By the end of 2019, the question for many consumers will be: how exactly does the new LG B9 OLED compare to last year's LG B8?
These are the two cheapest OLED TVs on the market, second only to the Hisense O8B, and which remain the entry-level model in LG's OLED line. But their equivalent position in the composition does not mean that they are equal in all things.
With the LG B9 OLED now on sale in the UK and expected to follow shortly in the US, Australia, and elsewhere, we've set up a parallel comparison of pricing, specs, and format support for the two. Televisions, to give all potential buyers the best idea to go for the LG B9 or LG B8 in their search for an affordable OLED.
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LG B9 vs LG B8 prices
It is easy. Almost exactly the same as the B8 model, the LG B9 starts at € 1529 (approximately € 1,995 / € 2,900 AU) for the 55-inch models and € 2,499 (approximately € 3,055 / € 4,530) for the 65-inch model.
For reference, the B8 was sold at the price of € 1,599 for the 55-inch launch, but it hasn't seen any price reduction yet. We hope you will recognize and order the updated model soon, if LG does not remove it completely.
Like the B8, the LG B9 offers € 200 / € 200 less than this year's C9 OLED, making it the most affordable of the LG TV 2019 lineup and slightly cheaper than the sets. LG E9 or LG W9, which offer even more premium materials and high-end speakers, although they all have the same OLED panel.
LG B9 vs LG B8 processor
However, what makes this drop particularly impressive is that the LG B9 has the same a7 Gen 2 smart processor as its more exclusive siblings.
The lower price of the B8 last year was largely attributed to using an older processor than the more advanced OLED TVs in the range. Maintaining the same price difference, without a decrease in knowledge of the processing, the Series B becomes a much stronger proposition than its predecessor.
Our only fault for the B8 last year was the mid-range HD upgrade and occasional video noises in dark scenes, but you're unlikely to see that much on the B9.
LG B9 vs LG B8 Specs and Design
LG B9 has a narrower stand, but a higher overall weight
Leaving aside the processor, is there a material difference between the design, formats or inputs of the LG B8 and LG B9?
The B9's screen appears to be the same size, although the TV stand it rests on is slightly differently shaped than a shorter and thinner stand than the B8's, which measures 38mm high and 246mm deep. instead of 45mm high and 220mm deep. The weight of the set also increased to 19,9 kg instead of the 17,7 kg of the B8 (including bracket).
On the audio side, the output has also increased significantly, doubling the volume of the B20's 8 W speakers, to reach 40 W compared to the B9. The B9 also adds a subwoofer, for 2.2-channel speakers rather than for the B2.0's 8-channel setup.
The LG B8 is powered by 20W speakers, which have been upgraded to 40W, with an additional channel subwoofer.
If you connect your headphones or smartphone to the TV via Bluetooth, please note that the B9 uses the latest 5.0 standard instead of the old 4.2 connection of the B8, which means that the B9 needs to connect faster and more reliably. .
Both are 4K TVs with HDR panels and support the dynamic Dolby Vision HDR format as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound. Both come with LG's stylish magic remote control and smart TV smart webOS platform. With LG's ThinQ AI integration, it also has a very smart system, with built-in support for Alexa / Google Assistant and the ability to connect to Google Home and Amazon Echo devices.
LG B9 vs LG B8: carry
We will publish our report on the LG B9 OLED in the coming weeks, for all those who can wait before making a purchase. However, if you're an impulsive shopper or just need a new TV for the movie night you've planned, you may be thinking about buying the LG B9 now.
Our previous experience testing the LG 2019 TV series makes us think that nothing surprises you in the B9. With the same panel and processor, you can expect the same kind of remarkable OLED image, with incredible depth blacks and incredible color contrast, from the LG C9 and E9 OLED that we reviewed earlier in the year. Since the a7 Gen 2 processor has not been ditched for an older chip, it is perhaps the best buy in the LG range for value for money.
However, keep in mind that the OLED B8 was still a truly successful TV from 2018 and that it was well worth its price.
- Here's why you might want to wait until 2020 to buy a cheaper OLED