Don’t have space to install a TV on the wall at home? Do you often change rooms to watch TV but don’t want to have multiple TVs at home? Do you have a business or a company? The LG StanbyME 27-inch Smart TV could be an interesting solution for you. Here is my complete review.
Click here to watch my video (in French only).
Unboxing and features of the LG StanbyME
The box contains the 5-wheel base, the tilting stand, the TV, a remote control, a magnetic holder for remote or phone, as well as screws and instruction manuals.
- 27-inch touchscreen display with 1080p resolution
- The screen is tiltable, swivels, and the 5-wheel stand makes it easy to move
- Video modes: Active Dynamic Tone Mapping HDR; Vivid; Standard; Eco; Cinema; Sports; Game; (ISF) Expert (bright room); (ISF) Expert (dark room)
- webOS operating system
- Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, LG Channels, and other pre-installed apps
- AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit connectivity
- 1x HDMI 1.4 input
- 1x USB-A 2.0 port
- Wi-Fi 5 compatible
- Bluetooth and NFC compatible for easy phone pairing
- 5,000mAh 74Wh battery power offering 3 hours of battery life in energy-saving mode (expect about the same time for charging)
- 5W speaker
- Height with base: 107.7 cm (42.4 inches)
- Weight with stand: 17.5 kg (38.5 lb)
Using the LG StanbyME Smart TV
The device is stylish, even though the only colour offered is a kind of off-white (almost beige). It’s the kind of device you could install in the dining room to toast with your parents or friends who are in a different location or near your bath to relax while watching TV, a glass of wine in hand (the screen is not waterproof, though). You can also use it to broadcast information at a booth at a fair, for standing meetings at the office with remote colleagues, or in a business. In short, many possible uses … if you can afford it. Because for a 27-inch device, and despite all it can do (tilt, swivel, touchscreen, project your phone’s content, and more), the price is still a bit high.
But once you start using it, you get a taste for it!
The screen must first be assembled and mounted on its stand before use. The assembly was relatively simple. Just don’t forget to plug in the square cable for power at the back (above), before placing the circular cover. Installation on the stand and inserting the support behind the screen is very simple. However, if you have young children, I wouldn’t recommend it. The stand seems quite solid, but could easily be knocked over if a child hit it full force while running.
Also, the device only offers one HDMI input and one USB-A port, so peripheral device options are limited.
A full charge takes 3 to 4 hours and offers 3 hours of battery life with energy-saving mode activated. However, this mode forces the video into 480p mode (DVD quality, not HD). Battery life is reduced to about 2 hours and some change if you watch 1080p video continuously.
Once set up and charged, you can then use your favorite streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, and even Tubi, a free service with commercial breaks where you can find the best and worst of TV and cinema!). For those interested, LG offers to tune into live channels, with its free LG Channels service. However, I saw very few classic channels, or even interesting ones like CBC, CBS, NBC News, or Just For Laughs, for example. There are many specialty channels with paranormal shows like Ghost Hunters Channel, but also channels offering free science fiction, horror, and other genre movies. However, you won’t find the latest releases, but it can be an option for watching great classics.
Almost all the channels offered are English, with the exception of Radio-Canada Infos. Fortunately, there are streaming services and YouTube where you can consume French content.
Note that you can also install other applications (and channels) on the TV.
And for even more content, an NFC chip at the back allows you to connect your phone. So I was able to connect my Pixel 8 with a simple touch, which brought up the link to download the LG app. Once installed (and your account created, if you don’t already have one), you can then set up your TV and use your phone as a remote control, but also to stream your photos and videos, as well as your music, if you wish.
The TV can also be used as a mirror when making a video call with your phone, or to display any other content shown.
A magnetic holder is also included in the box to allow you to leave the remote control or your phone attached to the TV when you are not using them (image above).
It should be noted that the speakers, even though they offer “only 5 W”, are surprisingly powerful! I generally left the volume at 10 or 12, while it can go much higher (to 40 or even 50!).
What I liked about the LG StanbyME Smart TV
- The TV is tiltable, swivels, moves on wheels, and has a touchscreen
- Can be used 100% wirelessly, with a battery life of 3 hours or more, depending on usage
- The LG mobile app allows you to use your phone as a remote control
- Small removable magnet to hold your phone or the remote control
- Offers all popular streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and even Tubi!)
What I liked less
- There is no “X” button or touch menu on the touchscreen so it is impossible to exit most applications or services easily
- Few ports (only one HDMI input for connecting a game console, for example, and only one standard USB 2.0 port, not so fast… so it’s impossible to connect both a keyboard AND a mouse, you have to make a choice)
- Adequate battery life, nothing more
The LG StanbyME 27-inch 1080p Smart TV can be the ideal solution for those who want to avoid having multiple devices in a small apartment, or who cannot permanently install a TV in a room (such as the bathroom). It can also be used for video conferencing or presentations in business, and becomes a simple and elegant display solution in a booth or business. Its tiltable and swiveling 1080p touchscreen is very practical and you can use all the popular streaming services. However, you should plan for a budget higher than that of a regular 27-inch TV, and it is only offered in one colour: off-white.
