LG TV 2021: Every OLED, QNED Mini LED and NanoCell TV explained

LG TV 2021 – A guide to all the OLED, NanoCell and 4K TVs

You can expect more OLEDs in more sizes, higher brightness for HDR, slimmer NanoCell models and new tech in the QNED Mini LED TV from LG in 2021.

Here’s what you need to know about LG’s 2021 TVs. We’ve listed all the models, screen sizes and outlined all new features to look out from the electronics brand. We’ll update with more details, and we’ve included prices for all the latest TVs.

New LG TVs for 2021

Sitting at the top are the OLEDs, with the QNED Mini LED and NanoCell beneath.

The naming convention has reverted back to ‘1’, so C1, G1, B1 etc.

At CES, LG said it wasn’t ready to announce a B or W series models. The B-series is available been confirmed, though there’s still no news on the W1 model. The E series – last seen in 2019 – won’t be making a comeback, but we are getting a new series in the more affordable A1 OLED.

New sizes, brighter OLED panels and slim NanoCells

The number of sizes in the C1 series expands to accommodate an 83-inch 4K OLED. While LG Display confirmed the existence of a 42-inch OLED model for 2021, it’s not yet known which OLED range that size has been sequestered for.

LG’s consumer-facing OLEDs tended to have parity picture-wise, but the G1 OLED benefits from the OLED Evo screen, which features a new luminous element to boost screen brightness.

The NanoCell models have received some design tweaks, too. The 2021 range is slimmer to make them easier to wall-mount.

α9 Gen 4 AI processor

The C1 and G1 have the new α9 Gen 4 AI processor. The AI Picture Pro part of the processor now has Scene Detection, which allows it to exert finer control over picture optimisation on a scene-to-scene basis. Another upgrade is Object Enhancement. That analyses objects (faces, bodies, etc) and enhances them to create a more three-dimensional image.

AI Sound Pro has been upgraded to a virtual 5.1.2 set-up, and can now fire sound towards the ceiling. Also included is Auto-Volume levelling, which keeps volumes at consistent levels when switching between apps and broadcast TV.

Refreshed webOS 6.0 interface

Announced ahead of CES 2021 was a refresh of the webOS smart TV platform. The home screen has been updated for faster access to frequently used apps; content discovery has been streamlined, and there are recommendations based on the user’s preference and viewing history. The ThinQ AI service gets new voice commands for Alexa and Google Assistant.

Also new is a redesigned Magic Remote. It’s still point-and-click, but features simpler controls and more hot keys for apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV and Disney+.

New Game Optimiser Mode

LG’s gaming performance was arguably the most extensive of any TV manufacturer. For 2021 it has added Game Optimiser. This menu allows gamers to fine tune the performance as they like for each game.

In other game-related news, Google Stadia is on its way to OLED and NanoCell models and is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2021.

LG brings 4K/120Hz Dolby Vision gaming to the market

LG continues to up its gaming features with its support for gaming in Dolby Vision at 4K/120Hz.

Firmware (version 03.15.27) has begun its roll out to LG C1 and G1 OLEDs, with additional premium models such as the OLED Z1 series, QNED Mini LED QNED99 series and NanoCell NANO99 series TVs due to get the update in July 2021. LG has also confirmed that additional 2021 and 2020 TV models were being tested to support Dolby Vision gaming in either 60Hz or 120Hz.

Dolby Vision for Gaming is currently only supported on the Xbox Series X/S consoles, with beta feedback testing ongoing before it’s released to the public.

New QNED Mini LED TV range

LG’s new QNED Mini LED TVs merge quantum dot and NanoCell technologies, using Mini LEDs as its light source to produce a higher brightness and better contrast than normal LCD TVs. QNED – which under LG’s branding stands for Quantum NanoCell Emitting Diode – supports refresh rates up to 120Hz to render motion more smoothly and naturally (which should be great for sports and gaming).

The backlight is the real attraction. Comprised of almost 30,000 tiny LEDs, it’s capable of producing a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 to highlight the difference between the darkest and the brightest part of an image with greater effect. There are almost 2,500 dimming zones on the 86-inch 8K model to help create deep black levels, a wide colour gamut and accurate colours.

Five-year panel warranties for premium OLEDs

Detractors of OLED panel displays have often pointed out that the screens are susceptible to image retention and burn-in. Though manufacturers of OLED TVs have taken steps to mitigate this risk, that hasn’t stopped some from continuing their criticism.

So while not making reference to the burn-in issue, LG has announced that the panel warranty for current and future owners of LG OLED TVs will be able to enjoy five years worth of cover.

In the UK the warranty currently only applies to the Z1 8K OLED (88/77-inch) and G1 OLED evo (77/65/55-inch), from the date of retail purchase.

The warranty covers both parts and labour within the first year after purchase, and for the rest of the period panel service will be covered free-of-charge panel.

LG OLED 2021

LG OLED 8K TV

Signature Z1

OLED88Z1 – £29,999OLED77Z1 – £19,999

The 8K OLED returns for 2021 in the same sizes before. It not sports a ‘Real 8K’ badge that certifies it has met the international standards that it can output content in native 8K resolution, supports the HDMI 2.1 input standard and can hit more than 600 nits of peak brightness.

α9 Gen4 AI Processor 8KFloor stand designAI Picture Pro 8K / AI Sound ProHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos80W, 4.2 channel soundwebOS 6.0120Hz refresh rateHFR, ALLM, VRR, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingAMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-SyncWiSA 5.1ch

Signature OLED R1 Rollable

OLED65R1 – £99,999

It’s been a while since the R1 Rollable OLED made a splash at CES 2019, but it will be available to purchase in countries outside of Korea. The 65-inch display is created from one sheet of glass, featuring a huge integrated speaker, while the OLED is deployed upwards (or descends downwards) via a motor from its base stand.

There are three different viewing modes – Full View, Line View and Zero View. At £99,999, it meets our expectations for price. Each rollable TV is produced to order, so save up some cash and clear out some space.

G1 Evo OLED

OLED77G1 – £4.799OLED65G1 – £2,999OLED55G1 – £1,999

The difference between the G series OLED and C series OLED is bigger than it has been in previous years. The G1 features LG’s OLED Evo technology, a new luminous element that delivers a higher screen brightness. LG also says the G1 produces a more realistic, detailed and clearer image than the C1.

With its focus on design, the G1 can be mounted flush to a wall or sat on the optional Gallery Stand. It does not come with a stand, and there has been no word on whether it will have an accompanying soundbar like the GX did.

We reviewed the G1 OLED, the combination of its new panel design, new processing and gaming features contribute to the “the best TV LG has ever made”.

read our LG G1 OLED review

α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4KOLED Evo panelGallery Design /Gallery StandAI Picture Pro / AI Sound ProHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos60W, 4.2 channel soundwebOS 6.0120Hz motionHFR, ALLM, VRR, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingAMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-SyncWiSA 5.1ch

C1 OLED

OLED83C1 – £6,999OLED77C1 – £3,699OLED65C1 – £2,499OLED55C1 – £1,699OLED48C1 – £1,299

Sizes. Lots of sizes. That’s the focus of the mid-range C1 series, with a bigger 83-inch model joining the fun. The C1 also comes with the option of a different rear-panel finish: Meteor Titan (Black) or Vanilla White. The α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K is powered by deep learning algorithms to enhance picture and sound with its advanced Scene Detection and Auto Volume Levelling features.

Otherwise, expect the same features as there were in the CX, ranging from HDMI 2.1 support, VRR for gaming (Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium), Alexa and Google voice assistance, 120Hz support and Dolby Vision IQ. Freeview Play is back and there’s LG’s interpretation of the HDR10 format in HDR10 Pro. The aim of it is to adjusts brightness and intensify HDR content in a manner we presume has similarities to Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

It doesn’t get the Evo panel seen in the G1, so there’s a difference in the picture quality between the two.

α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4KAI Picture Pro / AI Sound ProHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos60W, 4.2 channel soundwebOS 6.0120Hz refresh rateHFR, ALLM, VRR, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingAMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-SyncWiSA 5.1ch

B1 OLED

OLED83C1 – £6,999OLED77C1 – £3,699OLED65C1 – £2,499OLED55C1 – £1,699OLED48C1 – £1,299

The B1 OLED is back but won’t function as the cheapest LG OLED. It will be the entry-level OLED for high-level gaming features in G-Sync and FreeSync VRR, as well as boasting a 120Hz display for fast and responsive gameplay.

The processor is not as advanced as the G1 and c1, so it misses out on the AI skills in Scene Detection and Auto Volume Levelling. Aesthetically it has a narrow stand to differentiate itself from the C1, making it more suited to placement in smaller areas. The B1 further differentiates from the C1 by supporting the Gallery Stand, adding more ways to position the TV in a room.

α7 Gen4 AI Processor 4KGallery StandAI Picture Pro (Face Enhancing only) / AI SoundHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0120Hz refresh rateHFR, ALLM, VRR, eARCGame OptimiserAMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-SyncHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 2.1ch

A1 OLED

OLED77A16LA – £3,699OLED65A16LA – £1,799OLED55A16LA – £1,099OLED48A16LA – £1,099

The A1 is LG’s entry-level OLED, but don’t get your hopes up too much. The difference in price between it and the B1 is not particularly drastic.

The A1 keeps the B1’s α7 processor, and comes in more sizes with a 48-inch version. The trade-off is that it has feet support at either end, and as they appear to be a fixed position, you’ll need a wide bench/TV stand to support the larger models. The A1 does support the Gallery stand for those interested in placing the TV wherever they like.

The display drops to 60Hz, so 120Hz gaming is off the table. The specs on the site say it doesn’t support VRR, but it does say there’s support for Nvidia G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, so we’re think this is actually a mistake. HDMI inputs are 2.0 and there are only three of them.

α7 Gen4 AI Processor 4KAI Picture Pro (Face Enhancing only) / AI SoundHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos20W, 2.0 channelwebOS 6.060Hz refresh rateALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 2.1ch

LG QNED MINI LED 4K/8K

QNED99

86QNED99UPA (US model number)75QNED99UPA (US model number)

The QNED99 is LG’s flagship Mini-LED effort, available in 86- and 75-inch sizes. This 8K LCD TV uses Mini-LEDs to improve black levels, contrast and boost brightness for HDR content. Compared to LG’s ‘normal’ NanoCell range, the QNEDs should extract and display more detail, with colour reproduction more accurate and vibrant with its use of Quantum Dot technology.

The rest of the features match the OLEDs, and there’s a big onus on converting sub-8K content into 8K, of course. The above model numbers are for the US version, so we’ll update once LG has confirmed a UK release. The US price for the 86-inch appears to be around the $8000 mark, so while it’s cheaper than an 8K OLED, it’s still expensive.

α9 Gen 4 AI Processor 8KMini-LED 8KFull Array Local Dimming ProIPS panelAI Picture Pro / AI Sound ProHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos60W, 4.2 channelwebOS 6.0120Hz refresh rateALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingUp to WiSA 5.1ch (dongle needed)

QNED90

86QNED90UPA (US model number)75QNED90UPA (US model number)

Below the QNED99 Mini-LED is the QNED90 (likely QNED95 in the UK). Again, it’s a Mini-LED that comes in 86- and 75-inch sizes, so be prepared to clear out some space, or more likely, haul it onto a wall.

With Quantum Dot and LG’s NanoCell technology combining, the emphasis is on accurate colour reproduction and vibrant-looking images. Black levels, clarity and brightness will be improved over LG’s standard 4K LCD TV range. AMD FreeSync Premium is onboard to smooth out the set’s gaming performance. Expect pricing for this to be more than the OLEDs.

α7 Gen 4 Processor 4KMini-LED 4KFull Array Local Dimming ProIPS panelAI Picture Pro / AI Sound ProHDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 4.2 channelwebOS 6.0120Hz refresh rateVRR, ALLM, eARCGame OptimiserAMD FreeSync PremiumHGiG HDR gamingUp to WiSA 2.1ch (dongle needed)

LG NANOCELL 4K/8K

Nano 96 8K

65NANO966PA – £2,29955NANO966PA – £1,499

There aren’t as many 8K NanoCell models in LG’s 2021 TV line-up, with the Nano 96 the only model announced so far. You get a similar feature count to the OLEDs, with the only real difference being the 60Hz display. Given there are only two sizes and the 55-inch is around £1600, this is an affordable 8K TV, and a sign that we could be seeing 8K starting to make its presence felt in the TV market.

α9 Gen4 AI Processor 8KAI Picture Pro 8K / AI Sound ProFull Array Local DimmingHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant60Hz refresh rateVRR, ALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 5.1ch

Nano 91

86NANO916PA75NANO916PA – £2,69965NANO916PA – £1,69955NANO916PA – £1,199

The first of the 4K NanoCells and there’s just the one difference to make note of here. The 85-inch model features LG’s more advanced dimming system, while the rest of the range makes do with a “Full Array Dimming” solution. A drop down in the processor from the α9 to α7 results in a loss of some AI skills, but consider this to be a feature-filled premium 4K option good for movies and gaming.

α7 Gen4 Processor 4KAI Picture / AI SoundFull Array Local Dimming Pro (86-inch) / Full Array DimmingHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant120Hz refresh rateVRR, ALLM, eARCGame OptimiserAMD FreeSync PremiumHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 2.1ch

Nano 88

75NANO886PB65NANO886PB – £1,29955NANO886PB – £99950NANO886PB

The Nano 88 is fairly consistent with the Nano 91 in terms of features. The local dimming performance is not as strong, but otherwise it matches the Nano 91 in every measure that counts. The design looks identical, and like the other NanoCell TVs, a concerted effort has been made to retain colours and black levels at wide viewing angles. The Nano 88 also supports the Gallery Stand if the wish is to have a TV out in an open space.

α7 Gen4 Processor 4KAI Picture / AI SoundLocal DimmingHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant120Hz refresh rateVRR, ALLM, eARCGame OptimiserAMD FreeSync PremiumHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 2.1chGallery Stand

Nano 86

86NANO866PA – £2,99975NANO866PA – £2,29965NANO866PA – £1,29955NANO866PA – £99950NANO866PA – £949

Like the Nano 90, the 86-inch model bears full array local dimming while the rest of the series makes do with local dimming. Otherwise it’s almost an exact copy of the Nano 88 – same processor, gaming features, HDR support and design. The difference is the presence of that 86-inch model.

α7 Gen4 Processor 4KFull Array Local Dimming (86-inch) / Local DimmingAI Picture / AI SoundHDR10 (Pro), HLG, Dolby Vision IQFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant120Hz refresh rateVRR, ALLM, eARCGame OptimiserAMD FreeSync PremiumHGiG HDR gamingWiSA 2.1chGallery Stand

Nano 81

75NANO816PA – £1,89965NANO816PA – £1,14955NANO816PA – £89950NANO816PA – £799

With the Nano 81 the feature set begins to tail off. No Dolby Vision or Atmos, no VRR and no 120Hz display. If none of those features are a concern then this is where LG’s NanoCell range enters the realms of affordability for those after a workhorse of a 4K TV.

α7 Gen4 Processor 4KLocal DimmingHDR10 (Pro), HLGFilmmaker Mode40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant60Hz refresh rateALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gaming

Nano 80

75NANO806PA – £1,89965NANO806PA – £1,14955NANO806PA – £89950NANO806PA -£799

Not much is different from the Nano 81 other than the downgraded processor in the Quad Core Processor 4K and lack of Dolby Vision. Expect picture and upscaling abilities to be less powerful as a result.

Quad Core Processor 4KLocal DimmingHDR10 (Pro), HLGFilmmaker Mode40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant60Hz refresh rateALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gaming

Nano 75

86NANO756PA – £2,29975NANO756PA – £1,29965NANO756PA – £79955NANO756PA – £62950NANO756PA – £57943NANO756PA – £499

The Nano 75 is the entry-level NanoCell model in the LG’s 2021 line-up. Most of the advanced gaming features are gone, but the new Game Optimiser mode sticks around. Like the Nano 80 there’s no Dolby Vision, and the processor is a Quad Core effort.

The Nano 75 does feature the widest array of sizes in the NanoCell range, from the 86-inch model all the way down to the 43-inch sized effort.

Quad Core Processor 4KHDR10 (Pro), HLGFilmmaker ModeDolby Atmos40W, 2.2 channelwebOS 6.0Alexa / Google Assistant120Hz (86-inch model) / 60Hz refresh rateALLM, eARCGame OptimiserHGiG HDR gaming

We’ll be updating this article as we get more details about the models and prices as we inch closer to release. Read on below for information on the 2020 models, which are still on sale.

LG TV 2020 OLED 8K/4K

 Signature ZX 8K OLED

OLED88ZX9LA – £19,999OLED77ZX9LA – £11,999

LG was the first company to launch an 8K OLED in its OLED88Z9: an 88-inch set that cost near-on £30k. Yes, it was expensive, but it delivered some of the best picture quality we’ve ever seen. For 2020 the 88-inch model gets a smaller 77-inch sibling.

Read our OLED77ZX hands-on

WX OLED Wallpaper

OLED77WX9LA – £11,999OLED65WX9LA – £2,999

LG’s Wallpaper TVs use a super-thin panel mounted on a set of magnets. The 77-inch version continues on and the range welcomes back the 65-inch variant. As this model is less than 4mm thick, there’s no gap or shadow when it is fixed to the wall.

You won’t need to purchase a soundbar with this TV, as the connections and sound system are housed in a separate unit beneath the TV, with video fed to the screen via a “ribbon” that connects the two.

LG OLED GX

OLED77GX6LA – £3,999OLED65GX6LAOLED55GX6LA – £1,497

The GX OLED range is an ultra-thin (20mm deep) TV that can sit flush on the wall. A wall-mount is provided in the box as the standard TV standard is only available to purchase separately. There is a 3.1 Atmos/DTS:X immersive audio soundbar designed to work with the soundbar that’s imaginatively called the GX Sound bar. If bought separately, the GX soundbar costs £999.

read our LG OLED65GX review

LG OLED CX

OLED77CX6LAOLED65CX5LAOLED55CX6LA – £1,185OLED48CX6LB – £1,155

The C-series range returns with the new α9 Gen 3 processor, and this year there’s a new 48-inch model, offering 4K OLED tech at a smaller size. The CX series has been the recipient of price cuts that have brought it close to the £1000 mark.

read our LG OLED55CX review

LG OLED BX

OLED65BX – £1,516OLED55BX – £939

The BX range has similar features as the higher models but also has a slightly slower processor. In this case, it trades the α9 Gen 3 for the α7 Gen 3 processor.  We enjoyed the performance of the BX, lauding its natural and balanced picture quality, as well as its rock solid sound. If you’re after an OLED to game on with the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the BX is a marginally cheaper option than the CX.

read our LG OLED55BX review

LG TV 2020 NANOCELL 8K/4K

NANO99 8K

75NANO996NA65NANO996NA – £1,799

The first two models in LG’s 8K NanoCell line-up are 75-inch and 65-inch models. Expect many of the processing features in the OLED 8K TVs thanks to the shared α9 Gen 3 processor. You don’t get Nvidia G-Sync, but you do get the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

These models feature LG’s Full Array Local Dimming Pro backlight technology, and 60W 4.2 speaker with a 20W woofer.

NANO97 8K

75NANO996NA65NANO97NA

A slight step down from the Nano99 Series, this range has a slightly reduced local dimming array and a slightly less powerful 40W stereo speaker system with a 20W woofer. Otherwise, it’s business as usual.

NANO95 8K

65NANO95 – £1,24955NANO95 – £979

The NANO95 is the cheapest 8K TV range offering 8K at the smallest size LG offers, too — 55-inches.

NANO 91