LG B8 OLED  TV Review

Reviewed Jul 13, 2018 at 08:28am
Test bench update May 21, 2020 at 08:51am
Tested using Methodology v1.5 

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 B8 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

0.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
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

 1
 TV Settings
The LG B8 is a 4k OLED TV with excellent picture quality, especially when viewed in a dark room. It can produce perfectly deep blacks due to the emissive technology, and has excellent motion handling with an instantaneous response time. The image also remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is good for those who have wide seating. It isn't without downsides though, as the screen brightness changes depending on the content which can be distracting, and there may be a risk of permanent burn-in if you watch long periods with static content.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

This is a remarkable TV for mixed usage. The LG B8 performs impressively well in almost every usage. It is great for movie watching in both SDR and HDR content. It has remarkable motion handling and low input lag that will satisfy gamers and sports fans.

Pros
  • Perfect deep blacks
  • Almost no motion blur in sports and video games
  • Very good picture quality when viewed at an angle
Cons
  • Brightness depends on screen content due to Automatic Backlight Limiter (ABL)
  • Risk of permanent burn-in with long periods of static content
0.0
Movies 

The LG B8 is outstanding for watching movies. The picture quality is great for dark rooms due to the perfect blacks and great image uniformity. Combined with the excellent 4k resolution display, it makes this TV a great choice for the movie enthusiasts.

0.0
TV Shows 

The LG OLED B8 is impressive for watching TV shows. It has great reflection handing and great viewing angles so you can place it in large bright rooms. It will upscale cable content well and you can enjoy your favorite TV show without worries.

0.0
Sports 

This is an awesome TV for watching sports. It has very good gray uniformity do panning shot will be clear from clouding, excellent motion handling for fast moving content and very good viewing angles to allow you to watch sport with a group of friends in wide seating arrangements.

0.0
Video Games 

The LG B8 is amazing when playing video games. It has an excellent low input lag, amazing response time and can support a multitude of resolutions. It is equipped with the black frame insertion (BFI) feature that will clear blur and make the image look crisper.

0.0
HDR Movies 

This LG B8 has outstanding performance when watching HDR movies. The real blacks and the wide color gamut offer an awesome picture quality when combined with HDR content. Highlights pop, colors are rich and the whole image is vivid and comes to life. It is an excellent TV for enjoying your favorite HDR content.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

This LG B8PUA is excellent for HDR gaming. It has a very low input lag when showing HDR content and a remarkably low response time, that makes it very responsive. The picture quality is excellent and most gamers will be happy.

0.0
PC Monitor 

Using the LG OLED B8 as a PC monitor is great. It has a remarkably low input lag and great motion handling. It feels very responsive and the good viewing angles allow you to sit close to it without experiencing uniformity issues. It will keep most people who want to use it as a PC monitor happy although you should keep in mind the OLEDs permanent burn-in risk.

  • 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 May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
    2.  Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
    3.  Updated Feb 28, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
    4.  Updated Dec 10, 2018: We have retested the B8 on firmware 04.10.06, and have updated the peak brightness and input lag.

    Check Price

    55"OLED55B8
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    65"OLED65B8
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 55" model (OLED55B8PUA). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 65" (OLED65B8PUA).

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their LG OLED 55B8PUA doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that due to variances between panels some results such as gray uniformity and image retention may vary between individual units.

    Size US / EU Model
    55" OLED55B8PUA
    65" OLED65B8PUA

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Vizio P Series 2018 (P65-F1). Bottom left: LG C8 (OLED55C8PUA). Middle: LG B8 (OLED55B8PUA). Top right: Q9FN (QN65Q9FN). Bottom right: Sony A8F (XBR55A8F).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The LG B8P offers excellent performance across the board and it is one of the best smart TVs we've tested. However, it isn't perfect and comes at a high price. Check out some of our comparisons below for different recommendations depending on your usage. See our recommendations for the best OLED TVs.

    LG C8 OLED

    Track

    55" 65" 77"

    The LG C8 OLED is very similar to the LG B8 OLED for mixed usage. The C8 offers performance in the same ballpark, and the small differences between the two TVs could be due to panel variance. The C8 has the newer Alpha 9 processor, whereas the B8 still carries the Alpha 7 processor, but we did not see a significant difference in performance.

    LG B7/B7A 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 B9 OLED

    Track

    55" 65" 77"

    The LG B9 OLED and the LG B8 OLED have very similar picture quality overall. The B9 is more future-proof, as it supports some great new features, including HDMI 2.1, eARC, and HDMI Forum's variable refresh rate technology, which is currently only supported by the Xbox One.

    LG E8 OLED

    Track

    55" 65"

    The LG E8 OLED and the LG B8 OLED have very similar performance. The differences are mostly cosmetic, with the LG E8 having a more premium feel and a dedicated soundbar.

    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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    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 B8 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
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    LG B8 OLED Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift
    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%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

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

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Color Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Calibration Function
    LockedLocked

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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
    8k Input
    Pixels
    TypeLockedOLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedWRGB

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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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    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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    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
    HDMI Forum VRR
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1440p VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    1440p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz + 10 bit HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A
    1440p with VRR
    LockedN/A
    4k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    8k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked4k
    1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked

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    Input Photos
    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

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    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    HDR10+
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1
    LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked
    Audio Passthrough
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    eARC support
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via Optical
    LockedLocked

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    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 YouTube
    LockedLocked

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

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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