LG G5 vs. LG G4: I spent hours testing both OLED TVs, and this model was the surprise winner

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With the release of the LG G5, the brand is looking to remain the king of high-end OLED TVs. But is it worth the equally high asking price? I and other ZDNET experts got to go hands-on with both the LG G4 and LG G5 OLED TVs to break down their features, performance, and real-world practicality in order to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs as well as your budget. 

Also: The top 6 TVs our readers bought in 2025

Since the G5 is a refresh rather than an entirely new TV model, it can be confusing trying to figure out what changes were made for the refresh. So I’ve put together a list of the biggest similarities and differences between it and its predecessor, plus a few reasons you might want to spring for the older TV instead.

Specifications

You should buy the LG G4 OLED TV if…

1. You prioritize color accuracy and picture quality

The LG G4 OLED has consistently topped our list of the best OLED TVs on the market, despite being a generation behind. That’s partially due to its incredible color accuracy, offering some of the best you can find for bolder, brighter images. 

And when paired with signature OLED contrast, you’ll get sharper detailing that helps colors pop even more. You’ll also get support for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for an even more immersive experience.

2. You need dedicated picture modes 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 every scene appears 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, boosting the refresh rate up to 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes. The LG G4 also boasts an impressive 0.1ms response time, enabling near-instant reactions to your inputs in both online and offline play. 

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

There’s no doubt that the LG G4 OLED is a sleek TV, featuring a brushed metal frame and exceptionally narrow bezels that create an almost edge-to-edge picture, adding to the illusion when in Art Mode. With support for Bluetooth connectivity and integrated voice controls for hands-free use, you can set up an exceptionally clean-looking home theater that seamlessly integrates 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 out of the box.

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 a typical 120Hz, which can be boosted to 165Hz for smoother graphics when gaming. The flagship TV features support for Dolby Vision HDR, as well as 4K upscaling, and supports both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, like its predecessor. The menus are easy to navigate, and the Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio is decent enough for home viewing but would also benefit from a boost via soundbar or speaker system. 

2. LG’s Tandem OLED stack appeals to you

By stacking two independent OLED layers on top of each other, the G5 achieves a level of peak brightness that far surpasses that of the G4. This architecture allows the screen to hit much higher luminance targets for HDR highlights — reaching toward the 3,000 to 4,000 nit range — making it one of the few OLEDs that can truly 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 two layers to potentially enhance 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 seemed to significantly impact the overall picture quality, as fine details were lost in a fuzzy haze. I had the LG G5 set up side by side with a TCL QM8K that I had been using as a control screen, and I was shocked to see just how much detail was lost and how dull the colors looked in comparison. Your mileage may vary.

Writer’s choice

The LG G4 OLED is an impressive high-end TV offering some of the best color accuracy and picture quality you can buy, making it an almost perfect choice for anyone looking to set up a luxury home theater (or wants a TV that doubles as a personal art gallery when not in use). If I had to pick between the two, the G4 would get my money.

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