Among the types of display panels commonly used for televisions, OLEDs rank high in the hierarchy due to the ability of this technology to produce good colors, contrast, and black levels. Of course, this also means that OLED TVs are expensive and are currently commonly available in sizes 55 inches and larger. While the larger screen definitely provides a better viewing experience, 55 inches can always be too big for your display space, even if you have a budget for one on an OLED TV. The latest LG launch tries to deliver exactly what is needed.
At 48 inches, the LG 48CX is claimed by the company to be the smallest mainstream OLED TV available in India and its official price is Rs. 1,99,990. While this might seem a bit expensive given that 55-inch 4K HDR TVs are now routinely available for under Rs. 40,000, the LG 48CX promises flagship-tier picture and sound quality, and a smaller form factor that might appeal to many buyers. Is this the best not-so-big television you can buy in India? Find out in our review.LG 48CX OLED TV design and specifications
OLED televisions are typically large and usually very heavy, so it's interesting to see an option that is considerably smaller than what I'm used to. With a 48-inch screen, the LG 48CX is among the smallest OLED TVs you can buy in India right now, but the size doesn't mean that the panel is short on specifications. This is an Ultra-HD HDR OLED display, with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and support for the Dolby Vision as well as HDR10 Pro formats for high dynamic range content. The screen is surrounded by thin edges and has a very thin frame at the top that widens slightly at the bottom of the TV. Interestingly, there is no LG logo anywhere on the front, which even keeps the bottom edge thin and allows for a higher screen-to-body ratio. Below is a light and a multifunction button that controls power, source selection, and volume.
This minimalist screen-oriented design fits in very well with size, especially since it's a high-end TV and is smaller than most other parts of its price. Weighing almost 15 kg, the LG 48CX is too heavy for a TV of this size and weighs just over many affordable 55-inch variants. Although the official price for Rs. 1,990,990, this television should be available at the highest commercial price of almost Rs. 1.35,000, according to LG. It definitely puts it at the higher end of the price range for TVs up to 50 inches, but you get the whole set in terms of detail and features, which is more than an OLED display panel. These specifications include Dolby Atmos audio support, 40W audio output from a 2.2-channel speaker system, support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Nvidia G-Sync, Bluetooth connectivity, and the webOS smart TV operating system. Other key features to keep in mind include the LG alpha-9 Gen 3 AI image processor, Low Latency Automatic Mode (ALLM) with an estimated response time of about 1 ms, and a standard refresh rate of 120 Hz on all four HDMI ports. options to connect to an LG 48CX TV, but the location of the port is a bit strange in my opinion. Three of the HDMI ports (all HDMI 2.1, one of which supports ARC) and one USB port are on the left side of the screen, but all the others face backward, which can lead to cabling problems. mount the TV. The front ports and sockets contain two additional USB ports, one additional HDMI port (HDMI 2.1), component and AV inputs, optical audio output (Toslink), 3.5mm audio output, Ethernet, and antenna input. The LG 48CX comes with a one-piece centrally mounted table mount stand that allows you to place it on a small table as needed. The TV is compatible with VESA wall mounts (not included) and I use one of the standard mounts that I need to mount the TV myself. Of course, I recommend having the TV professionally installed, and in case of additional installation costs, the technician will advise you.
LG 48CX OLED TV remote control and functions
Most TVs are cheaper in terms of features than standard, but the LG 48CX OLED TV will reach its premium position and offer more than standard smart TV features. There are some game features such as ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and support for Nvidia G-Sync. There is also support for Apple AirPlay 2 for screen and audio sharing of compatible devices and Apple HomeKit for IoT home automation. This will work if you have an iPhone or Mac and will allow you to use the TV as a big screen for these devices. You can also seriously consider using this TV as a monitor for playing computer games and productivity features.
It is useful that Google Assistant and Alexa support the TV's voice commands and can be set as the default remote control. Unlike Android TVs, the LG 48CX does not have a built-in Chromecast feature, but you can mirror the screen of your Android device via the LG ThinQ app. The "magic" distance on the LG 48CX OLED TV has a familiar design with a large, curved body and many buttons. Like the remote control on most LG TVs available today, you can navigate it by looking at it lightly while focusing on the TV. If you want something simpler, you can follow the normal navigation on the d-pad and the scroll wheel, which also serve as the main selection button.
Remote control buttons are available to access almost anywhere in the user interface in one or two clicks, including settings, home menu, shortcuts for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and simple controls for source selection, volume adjustment, etc. It's a good remote tool but it looks a bit awkward and difficult. I really like to use wall-style navigation, but it's nice to have a classic d-pad and a scroll wheel for fast movement in some cases. Smart TV software and user interface can cause or disrupt the user experience, and some brands have chosen to create their own software to have more control over how the hardware works. LG bought webOS from HP in 2013, making it a smart TV operating system that has thrived over the years. The ease and convenience of getting apps and streaming services, the lack of clutter due to the absence of a traditional home screen, and the fact that everything you need is there make this platform one of the better smart TV platforms today. It is not accurate to say that there is no home screen at all; there is a basic control panel that allows you to easily switch between audio sources and devices and enable AirPlay or Bluetooth audio to use the TV as a Bluetooth speaker. I don't always have to use the control panel, because pressing the "Home" button remotely takes over the application as an overlay, even if the screen is playing on the screen.
You can switch between applications using the Home button, which provides a complete list of installed applications, a search bar, an application store, quick access tools such as an art gallery for screen savers, and a file manager for connected devices such as USB drives. . To change another source or access detailed settings, there are special buttons on the remote control and everything is displayed as an overlay instead of interrupting any active content that needs to be taken.
All streaming service applications are designed for use on smart TV and work well, even if you use a floating cursor or d-pad to navigate. The apps are the same as you will find on Android TV or Fire TV OS and support the highest possible HDR resolutions and formats as available. With webOS applications, there is no major removal of all major services, and all of these applications work great on TV. There is Voice Assistant support for Google Assistant and Alexa, as well as its own LG ThinQ AI system, which can be used very well. specific voice commands for TV functions.
LG 48CX OLED TV performance
The LG 48CX is unique for one big reason: it's the smallest OLED TV you can buy today (as far as we know) and offers you a full set of features and specifications regardless of size. The ideal TV size for my living room based on viewing distance is 50 inches, and although I regularly watch TVs more than that, I feel comfortable watching a relatively compact TV. The 48-inch screen fits perfectly into my display space and it's nice to have a real viewing experience at this size. OLED TVs offer a premium price and you will find all their benefits in the LG 48CX. Black and contrast levels have also improved dramatically on good quantum television, and the panel size ensures a sharp, sleek picture that makes the best use of available pixels. This also means that the TV is impressive in resolution; The interior of Ultra-HD Dolby Vision will of course look its best, but the interior of HD and standard definition will also look good on the LG 48CX. As always, I start with the best content available on streaming platforms today - Ultra-HD Dolby Vision from Netflix. The LG 48CX captures the dark and gloomy environment of Snowpiercer's second season well, especially when it comes in great black, which can only be obtained with a good OLED TV. Sunlight-free darkness in a 1000-car train is detailed and accurate in color and strikes the right balance between darkness and light as needed. Other colors, including slow signs of sunlight, skin, and even occasional lights and sounds like Cabaret Night Car, are beautiful, while the LG 48CX expands its endless contrast ratio. Like the well-received 55-inch and 65-inch variants, only the LG CX
