The US market for 55-inch OLED TVs in 2020 is limited to three manufacturers: LG, Sony, and Vizio. Other prominent TV brands, such as Panasonic, Sharp, Hisense, and Philips, are absent in the US OLED market. Panasonic exited the US market in 2013, while Sharp stopped selling TVs in the Americas in 2019. Hisense produces OLED TVs exclusively for Europe, and Philips, operating under license, does not manufacture OLED models for the American market.
Interestingly, all these OLED TVs share screens made by the same manufacturer: LG Display. Despite the limited number of brands, the available models offer a variety of features catering to different needs and budgets.
Vizio OLED55-H1
Vizio made its entry into the OLED market with the OLED55-H1 in the second half of 2020. This model became the most affordable OLED TV on the market by offering a quality screen paired with minimal technical specifications. The lower price is attributed to cost-efficient production methods and the use of standard components, with assembly outsourced to third-party manufacturers. The Vizio OLED55-H1 is a solid option for those seeking an entry-level OLED TV at a competitive price point.
LG OLED55BXPUA
The BX series from LG is the company’s entry-level OLED offering, powered by the A7 processor. While its performance is slightly below higher-tier LG models, it comes with features such as a built-in subwoofer, support for WiSA wireless speakers, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), G-Sync, and FreeSync. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who want an OLED TV without additional premium features that increase the cost.
Sony A8H
Sony’s A8H OLED TV focuses on picture quality and responsiveness. While it lacks gaming-focused features like ALLM, G-Sync, and FreeSync, it compensates with better sound quality and a robust set of memory chips, ensuring smooth performance. However, the absence of HDMI 2.1 ports might be a drawback for some users. This model is ideal for those prioritizing cinematic picture quality over gaming features.
LG OLED55CXPUA
The CX series from LG is a step above the BX series, featuring the more powerful A9 processor. This upgrade results in faster signal processing and enhanced overall performance. The CX strikes a balance between price and quality, offering nearly the maximum capabilities of OLED technology without a significant price hike. It’s a versatile option, suitable for both video enthusiasts and gamers.
LG OLED55GXPUA
The GX series represents LG’s premium OLED line. It features an upgraded sound system with additional speakers while retaining the core features of the CX series. Positioned as a luxury product, the GX is more of a status symbol than a practical upgrade. It’s the most expensive 55-inch OLED TV of 2020, designed for those willing to pay for a high-end home theater experience.
Summary: Choosing a 55-Inch OLED TV
For video enthusiasts, the LG CX and Sony A8H are top choices. For budget buyers, consider the Vizio OLED55-H1 or LG BX. For premium features and sound, the LG GX offers the best experience but at a higher cost.
With just a handful of models available, the 2020 lineup of 55-inch OLED TVs in the US still provides a diverse range of features to cater to various preferences and budgets.
Comparison of OLED TV specifications 55 inches 2020
Feature | LG OLED BX (2020) | LG OLED CX (2020) | LG OLED GX (2020) | Sony A8H (2020) | Vizio OLED (2020) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen | |||||
Screen Size (inch) | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
Style | Flat Panel | Flat Panel | Flat Panel | Flat Panel | Flat Panel |
Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) |
Screen Bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Type of Screen | WRGB | WRGB | WRGB | WRGB | WRGB |
Screen Technology | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED |
Backlighting | No | No | No | No | No |
Dimming Technology | Pixel Level Dimming | Pixel Level Dimming | Pixel Level Dimming | Pixel Level Dimming | Pixel Level Dimming |
Video | |||||
Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
Color | Intense Color, Billion Rich Colors, Advanced Color Enhancer, True Color Accuracy | Intense Color, Billion Rich Colors, Advanced Color Enhancer, True Color Accuracy Pro | Intense Color, Billion Rich Colors, Advanced Color Enhancer, True Color Accuracy Pro | Live Color Technology, TRILUMINO Display | Perfect Black, Ultra Color Spectrum |
Contrast | Object Depth Enhancer, Ultra Luminance Pro | Object Depth Enhancer, Ultra Luminance Pro | Object Depth Enhancer, Ultra Luminance Pro | Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR remaster | Infinite Contrast |
Clarity | Quad Step Noise Reduction, Frequency Based Sharpness Enhancer | Quad Step Noise Reduction, Frequency Based Sharpness Enhancer | Quad Step Noise Reduction, Frequency Based Sharpness Enhancer | 4K X-Reality PRO, Dual Database Processing | AI 4K Upscaling |
Resolution Upscaler | AI 4K Upscaling | AI 4K Upscaling | AI 4K Upscaling | Yes | Yes |
HDR | Cinema HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG), Dolby Vision IQ, HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro | Cinema HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG), Dolby Vision IQ, HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro | Cinema HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG), Dolby Vision IQ, HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ |
Picture Processor | a7 Gen 3 Intelligent Processor | a9 Gen 3 Intelligent Processor | a9 Gen 3 Intelligent Processor | 4K HDR X1 Extreme | IQ Ultra Processor |