LG G6 vs. LG G5: I compared the flagship OLED TVs, and there’s a surprise winner

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If you happen to’re trying to purchase one of the best of one of the best in the case of OLED TVs, LG is usually the model of selection, because it’s thought-about one of many prime names in OLED fashions. And with the discharge of the brand new G6, it continues to show why it deserves to stay on the prime. However is the yearly replace actually price the additional value?

To assist clarify the place the true variations lie between the LG G6 and its predecessor, the G5, I’ve damaged down what every mannequin provides when it comes to sensible options, tech upgrades, and new software program. And whereas at a look the 2 appear almost similar, there are a number of key adjustments that make the G6 OLED a horny selection. 

However if you happen to’re trying to get the same image and audio high quality at a barely higher worth, the LG G5 remains to be a stable possibility. 

Specs

You can purchase the LG G5 OLED TV if…

1. You need premium image and audio high quality

Whereas the G5 OLED won’t be the newest and biggest from LG anymore, it nonetheless provides top-notch image with signature OLED colour accuracy and distinction, in addition to digital encompass sound with Dolby Atmos help. 

A 120Hz refresh charge helps offer you smoother movement whereas watching reside sports activities and streaming, however it may be boosted to 165Hz with the devoted gaming image mode, which helps each Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR. It additionally contains a devoted Filmmaker Mode for film buffs for enhanced detailing.

2. You need a high-performance OLED with fashion

The LG G5 hits the candy spot between a standard TV design and the extra gallery-inspired builds of opponents from Samsung or TCL. The ultra-thin construct permits for flush wall mounting, much like an actual image body, in addition to an edge-to-edge image to assist with the creative phantasm. 

The Gallery Plus app enables you to create slideshows of your favourite artworks and your individual pictures, turning your lounge or residence theater into a private gallery. 

3. You incessantly browse tech gross sales

For the reason that LG G5 is now a era behind, each the model and retailers are extra inclined to supply markdowns throughout sale occasions and one-off reductions in an effort to clear area for brand spanking new inventory. If you happen to preserve a pointy eye on the offers tab of shops like Amazon and Finest Purchase, you possibly can typically snag the G5 OLED for a extra modest worth. 

Because of this even if you happen to’re working with a extra restricted funds when looking for a brand new TV, you’ve an opportunity to get your arms on a premium-grade OLED with out breaking the financial institution. 

You can purchase the LG G6 OLED TV if…

1. You need a brighter, matte OLED display screen

Just like the OLED that got here earlier than it, the G6 makes use of a quad-layer display screen to spice up colour accuracy and brightness. Nevertheless, the G6 can attain a most brightness of three,000 nits, nearly 4 occasions that of the G5. 

With 4 OLED layers stacked on prime of each other, the tandem panel can management every layer independently for near-perfect blacks, brighter whites, and extra correct, bolder colours. The show additionally contains a matte display screen to assist scale back glare and reflections, enhancing visibility in shiny rooms and daylight.

2. You need extra helpful AI integration (first)

The G6 options the LG AI concierge, an built-in assistant that may supply customized leisure choices, TV optimization settings, search suggestions, and even an AI chatbot to assist troubleshoot points. 

Watch: LG pushes OLED TV expertise even brighter in 2026

This replace is nice for anybody who needs to fine-tune image and audio settings with out the trouble of navigating a sequence of complicated menus; the built-in AI assistant mechanically screens and analyzes your favourite media and creates customized audio and movie settings.

3. You need a quicker processor

The twin-layer OLED panel requires loads of energy to get one of the best image. The Alpha 11 processor that LG makes use of was upgraded for the G6, enabling it to push the TV to its technical limits with as much as 50% quicker efficiency. 

Not solely will you get faster-loading apps, however the Alpha 11 also can analyze and upscale many extra frames per second than its predecessor, for higher consistency and smoother real-time upscaling to 4K decision. It additionally makes use of a dual-AI engine that analyzes every body to reinforce sharpness and element. 

Author’s selection

Whereas on a technical stage, each variations of LG’s flagship OLED TV aren’t all that completely different, the G6 does supply a handful of significant updates over its predecessor. The refreshed dual-layer OLED panel provides a brighter image in addition to a matte end for higher visibility in shiny rooms and daylight, whereas the brand new third-gen Alpha 11 processor gives higher energy effectivity and quicker image processing for upscaling in 4K. 

If you happen to’re in search of among the finest OLED TVs in the marketplace and wish to save a bit of cash, the LG G5 could be my selection, because it’s usually on sale — now that it’s a era behind. You will nonetheless get unimaginable image high quality with top-notch audio, a bunch of sensible options, devoted image modes for gaming and streaming films, and a 5-year guarantee.