Key Takeaways
- The LG Magic remote is big, has too many features, and is hard to figure out how to use.
- It looks and feels cheap, and the lack of backlighting makes it hard to use.
- Noisy buttons are always a nuisance.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a TV. From screen technology to processing power, operating systems to inputs and resolution settings, investing in a new TV can be a hassle. It takes time and effort In my early testing of LG’s flagship, I encountered another aspect of TVs that I hadn’t considered high on my list of priorities. Remote The TV had great features but was sorely lacking a remote control.
In fact, the remote control was so problematic that, despite its excellent graphics, countless settings and optimization for all kinds of content, I couldn’t agree more about using it with that operating system. LG The Magic Remote and others like it need significant improvement, and this is a deciding factor for me when buying one of their TVs.
The design is bulky and outdated
This remote control reminds me of the past, but not in a good way.
The first problem I had with this remote is one that you immediately notice the moment you pick it up: it’s too big. This long, bulky controller is reminiscent of simpler times, when you had to insert a tape or disc if you wanted to watch something “on demand.” It’s just too cumbersome, and reminds me of the old universal remotes that are now completely unnecessary.
One of the reasons for the larger size is that LG decided to keep the number pad on the device, a component that most companies would be smart enough to leave out. No one needs a number pad anymore to jump to channels on their smart TV. Most people, like me, scroll and search in streaming services and apps. Roku, Apple, Sony, etc. are some of the companies that have done away with number buttons completely. Most remotes have also found a solution for the rare occasions when you want to enter numbers. For example, on Samsung remotes, a number pad appears on the TV when you press a button. Problem solved. Let’s remove it from the remote.
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Unattractive and cheap
Not as aesthetically pleasing as expected
The look and feel of the remote also evokes a retro era of entertainment, but not in a good way: The plastic construction feels cheap and doesn’t feel durable or long-lasting.
It also lacks any modern flair, further alienating it from the competition: Apart from the voice control feature, the remote is outdated compared to the fantastic TVs that the G4 (or the G3 and C3 in 2023) seem to be pushing the envelope in terms of innovation.
TV manufacturers are making a concerted effort to create aesthetically pleasing products, ones that blend into the interior and act as decorative pieces in their own right. A utilitarian remote is an oversight, and ultimately a neglect. Compare LG’s remote to the Apple TV or upcoming Google TV Streamer remotes and you’re in stark contrast. They’re sleek, modern and minimalist in appearance, which is exactly what I, and many others, want from a remote in 2024.
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Poor layout
Not at all wise
Not only are there too many buttons, but the layout is also very questionable. It’s not particularly intuitive and leaves a lot of room for error when navigating. The location of the home button is the most problematic. This is one of the most important buttons on a remote control. This button is meant to return you to the operating system homepage, start a new source, or jump to a specific app. It’s especially useful when you’re deep inside an app and going back just isn’t enough.
The home button isn’t in the middle of the remote as it should be (in the same spot as the mute button, for reasons unknown), but on the left just below the volume down button. Not only is this unwise, it also means you can easily be taken to the home page when all you want to do is turn down the volume on your TV.
At the bottom of the remote are buttons that let you jump to specific apps. Buttons that direct you to your favorite streaming services are great, but the Magic Remote’s six buttons are too many and cluttered. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are worth having, but Sling TV and LG Channels aren’t worth having because most people don’t use them that often.
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No backlight
Lost in the Dark
Too many buttons, and buttons too crowded together, become even more of an issue when you realize there’s no backlighting. If you’re watching TV in a dark room, you might have problems with the remote control. And you’re probably watching TV in a dark environment, which is the ideal environment for enjoying your new smart TV, especially OLED TVs that boast cinematic fidelity.
The ideal remote control is simple and smart enough that you can operate it without looking. Each button should be different, and you should be able to determine which button does what based on its relative location and feel. But that’s not the case with the LG remote. It has no backlight, so you have to look closely to figure out what’s going on.
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There is a clicking sound
Turn off the power
I’ve saved what I personally consider to be the worst issue for last: the buttons on the remote make an annoying clicking noise that I can’t stand. Pressing buttons like on a keyboard doesn’t feel satisfying or sensual. The sound of the remote is high-pitched, tinny, and distracting. The problem is especially noticeable when you’re scrolling and constantly pressing the right side of the pad to see the next item in the queue.
For example, there’s a big difference in the sound compared to the Samsung remote control: I understand that the buttons on the remote make a sound when you press them, but the sound is too loud and adds to the overall cheap feel of the device.
The best smart TV remote control should be practical, durable, and at least somewhat aesthetically pleasing. At the very least, it shouldn’t be cheap and ugly. Even searching through apps and titles to find exactly what you want to watch on your TV can be a pain. I don’t want a remote to add to my hassle. I’m so done with the LG Magic Remote.
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