LG 97-Inch Class OLED evo G4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor Flat Screen with Magic Remote AI-Powered with Alexa Built-in (OLED97G4WUA, 2024)

At first glance, what sets this LG apart from many rivals is the dramatic leap in brightness—up to 150% more than the equivalent B4 model thanks to Brightness Booster Max and its Micro Lens Array technology. For a technology built on self-lit OLED pixels, that’s a remarkable achievement. It means excellent performance not just in pitch-black movie nights but in brighter rooms too, where reflections can otherwise wash out subtler shades. Watching HDR content in daylight suddenly seems viable.

The self-lit pixel foundation remains as compelling as ever: 8 million of them working independently for absolute control over brightness and darkness. It’s not hyperbole to call this infinite contrast—if a portion of the screen needs to be true black, it’s simply turned off. That alone preserves fine details in dark scenes without blooming or haloing. Paired with 100% Color Volume and 100% Color Fidelity, color reproduction is both luminous and accurate, something color-critical work or cinephiles will immediately appreciate.

The design deserves its own mention. The One Wall Design removes virtually all gap between the screen and the mounting surface, creating an effect that looks more like a framed artwork than a television. What’s more, the gallery-like multi display mode means the panel can blend into your décor when not actively playing content, which softens its visual dominance in a living room. It’s a shift away from the “black rectangle” nature of most TVs.

Processing muscle comes from the α11 AI Processor, which powers all the smart refinements in LG’s latest ecosystem. Upscaling lower-resolution sources happens more seamlessly, motion handling is clean, and AI-driven image enhancements adjust in real time to content type. Dual-processor approaches—one for picture, one for sound optimization—help layer clarity without taxing system responsiveness. The support for Multi View, letting four different streams fit on-screen simultaneously, feels less like a gimmick and more like a genuinely useful productivity or sports-watching tool.

Then there’s the audio: Dolby Atmos integration means the built-in soundstage is more immersive without external speakers, though pairing with a compatible soundbar enhances it further. FILMMAKER MODE respects the creator’s intended aspect ratios and pacing, disabling motion smoothing that more often than not looks unnatural. Dolby Vision is standard and brings significant benefit to both newly released 4K material and older content.

The webOS 24 interface feels less like an operating system and more like a personal entertainment assistant. The Magic Remote remains cleverly designed—its point-and-click motion control accelerates navigation. Quick Cards smartly categorize apps, making it faster to jump into, say, streaming TV shows or gaming setups. One standout feature is the LG Channels access: over 300 live and linear free channels, no cable contract needed, integrated directly into the guide with minimal friction.

Gaming gets thoughtful treatment here too. With HDMI 2.1 compatibility for 4K at 120Hz, the panel clears the technical bar for next-gen consoles, delivering the fluidity and low latency needed to play at a competitive level. Auto Low Latency Mode and variable refresh rate support help iron out input lag during intense action sequences or competitive multiplayer. Even without needing to dive into menus for settings tweaks, users will find it’s essentially plug-and-play for modern gaming systems.

Finally, confidence in longevity is baked in through the extended five-year panel warranty, covering components and labor for the first year, and the panel itself for the following four. That’s a strong commitment, especially for a technology where burn-in concerns once lingered. The warranty cover, along with the promise of five years of software updates via the webOS Re:Fresh Program, makes this less of a up-front purchase decision that might grow obsolete in a year or two.

Taken together, the combination of brightness, processing sophistication, design restraint, and smart features positions this more as an all-encompassing centerpiece rather than simply a larger TV—one built to adapt to how you live, not just to display content.