The LG OLED M4 is a glimpse into a cordless TV future, but the gamer in me has concerns

2024-01-09

HardwareTVs & MonitorsThe LG OLED M4 is a glimpse into a cordless TV future, but the gamer in me has concernsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: LG)

Man watching LG OLED M4 TV next to dog

Before we get to that, it’s worth covering why the LG OLED M4 could be one of thebest gaming TVoptions in 2024. For starters, we’re talking about a screen that pairs the company’s brightest panel with its in house MLA (micro lens array) tech, meaning you’re getting something that’ll outperform most OLED and mini LED screens on the market. Under the hood, it’s also armed with a shiny new Alpha 11 processor that’ll spruce up your visuals with AI enhancements. Rather than being another instance of jumping on the bandwagon, branding the tech as ‘artificial intelligence’ is somewhat appropriate, as the chip will help intelligently adjust contrast and sharpness.

Of course, those are traits you’ll also find in theLG OLED G3and the upcoming OLED G4, so it’s reasonable to frame wireless connectivity as the M4’s enticing tech cherry on top. However, it’s LG’s magical cord cutting box that’s giving me pause for concern, particularly when it comes to experiences with higher stakes. After all, wireless tech always comes with caveats linked to latency, and while casual players might not notice a difference, anyone that’s used to using a premium gaming monitor may say otherwise.

It’s worth noting that the LG OLED M3 didn’t suffer from any noticeable latency issues, and anything around 10ms and under is considered acceptable within the realm of TVs. The difference this time around is that the M4 supports up to 4K 144Hz, meaning it targets players who are more likely to play esports games. Naturally, the fact we’re talking about a living room TV means it inherently targets PS5 and Xbox Series X players, who will both be capped to 120Hz and likely aren’t thinking too hard about response times.

However, if you’re looking to hook up a premiumgaming PCusing HDMI 2.1 and experience the same responsiveness as you would at your desk, I suspect you’ll need to look elsewhere. Naturally, I’d need to test the screen for myself to see whether this is the case, but transmitting and processing a wireless signal that can keep up with a hardwired connection feels like an improbability. Simply put, you’ll be faced with above latency 10ms, and that you’ll potentially feel the difference if you’re used to speedier screens.

I’m also wary of the fact that wireless connections are inherently less reliable. That’s not to say the M4 will have any consistent issues transmitting a signal, but connectivity issues aren’t completely improbable.

Admittedly, these sorts of thoughts aren’t going to go through the majority of players' minds when looking for a TV. I mean, there’s a reason enthusiasts pick up the best gaming monitors in place of a traditional living room screen, and that’s not going to chance any time soon. I guess I’m just acutely aware that while adding wireless connectivity and fancy AI processing to displays is nifty, it’s easy to forget about the drawbacks tied to responsiveness and speed.

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Today’s best TV dealsLow StockSamsung QN90$1,397.99$1,321.97ViewSee all pricesLG OLED83G3$3,977.98ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77G3$3,996.99ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C3$1,296.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best TV deals

Low StockSamsung QN90$1,397.99$1,321.97ViewSee all pricesLG OLED83G3$3,977.98ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77G3$3,996.99ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C3$1,296.99ViewSee all prices

Low StockSamsung QN90$1,397.99$1,321.97ViewSee all prices

Low Stock

Samsung QN90$1,397.99$1,321.97ViewSee all prices

SAMSUNG 42” Class S90D OLED…

Samsung QN90

Walmart

$1,397.99$1,321.97View

$1,397.99$1,321.97

$1,321.97

See all prices

LG OLED83G3$3,977.98ViewSee all prices

LG G3 Series 83-Inch Class…

LG OLED83G3

Amazon

$3,977.98View

$3,977.98

See all prices

LG OLED77G3$3,996.99ViewSee all prices

LG OLED evo G3 77 Inch 4K…

LG OLED77G3

Buydig.com

$3,996.99View

$3,996.99

See all prices

LG OLED65C3$1,296.99ViewSee all prices

LG C3 Series 65-Inch Class…

LG OLED65C3

Amazon

$1,296.99View

$1,296.99

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Looking for something for your desktop? Check out thebest ultrawide gaming monitorsand extend your screen space. Alternatively, check out thebest TV for PS5 and Xbox Series Xif you want to stick to console gaming.

TOPICSLG

TOPICS

More about tvs monitorsI can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsMy favorite gaming monitor will save you buying two separate screens this Cyber MondayLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►

More about tvs monitors

I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsMy favorite gaming monitor will save you buying two separate screens this Cyber Monday

Sony Inzone INzone M10S monitor with Overwatch 2 main menu on screen

I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds

LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B monitor with Space Marines 2 gameplay on screen

My favorite gaming monitor will save you buying two separate screens this Cyber Monday

Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►

Latest

26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”

Promo artwork for Colin McCrae Rally 2005 showing a car jumping above desert sands

26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”

See more latest►

Most Popular

Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind

Disney Plus' new Spider-Man show is no longer canon in the MCU because it was “not fun” to put limitations on its story

Master Chief’s absence from Halo Wars wasn’t Bungie’s fault, it was a move to make players “care about everybody else” in the RTS

One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity”

This nifty gadget turns any M.2 SSD into a portable drive, but it’s great for when you’re upgrading your PC too

League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane”

After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming

James Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed”

Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital

Escape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discount

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

Squid Game season 2

1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Contents