The B7 might technically be LG's entry-level OLED 4K TV for 2017 but a quick look at its feature list and you realise that it's nothing of the sort. LG have publicly stated that all their 2017 OLED Ultra HD TVs use the same panel and system-on-chip (SoC) which means there should be no difference in picture quality.
All their 2017 OLED TVs also support every version of HDR, use WebOS 3.5 and even support Dolby Atmos. So basically the five models in this year's LG OLED range are actually differentiated by cosmetic features and sound quality rather than picture quality, which raises an interesting question.
Is there any point buying the more expensive W7, G7 or E7 models when you can pick up the C7 or B7 for less and still get the same picture quality? In this review we'll find out by testing the B7 and comparing it directly to the OLED65E7 that we were reviewing at the same time. The OLED55B7 has a suggested price of C$4,900 (£3,000, as at the time of writing (June 2017), which is very tempting when you consider all the formats it supports and the included features.
There's also the option of the OLED55C7 which costs the same but has a different stand and is a Currys exclusive, although in all other respects it appears to be identical. So let's see if the B7 is the bargain that it appears to be on paper.
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The LG B7 makes a mockery of any suggestion that it's an entry-level model by offering an impressive design coupled with great features and performance. It has the ultra-slim shape, minimalist appearance and classy finish of a high-end TV and more features than any other OLED on the market, unless that OLED also happens to be made by LG. So you not only get support for every version of HDR including Dolby Vision but you also get audio processing courtesy of Dolby Atmos.
To be fair, sound quality isn't the B7's strong point but the Magic remote and WebOS 3.5 smart platform are both excellent, whilst a 21ms input lag is bound to please gamers. However where the B7 really excels is in terms of picture quality, delivering superb images that are the equal of any other OLED in LG's 2017 range and thus making the OLED55B7 fantastic value for money. As things currently stand no other Ultra HD 4K OLED TV offers such a winning combination of features, performance and price, making the B7 a definite Best Buy.
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