LG G5 vs. LG G4: Hands-On Experience Reveals Unexpected Winner

LG has introduced the G5 model to maintain its top position in the premium OLED TV sector. But does it justify its hefty price tag? The ZDNET team, including myself, thoroughly evaluated both the G4 and G5 OLED TVs, focusing on their attributes, functionality, and practical use to assist you in choosing the right option for both your requirements and financial considerations.

As the G5 is an updated version rather than a brand-new blueprint, distinguishing the alterations can be challenging. Here, I outline the major parallels and distinctions between it and its forebear, the G4, alongside reasons you may find the older version more appealing.

Tech Specifications

Display sizes range from 55 to 97 inches across both models.

Their refresh rates start at 120Hz, with the G4 going up to 144Hz and the G5 reaching 165Hz for enhanced gaming.

Both are equipped with Dolby Vision HDR for superior visual experiences.

Why Select the LG G4 OLED TV?

1. Superior Color Accuracy and Visual Clarity

Despite being a previous generation, the LG G4 OLED consistently features among top OLED TVs due to its exceptional color fidelity, offering vibrant and striking image quality. Coupled with its classic OLED contrast, it brings forth details that make colors stand out brilliantly. Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound enhance the overall viewing experience.

2. Designed for Streaming and Gaming

The G4 includes specialized modes like Filmmaker Mode, which corrects colors in real-time and upscales to 4K, delivering scenes as directors envisioned. The gaming mode caters to console players, backing both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync with up to 144Hz refresh rates, allowing for smooth gameplay.

3. Aesthetic Value and Integrated Features

The LG G4 is aesthetically pleasing with its minimal bezels and sleek metal frame, creating a nearly borderless look. It supports Bluetooth and voice controls for a smart home theater setup and comes pre-installed with streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+.

Why Choose the LG G5 OLED TV?

1. Gaming and Entertainment Excellence

The LG G5 excels with a default 120Hz rate, extendable to 165Hz for gaming, featuring Dolby Vision HDR and 4K capability. Like its predecessor, it supports G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Navigation is user-friendly, and while its Dolby Atmos audio is adequate, an external sound system could improve it.

2. Advantages of Tandem OLED Design

By employing two OLED layers, the G5 achieves impressive brightness, ideal for HDR highlights and competitive with top-tier Mini-LEDs in bright environments. Though innovative, this configuration sometimes impacts visual sharpness, creating inconsistencies compared to more established displays.

Conclusion

The LG G4 remains a standout choice for its color precision and visual performance, suitable for lavish home theaters or art-display purposes. It emerges as the more logical investment over the G5, unless future updates bring significant improvements to the new model's offering.