The color palette is wide and realistic, and the LG manages to look bright and energetic even in low-light scenes. Edge definition is easily discernible, and depth of field is sometimes quite impressive. Even the most testing motion is handled without alarm, and in the most critical moments the M4 keeps artifacts and picture noise to a minimum.
This is accomplished in the same way where sports are concerned. The M4 delivers a smooth and immersive experience in Game Optimizer mode: it’s razor-sharp in its responses, keeps images stutter- and tear-free, and maximizes its contrast color palette and facility to adjust lighting effects. Makes more profit. Like enjoying all this immersive and absorbing experience from a TV that only seems to be connected to an electrical outlet seems almost decadent.
Photo: Simon Lucas
LG’s WebOS smart TV interface has undergone some minor changes in the form of WebOS 24, but despite featuring more obvious ads, it remains one of the more logical and more usable interfaces around. Getting what you want is straightforward whether you’re using the Wii-like Magic Remote (which will be familiar to anyone who’s used an LG TV in the last decade or so), the ThinQ Control app, or the built-in – Taking advantage of Amazon. Alexa voice control.
So far, so uncomplicatedly effective. When you add in some predictably strong build quality, an impeccable standard of finish, and a nice slim profile, the LG M4 ticks almost every box. The only way in which it’s less than thoroughly enjoyable, in fact, concerns the sound it makes.
Is the upgrade worth it?
Obviously, the M4 is far from just an OLED TV That sounds a lot less exciting than the accompanying images. But given that it features 60 watts of power to drive a 4.2-channel speaker array, the transient and boneless audio quality can’t help but disappoint. Definition is great, and the Clear Voice Pro feature that uses AI voice remastering technology certainly allows dialogue to remain distinct and easy to follow, but there’s very little low-frequency substance.
In all honesty, though, this is likely to be a moot point. It seems unlikely that anyone would consider spending more than $4K on a 65-inch TV. An audio system to do it justice. When you consider that the M4 is compatible with LG’s WOW Orchestra feature, which allows the screen’s speakers to join in with, rather than be overridden by, an LG soundbar, one needs to get the job done right. Buying is a no-brainer.
Yes, adding a soundbar or other speaker system (they can even be mounted in walls!) isn’t entirely in keeping with the zero-clutter vibe, but that’s hardly the screen’s fault. Virtually no modern TV comes with good speakers. Just make your interior designer plan for some in-wall speakers, or mount a soundbar somewhere.
Let’s not forget that the alternative simple OLED TV you might be considering will also very likely need some sonic support, and certainly cables to connect to the back of it to do its job properly. A bunch of will be needed. This means the M4 remains a unique proposition as well as an excellent complete television. You can skip this if you don’t need wireless connectivity, but if you do, it’s the only game in town. We sure are lucky it looks amazing.
