Reviewer favors LG G4 over newer LG G5 after side-by-side comparison

ZDNET's Adam Breeden compared LG's G4 and G5 OLED TVs and concluded the older G4 is the better buy.

Both models share a 55–97 inch size range, Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, VRR support for Nvidia G‑Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, Wi‑Fi 6E, four HDMI ports and three USB ports. Key differences include refresh rates (G4: 120Hz with 144Hz boost; G5: 120Hz with 165Hz boost), webOS 24 on the G4 versus webOS 25 on the G5, Bluetooth 5.1 versus 5.3, and starting prices listed at $2,600 for the G4 and $2,500 for the G5.

Breeden highlights the G4's strengths in color accuracy and picture quality, its Filmmaker Mode and automatic HDR tone‑mapping for streaming, dedicated console picture modes and up to 144Hz VRR, and a reported 0.1ms response time. He also notes the G4's design details, integrated streaming apps and smart‑home compatibility.

The G5's key selling point is LG's tandem OLED stack, which the review says pushes HDR peak brightness toward the 3,000–4,000 nit range and may improve efficiency. However, Breeden reports that on his review unit the tandem panel reduced fine detail and dulled colors compared with a control screen, and he says the G5 does not offer enough new features to justify its premium positioning. He suggests spending on the G4 or another brand unless LG issues a Pro version of the G5, and says the comparison will be updated when the LG G6 officially launches.

Key Topics

Tech, Tandem Oled, Dolby Atmos, Nvidia G-sync, Dolby Vision, Webos