LG UT8100 Review: A reasonably priced TV with decent features

In 2024, LG once again releases TVs that, unlike super-innovative models, lack some technologies, but their price is much more favorable. A typical representative of the latter group is the LG UT8100. What is a TV in this category capable of?

How well does the LG 55UT8100 live up to expectations? What compromises does it have to make compared to more expensive models? Is the UT8100 worth buying? In this LG 55UT8100 4K HDR review, we will try to answer these and other questions.

LG UT8100 – Review

Design

The appearance of the LG 55UT8100 TV is minimalist and discreet. Thanks to this, it can be easily integrated into almost any interior. The narrow bezel, surrounded by a thin frame, is invisible when turned off, in accordance with modern trends. The model in question has a depth of less than 6 cm at its thickest point.

This is a very good result for models in this price category. The central stand holds the device body firmly, but does not allow tilting or rotating the screen. The body and stand are made of plastic. Despite this, it is very difficult to find fault with the build quality. The UT81 TV can also be hung on the wall using a standard VESA bracket 300 x 300 mm (for a diagonal of 55 inches).

Equipment

Of course, the LG UT8100 TV has the latest version of the company’s own smart platform.  There are no problems with stability either. Applications launch without any delays. At the same time, it is true that the system works a little slower than flagship TVs from the same manufacturer.

Therefore, you will have to wait a little longer for the system to start and for applications to load. The package includes the LG Magic Remote with a motion sensor, which also functions as an air mouse. The LG UT81 TV can work with peripheral devices connected via USB or Bluetooth, such as a mouse, keyboard or controller.

Additionally, the company’s free downloadable app allows the remote control to be replaced by a smartphone or tablet. The device supports voice search, which means the user only needs to say the desired keyword or phrase into the Magic Remote’s microphone. The results will appear immediately on the screen.

It is also recommended not to refuse the usual webOS add-ons. You can use Sports Alert, which sounds when the match of the team selected by the viewer begins. You can follow the progress of the result, even if you do not watch the broadcast itself, as well as statistics related to the matches. You can also view other information.

Additionally, there is the ability to access and edit documents uploaded to the cloud, as well as open Skype conversations, which can be very useful. Available Internet applications are an integral part of the system and there are hundreds of such applications. This includes lifestyle, sports and news related content. And of course, the popular online streaming applications are also present.

In other words, there is no need to complain about the variety of applications. You can launch Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video. These are just some of the most popular services. In addition, it goes without saying that you can also visit websites.

In the case of audio materials, in addition to MP3, it is possible to play WAV, WMA and FLAC formats. ID3 tags are processed, and song lyrics encoded in the file are displayed as metadata. In the case of images, the program allows displaying PNG, BMP and JPG formats. EXIF ​​data containing detailed information about photos does not work, but you can run a slide show with effects.

As for HDR standards, the 55UT8100 TV refuses to play Dolby Vision and HDR10+. When it comes to managing surround sound files, the software can only handle EAC and Dolby 5.1 content. External label management is solved: you can change the encoding, change the size and color of the letters. And since a thin frame appears around them, the text on the screen is always readable.

Sound quality

Can you expect miracles from two 10-watt speakers hidden in the body of the device? Since there is no built-in subwoofer, there is almost no bass and there is no speaker. Therefore, the end result is a little unnatural. However, the volume is quite loud, and no annoying sound errors could be found.

So the situation is not tragic in the end. Those who value quality sound will have to connect some external sound device to the TV. The TV’s audio system has pre-programmed sound modes. Their names already indicate what content they are intended for. If you don’t like any of this, you can use the equalizer. With it, you can adjust the sound to your taste.

Image quality

The UT8100 TV’s image quality is determined by its resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. The LCD panel is equipped with an IPS matrix with Direct LED backlighting. The image is controlled by the 7th generation Alpha 5 processor, which is also manufactured in-house.

Due to the IPS matrix used, it is theoretically impossible to create a perfect black color, and therefore an infinite natural contrast. The contrast ratio is 1100:1. Visually, it sometimes seems that the effects could be more contrasting. The maximum brightness of the TV is within 300 cd/m².

This is far from ideal, and far from the values ​​produced by more advanced models such as QNED TVs. Because of this, the reproduction of high dynamic range content is almost indistinguishable from SDR. The uniformity of the background light created by the LEDs built into the frame is far from perfect.

An even bigger problem is that you can detect a slight haze even if you don’t focus on the spots. However, there’s a good chance that many people won’t even notice. With the right settings, color accuracy is above average. In this regard, this model even outperforms many of its significantly more expensive competitors.

Of course, if you place it next to an OLED TV, the tones will look dull and weak. This is a well-known disadvantage of the cheaper LCD process. In terms of viewing angles, this is one of the best LCD models. Only when viewing at around 165-170 degrees is a slight distortion of tones noticeable. So, you don’t have to worry about inversion at all.

During the display of motion, you may encounter slight slowdowns and stutters. The maximum refresh rate is 60 Hz. There is no support for dynamic refresh rate change services ( FreeSync , G-Sync ). However, the input lag is particularly good. The input lag value does not exceed 20 ms.

Connections

The TV’s outputs and inputs are located on the back panel. The device has three HDMI 2.0. Port number 2 is equipped with eARC support . There are also two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a digital optical audio jack, and, of course, the CI+ slot, which is necessary for decoding pay TV programs, has not been left out. In addition, there are two connectors for connecting antennas and wireless connections Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5.

Conclusion

In conclusion of the LG UT8100 review, it would be difficult to say that the UT81 is the most innovative TV in the world. But the fact is that it is a pretty good model in its category. Control is fine, because webOS is great. The set of applications is decent. There is nothing to complain about in the online broadcast. The media player is not perfect, but for most users it will be more than enough.

The built-in sound system is nothing to write home about. On the other hand, it doesn’t produce any annoying errors and can fill a large room with sound. The UT81 series also isn’t in the same league as the best TVs in terms of picture quality, but that’s to be expected. The resolution is high enough, the color accuracy is excellent, the contrast is weak. The brightness could be higher. There are better choices for gaming, but not for the money.

UT8100 Specifications