I compared the two best LG OLED TV models on the market right now – there’s a surprise winner

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With the release of the LG G5 last year, the brand looks to remain the king of high-end OLED TVs. But is it worth that high asking price? ZDNET experts went hands-on with both the LG G4 and LG G5 OLED TVs to understand their features, performance, and real-world practicality, to help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.

Also: We saw dozens of TVs at CES 2026: Keep these 5 models on your radar this year

Since the G5 is a refreshed model rather than an entirely new TV model, it can be confusing to figure out what changes were made. So I’ve compiled a list of the biggest similarities and differences between it and its predecessor, as well as some reasons why you might want to prefer the older TV. We’ll update this list when the newly-announced LG G6 OLED officially launches later this year.

Specifications

You should buy the LG G4 OLED TV if…

1. You prioritize color accuracy and picture quality

Despite being a generation behind, the LG G4 OLED continues to top our list of the best OLED TVs on the market. This is partly due to its incredible color accuracy, which offers some of the best options you’ll find for bolder, brighter images.

And when combined with the signature OLED contrast, you’ll get sharper details that help colors pop even more. You will also get support for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for an even better experience.

2. You need a dedicated picture mode for streaming and gaming

The LG G4 features a dedicated Filmmaker Mode for streaming movies and shows, which automatically analyzes content frame by frame for real-time color correction and 4K upscaling, ensuring each scene looks exactly as the director intended. And with automatic HDR tone-mapping, even old Hollywood classics will look crisp and clean.

Also: The LG G4 is the most popular TV our readers bought in 2025

Console gamers also get their own dedicated Picture Mode, which supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR, which boosts the refresh rate up to 144Hz for fast-paced gameplay and smoother action during cutscenes. The LG G4 also has an impressive 0.1ms response time, enabling almost instant response to your inputs both online and offline.

3. You want a TV that performs as well as it looks

There’s no doubt that the LG G4 OLED is a sleek TV, with a brushed-metal frame and exceptionally narrow bezels that create an almost edge-to-edge picture, which further adds to the illusion in Art Mode. With support for Bluetooth connectivity and integrated voice control for hands-free use, you can set up an exceptionally clean-looking home theater that integrates seamlessly into your smart home network.

You’ll also get a suite of preloaded, popular streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, so you can start watching your favorite shows and movies right away.

You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if…

1. You want the best TV for gaming and entertainment

While the LG G5 is a perfectly serviceable device in terms of performance, its refresh rate is the usual 120Hz, which can be increased to 165Hz for smoother graphics while gaming. The flagship TV has support for Dolby Vision HDR as well as 4K upscaling, and it supports both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync like its predecessor. The menus are easy to navigate, and the Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio is good enough for home viewing, but it would also benefit from a boost through a soundbar or speaker system.

2. LG’s tandem OLED stack captivates you

By stacking two independent OLED layers on top of each other, the G5 achieves a level of peak brightness that far exceeds that of the G4. This architecture allows the screen to hit very high luminance targets for HDR highlights – reaching the 3,000 to 4,000 nit range – making it one of the few OLEDs that can actually compete with flagship mini-LED TVs in bright, sunlit rooms.

Also: LG’s first Micro RGB TV arrives ahead of CES 2026, and it’s already turning heads

Beyond just raw power, the tandem design enables the panel to operate more efficiently, distributing the electrical load across the two layers to potentially increase the long-term longevity of the pixels.

That said, the technology is still relatively new in the space and, therefore, may not be the most consistent in terms of visual fidelity. For example, the tandem OLED panel on my review unit had a significant impact on the overall picture quality, as fine details were lost in a blurry haze. I had the LG G5 set up side-by-side with a TCL QM8K that I was using as a control screen, and I was surprised to see how much detail was lost and how pale the colors looked in comparison. Your mileage may vary.

author’s choice

lg g4 oled This is an impressive high-end TV that offers the best color accuracy and picture quality you can buy, making it an almost ideal choice for anyone looking to set up a luxury home theater (or wants a TV that also serves as a personal art gallery when not in use). If I had to choose between the two, my money would go to the G4.

LG G5 OLED This is a more confusing entry in the stellar series of premium TVs, with a tandem OLED panel that significantly impacts picture quality, but equally not enough new features to justify the premium price tag. Until LG releases a Pro version of the G5 OLED TV that addresses the issue, your money would be better spent on an older G4 or perhaps another brand.