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The LG 42-Inch Class OLED Flex Smart TV presents an intriguing question: can a bendable screen really redefine how we consume media? With features boasting AI-powered 4K resolution and advanced gaming enhancements, it seems to promise a lot. But does the ability to curve your TV at the push of a button truly enhance our viewing experience, or is it just a gimmick?
In this review, we'll dissect the claims of superior anti-reflection technology, gaming performance, and the overall versatility of this unique display. We'll explore whether the flexibility of a screen translates to a meaningful improvement in everyday use, or if it's merely an expensive novelty. Join me as we dive into the details to determine if the LG Flex is worth the investment or just another flashy trend in the ever-evolving world of tech.
The biggest highlights for me are the stunning picture quality and the immersive gaming experience it offers. The flexibility of the curved display is fantastic, allowing me to switch modes based on what I’m doing. The sound quality has exceeded my expectations for built-in speakers, and the stand's design makes it easy to use. I also appreciate the LG Companion software, which has made my workflow much smoother.
Cons:
On the downside, the monitor is quite large and heavy, which can be a hassle if you need to move it around. The curvature resets to flat every time it's powered down, which is a bit annoying, especially since I prefer a slight curve for productivity tasks. There’s also no VESA mount support, which limits my options for mounting. Lastly, while I feel the price reflects the quality, it’s still a significant investment that might not be justifiable for everyone.
Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, I’ve found the LG Flex to be an amazing addition to my workspace and entertainment setup. Despite some quirks, like the size and the curvature resetting issue, it has delivered on its promises. The beautiful display, immersive gaming experience, and versatile functionality make it a worthwhile investment for someone like me who values both work and play. After months of daily use, I can confidently say that I would choose this monitor again; it has truly enhanced my daily routine.
In this review, we'll dissect the claims of superior anti-reflection technology, gaming performance, and the overall versatility of this unique display. We'll explore whether the flexibility of a screen translates to a meaningful improvement in everyday use, or if it's merely an expensive novelty. Join me as we dive into the details to determine if the LG Flex is worth the investment or just another flashy trend in the ever-evolving world of tech.
Spec
| Parameter | LG 42LX3QPUA TV |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Screen Size | 42.1 Inches |
Reference Price | $1496.96 |
Model Year | 2022 |
Built-In Media | Magic Remote Control, Stand (Height adjustment, tilting, swivel), Power Cable, Remote Control Battery (AA), Quick Start Guide |
Highlight | At the push of a button, the screen of this OLED TV curves from a flat screen to the perfect angle for an optimal viewing or gaming experience. Adjust the height, tilt, and swivel to find the perfect fit Reduce disruptions with Super Anti Reflection (SAR), delivering 25% less reflection compared to other OLED evo models.* In addition, vibrant backlighting syncs with on-screen content to keep you in the action Quickly adjust game settings from location with LG's Game Optimizer and Dashboard. NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, along with a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.1 response time ensure a fluid, tear-free gaming experience Four HDMI 2.1 ports with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support ensure plenty of connections for your devices, with support for high frame rates and sharper images Control with functions your voice with Google and Alexa built-in. Magic Remote, remote control batteries (AA), power cable, and quick start guide are included |
Operating System | webOS 22 |
Internet Applications | HBO Max, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, Spotify, Youtube TV, Disney+, Apple TV |
Controller Type | Remote Control, Voice Control |
Control Method | Voice |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | OLED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Response Time | 1 Milliseconds |
HDR Format | Dolby Vision |
Backlight Technology | Self-Luminous |
Picture Enhancement | True |
Motion Enhancement | True |
Audio Channels | 2.2 |
Surround Sound | Dolby Atmos |
Audio Output | Digital |
Audio Input | HDMI, Optical |
Speaker Description | Dolby Atmos, Built in Speakers with Front Firing |
Video Encoding | AVC |
Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
Water Resistance | Not Water Resistant |
Tuner Type | ATSC, Clear QAM |
Voltage | 1.1E+2 Volts (AC) |
Power Consumption | 71 Watts |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | Wide Viewing Angle; Pixel Level Dimming; AI Picture Pro; AI 4K Upscaling; Cinema HDR; Dolby Vision IQ; Game App; Game Optimizer; Auto Low Latency Mode; Variable Refresh Rate; G-SYNC Compatible; FreeSync Premium; Cloud Gaming; NVIDIA GEFORCE Now; Ambient Lighting |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 3 |
USB2.0 Ports | 3 |
USB3.0 Ports | 3 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connector Type | USB, HDMI |
Signal Format | HDMI |
Sharing Direction | Mobile to TV |
Hardware Interface | USB |
D x W x H | 11.7"D x 36.9"W x 29.6"H |
Item Weight | 49.8 Pounds |
System Experience
I’ve been using the LG Flex as my primary monitor for work, gaming, and even as a TV, and I have to say that the setup process was smoother than I expected. The stand is well-designed, providing excellent mobility and accessibility for all the ports. I appreciate that it has a built-in USB hub and the inputs are easy to reach. However, I do wish it had a KVM switch given the price point. The size is definitely something to consider; it's substantial, so you need to ensure you have the right space. I’ve got it set up on my desk, and it perfectly fills my peripheral vision when I’m gaming or working.Viewing Experience
The picture quality is where this monitor shines. Coming from a standard LED display, the transition to OLED has been nothing short of breathtaking. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast is incredible. Text readability is good enough for my daily tasks, though I did have to adjust some settings to get everything looking just right. Once I dialed in the calibration using ClearType, everything became crisp and clear, even if it’s not as sharp as a smaller screen. And don’t even get me started on gaming; the immersion I get from the curved screen combined with the 4K resolution is a game-changer.Audio Experience
I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality for built-in speakers. While they might not replace a dedicated sound system, they deliver a surprisingly good range and clarity. I was expecting the audio to be underwhelming, but they hold their own, especially when watching movies or streaming shows. However, if you’re keen on an impressive audio experience, I still recommend using external speakers or headphones.Other Experience
Overall, my experience has been quite positive. The monitor’s flexibility in switching between curved and flat modes has made it incredibly adaptable for different uses—whether I’m working on spreadsheets or racing in a game, I love being able to adjust the curvature to suit the occasion. I did have some initial hiccups with the monitor waking up properly with my PC, but after discovering the LG Companion software, that issue was resolved. The motorized bending feature is fun, and it adds a level of immersion that I didn’t realize I was missing until I had it.Conclusion
Pros:The biggest highlights for me are the stunning picture quality and the immersive gaming experience it offers. The flexibility of the curved display is fantastic, allowing me to switch modes based on what I’m doing. The sound quality has exceeded my expectations for built-in speakers, and the stand's design makes it easy to use. I also appreciate the LG Companion software, which has made my workflow much smoother.
Cons:
On the downside, the monitor is quite large and heavy, which can be a hassle if you need to move it around. The curvature resets to flat every time it's powered down, which is a bit annoying, especially since I prefer a slight curve for productivity tasks. There’s also no VESA mount support, which limits my options for mounting. Lastly, while I feel the price reflects the quality, it’s still a significant investment that might not be justifiable for everyone.
Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, I’ve found the LG Flex to be an amazing addition to my workspace and entertainment setup. Despite some quirks, like the size and the curvature resetting issue, it has delivered on its promises. The beautiful display, immersive gaming experience, and versatile functionality make it a worthwhile investment for someone like me who values both work and play. After months of daily use, I can confidently say that I would choose this monitor again; it has truly enhanced my daily routine.
