LG’s A-series OLED TVs are the company’s value-focused lineup, with models in all screen sizes priced substantially lower than the more performance-oriented C-series, a perennial choice in our Best OLED TV purchase guide.
The new A2 series is sold in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes in the US, with the 55-inch model priced at $1,299 / £1,078. A 48-inch model is also available in the UK for £999.
Like the cheaper LG OLED TVs, the A2 series lacks some of the high-end features found in C2, G2, and even advanced B2-series models such as HDMI 2.1 ports, 120 Hz display, AMD Freesync, and hands-free voice control. They also don’t have LG’s highest brightness OLED evo panel and the latest generation of the a9 Gen5 AI 4K processor, having to settle for last year’s a7 Gen5 AI 4K processor.
But the A2 series nevertheless appears to be quite feature-rich for a value-oriented TV. Here is a summary of what it offers:
- Screen sizes from 48 to 55.65 inches (48 inches not available in the US)
- 4K resolution with high dynamic range support Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG and HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group)
- HDMI 2.0b inputs (3) with automatic low latency mode (ALLM) and eARC
- filmmaker mode
- OS22 Web Interface
- ATSC 1.0 tuner
- AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Cloud Gaming GeForce Now and Stadia
- Game Optimizer Mode with Game Dashboard
- Integrated Google Assistant / Alexa voice assistant
LG sent us the 55-inch version (model number: OLED55A2PUA) to test, and eager to see how the A2 would stand up to more expensive OLED TVs, we did a quick measurement to get a grip on its performance. This post will be followed by a full review, so keep an eye out for that in the near future.
almost infinite contrast
Multiple light output readings taken on an all-black test pattern yielded an average measurement of 0.0017 nits. That’s surprisingly close to the 0 nits, or true black, required for a TV to qualify as having “infinite” contrast – something that more expensive OLED models like LG’s G2 manage.
While the contrast on the 55-inch A2 was only “near infinite”, the blacks looked extremely deep in the way it was written. the best 4K TVs, making this a promising start to our A2 assessment. The display’s brightness was also sufficient for the dark environment where the initial tests were carried out, but we’ll have a lot more to say about that in our full review.
Nearly complete DCI-P3 color space coverage
from Sony OLED TV A80Ka downgraded model in that company’s OLED lineup, it achieved full coverage of the DCI-P3, the color gamut used for mastering movies for digital cinema and 4K Blu-ray disc release, and so we were eager to see if the A2 would measure up. (using Portrait Displays Calman Color Calibration Software) for that more value-oriented Sony model.
With 98.8% DCI-P3 coverage, the result was pretty close and better than many other TVs, including some more expensive models, manage. LG’s OLED TVs have traditionally measured this parameter well, however, we weren’t too surprised. This is good news for streamers and 4K Blu-ray collectors, because LG’s near-complete DCI-P3 coverage will do its discs justice.
Low input lag for games
While the A2 series sets are not 120Hz capable TVs, they are packed with gaming features, including a Game Optimizer on-screen menu that gives you extended controls over the set’s performance when in this mode. With the Low Input Lag setting selected in Game Optimizer mode, the 55-inch A2 TV measured 10ms – a result of lower input lag than the Sony A80K and one that withstands the best gaming tvs.
A2 Series: Incredible OLED TV Value?
We haven’t had a chance to take a deep dive into LG’s performance yet, but the few sports and news shows we’ve had a chance to watch so far indicate promising overall picture quality for a budget TV. The big questions now are how this set will perform with HDR movies and for viewing in better lit rooms.
These questions – and others! – will be answered in our next full review, so stay tuned. If this set can look 80% as good with games, movies and sports as LG’s C2 series TVs, then the A2 series is an excellent value.