Are LG Televisions Better Than Samsung?

Choosing between an LG and a Samsung TV can be challenging. Both are leading manufacturers with options ranging from budget-friendly to premium models. This article compares LG and Samsung TVs, focusing on key features and technologies to help you decide which brand best suits your needs.

Picture Quality: QLED vs. OLED

Samsung is renowned for its QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology, which excels in brightness and vibrant colors. QLED TVs utilize an LED backlight projected onto a quantum dot layer, producing a stunningly bright picture, ideal for brightly lit rooms. However, QLED can sometimes exhibit white bleeding or a blooming effect in dark scenes, slightly reducing contrast.

LG specializes in OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology, known for its perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Each pixel in an OLED panel emits its own light, allowing for precise control over brightness and darkness. This results in exceptional picture quality with deep blacks and rich colors, especially beneficial in dark rooms or for home theater setups. However, OLED TVs generally aren’t as bright as QLED TVs.

8K Resolution

Both Samsung and LG offer 8K televisions, but Samsung boasts a wider selection, particularly in its Neo QLED lineup. Samsung’s 8K QLED TVs deliver exceptional brightness and vibrancy, enhancing even dimly lit scenes. While LG offers 8K OLED and QNED MiniLED options, Samsung’s QN900D series, for example, often surpasses them in contrast and overall picture quality due to extreme brightness and vivid colors.

Artificial Intelligence

Samsung heavily integrates AI into its TVs, leveraging it for features like AI Upscaling Pro, which enhances lower-resolution content to near 4K or 8K quality in real-time. Recent advancements include Color Booster Pro for more vibrant colors and HDR Remastering to improve dynamic range. Features like Click to Search provide contextual information about scenes using the AI button on the remote.

LG’s WebOS platform also incorporates AI, primarily for voice control and user profile management. While LG TVs support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, some models offer voice recognition to switch between personalized profiles with individual settings and preferences.

Screen Size and Options

LG offers a broader range of OLED TV sizes, including smaller 42 and 48-inch models, catering to various room sizes and viewing preferences. For larger spaces, LG’s OLEDs extend to impressive 85 and 97-inch options. Samsung’s OLED lineup currently has a maximum size of 77 inches. LG also provides NanoCell TVs, a more budget-friendly alternative to OLED, but with slightly reduced contrast and brightness.

Smart Home Integration

LG TVs running WebOS often boast compatibility with HomeKit, Apple’s smart home ecosystem, a relatively rare feature among smart TVs. This allows seamless integration with other HomeKit devices. Specific LG models also support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control and smart home automation.

Samsung TVs utilize the Tizen operating system, which primarily focuses on its own smart home ecosystem and features. While offering some integration with other platforms, Tizen’s strength lies within Samsung’s ecosystem.

Conclusion

The “better” TV brand ultimately depends on individual priorities. Samsung excels in brightness, 8K resolution, and AI-powered upscaling, making its QLED TVs ideal for bright rooms and those seeking cutting-edge technology. LG shines with its OLED technology, offering superior black levels, contrast, and wider size options, making them perfect for home theaters and dark room viewing. Consider your specific needs, budget, and viewing environment to determine which brand best suits your preferences.