LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV Review: The Smart Choice for Sensible Spaces?

In today’s home entertainment market, it often feels like we’re living in an era of giants. Showroom floors and online listings are dominated by sprawling 65, 75, and even 85-inch television screens, each promising the most immersive cinematic experience possible. But what happens when your living room isn’t the size of a private cinema? What if you’re looking for a brilliant display for a bedroom, a home office, or a cosy flat where a behemoth screen would be overwhelming? This is a problem we encounter all the time. The search for a reasonably-sized TV that doesn’t compromise on modern essentials—crisp 4K resolution, a zippy smart platform, and future-proof features—can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Many smaller TVs are often relegated to yesterday’s technology, sporting dated 1080p panels and sluggish interfaces. It’s a frustrating compromise that forces many to either overspend on a screen too large for their space or settle for a subpar viewing experience. This is precisely the gap the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV aims to fill, promising big-screen tech in a more manageable and accessible package.

What to Consider Before Buying a 4K Smart TV

A TV is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern living and the central hub of home entertainment. It’s where families gather for movie nights, where we catch up on binge-worthy series after a long day, where gamers dive into virtual worlds, and where we stay connected with global news and events. A great TV elevates these moments, transforming passive viewing into an immersive experience. The benefits are clear: ultra-high-definition clarity brings scenes to life, smart platforms provide instant access to a near-limitless library of content, and advanced connectivity integrates seamlessly with our other devices. Choosing the right one is crucial to unlocking this potential.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of a moderately-sized space but who refuses to compromise on quality. This includes city-dwellers in flats, homeowners looking for a high-quality secondary TV for a bedroom or study, students wanting a versatile display for both streaming and gaming, or anyone who simply finds enormous screens visually overpowering. It’s for the pragmatic buyer who values performance and features over sheer size. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are dedicated cinephiles with a large, light-controlled media room, as they would likely benefit more from the perfect black levels and superior contrast of a more expensive OLED TV. Similarly, those with vast living rooms may find a 43-inch screen feels underwhelming from a distance, making a 65-inch or larger model a more appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It sounds obvious, but you must measure your space. Consider not just the width and height of the TV (96.7 x 62.1 cm for this LG model), but also the depth of the stand (20 cm) to ensure it fits securely on your media unit. If you plan to wall-mount it, check the VESA compatibility to ensure you purchase the correct bracket. A 43-inch screen is a versatile sweet spot, perfect for viewing distances of around 1.5 to 2.5 metres.
• Capacity/Performance: The heart of any TV is its panel and processor. A 4K Ultra HD resolution is the standard for sharpness and detail. Look for a capable processor, like the α5 AI processor in this LG, which is vital for upscaling lower-resolution content and running the smart OS smoothly. Also, consider its High Dynamic Range (HDR) support (like HDR10), which provides better contrast and a wider range of colours for a more lifelike picture.
• Materials & Durability: While most modern TVs at this price point are constructed from high-quality plastics, pay attention to the design and build quality. A slim bezel offers a more modern, immersive look, while a sturdy and well-designed stand prevents wobbling. We were encouraged by user feedback suggesting LG TVs have a strong reputation for longevity, with some owners reporting their previous models lasting over a decade—a testament to solid engineering.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The smart platform is your gateway to content, so it needs to be intuitive and fast. LG’s webOS is widely regarded as one of the best for its user-friendly interface. Also, consider the remote control; is it simple to navigate or overly complex? For long-term care, a simple weekly dusting with a microfibre cloth is all that’s needed to keep the screen pristine.

Keeping these factors in mind, the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the LG 43″ UR78: First Impressions and Core Features

Pulling the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV from its packaging, our first impression was one of understated elegance. For a television in its price category, the design is impressively sleek and modern. The bezels surrounding the screen are remarkably thin, giving it a premium, almost all-screen look that allows the picture to take centre stage. At 8.9 kg, it’s lightweight enough for one person to handle carefully, and attaching the two boomerang-style feet was a straightforward process requiring just a few screws. The feet provide a stable base, though they are quite wide-set, so you’ll want to ensure your TV stand is wide enough to accommodate them.

Powering it on for the first time, we were greeted by the colourful and famously user-friendly webOS setup guide. It walked us through connecting to our Wi-Fi network, logging into streaming accounts, and tuning channels. The whole process was painless and took less than ten minutes. The included remote is a standard LG affair—functional and practical, though it lacks the ‘Magic Remote’ pointer functionality found on higher-end LG models. This was a point of contention for one user we saw, who found it less intuitive, but for general navigation, we found it perfectly adequate. Overall, the initial experience is one of quality and simplicity, setting a positive tone for what’s to come.

In the Field: A Deep Dive into the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV’s Performance

A television can look great on a spec sheet, but the true test is how it performs day-to-day. We spent extensive time with the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV, putting it through its paces with a variety of content, from big-budget blockbusters and fast-paced gaming to standard broadcast television. Our deep dive focused on the four pillars of the modern TV experience: picture quality, the smart interface, sound performance, and its capabilities as a gaming display.

Picture Perfect? Analysing the 4K Display and HDR Performance

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 43-inch 4K Ultra HD panel. Firing up some native 4K content, we were immediately impressed by the sharpness and clarity on display. Details in sweeping landscapes and complex textures in close-ups were rendered with precision, confirming one user’s observation that even on a 43-inch screen, there is “no obvious pixilation.” Colours appeared vibrant and natural right out of the box, particularly in the standard and cinema picture modes. LG’s Active HDR (supporting HDR10) expands the contrast range, making bright highlights pop and adding depth to darker scenes. While watching a moody sci-fi epic, the neon lights of a futuristic city cut through the gloom with pleasing intensity.

However, it’s important to set expectations. As this is a direct-lit LED TV, it cannot achieve the perfect, inky blacks of its far more expensive OLED cousins. In a completely dark room, you will notice some backlight bleed and blacks that appear more like a very dark grey. This is typical for this technology and price point and is not a deal-breaker by any means. Where the TV truly shines is with its brains—the α5 AI Processor Gen6. This chip does a remarkable job of upscaling 1080p content. We found that HD streams and Blu-rays looked exceptionally clean and detailed, with the processor intelligently reducing noise and enhancing sharpness without introducing artificial-looking artefacts. For film purists, the inclusion of FILMMAKER MODE is a fantastic touch. With a single click, it disables post-processing effects like motion smoothing to present the film exactly as the director intended, a feature usually reserved for higher-end sets.

Navigating the Digital World: The webOS 23 Experience

A smart TV is only as smart as its operating system, and this is where LG consistently excels. The LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV runs on webOS 23, and it is a joy to use. The interface is clean, fast, and highly intuitive. Boot-up time is quick, and navigating between apps is fluid with no noticeable lag. The home screen is organized around customizable “cards,” which group related apps and content, making it easy to find what you want to watch. As one user noted, “Connecting to the internet is simple and straightforward,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. The Wi-Fi connection was stable throughout our testing.

App support is comprehensive. All the major streaming services you’d expect are here and easy to access: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and all the UK catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4, thanks to the integrated Freeview Play. The ability to rearrange app icons on the main launcher bar is a simple but welcome touch of personalization. We also appreciated the TV’s multi-view feature, which allows you to display two sources side-by-side—perfect for following a sports game while browsing the web, for example. The system offers plenty of settings to tweak, which, as one reviewer mentioned, “should be enough to keep everyone happy.” It’s this combination of power, speed, and user-friendly design that makes webOS a standout feature and a core reason to consider this TV.

Hearing is Believing: Does the AI Sound Pack a Punch?

Let’s be blunt: the Achilles’ heel of virtually every slim-profile television is its built-in audio. The laws of physics dictate that tiny, down-firing speakers simply cannot produce rich, full-bodied sound. The LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV is no exception to this rule. The audio it produces is perfectly clear for dialogue in news broadcasts or sitcoms. However, as a user rightly pointed out, the sound is “a little flat.” When we tested it with an action movie, the thunderous explosions and sweeping orchestral scores lacked the deep bass and “BWAA…” impact that makes for a truly cinematic experience.

To its credit, LG tries to compensate with its AI Sound feature. This technology analyzes the audio signal in real-time and attempts to create a more immersive, virtual surround sound experience. It does widen the soundstage slightly and adds a bit of perceived depth, but it can’t create bass that isn’t there. For casual viewing, the speakers are perfectly adequate. However, if you’re a movie lover or gamer who craves powerful, impactful audio, we strongly recommend budgeting for an external soundbar. The good news is that with HDMI ARC support, connecting one is incredibly simple. The TV does provide a wealth of sound settings and presets, allowing you to tailor the audio profile to your liking, but for the best experience, an external audio solution is the way to go.

Game On: Testing the Gaming Optimiser and Latency

Gaming has become a critical performance metric for modern TVs, and the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV comes surprisingly well-equipped for its price. The standout feature is ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). When we connected our game console, the TV automatically detected it and switched to Game Mode, significantly reducing input lag—the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action on screen. This resulted in a responsive and connected-feeling gameplay experience, which is crucial for fast-paced action and competitive games.

Furthermore, LG includes its excellent Game Optimiser dashboard. This is a pop-up menu that can be accessed mid-game, providing at-a-glance information and quick access to critical gaming settings. You can adjust black and white stabiliser levels to see enemies lurking in the shadows more easily, switch between genre-specific presets (like FPS or RPG), and toggle other gaming-related features without having to dig through layers of menus. This level of on-the-fly control is a fantastic feature for gamers. While it lacks the high 120Hz refresh rates and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support found on premium gaming TVs, its core 60Hz performance combined with ALLM and the Game Optimiser makes it a superb and affordable choice for casual and serious console gamers alike. The sharp 4K picture and vibrant colours make virtual worlds look stunning, and if you want to see just how good your games can look on a budget, you can find out more about its gaming capabilities here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning its core value proposition. Many users echo our findings, celebrating it as “great value for money.” One owner specifically highlighted that a TV of this size and capability is far more affordable now than comparable models a decade ago, noting that “43\” is more than enough for me.” This speaks directly to the audience this TV is perfect for. Another recurring theme is the trust in the LG brand, with one long-time customer expressing hope that this model will be “similarly long-lived” to their previous LG TVs, which lasted over ten years.

The feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced and realistic picture. The most common complaint aligns with our audio assessment: the sound is “a little flat,” a typical trade-off for a slim design. Another point of friction for some is the remote control. One user mentioned their remote didn’t have an Alexa button and found the overall design “not easy to use,” especially for older individuals. This highlights the difference between the standard remote and LG’s higher-end Magic Remote, a distinction worth noting for potential buyers who prioritise voice control and pointer functionality.

How Does the LG 43″ UR78 Stack Up? A Look at the Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV against three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets.

1. LG 32LQ63806LC 32-inch Full HD Smart TV

If space and budget are your absolute top priorities, this smaller sibling from LG is a compelling choice. Stepping down to a 32-inch screen and Full HD (1080p) resolution, it’s not designed to be a living room centrepiece. However, it’s a perfect fit for a kitchen, a child’s bedroom, or a guest room. You still get the fantastic webOS smart platform, ensuring a great user experience and access to all the essential streaming apps. This model is the ideal pick for someone who needs a functional, reliable smart TV for a secondary space and for whom 4K resolution at that smaller size would be overkill.

2. TCL 55PF650K 55-inch 4K HDR Smart Fire TV

For those who have a bit more space and want a more cinematic experience, the TCL 55PF650K presents a strong challenge. The most obvious difference is the larger 55-inch screen, which offers a significant jump in immersion. It also boasts a more advanced feature set, including support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which the LG UR78 lacks. This translates to potentially superior HDR performance and more immersive sound (when paired with a compatible soundbar). It runs on the Fire TV platform, which is great for those already in that ecosystem and comes with Alexa built-in. This is the TV for the movie enthusiast who wants a bigger screen and premium AV formats without breaking the bank.

3. Samsung DU8070 75″ Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV

This Samsung model represents a major leap up in both size and price, catering to a completely different market segment. At a massive 75 inches, this TV is built for large living rooms and dedicated media spaces. It features Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K and runs on their Tizen smart OS, a direct competitor to LG’s webOS. With features like an ultra-slim “AirSlim” design and Object Tracking Sound Lite, it’s a more premium offering all around. Someone would choose the Samsung DU8070 over the LG UR78 if their primary goal is to create a commanding, big-screen home theatre experience and their budget and room size can accommodate it.

Final Verdict: Is the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV the Right Choice for You?

After rigorous testing and careful consideration, our verdict on the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV is resoundingly positive. It succeeds brilliantly in its mission to deliver a modern, feature-rich 4K smart TV experience in a sensible, space-friendly package. Its greatest strengths lie in its sharp, vibrant picture quality, the fantastic performance of the α5 AI processor in upscaling content, and the speed and sheer usability of the webOS platform. Add to that its solid gaming credentials, and you have a remarkably versatile and competent television for its price.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The built-in audio is merely serviceable, and the standard remote is basic. But these are common and understandable compromises in this segment, and neither is a fatal flaw—especially since the audio issue is easily solved with a soundbar. We would highly recommend the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV to anyone looking for a primary TV for a smaller living room or flat, or as a high-performance secondary TV for a bedroom or office. It offers an incredible amount of performance and intelligence for the money, proving that you don’t need a giant screen to enjoy a giant leap in quality.

If you’ve decided the LG 43″ UR78 4K Smart LED TV is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.