Adam Breeden/ZDNET
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When LG introduced the G5 OLED television last year, it was clear that the company intended to strengthen its long-standing reputation as a leading innovator in the luxury display market. For years, LG has been synonymous with high-end OLED technology, so the question naturally arises: does the new model’s performance justify its ambitious price tag? To answer this, the technology analysts and reviewers at ZDNET conducted in-depth, hands-on testing with both the LG G4 and the newer LG G5, comparing every dimension of their design, performance, and actual usability in day-to-day entertainment environments. Through this testing, they aimed to help consumers determine which of the two models offers the optimal balance between technical prowess, viewing experience, and budget-conscious value.

Also noteworthy: LG has recently announced a complimentary audio enhancement update that brings an advanced sound upgrade to many of its recent OLED models, including the ones reviewed here.

Because the LG G5 represents more of an evolutionary refresh than a revolutionary redesign, prospective buyers may find it tricky to identify what—if anything—has been truly improved. To make this distinction easier, I have compiled a detailed analysis outlining the core similarities and defining differences between the G5 and its predecessor, the G4, along with a concise breakdown of the circumstances under which opting for the older model might actually prove to be the smarter decision. The comparison will continue to evolve as the freshly unveiled LG G6 OLED enters the market later this year, at which point we will update this guide accordingly.

Specifications
LG G4 OLED vs LG G5 OLED
Screen size: 55–97 inches (on both models)
Refresh rate: 120Hz (boosted to 144Hz on the G4; 165Hz on the G5)
HDR format: Dolby Vision for both
Audio support: Dolby Atmos surround
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Supports Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium alike
Operating system: webOS 24 on G4, upgraded to webOS 25 on G5
Connectivity: Both include Wi-Fi 6E and 3 USB ports, though Bluetooth has been updated from 5.1 to 5.3 on the G5
Starting price: G4 begins around $2,600, G5 around $2,500

You should buy the LG G4 OLED TV if…

1. You value uncompromising color fidelity and cinematic image quality.
The LG G4 OLED continues to occupy one of the top spots among premium televisions on the market today. Even as a previous-generation model, it remains exceptionally competitive—largely due to its unmatched precision in color reproduction. The hues it renders appear deep and vibrant, resulting in imagery that pops from the screen with remarkable realism. Combined with the intrinsic strengths of OLED panel technology—true blacks, infinite contrast, and pixel-level illumination—the overall effect is breathtaking clarity and an almost tactile sense of depth. The television’s integration of Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio technology further transforms ordinary movie nights into immersive, theater-like experiences.

2. You desire specialized modes tailored for both streaming and gaming experiences.
One of the G4’s strongest assets is its Filmmaker Mode, designed to preserve the creator’s artistic intent. This intelligent feature automatically assesses each scene frame by frame, adjusting colors and brightness dynamically for optimal authenticity, along with native 4K upscaling that maintains sharpness even in older titles. The addition of automatic HDR tone mapping revitalizes vintage films, allowing even decades-old classics to appear crisp and lifelike on modern screens.

Gaming enthusiasts are also well-catered to, with a dedicated Game Mode that supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium standards. These technologies prevent screen tearing and stutter, ensuring a seamless, fluid gameplay experience even during graphically demanding sequences. The display’s boosted refresh rate of up to 144Hz and nearly instantaneous 0.1ms response time enable precise, responsive controls—critical for competitive and high-speed gaming across consoles and PCs alike.

3. You appreciate industrial design that harmonizes with performance.
The G4 is not merely a powerhouse of visuals—it is also a design statement. Encased in a slim, brushed-metal chassis with ultra-thin bezels, it nearly eliminates the visual boundaries between screen and environment, especially in its art-display setting. In Art Mode, digital artwork and photography are presented so naturally that the television can double as an art frame when idle. Thanks to advanced Bluetooth pairing, integrated voice assistants, and smart-home ecosystem compatibility, setup and day-to-day use remain elegant, intuitive, and clutter-free. Furthermore, popular streaming applications such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max come preinstalled, meaning users can begin watching immediately after setup without needing to download additional software.

You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if…

1. You want the highest possible performance for gaming and entertainment with forward-looking technology.
The LG G5 continues LG’s focus on premium display craftsmanship. Although its native 120Hz refresh rate is unchanged from the G4, it can be dynamically overclocked to 165Hz—an improvement that enhances motion clarity in graphically intense gameplay and high-speed scenes. Dolby Vision HDR support ensures every frame is reproduced with impeccable accuracy, while Dolby Atmos audio envelops the viewer in multichannel sound. Menus remain responsive and easy to navigate, thanks to the updated webOS 25 interface, although audiophiles might still prefer to pair this model with a dedicated soundbar to reach truly cinematic acoustics.

2. You are intrigued by LG’s Tandem OLED architecture.
Perhaps the most significant technological distinction of the G5 lies in its utilization of a tandem OLED panel—an innovative structure combining two separate OLED layers into a single display unit. This dual-layer design effectively doubles the light-emitting capability, enabling brightness levels that can surge between 3,000 and 4,000 nits. As a result, the G5 manages to challenge even the brightest Mini-LED televisions when viewed in well-lit environments, from sun-soaked living rooms to large exhibition spaces. Beyond sheer brightness, the design also distributes electrical current more evenly across both emissive layers, improving energy efficiency and potentially extending the panel’s lifespan.

However, as with many pioneering technologies, the tandem OLED system is not entirely without compromise. During testing, inconsistent visual fidelity was observed at times—where fine image details appeared slightly soft or muted. When compared side by side with a reference Mini-LED TV such as the TCL QM8K, the G5 occasionally delivered flatter color gradients and slightly diminished overall sharpness. Of course, these inconsistencies may vary depending on individual units or calibration settings, but this variability underscores the growing pains of a young technology.

Writer’s choice
In the end, the LG G4 OLED remains a stunning example of LG’s engineering excellence—a blend of striking image realism, enduring performance, and refined design. It continues to offer one of the most aesthetically and technically satisfying viewing experiences available, making it an outstanding choice for those assembling a premium home theater or looking for a display that doubles as a tasteful digital art frame. If forced to choose between the two models, the G4 earns my wholehearted recommendation.

The LG G5 OLED, while ambitious, feels somewhat transitional. Its tandem OLED innovation introduces a fascinating leap forward in potential brightness and efficiency, yet its inconsistent execution prevents it from fully surpassing its predecessor. For its current asking price, the improvements may not be substantial enough to justify the expenditure for most buyers. Unless LG releases a refined “Pro” version that resolves these early drawbacks, consumers seeking both performance and reliability may find better long-term value in the proven G4—or even in competing models from other manufacturers.

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