LG B4 OLED Series
Now features four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K @ 120Hz for gaming
Highly responsive
Crisp OLED panel visual clarity
Cost effective
Worse processor than C-series and G-series
No 42-inch model
Not as bright as other LG OLEDs
B-series or C-series? We compare the 2024 models: LG B4 vs LG C4
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With LG showing off their latest range of OLED TVs at CES 2024, an interesting point to discuss is whether the LG B4 vs LG C4 is a closer contest than in previous generations. We’ve seen a number of people praising the changes to the B4 to allow it be more competitive against the C-series than it was in the past. Ever since we reviewed the LG C1 and LG C2, we’ve been a fan of the series and we’re also interested in what the B4 has to offer. Last year, many people would agree that the C3 was just better value due to a similar price tag.
Both of these are a little more budget-friendly (the B-series more so) compared the impressively bright LG G4, but there’s no doubt that they’ll be some of the best gaming TVs we’ll see this year regardless. Comparing everything from specs, price, to gaming features will help us understand whether the LG B4 or LG C4 is worth your time and hard-earned cash.
If you’re interested in either of these TVs, check out our LG B4 where to buy or LG C4 where to buy pages. Now, let’s jump straight into our detailed comparison.
Now features four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K @ 120Hz for gaming
Highly responsive
Crisp OLED panel visual clarity
Cost effective
Worse processor than C-series and G-series
No 42-inch model
Not as bright as other LG OLEDs
Now up to 144Hz refresh rate at 4K
Highly responsive
Improved Alpha 9 AI chip
Native Chromecast support
Wide range of sizes
Still no MLA like the G-series
Not a massive upgrade over the LG C3
Specification | LG B4 | LG C4 |
---|---|---|
Sizing | 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″ | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ |
Processor | Alpha 8 AI chip | Alpha 9 AI chip |
Operating System | webOS 24 | webOS 24 |
MLA (Micro Lens Array) | No | No |
Screen technology | OLED | OLED evo |
Screen resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
Max refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
Response time | Less than 0.1ms | Less than 0.1ms |
Connectivity | HDMI 2.1 (x4), USB, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | HDMI 2.1 (x4), USB, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | HDMI 2.1 VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync compatible | HDMI 2.1 VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync compatible |
As you can see, these TVs share many similarities. The C4 boasts a newer processor to help it benefit from improved AI features such as up to 11.1.2 surround sound upmixing via AI Sound Pro. However, the B4 also has some AI tech of its own to make the differences not-so stark, with 9.1.2 channel upmixing. Neither TV has the super-bright MLA panel we now see on the G-Series, but the C4 will of course have an OLED evo panel for improved brightness and vibrancy levels over the B4’s standard OLED.
Another thing to consider, especially for PC gamers, is that the C4’s refresh rate has been boosted up to 144Hz. The extra 24Hz isn’t a massive amount in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a notable improvement. The B4 closes the gap in connectivity as it now features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports – just like the C4 (the B3 in comparison only offered two 2.1 ports, a dealbreaker for some).
If you were to look at these two TVs, it would be hard to really pick out many differences straight away. The thin-frame flat OLED panel is a mutual design point between them and both feature a pedestal stand. Some design changes to the B4 such as the new 48-inch SKU offers some more versatility if 55-inch or 65-inch TVs are a tad too big for you.
To add to the specs, both of these TVs can be considered fully-capable HDMI 2.1 TVs now that the B4 offers 2.1 in all four of its HDMI ports, rather than just two. If you’re plugging in multiple consoles like the Xbox Series X, PS5 alongside your soundbar and whatever else you have that benefits from HDMI 2.1, then this is ideal.
We now have a clear idea of the pricing of both the LG B4 and C4, as they are now listed on the LG store. One intriguing thing is that LG haven’t yet listed the 48″ model, so we’ll have speculate a little for this one.
TV size | LG B4 | LG C4 |
---|---|---|
42″ | N/A | $1,499.99 |
48″ | $1,499.99 (expected) | $1,599.99 |
55″ | $1,699.99 | $1,999.99 |
65″ | $2,199.99 | $2,699.99 |
77″ | $3,399.99 | $3,699.99 |
83″ | N/A | $5,399.99 |
As you can see, the B-series tends to shave off around a couple hundred dollars off the price tag. In practice though, prices can vary between retailers and during sales periods – aspects that definitely made last-gen’s C3 a more appealing option for many consumers. However, with the B4 introducing a 48″ model its line-up, we’re interested to see how cost effective it will be against the C4.
In terms of gaming, both the LG B4 and LG C4 are fantastic for the job. If you’re looking for a gaming TV, a low response time and high 120Hz refresh rate are two key specs you want to target, so you’re covered no matter what here. The C4 however does offer a higher 144Hz, though this is only relevant for PC gaming, as current-gen games consoles cap out at 4K @ 120Hz. You may (or may not) be surprised to hear that many people do use an LG C-series TV as a gaming monitor alternative, especially the smaller 42″ model which is fairly desktop-friendly in terms of size.
Both TVs are great for 4K gaming and offer suitable VRR functionality to minimize screen tearing while pushing the limits of performance. OLED TVs in general are top-tier for gaming thanks to their near-instant response time and stunning visuals. The LG C4 will look marginally nicer & brighter thanks to its newer OLED evo panel, but the B4 doesn’t fall too far behind at all.
The LG B4 has received some important changes to make it much closer to the C4 than we saw in the last generation. The addition of a new size and a newer HDMI standard across the board means that it looks to be one of the best budget HDMI 2.1 TVs of the year. We expect the C-series to remain as popular as ever, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the B4 really make waves in 2024.
Overall, the LG C4 is obviously the better TV – though it will be more expensive of course. If you’re looking for a more entry-level option which doesn’t compromise too much on the specs, we’d have to recommend the B4 given its improvements. We suggest keeping track of the pricing of these two as their respective release dates (B4 & C4) edge closer though. If it doesn’t cost too much extra to opt for the C4, it will be well worth the upgrade.
Yes, the LG B4 will be cheaper than the LG C4. Exact pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but previous generations show that the B-series can be over $200 less than the C-series.
No, the LG B4 is sticking to its 120Hz refresh rate, which is all you need for console gaming on current gen. The LG C4 and above have been upgraded to 144Hz, which is nice for PC gaming.