LG LED UR80: 43" 4K Smart TV LG - Review 🏆

The LG 43UR80 43-inch 4K Smart TV (2023 model) is one of LG's latest mid-range LED TV offerings. As the name suggests, it's a 43-inch TV with a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution LED panel.

This 2023 model retains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that LG is known for, with slim bezels and a stylish metal stand. It's aimed at buyers looking for a compact but high-quality 4K TV for mixed usage, be it streaming movies and shows, gaming, or as a PC monitor.

Some of the key features of this LG 4K TV include the a7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K, webOS smart platform, Game Optimizer mode, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and voice control compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

In this review, we'll take a more detailed look at the LG 43UR80's design, display quality, features and performance to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs and budget.

Design & Build Quality

The LG UR80 43" LED TV has a sleek, minimalist design with thin bezels on three sides and a slightly thicker chin on the bottom. It has an understated, modern look that would fit well in most living rooms.

The TV is constructed out of high-quality plastic with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints. The back of the TV is also made of plastic but has more of a textured finish.

The stand matches the rest of the TV with a minimalist style and is comprised of two feet that provide sturdy support. The stand attaches to the bottom of the TV through a VESA mount.

In terms of dimensions, the TV measures 36.9 x 22.4 x 8.7 inches including the stand. The screen has a 43-inch diagonal and the overall weight of the TV is 14.8 pounds, making it relatively lightweight and easy to move or mount on a wall.

Overall, the design and build quality are simple yet modern and should hold up well over time. The materials feel durable, while still keeping the TV slim and lightweight.

For a smaller option, consider the LG TV LED 32LM6300: 32 Full HD HDR Smart TV. This 32-inch TV offers Full HD resolution and HDR capabilities, ensuring clear and vibrant images. It also features smart TV functionality, allowing you to stream your favorite content with ease. Like the UR80, the 32LM6300 boasts a sleek design and high-quality build materials, making it a suitable choice for smaller rooms or those looking for a secondary TV.

Display & Picture Quality

The LG 43" UR80 4K LED TV features a stunning Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution display for incredible clarity and detail. The higher resolution compared to Full HD allows you to see even the finest details in the picture. The 4K resolution results in over 8 million pixels on the screen, delivering images that are remarkably lifelike.

The TV supports High Dynamic Range (HDR10, HLG) technology that significantly expands the color range and contrast ratio. HDR10 produces darker blacks and brighter whites, bringing out details that would otherwise be lost in standard dynamic range. This creates a more realistic and immersive viewing experience. The wider color gamut allows for richer, more vibrant colors that seem to pop off the screen.

The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles, so the picture retains its quality even when viewed from off-center seats. You don't have to worry about the colors washing out or contrast reducing when watching from the sides. This makes it ideal for larger rooms where viewers sit at different angles.

Overall, the stellar 4K resolution combined with HDR support results in an exceptional viewing experience with incredible clarity, vivid colors, and fine contrast.

Smart TV Features

The LG 43" UR80 4K Smart TV comes with LG's user-friendly WebOS platform for accessing streaming apps and smart features. The 2023 WebOS version is smooth and responsive when navigating between apps and menus.

It provides quick access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more. New apps are frequently added, so you'll have plenty of options for 4K streaming entertainment. Voice commands also work well for launching apps, searching for content, and controlling TV settings through the magic remote.

One highlight is the built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, allowing hands-free voice control. You can change channels, adjust volume, search for movies and shows, and more using just your voice. WebOS also makes it easy to cast content from your mobile device directly to the TV.

Overall, the WebOS platform offers an intuitive smart TV experience that makes accessing apps and features simple on this LG 4K LED TV. With the added convenience of voice control support, you'll be able to quickly find and start streaming content.

Audio Quality

The LG UR80 TV comes equipped with 2 channel speakers with a total output of 20W. While the audio output is decent enough for regular TV viewing, it lacks the immersive surround sound experience offered by higher-end models.

The speakers support basic audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS TruSurround. There is no support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X that can create a cinematic soundscape.

The sound quality is clear for dialogues and vocals. But the speakers struggle to reproduce deep bass and the maximum volume is also limited. The audio can get tinny and distorted at high volumes.

If high quality audio is a priority, it's recommended to pair the TV with a good soundbar or speaker system. The TV has an audio output port to connect external speakers.

Overall, the audio performance is mediocre and clearly an area where LG has cut corners on this budget 4K TV model. Audiophiles or movie buffs may be left wanting for a more powerful and immersive sound experience.

Connectivity

The LG 43" 4K LED UR80 Smart TV has decent connectivity options. It features:

• 3x HDMI ports - The 3 HDMI ports are handy for connecting devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, streaming sticks etc. All ports support HDMI 2.0 for 4K video at 60Hz.

• 2x USB ports - There are 2 USB ports to connect hard drives, USB sticks and other USB devices. One port supports USB 3.0 for faster data transfer.

• Ethernet port - The ethernet port provides a stable wired internet connection, which is useful if the wi-fi connection is spotty.

• Wi-fi - The TV has built-in wi-fi (802.11ac) for wireless internet access. It connected to my home wi-fi network quickly and maintained a stable connection.

• Bluetooth - Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to pair wireless speakers, headphones and other audio devices with the TV. The pairing process was quick and hassle-free.

Overall, the connectivity options cover the basics well. The 3 HDMI ports are appreciated, as are the USB 3.0 port and built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth. There's enough here for most users' connectivity needs.

Remote Control

The LG 43" UR80 TV comes with LG's Magic Remote, which provides an intuitive way to control the TV. The remote has very few buttons, with most of the controls being accessed through motion gestures.

The remote has a unique elongated design and is comfortable to hold. It has buttons for power, volume, channel change, and quick access to apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

One of the highlights of the Magic Remote is the pointer function which allows you to move an on-screen cursor to easily navigate menus and select options. You can point and click on things like app icons and menu items. This is much faster than using directional buttons.

The remote also has voice control capabilities with built-in microphones. You can speak into the remote to launch apps, search for content, control playback, and more. Voice commands work quite well and make it easy to find what you want.

The minimalist button layout and motion gestures take some getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, the Magic Remote really improves the user experience and makes navigating the TV intuitive. It's one of the better smart TV remotes available today.

Performance

The LG UR80 43" 4K TV offers smooth and responsive performance thanks to its quad-core processor. The user interface is fast and easy to navigate, with apps and streaming services loading quickly.

Scrolling through menus and content feels snappy. The TV switches between sources rapidly without delay. Even graphically demanding games and 4K HDR video play back smoothly without stuttering or lag.

In terms of smart features, the webOS platform is intuitive to use. It provides easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more. The Magic Remote makes navigating the interface a breeze with its motion-controlled cursor.

Overall, the performance is excellent for a TV in this price range. The quad-core processor and webOS software ensure a fluid viewing experience whether you're streaming movies, playing games or just channel surfing. Responsiveness is a key highlight that contributes to the UR80's solid overall usability.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• 4K Ultra HD resolution provides sharper, more detailed images compared to 1080p Full HD
• LG's Quad Core Processor 4K delivers smooth performance when navigating menus and streaming content
• webOS smart platform gives access to popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and more
• Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows for hands-free voice control
• HDR support (including HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro) brings out more color and contrast from HDR content
• Low input lag is great for gaming
• Slim, minimalist design looks good in any room
• Good value for the price compared to other 2023 4K TVs

Cons:

• 60Hz refresh rate may be a bit low for fast action scenes and gaming
• Peak brightness is not as high as more premium 4K TVs
• Speakers lack bass and could be better for built-in audio
• No HDMI 2.1 ports, limited future-proofing for gaming features
• Lacks more advanced gaming features like FreeSync and G-Sync
• Mediocre off-angle viewing due to IPS panel

Conclusion

Overall, the LG 43" 4K Smart TV (2023) is a great mid-range 4K TV that provides good value for money. The sleek and minimalist design will fit well in most living rooms. The picture quality is very good for the price, with vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to the OLED display. Motion handling is also solid, making this a good choice for sports fans and gamers.

The webOS platform is intuitive and offers most of the popular streaming apps. The built-in voice assistant makes it easy to search for content. Connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 and WiFi 6 provide future-proofing. The audio quality is decent but adding a soundbar can take it to the next level.

Considering the affordable price point, this LG TV packs in a lot of great features. If you're looking for a 43" 4K smart TV with excellent picture quality that doesn't break the bank, the LG 43" 4K OLED TV (2023 model) is easy to recommend. It provides great value for money and will meet the needs of most buyers looking in this screen size range.