Table of Contents
- Design and highlights
- Image
- Audio
- Interface and navigation
- Voice assistant
- Conclusion
- Technical specifications
In the month of November, we had two big tech events in the span of a week: the arrival of next-gen consoles and the launch of a strong streaming service. I speak, of course, about the powerful hardwares Xbox Series S | X e PlayStation 5, and the newcomer Disney Plus, which clashes with the competition already established years ago. As much of the modern consumer's day-to-day in 2020 is spent in the comfortable isolation of one's own home, these novelties were welcomed with open arms.
But, after all, what is a good streaming or a good console without a good 4K smart TV, correct? An interesting novelty that, for example, embraces both mentioned is the line of LG UN8000, which comes to introduce great sound and image quality integrated into the manufacturer's unique intelligent system. Aligned to the system via voice commands, support for Android and iOS smartphones, processor and breathtaking image modes, we have a complete entertainment package in high quality.
It is worth mentioning that the smart TV comes as a direct competitor of CrystalUHD, Samsung TV also launched in 2020, the TU8000. In addition to the similar name, the size variation is also very similar. To help with naming: The UN8000 lineup consists of 50, 75, 82 and 86 inch models. Among them, the specifications are slightly similar, except for items such as processor and connectivity – only the two largest have HDMI 2.1, for example. We were able to test the 50-inch “entry model”, the LG 50UN8000. Next, in this review, I explain what I liked and what I could improve on this excellent TV from LG.
Design and highlights
The LG 50UN8000 is a smart TV LED that has resolution 4K/ UHD, processor Quad Core, technologies of upscaling with dynamic colors and noise reduction, traditional operating system webOS (5.0), multiple voice assistant options and a smart remote control, the Smart Magic – just point at the screen and watch the cursor appear, like a computer mouse projected onto a large screen. It has a native frequency of 60Hz for both interface and games and, last but not least, an audio system with the modest power of 20W (2.0 channels).
part of new lines from LG follow a similar design, with double screwed feet and a plastic back texture. Not outside of this rule, we have the LG 50UN8000, a more parruda than it looks. Beforehand I must say that, among all the smart TVs tested by me, this one gave a certain impression of support instability. I double-checked that the screws were tight, but nothing seemed to fix it – I didn't lower the final grade of the review because of that, it was just a bad first impression.
If in terms of support it surprises on a not very positive side, the TV rewards it with the rest of the design. The edges resemble more moldings frame: instead of trying to hide and “pretend” that it has thin edges, the LG 50UN8000 assumes the design with property without leaving the style aside. Either way, it still has a relatively narrow finish. Looking at it from the side, we see a much fuller profile. On the base, there is the single power button that also serves for menu selection (pressing changes selection, holding confirms it).
Image
First of all, it is worth mentioning that the LG 50UN8000 has a well-standardized connectivity of the entry models. There are rear and side connections, as follows: 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs, 2 USB inputs, optical digital audio output, RF signal input and also for ethernet cable. Wireless, we have the traditional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection.
I made great use of these HDMI connections when connecting the Xbox Series X, to enjoy 4K games at 60 frames per second, and also for some PlayStation 4 games (Ultra HD/upscaling). Even if the smart TV doesn't have HDMI 2.1, which would provide 4K@120fps, the simple fact of playing on a 4K TV at the fluidity of 60 frames gives unparalleled immersion power. Input lag is very low, even though its only “gamer” mode is for picture profile – not a dedicated one with low response time, like certain recent TVs.
Speaking of which, the factory-set modes are great in the right profiles: the sports one leaves everything with high saturation (greener grass in football games), the cinema gets everything with a more cozy "filter" and there's the exclusive Film Maker Mode with colors and lighting faithful to the taste of prestigious filmmakers. This last mode, for example, has a calibration that differs from what TV itself calls cinema mode precisely because the resulting atmosphere is more realistic.
Filmmaker is in very few 2020 TV lines here in Spain, so it's great to see an entry model that harbors such a seal of quality. In any case, before that I had gotten used to the vivid colors of the gaming profile and I chose to leave it activated in all applications, both in series streaming and in both HDMI inputs of the LG 50UN8000. However, after seeing Filmmaker “in action”, I couldn't escape and made it the default.
In browsing tests through streaming services, I was able to check out the adventurous series Long way up, do not Apple TV +, which tells the journey of two longtime friends, going from the southern tip of Chile to Los Angeles (USA) with electric motorcycles. As might be expected, colorful visuals of the varied landscapes were well represented in the sublime 4K of the LG 50UN8000. Cinema mode or Standard mode are both great, with vibrant colors without being overdone – no surreal bright tones, it all adds positively to the immersive experience.
Also less than a month ago, we were able to check the premiere of Disney + in national territory. I have to admit that seeing Mandalorian in 4K there is no equal. Marathoning National Geographic's exclusive series and others with spectacular visuals from Disney itself were magnificent experiences as well. Because the Mandalorian is relatively dark (by the tone of the story and the look, of course), I noticed the reasonable representation in dark scenes with the LG 50UN8000. It is also recommended for those who enjoy horror movies and series.
Because of this, and especially talking about the fact that you can watch streams in great quality, I need to emphasize the ease that LG 50UN8000 brings. Below I explain the interface better, but I go ahead: with the quick menu on the left side of the screen, I was able to switch between sound systems (optical and TV + wireless speaker combo) and test the different image profiles, to refine the smart TV technologies and adapt to each case. It is important to note that I was satisfied with most of the factory settings, however, the customizable options always come as an extra treat for a more dedicated consumer.
The larger models of the UN8000 line have an IPS panel, but this is not the case with this 50-inch one. Even so, the TV does not disappoint in contrast e brightness from relatively wide angles. At a reasonable distance from the screen, you can watch from a crowded sofa without any problem. Thinking about ambient lighting, I only noticed some difficulty seeing it at an opposite angle from the window (where there was a reflection to the left of the screen) throughout the day. In environments with medium and no lighting, we see the richness of details, without excesses.
Audio
In terms of sound, the LG 50UN8000 delivers the “rice and beans”: duo of 2.0 system at 20W power. The volume adjustment made me notice how much louder it is compared to other recent smart TVs I've had the pleasure of reviewing. For reference, the “volume 10” in games brings a denser and louder sound compared to the same level in entry-level competitors.
As mentioned in the specs above, a relevant factor of the product is the system that is easy to adjust for all types of sound profiles. There is Sound AI, which with the help of artificial intelligence brings the right profile depending on the type of sound detected, and in Standard mode you can enjoy Ultra Surround (virtual mixing mode, more immersive).
Within the output options, we see: internal speakers, Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI ARC, simulated surround with wireless speakers added to the TV and optical connection next to the TV speakers - for those who don't have the front trio of a 5.1 or 7.1 system, for example. Many options, with multiple usage scenarios to choose from.
Also, the TV doesn't have specs that make the audio a big strong point. It does its job just right, being great for series marathons, action movies, games of all genres and internet videos. Listening to music is a consumption that is well in the “entry” average, with zero disappointments.
Interface and navigation
Particularly the best operating system among today's TVs, in the LG 50UN8000 we have the WebOS 5.0 with practical, pleasant and intelligent navigation. These 3 qualities are explained by the discreet lower bar on the screen, when the menu is displayed. In it, you have access to your favorite services and applications (in customizable order), with special attention to Netflix e Amazon Prime Video, two streams that seem so integrated into the TV that they're also found in the remote's quick shortcut.
Still on the topic of control, in order to justify easier navigation, I didn't realize how much I think shortcuts such as Inputs (wired and wireless), List and Settings are necessary. Having used minimalist controls over the last few months, with only a dozen shortcuts, it's worth noting how robust LG keeps the control, and this extends from the input (LG 50UN8000) to the premium TV (Nanocell).
In Settings, by the way, you have the option to edit which items you prefer to leave in quick access in the side list and you can expand the menu for fine adjustments. Among all this, in the exchange of apps, suggestion of recently opened ones and selection of inputs, the Quad Core processor handles without stuttering with a fluid navigation in the LG 50UN8000.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Alexa (Amazon) and the ThinQ AI (from webOS): These voice assistants represent the LG 50UN800's wide range of options as a smart TV. To control, simply hold the microphone button in the center of the remote. From there, you can speak and see how each word is interpreted by ThinQ AI. If you hold the Prime Video button, Alexa is activated, with a slightly longer delay than the native TV.
Following the gallery below, the command terms were: “horror movies on Netflix”, “Love Death and Robots”,
and the last one is the result of an AI suggestion by just pressing the microphone button. Interestingly, there was the recommendation of the recently released Never Rarely Sometimes Always, a movie that I had completely forgotten about until then. In another instance, on LG channels (such as American Classics), the smart system showed me Nosferatu right at the beginning of the live view, for example. An excellent surprise.
In particular about Alexa, the LG 50UN8000 only needs to login to your account (if you have an Amazon speaker in another room in the house, for example) to access connected devices. So much so that I could instantly ask the TV to turn off the light and it did. Playback of certain content and routine questions, such as reminders and alarms, act as expected for those familiar with the assistant's responses. However, a weak point of the system is that it does not recognize activation words (“Ok, Google” or the simple “Alexa”) to command the functions.
So even though the distance that the remote control picks up your voice is great (at a nearby conversational tone, it could be understood from half a meter away from me), holding the microphone button is mandatory. As a result, turning it on or off just by talking doesn’t happen either, unless you integrate the TV into the system separately from Alexa and ask your speaker to turn it off – which on its own would render LG’s assistance function useless. 50UN8000.
Also, since you have to hold down a button and only then activate the voice command and ask to hang up, it's counterintuitive: of course, instead, just press the on/off button on the controller that's already in your hand. With these scenarios in mind, it's up to you to see the best output for using the AI, but in general the commands work as intended. What makes this LG different from other smart TVs ends up being the “option” factor of these systems, for those looking for pure entertainment whenever they want.
Conclusion
A LG 50UN8000 pleases with its beautiful images and good enough sound. Moviegoers enjoy the Filmmaker mode presets, sports fans get great sharpness in fast movements and gamers have their expectations fulfilled. For those who are content with game content in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, which ends up being the profile of those who are just looking for a basic TV now in 2020, it is worth knowing that the investment is highly rewarding.
So don't wait for LG 50UN8000 comply with what a more advanced model does, as 4K@120fps and low input lag mode are far from here. By the way, the premium LG NanoCell really stands out from the others, especially when we talk about games (HDMI 2.1 and HDR “gamer” HGIG are examples of this). Certain technologies, such as IPS display and the most powerful processor, being absent from this TV should not be considered a weak point. The additions would come as a good “bonus”, but the “basic” proposal is within the standards of the line.
Now, about cost-effectiveness, we have another strong point. The smart TV LG 50UN8000 can be purchased at stores such as Magazine Luiza, for R$ 2.374,05 in cash. At the time of publishing this review, Samsung's Crystal UHD (as we mentioned earlier, a direct competitor to the LG model), has exactly the same value, R$ 2.374,05 in cash. In particular, as I have had the pleasure of testing both throughout this year, I can say that there are very few differences in day-to-day use.
However, the great contrast between the two giants is in the interface. Each has its pros and cons, but highlighted by the webOS from LG (together with the Smart Magic remote control), the consumer who likes more interactivity with the smart TV will be very satisfied. These points reinforce the superiority of LG 50UN8000 even compared to its predecessors (from the same manufacturer) for bringing technologies of this scale in the entry-level, making the 50-inch model of the UN8000 line deserve increased attention from consumers this holiday season.
So, what did you think of the LG 50UN8000? Tell us about us Comment below!
Technical specifications
| Product | Smart TV LG 50UN8000 |
| General | Screen Size – 50″ Resolution – 4K UHD |
| Functionality | Operacional system - webOS 5.0 ThinQ AI Google Assistant Built-in Alexa Built-In Works with Apple HomeKit Works with Apple AirPlay2 360 VR Contents LG Content Store Miracast Overlay |
| Display | Native Frequency (Hz) 60 HDR10 FILMMAKER MODE ™ Upscaler4K Upscaler |
| Audio | Channels - 2.0 Power (RMS) 20W AI sound AI Acoustic Tuning Surround – Ultra Surround |
| Connections | Input HDMI 2.0 - 4 USB input – 2 Entrada RF – 1 Optical Digital Output - 1 Bluetooth In/Out – Sim |
