LG’s 55SJ850T is their entry model for their range of Super UHD 4K TVs. A handsome 55-inch TV with thin bezels, a sleek stand and a fairly slim side profile. The LG 55J850T also comes from the minimalist school of television design. While the ports all openly exposed, the wires can all be hidden within the stand.
The main difference between this and their regular UHD model is the use of nano-cell tech, which according to LG, improves colour accuracy as well preventing excess light from causing colour bleeding. So how does it fare in real life? Not too bad at all. Performance-wise it’s a clear step-up from ordinary LCD panels. Blacks are deep enough with a good range for highlights, and it upscales 1080p content respectably well. Dynamic range is good and becoming of a flagship-class LCD TV. No undue problems with backlight bleeding, and it does look gorgeously premium. The viewing angles are decent, and you’ll probably have more issues from the reflection on the screen than you will have from the panel. 60-70 degrees from the centre is about the limit – which would realistically cover most user cases.
LG’s support for HDR standards is extremely comprehensive and adds Dolby Vision support – a more stringent standard – to the usual HDR10 and HLG standards. And on top of that, the one thing that makes the 55SJ80T purr is no doubt, LG’s webOS interface, which is not only fast and responsive, it’s a visual treat and quite simple to navigate once you get used to it. If you’re a Netflix junkie then good – you’d be pleased to know it gets a dedicated button.
The inbuilt speakers are quite impressive as well, and they can be turned up fairly loudly and still have a fair amount of body and clarity. If you have a small room, then you might not have to get an extra soundbar or speakers.
Rating: 4/5
Although S$3,588 is quite a fair bit to pay for a 55-inch LCD TV, the bells and whistles more or less justify the price of the 55SJ850T – images are vibrant, the interface is responsive, and it sounds good as well. it does well enough in almost every area that it genuinely feels like a premium experience.
