Adam Breeden/ZDNET
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When LG introduced the G5 OLED television last year, the company made its intentions clear: it aimed to maintain its crown as the industry leader in premium OLED display technology. Yet the question remains — does this high-end television truly justify its substantial price tag? To answer that, ZDNET’s team of reviewers extensively tested both the LG G4 and the LG G5 OLED models, evaluating everything from technical specifications and performance benchmarks to everyday usability. Their comprehensive hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of where each model excels, how they differ, and more importantly, which of these flagship TVs might best accommodate your lifestyle, budget, and viewing preferences.

Also worth noting:
Sony and TCL have announced a collaboration on forthcoming TV models, an alliance that could reshape the competitive landscape more significantly than most consumers currently anticipate.

Since LG’s G5 represents a refined iteration rather than a completely new design, discerning what has changed between generations can be complex. To eliminate that confusion, we have compiled a thorough comparison outlining the most substantial upgrades and carryovers, as well as a few compelling reasons someone might still choose the older G4 over the newer G5. This evaluation will continue to evolve — expect an updated version once LG’s G6 OLED officially arrives later this year.

**Specifications Overview**

LG G4 OLED | LG G5 OLED
Screen size: 55–97 inches | 55–97 inches
Refresh rate: 120Hz (boost up to 144Hz) | 120Hz (boost up to 165Hz)
HDR: Dolby Vision | Dolby Vision
Audio: Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos
VRR support: Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium | Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Operating system: webOS 24 | webOS 25
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, 4x HDMI, 3x USB | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 4x HDMI, 3x USB
Starting price: $2,600 | $2,500

### You should buy the LG G4 OLED TV if…

**1. You prioritize color accuracy and picture excellence**
The LG G4 OLED continues to be celebrated as one of the most critically acclaimed televisions in its segment. Even though it precedes the G5 by one generation, it consistently ranks among experts’ top recommendations due to its exceptional precision in color representation. This performance ensures viewers can enjoy luminance-rich, lifelike scenes bursting with nuance and depth. When you combine that prowess with OLED’s inherent contrast ratio, the resulting images achieve extraordinary clarity — shadows appear profoundly dark while highlights are rendered with impressive sharpness and vibrancy.

Moreover, the G4 fully supports Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround processing. This dual capability transforms visual and sonic experiences alike, enveloping viewers in a cinematic environment whether they’re watching a blockbuster film or playing a next-generation console title.

**2. You require specialized modes for streaming and gaming**
The LG G4 introduces several intelligently designed picture presets that optimize the display for different kinds of content. For film enthusiasts, the Filmmaker Mode is a standout feature. It automatically analyzes on-screen images frame by frame, applying dynamic 4K upscaling and precise color recalibration so every scene remains true to the creator’s original artistic intention. Additionally, its HDR tone-mapping breathes new life into older films by enhancing visual clarity and contrast without betraying their original texture.

For gamers, the television offers a dedicated gaming mode supporting both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR. This configuration elevates refresh rates up to a remarkable 144Hz, yielding ultra-smooth real-time motion during fast-paced action sequences. Coupled with a rapid 0.1ms response time, it allows instantaneous player input — a vital factor in achieving competitive advantage in both single-player and online multiplayer environments.

**3. You appreciate aesthetics as much as performance**
Beyond raw performance, the LG G4’s build quality radiates contemporary refinement. Its slim brushed-metal frame and almost invisible bezels create a virtually edge-to-edge image footprint that enhances immersion and makes the TV appear more like a digital art display than conventional home electronics. When activated in Art Mode, this illusion strengthens, allowing the screen to become part of a curated living space.

Bluetooth integration and voice command functionality promote a clutter-free, smart-home experience, giving users hands-free control in a minimalist setup. The G4 also arrives preloaded with an extensive array of streaming services — from Netflix and Disney+ to HBO Max — meaning entertainment begins immediately out of the box, no additional downloads required.

### You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if…

**1. You want a balanced performer for both gaming and cinematic experiences**
The LG G5 positions itself as a solidly capable all-rounder designed for users seeking a blend of entertainment and performance refinement. It maintains the standard 120Hz refresh rate but includes the option to boost it up to 165Hz when gaming requires smoother rendering and minimized motion blur. Dolby Vision HDR remains a core feature, ensuring vivid imagery rich in detail and dynamic color contrast, while both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync continue to guarantee fluid gameplay experiences across compatible devices.

Navigation through the webOS 25 interface is notably seamless, and while Dolby Atmos audio delivers immersive multi-dimensional sound, audiophiles might still wish to pair the set with an external soundbar or high-fidelity speaker system for a more powerful auditory stage.

**2. You’re intrigued by LG’s Tandem OLED technology**
Where the G5 truly differentiates itself technically is through its innovative Tandem OLED structure — an engineering approach that layers two discrete OLED panels atop one another. This allows the TV to achieve an exceptionally high peak brightness, stretching toward the 3,000–4,000-nit range, significantly exceeding what traditional OLEDs typically offer. As such, it competes more directly with leading Mini-LED televisions, excelling especially in well-lit environments where glare often poses a challenge.

Beyond sheer brightness, this dual-layer configuration distributes electrical demand more evenly across pixels, which may yield improvements in energy efficiency and durability over time. However, because this is a relatively new development within consumer OLED design, minor imperfections can still occur, particularly regarding image texture and clarity. For example, during side-by-side testing against a TCL QM8K control display, the reviewer observed a slight loss of fine detail and a softness in color precision that detracted from the usual OLED crispness. Nonetheless, performance may vary between individual units.

**Writer’s choice**
After extensive comparison, the **LG G4 OLED** stands out as the superior investment for discerning viewers. Its unparalleled color accuracy, meticulous craftsmanship, and ability to replicate cinematic-quality visuals make it nearly ideal for anyone building a luxury home theater or seeking a display that doubles as an artistic centerpiece when idle.

By contrast, the **LG G5 OLED**, while innovative in parts, feels less cohesive within LG’s broader premium lineup. Its experimental tandem panel introduces as many drawbacks as benefits in its current form, leaving its high price somewhat hard to justify given the incremental benefits over its predecessor. Unless LG releases a refined future variant — perhaps a “Pro” edition that resolves these consistency issues — your resources would likely be better invested in the more proven G4 model or, alternatively, in exploring leading displays from rival manufacturers.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/lg-g5-and-g4-compared/