Kerry Wan and Adam Breeden/ZDNET
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When one considers the highest echelon of OLED televisions available today, LG remains the undisputed leader—a brand whose influence and technological ingenuity have consistently defined the gold standard for the entire industry. For many years, LG has served as the benchmark by which other OLED manufacturers measure their progress, and with the introduction of the G6 model, the company further cements its dominant position within the premium display market. Yet, despite this impressive new release, the central question persists: does the latest annual revision truly justify its higher price tag when compared to last year’s model?
Also:
The best OLED TVs you can buy.
To help clarify the distinctions between the LG G6 and its immediate predecessor, the LG G5, we have meticulously broken down how each model performs across a range of categories, including intelligent software integration, hardware and processing upgrades, and feature refinements. While on the surface the two televisions might appear nearly identical—sharing many core specifications and aesthetic similarities—there are, upon closer inspection, a handful of substantial upgrades that collectively render the G6 a highly compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge features. Nevertheless, for consumers prioritizing a more affordable option that still delivers exceptional picture and sound quality, the LG G5 remains an outstanding and well-balanced alternative.
Specifications
LG G5 OLED
LG G6 OLED
Display type: Dual-layer OLED (both)
Display size: 55 – 97 inches (both)
Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz (both)
HDR format: Dolby Vision (both)
Audio: Dolby Atmos (both)
Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home (both)
VRR support: Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium (both)
Price: Starting at $1,999 (G5); starting at $2,499 (G6)
You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if…
Adam Breeden/ZDNET
1. You want premium picture and audio quality.
Even though the G5 OLED has now been succeeded by the G6, it continues to deliver world-class performance that rivals many current flagship models. Its OLED technology provides unparalleled contrast, deep blacks, and vivid color reproduction that give images remarkable depth and realism. The panel’s inherent precision allows for outstanding tonal accuracy, making it an ideal choice for film aficionados and visual purists alike. Complementing this dynamic display is Dolby Atmos support, which envelops the viewer in a multidimensional soundscape, creating the illusion of cinematic surround audio within your living room.
Equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate that can dynamically increase up to 165Hz under its Gaming Mode, the G5 ensures fluid motion clarity whether you are following a fast-paced sports broadcast or battling through an intensive gaming session. Compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium guarantees reduced input lag and eliminates screen tearing for smoother gameplay. Additionally, its Filmmaker Mode appeals to movie lovers who seek faithful cinematic presentation with minimized post-processing and enhanced detailing that honors the creator’s intent.
2. You appreciate high-performance design blended with aesthetic finesse.
The LG G5 manages to strike an ideal balance between modern minimalist design and functional ergonomics. Its ultra-slim profile enables the television to be mounted flush against a wall, producing an elegant visual effect similar to that of a framed artwork. This edge-to-edge panel design reinforces the illusion of a floating display, transforming the TV into both a technological centerpiece and a sophisticated décor element.
Owners can further personalize their viewing experience through the Gallery Plus application, which allows them to curate virtual art exhibitions directly on the screen. By displaying slideshows of masterpieces or personal photographs, your living room can be reimagined as a digital art gallery, seamlessly merging entertainment and interior design.
3. You often look for the best deals during tech sales.
Because the G5 now sits one generation behind the newest flagship, LG and major retailers frequently feature it in promotional discounts and stock clearance events. Attentive shoppers who monitor sales on platforms such as Amazon or Best Buy may find opportunities to purchase the G5 OLED at considerably lower prices. Consequently, for those with more modest budgets yet unwilling to compromise on high-end audiovisual quality, the G5 presents a gateway into the world of premium OLED television ownership without the prohibitive cost commonly associated with next-generation models.
You should buy the LG G6 OLED TV if…
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
1. You want a brighter, anti-glare OLED display.
Building upon the foundation established by its predecessor, the G6 evolves the OLED architecture into a quad-layer configuration capable of delivering extraordinary brightness levels. With a peak luminance approaching 3,000 nits—approximately quadruple the brightness attainable by the G5—the G6 provides a noticeably punchier image in well-lit settings. Each of the four OLED layers operates with individual precision, enabling the panel to achieve near-perfect black tones while simultaneously maintaining vibrant whites and more accurate color reproduction. Moreover, the inclusion of a matte finish significantly reduces distracting reflections and glare, ensuring optimal visibility even in rooms bathed in sunlight.
2. You want enhanced AI functionality and a seamless user experience.
One of the G6’s most notable improvements is its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, embodied by the LG AI Concierge system. This intelligent assistant personalizes the viewing experience by learning user preferences, recommending tailored content, optimizing picture and audio parameters automatically, and even assisting with system troubleshooting through a built-in chatbot interface. For users accustomed to navigating complex setting menus, this streamlined functionality offers enormous convenience. The television effectively manages itself—continuously analyzing your favorite genres and fine-tuning its visual and auditory outputs accordingly—delivering consistent, individualized performance with minimal manual intervention.
3. You desire significantly faster processing power.
To fully harness the potential of its advanced display panel, the G6 employs LG’s upgraded Alpha 11 processor—a substantial leap forward in computational strength. This newly refined chipset boosts processing speed by up to 50%, resulting in quicker application loading times, smoother transitions between inputs, and enhanced responsiveness across the interface. The Alpha 11’s dual-AI engine further refines viewing by analyzing each frame in real time, upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, and enhancing sharpness and detail during playback. Whether engaging in intensive gaming sessions or streaming high-definition content, users will perceive an immediate improvement in fluidity and consistency compared to the G5.
Writer’s choice.
While both the G5 and G6 occupy the pinnacle of LG’s OLED lineup and share several technical similarities, the G6 distinguishes itself with a collection of subtle yet meaningful advancements. The reengineered quad-layer panel yields a brighter, more visually resilient display, and its matte surface ensures superior clarity in ambient light environments. Simultaneously, the Alpha 11 processor enhances overall efficiency, handling the increased computational demands of high-refresh-rate 4K content with improved precision. For enthusiasts who demand the absolute best and are willing to invest slightly more for the latest innovations, the G6 remains an exceptional showcase of LG’s engineering prowess.
However, for those seeking an equally immersive cinematic experience while keeping expenses in check, the G5 stands as a remarkably attractive option. It retains much of the core performance of its successor—superb contrast, vibrant color accuracy, premium sound through Dolby Atmos, and comprehensive smart functionality—while often being available at a considerably reduced cost due to its prior-year status. Coupled with features like Filmmaker Mode, gaming optimizations, and a five-year warranty, the G5 continues to represent a high-value proposition for consumers who wish to experience LG’s OLED excellence without paying a flagship premium.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/lg-g6-vs-lg-g5/
