marginally better input lag in HDR gaming and marginally better viewing angles, although both TVs are very good in that respect.

    LG C7 OLED

    Track

    55" 65"

    The performance of the LG B7/B7A OLED and LG C7 OLED is nearly identical. There are no major differences other than the design. The LG C7 and the B7P variant have a 2.2 speaker setup, which can internally decode Dolby Atmos sound. The B7A variant only has a 2.0 speaker setup and can't decode Dolby Atmos internally, although the C7 and all B7 models can output Atmos to an external receiver.

    Sony X900F

    Track

    49" 55" 65" 75" 85"

    The LG B7/B7A OLED is better than the Sony X900F, unless the possibility of burn-in concerns you. The LG B7A uses an OLED panel, which offers perfect dark room performance and wide viewing angles. The B7A is prone to temporary image retention, and there is the possibility of permanent burn-in. The Sony X900F appears to be immune to burn-in and does not experience any image retention.

    Show more 
    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

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    Stand

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    BordersLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Temperature
    Maximum Temperature
    LockedLock °F (Lock °C)
    Average Temperature
    LockedLock °F (Lock °C)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    LG B7/B7A OLED Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    LG B7/B7A OLED Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness
    LockedLock°
    Black Level
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K

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    0.0
    480p Input

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    0.0
    720p Input

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    0.0
    1080p Input

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    0.0
    4k Input

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    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    LockedLocked

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    Pixels
    TypeLockedOLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedWRGB
    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    LockedLock Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    LockedLocked
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    LockedLock ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedN/A
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedN/A

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz + HDR
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz + HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    4k With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked4k
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked

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    Side Inputs
    Rear Inputs
    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    MHLLockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked
    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max
    LockedLock
    IMD @ 80
    LockedLock%
    IMD @ Max
    LockedLock%

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    Smart Features
    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked
    VersionLockedLocked
    Ease of Use
    LockedLocked
    Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    LockedLock s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    LockedLock s
    Advanced Options
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Content in Home
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    LockedLocked
    App Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Cast Capable
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive Playback
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Amazon Video
    LockedLocked
    HDR in YouTube
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Remote
    Size
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked
    CEC Menu Control
    LockedLocked
    Other Smart Features
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Remote App
    Acts as the Remote
    LockedLocked
    Directly Launches Apps and Inputs
    LockedLocked
    Inputs Text in YouTube
    LockedLocked
    Inputs Text in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    Streams Device Files
    LockedLocked
    Controls TV Settings
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked

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    TV Controls

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    In The Box

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    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked