#8: The Best Smart TV for Christmas 2025 - LG OLED Excellence

In the world of home entertainment, few gifts make as dramatic an impact as a premium smart TV. The LG OLED65B56LA represents the perfect balance of cutting-edge display technology, smart features, and value—making it an exceptional Christmas gift for anyone who loves movies, gaming, or simply wants the best viewing experience possible.

Why Smart TVs Make Perfect Christmas Gifts

The Gift That Keeps Giving

Unlike gadgets that might lose their novelty, a quality TV becomes the centerpiece of daily entertainment for years. Every movie night, gaming session, and family gathering becomes more enjoyable with stunning picture quality and smart features.

Universal Appeal

Whether your recipient is a cinephile, sports enthusiast, gamer, or casual viewer, everyone appreciates exceptional picture quality and seamless streaming access to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more.

LG OLED65B56LA: Technical Excellence Meets Affordability

The LG B5 series represents LG's entry-level OLED offering for 2025, but "entry-level" is misleading—this TV packs premium features that would have been flagship-exclusive just a few years ago.

👉 Get the LG OLED65B56LA 65-Inch Smart TV on Amazon UK

OLED Technology: The Display Revolution

What Makes OLED Special?

Unlike traditional LED/LCD TVs that use a backlight, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology allows each pixel to produce its own light. This fundamental difference delivers transformative benefits:

Perfect Blacks: Pixels can turn completely off, creating true black rather than dark grey
Infinite Contrast: The ratio between the brightest whites and darkest blacks is theoretically infinite
Vibrant Colors: Without backlight bleed, colors appear more accurate and saturated
Wide Viewing Angles: Picture quality remains consistent even when viewed from the side
Faster Response Time: Individual pixel control enables near-instantaneous response (0.1ms)

Real-World Impact

Watching a space scene in a movie? The stars pop against genuinely black space, not grey. Playing a dark video game? You'll see details in shadows that LCD TVs simply can't display. The difference is immediately noticeable and genuinely transformative.

Display Specifications That Matter

Screen Size: 65 Inches

The 65-inch size hits the sweet spot for most living rooms. Viewing distance recommendations:

Optimal: 2.0-2.7 meters (6.5-9 feet)
Minimum: 1.6 meters (5.2 feet)
Maximum: 3.3 meters (10.8 feet)

Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)

With over 8 million pixels, 4K delivers four times the detail of Full HD. This matters for:

Streaming 4K content from Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video
Gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X
Viewing high-resolution photos
Future-proofing your investment

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

The 120Hz refresh rate is crucial for:

Gaming: Smooth gameplay at 120fps on next-gen consoles
Sports: Crisp motion during fast-paced action
Movies: Judder-free 24fps playback with proper frame interpolation

Gaming Features: Console Gamers Rejoice

HDMI 2.1 Support

Full HDMI 2.1 implementation enables:

4K @ 120Hz: Maximum frame rates at full resolution
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Eliminates screen tearing
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically switches to game mode
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC): Lossless audio to soundbars

NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium

Both major GPU manufacturers' adaptive sync technologies are supported, ensuring smooth gaming whether you're using:

PlayStation 5 (supports VRR)
Xbox Series X/S (supports VRR and FreeSync)
Gaming PC with NVIDIA or AMD graphics

Input Lag: Under 10ms

In game mode, the B5 achieves input lag under 10ms—imperceptible to human reaction times. This makes it suitable even for competitive gaming.

Game Optimizer Menu

LG's Game Optimizer provides quick access to:

Genre-specific picture presets (FPS, RPG, RTS)
Black stabilizer (brightens dark areas without washing out the image)
Crosshair overlay
FPS counter
Screen size adjustment for competitive gaming

HDR Support: Cinematic Picture Quality

Dolby Vision IQ

Dolby Vision is the premium HDR format, and the B5 supports the advanced IQ variant that:

Adjusts picture settings based on ambient light
Optimizes brightness and contrast for your viewing environment
Supports content from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more

HDR10 Pro

LG's enhanced HDR10 processing improves standard HDR10 content with:

Dynamic tone mapping
Enhanced detail in highlights and shadows
Better color accuracy

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)

Supports HDR broadcasts from BBC iPlayer and other UK broadcasters.

Audio: Dolby Atmos Immersion

Built-In Dolby Atmos

The B5 includes Dolby Atmos processing, creating three-dimensional sound from the TV's built-in speakers. While not matching a dedicated soundbar, it's impressive for integrated audio.

AI Sound Pro

LG's AI analyzes content and optimizes audio in real-time:

Enhances dialogue clarity
Boosts bass for action scenes
Creates virtual surround sound
Adjusts volume levels between content

eARC Support

Connect a soundbar via HDMI eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio passthrough.

webOS: The Smart TV Platform Done Right

webOS 25 Interface

LG's webOS is widely regarded as the best smart TV platform, offering:

Intuitive Navigation: Clean, card-based interface
Quick Access: Home dashboard with recent apps and inputs
Universal Search: Find content across all streaming services
Magic Remote: Point-and-click control like a Wii remote

Streaming App Support

All major streaming services are available:

Netflix (with Dolby Vision and Atmos)
Disney+ (4K, Dolby Vision, Atmos)
Prime Video (4K, HDR10+, Atmos)
Apple TV+ (4K, Dolby Vision, Atmos)
BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5
YouTube (4K)
Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal

AI ThinQ Integration

LG's AI platform enables:

Voice Control: Built-in Google Assistant and Alexa
Smart Home Control: Control compatible smart home devices from your TV
AI Picture and Sound: Automatic optimization based on content
Personalized Recommendations: Content suggestions based on viewing habits

Screen Share and Casting

AirPlay 2: Stream from iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Screen Share: Mirror Android devices
HomeKit: Control TV from Apple Home app

Design and Build Quality

Slim Profile

OLED panels are incredibly thin (around 4cm at the thickest point), creating a premium, modern aesthetic that looks stunning wall-mounted or on a stand.

Minimal Bezels

Thin bezels maximize screen real estate and create an immersive viewing experience where the picture appears to float.

Gallery Stand

The included stand positions the TV close to the wall, creating a gallery-like appearance even when not wall-mounted.

Connectivity: All the Ports You Need

4x HDMI 2.1 ports: Connect PS5, Xbox, Apple TV, and soundbar
3x USB ports: For external storage and peripherals
Ethernet port: Wired network connection for stable streaming
Optical audio out: Connect older audio equipment
RF input: For Freeview aerial connection
Wi-Fi 6: Fast, stable wireless connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0: Connect wireless headphones or speakers

Why the LG B5 OLED is Perfect for Christmas 2025

1. Exceptional Value

OLED TVs were once £3,000+ for a 65-inch model. The B5 brings OLED technology to a much more accessible price point while maintaining the core benefits that make OLED special.

2. Future-Proof Technology

With 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, and comprehensive HDR support, this TV will remain relevant for years. It's ready for:

Next-generation gaming consoles
8K upscaling (when 8K content becomes mainstream)
New streaming formats and codecs
Evolving smart home integration

3. Versatile Entertainment Hub

One TV that excels at everything:

Movies: Cinematic picture quality with Dolby Vision
Gaming: 120Hz, VRR, and low input lag
Sports: Smooth motion and vibrant colors
Streaming: All major apps with 4K support
Music: Dolby Atmos audio and streaming apps

4. Easy Setup and Use

Unlike complex home theater systems, the B5 is genuinely plug-and-play:

Guided setup wizard
Automatic picture calibration
Intuitive webOS interface
Magic Remote that anyone can use

Comparing the LG B5 to Other Options

LG B5 vs. Samsung QLED

LG B5 OLED Advantages:

Perfect blacks and infinite contrast
Better viewing angles
Faster response time for gaming
No blooming or backlight bleed

Samsung QLED Advantages:

Brighter peak brightness (better for very bright rooms)
No burn-in risk (though modern OLEDs have excellent protection)
Sometimes lower price

Verdict: For most viewing environments and content types, OLED's perfect blacks and contrast outweigh QLED's brightness advantage.

LG B5 vs. LG C5 (Higher-End OLED)

C5 Upgrades:

Brighter panel (better HDR highlights)
More advanced processor
Better motion handling
Premium remote

B5 Advantages:

Significantly lower price
Same core OLED benefits
Still excellent for gaming

Verdict: The B5 offers 90% of the C5's performance at 70% of the price—exceptional value.

LG B5 vs. Budget LED TVs

Budget LED TVs (£400-600 for 65-inch) might seem tempting, but the B5 justifies its premium:

Picture Quality: Night and day difference in contrast and blacks
Gaming Performance: True 120Hz and VRR vs. fake refresh rates
Longevity: Premium build quality lasts longer
Smart Features: webOS is far superior to budget TV interfaces

Important Considerations Before Buying

Room Lighting

OLED TVs perform best in controlled lighting:

Ideal: Rooms with curtains or blinds to control sunlight
Good: Normal living room lighting
Challenging: Rooms with large windows and constant bright sunlight

The B5 has anti-reflective coating, but if your room is extremely bright all day, consider the higher-end C5 with its brighter panel.

Burn-In Protection

Modern OLEDs have extensive burn-in protection:

Pixel shifting
Logo dimming
Screen saver activation
Automatic pixel refreshing

For normal use (varied content, not 24/7 news channels), burn-in is extremely rare. LG offers a 5-year panel warranty for peace of mind.

Sound System Consideration

While the B5's built-in audio is good, consider adding a soundbar for:

Larger rooms
Action movie enthusiasts
Audiophiles
True Dolby Atmos experience

Budget £200-500 for a quality soundbar if desired.

Installation

Wall Mounting:

Requires VESA 300x200 mount
Professional installation recommended (TV is large and delicate)
Budget £100-200 for mount and installation

Stand Placement:

Requires TV stand at least 145cm wide
Stand depth: 25cm
Ensure adequate ventilation around TV

Setting Up for Optimal Performance

Picture Settings Recommendations

For Movies and TV Shows:

Picture Mode: Cinema or Filmmaker Mode
OLED Light: 50-70 (adjust for room brightness)
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 50
Color: 50
Sharpness: 10-15
Color Temperature: Warm 2
Motion Smoothing: Off (for film purists) or Low

For Gaming:

Picture Mode: Game Optimizer
Enable VRR and ALLM
Black Stabilizer: 50 (adjust to preference)
Response Time: Boost

For Sports:

Picture Mode: Sports
Motion Smoothing: Medium or High
Sharpness: 20-25

Calibration Options

For perfectionists:

Professional Calibration: £200-400, optimizes picture for your specific room
CalMAN AutoCal: Automated calibration with compatible equipment
ISF Modes: Professional calibration modes (requires calibrator)

For most users, the out-of-box picture with minor tweaks is excellent.

What's Included in the Box

LG OLED65B56LA 65-inch TV
Magic Remote with batteries
Power cable
Gallery Stand
Quick Start Guide
Safety and warranty information

Warranty and Support

Standard Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty
Panel Warranty: 5 years against burn-in
Extended Warranty: Available through retailers (consider for peace of mind)
LG Support: UK-based customer service and technical support

Where to Buy and Pricing

The LG OLED65B56LA is available from multiple retailers, but we recommend Amazon UK for several compelling reasons:

Competitive Pricing: Often matches or beats other retailers
Fast Delivery: Prime members get free next-day delivery
Easy Returns: 30-day return policy if not satisfied
Customer Reviews: Read real user experiences
Flexible Payment: Monthly payment options available
Extended Warranty: Purchase additional protection easily

👉 Check Current Price and Buy the LG OLED65B56LA on Amazon UK

Gift Presentation Ideas

A 65-inch TV is challenging to wrap, but you can make the reveal special:

Delivery Surprise: Schedule delivery for Christmas morning
Voucher Presentation: Create a custom certificate or voucher
Setup Service: Offer to handle installation and calibration
Streaming Subscription Bundle: Include gift cards for Netflix, Disney+, etc.
Movie Night Package: Add popcorn, snacks, and a selection of 4K Blu-rays
Gaming Bundle: Pair with a new game for their console

Accessories to Consider

Essential

HDMI 2.1 Cables: Ensure you have quality cables for 4K@120Hz (£15-30 each)
Surge Protector: Protect your investment from power surges (£20-40)

Nice to Have

Bias Lighting: LED strip behind TV reduces eye strain (£20-40)
Cable Management: Hide cables for clean installation (£15-30)
Screen Cleaner: Microfiber cloth and OLED-safe cleaner (£10-15)
Extended Warranty: Additional protection beyond manufacturer warranty

Real User Experiences

James from Leeds (Movie Enthusiast): "Upgraded from a 5-year-old Samsung LED. The difference is staggering. Watching Dune in Dolby Vision felt like being in a cinema. The blacks are genuinely black—not grey. Worth every penny."

Sarah from York (Gamer): "Bought this for my PS5 and it's transformed gaming. 120fps in Call of Duty is buttery smooth, and the HDR in Horizon Forbidden West is breathtaking. Input lag is imperceptible."

Michael from Sheffield (Sports Fan): "Premier League matches look incredible. The motion handling is superb—no blur during fast action. The 65-inch size makes it feel like I'm at the stadium."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will OLED burn-in be a problem?

A: Modern OLEDs have extensive protection. For normal varied viewing, burn-in is extremely rare. LG offers a 5-year panel warranty.

Q: Is 65 inches too big for my room?

A: If you sit 2-3 meters from the TV, 65 inches is perfect. Measure your viewing distance—you want the TV to fill your field of view without requiring head movement.

Q: Do I need a soundbar?

A: The built-in audio is decent, but a soundbar significantly enhances the experience, especially for movies and gaming. Budget £200-400 for a quality soundbar.

Q: Can I use this with my old Sky box?

A: Yes, it has standard HDMI inputs. However, you won't get 4K content from older boxes. Consider upgrading to Sky Q or Sky Glass for 4K content.

Q: How long will this TV last?

A: LG estimates 100,000 hours of use before brightness degrades to 50%. That's 10+ years of normal viewing (8 hours/day).

Why the LG B5 OLED is Our #8 Pick

The LG OLED65B56LA earns its spot as #8 on our Christmas tech gifts list because it represents the perfect intersection of cutting-edge technology, practical value, and universal appeal. It's a gift that will be appreciated daily for years, transforming every viewing experience whether watching movies, gaming, or streaming content.

For anyone who values quality entertainment, this TV is a game-changer that justifies its premium price through exceptional performance and longevity.