When I decided to buy a new TV, I was faced with a dilemma: LG OLED vs Samsung QLED. These are two of the most popular and advanced TV technologies in the market, but they have some key differences.
In this article, I will compare them in terms of picture quality, features, performance, and price, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is the purpose of this article?
The purpose of this article is to help you choose between LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs based on your budget, room conditions, viewing habits, and content preferences. I will compare the two technologies in four aspects: picture quality, features, performance, and price. I will also give you some recommendations based on different scenarios and factors. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which TV is better for you.
Key Take Away – LG OLED vs Samsung QLED
If you do not wish to go through the entire article, you can find my preferred models in this section.
LG OLED and Samsung QLED are both excellent TV technologies, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. OLED TVs offer superior picture quality, especially in dark rooms, but they are more expensive and prone to burn-in. QLED TVs offer brighter and more colorful pictures, especially in bright rooms, but they have lower contrast and viewing angles.
The best TV for you depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget.
Here are some general recommendations based on different situations:
Go for these models under any of the below conditions – 42 Inch | 48 Inch | 55 Inch | 65 Inch
- If you want the best picture quality and don’t mind paying more.
- If you watch a lot of movies and shows in a dark or dim room.
- If you are a gamer who wants the best performance and features
Go for these models under any of the below conditions- 43 Inch | 50 Inch | 55 Inch | 65 Inch
- If you want a bright TV with more features and a lower price
- If you watch a lot of sports and games in a bright or sunny room
- If you are a casual viewer who wants a good balance of quality and value
Note:
- There is not much difference in performance between LG C2 and G2 series TVs but the price difference is significant. Hence, I recommend buying the C2 Series LG OLEDs above – You can check out LG G2 Series by Clicking Here
- Similarly, I have not considered the Samsung NEO QLED TV. I feel it is priced way too high (Check Here) – Instead, opt for the LG OLED I linked above.
LG OLED vs Samsung QLED – Detailed Comparison
1. LG OLED vs Samsung QLED: Picture Quality
One of the most important aspects of choosing a TV is the picture quality. How do OLED and QLED TVs compare in this regard? Let’s look at some of the key factors that affect the picture quality of a TV: contrast ratio, black level, color accuracy, brightness, HDR, and viewing angles.
a. Contrast ratio and black level
The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and the darkest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means more details and depth in the picture. Black level is the ability of a TV to produce pure black or the absence of light. A lower black level means better contrast and more realistic shadows.
OLED TVs have an advantage over QLED TVs in this aspect, because they can turn off individual pixels completely, creating perfect blacks and infinite contrast. This is possible because OLED TVs use self-lit pixels that emit their own light and do not need a backlight.
LG OLED TVs use a technology called self-lit sub-pixels, which are four times smaller than conventional pixels, allowing for more precise control over brightness and color. LG also uses an α9 Gen 4 AI processor that optimizes the contrast for different scenes and content types.
QLED TVs, on the other hand, rely on an LED backlight that illuminates the whole screen or zones of it, creating some light leakage and reducing the contrast. This is because QLED TVs use a layer of quantum dots that enhance the color and brightness of the LED backlight, but do not emit their own light.
Samsung QLED TVs use a technology called Mini LED, which uses smaller and more numerous LEDs than conventional LED TVs, allowing for more precise local dimming and higher brightness.
Samsung also uses a Quantum Processor 4K that analyzes the input signal and adjusts the contrast for different scenes and content types.
b. Color accuracy and brightness
Color accuracy is the ability of a TV to reproduce colors that are close to the original source or the real world. A higher color accuracy means more natural and vivid colors. Brightness is the amount of light that a TV can produce. A higher brightness means more visibility and clarity in bright or dark environments.
QLED TVs have an advantage over OLED TVs in this aspect because they can produce higher levels of brightness and color accuracy, thanks to their quantum dot technology. Quantum dots are tiny crystals that enhance the color and brightness of the LED backlight, creating stunning colors and HDR peak.
Samsung QLED TVs use a technology called Quantum HDR, which analyzes each scene frame by frame and adjusts the brightness to reveal more details in both dark and bright areas. Samsung also uses a 100% Color Volume technology, which means that QLED TVs can display all colors at any level of brightness without losing saturation.
OLED TVs, on the other hand, have lower brightness and color accuracy, because they rely on organic materials that degrade over time and lose their efficiency. OLED TVs also have a lower peak brightness than QLED TVs, which means they may not be as visible in bright rooms or with HDR content.
LG OLED TVs use a technology called Dolby Vision IQ, which adapts the HDR picture quality to the ambient light conditions and content genre. LG also uses 100% Color Fidelity technology, which means that OLED TVs can reproduce colors that are close to the original source or the real world.
Suggested Read – MI vs Samsung TVs in India – Comparison
c. HDR and viewing angles
HDR stands for high dynamic range, which is a technology that expands the range of colors and contrast that a TV can display. HDR makes the picture more realistic and immersive, especially for dark or bright scenes. Viewing angles are the angles at which you can watch a TV without losing picture quality. Wider viewing angles mean more flexibility and comfort for different seating positions.
OLED TVs have an advantage over QLED TVs in this aspect, because they can display HDR content with more accuracy and consistency, thanks to their perfect blacks and infinite contrast. OLED TVs also have wider viewing angles, because their pixels emit their own light and do not depend on a backlight that can distort the colors or contrast from different angles.
LG OLED TVs support various HDR formats such as Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro. LG also uses an Ultra Viewing Angle technology, which reduces reflections and enhances color from any angle.
QLED TVs, on the other hand, have lower HDR performance and viewing angles, because their backlight limits their contrast ratio and creates some blooming or halo effects around bright objects. QLED TVs also have narrower viewing angles, because their VA panels lose color and contrast when viewed from the sides.
Samsung QLED TVs support various HDR formats such as Quantum HDR 32x, HDR10+ Adaptive and HLG. Samsung also uses an Anti Reflection technology, which reduces glare and enhances contrast from any angle.
Summary
In terms of picture quality, OLED TVs are generally considered to be the better option due to their perfect blacks and infinite contrast. However, QLED TVs can still produce very high levels of brightness and color accuracy, and they are often more affordable than OLED TVs. Both technologies have the same resolution and can achieve 8K.
Neither technology has major inherent advantages in color or video processing, although QD-OLED could deliver improved color.
OLED’s unbeatable superiority in response time gives it the win, even if most people may never notice the difference. With QLED screens, the best viewing angle is dead center, and the picture quality diminishes in brightness, color, and contrast the further you move side to side or up and down.
2. LG OLED vs Samsung QLED: Features Comparison
Another important aspect of choosing a TV is the features that enhance the user experience and convenience. How do LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs compare in this regard? Let’s look at some of the key features that make these TVs smart, versatile, and user-friendly.
a. Smart TV platform and voice assistants
Smart TV platform is the software that runs on the TV and allows you to access various apps, streaming services, settings and features. Voice assistants are built-in or compatible devices that enable you to control the TV with your voice commands.
LG OLED TVs use a smart TV platform called webOS, which is fast, intuitive and easy to use. WebOS offers a wide range of apps, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV, and more.
WebOS also supports various voice assistants, such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and LG ThinQ AI. You can use these voice assistants to search for content, adjust settings, control smart home devices, and more.
Samsung QLED TVs use a smart TV platform called Tizen, which is also fast, intuitive, and easy to use. Tizen offers a similar range of apps as webOS, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV, and more.
Tizen also supports various voice assistants, such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung Bixby. You can use these voice assistants to search for content, adjust settings, control smart home devices, and more.
Both webOS and Tizen are excellent smart TV platforms that offer a lot of features and convenience. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their personal preferences, app availability, and compatibility with other devices.
b. Remote control and connectivity
These LG TVs come with a remote control called Magic Remote, which has a unique design and functionality. Magic Remote has a built-in microphone for voice commands, a scroll wheel for easy navigation, dedicated buttons for Netflix and Prime Video, and a motion sensor for pointing and clicking on the screen.
Magic Remote also supports NFC technology, which enables a feature called Magic Tap. Magic Tap allows you to mirror your smartphone screen on the TV or vice versa by simply tapping your phone on the remote.
Samsung QLED TVs come with a remote control called SolarCell Remote Control, which has an eco-friendly design and functionality. SolarCell Remote Control has a built-in microphone for voice commands, dedicated buttons for Netflix and Prime Video, and a solar panel on the back that can charge the remote with indoor or outdoor light.
SolarCell Remote Control also supports Bluetooth technology, which enables a feature called Tap View. Tap View allows you to mirror your smartphone screen on the TV by simply tapping your phone on the TV.
Both Magic Remote and SolarCell Remote Control are innovative and convenient devices that offer different features and benefits. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their personal preferences, usage habits, and battery life.
c. Gaming performance and features
Gaming performance is the ability of the TV to display fast-moving content in high resolution and smooth graphics. Gaming features are the special modes or settings that enhance the gaming experience on the TV.
LG OLED TVs are known for their excellent gaming performance and features, thanks to their self-lit pixels that can achieve fast response time, low input lag, and variable refresh rate.
LG OLED TVs also support various gaming features, such as NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync compatibility, HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K@120Hz support, Game Optimizer mode with HDR tone mapping and sound tuning, HGiG profile for HDR gaming calibration and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for automatic game mode activation.
Samsung QLED TVs are also known for their excellent gaming performance and features, thanks to their quantum dot technology that can achieve high brightness, color accuracy, and HDR peak.
Samsung QLED TVs also support various gaming features, such as NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility (only on Q80C series), HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K@120Hz support (only on the Q80C series), Game Motion Plus mode with motion interpolation and noise reduction (only on Q70C series), Dynamic Black Equalizer mode for enhanced visibility in dark scenes (only on Q80C series), HGiG profile for HDR gaming calibration (only on Q80C series) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for automatic game mode activation.
Both LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs are great choices for gamers who want to enjoy immersive and responsive gaming on a big screen. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their gaming preferences, console compatibility, and budget.
Summary
In terms of features, LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs offer a lot of smart, versatile, and user-friendly options that can enhance your TV experience. However, some features may be exclusive or superior to one or the other, depending on the model and series. Therefore, you may want to compare the specific features of the TV models that you are interested in before making a decision.
3. LG OLED vs Samsung QLED: Performance Review
The final aspect of choosing a TV is the performance that reflects the quality and efficiency of the TV. How do LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs compare in this regard? Let’s look at some of the key performance indicators that measure the TV’s capabilities and limitations.
a. Brightness and contrast ratio
Brightness is the amount of light that a TV can produce, measured in nits or candelas per square meter (cd/m2). The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and the darkest parts of an image, measured by dividing the luminance of the brightest color by that of the darkest color.
Samsung QLED TVs have an advantage over LG OLED TVs in this aspect because they can produce higher levels of brightness, thanks to their quantum dot technology and Mini LED backlight. Samsung QLED TVs can reach up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, which is ideal for HDR content and bright rooms.
Samsung QLED TVs also have a high contrast ratio, thanks to their precise local dimming and quantum dot filters, which can block some of the light leakage from the backlight.
LG OLED TVs have a lower brightness than Samsung QLED TVs because they rely on organic materials that degrade over time and lose their efficiency. LG OLED TVs can reach up to 800 nits of peak brightness, which is still sufficient for most HDR content and dark rooms. LG OLED TVs also have an infinite contrast ratio, thanks to their self-lit pixels that can turn off completely, creating perfect blacks and no light leakage.
Both Samsung QLED and LG OLED TVs can deliver stunning picture quality with high brightness and contrast ratio. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their viewing environment, HDR preferences, and eye comfort.
b. Color accuracy and color gamut
Color accuracy is the ability of a TV to reproduce colors that are close to the original source or the real world. Color gamut is the range of colors that a TV can display, measured by the percentage of a color space that it covers.
LG OLED TVs have an advantage over Samsung QLED TVs in this aspect, because they can achieve higher color accuracy, thanks to their self-lit pixels that can produce pure colors without any interference from a backlight.
LG OLED TVs also have a wide color gamut, thanks to their quantum dot technology that can enhance the color spectrum of the pixels. LG OLED TVs can cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is the standard for digital cinema and HDR content.
Samsung QLED TVs have a lower color accuracy than LG OLED TVs because they rely on a backlight that can affect the color reproduction of the pixels. Samsung QLED TVs also have a wide color gamut, thanks to their quantum dot technology that can enhance the color spectrum of the backlight. Samsung QLED TVs can also cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is the standard for digital cinema and HDR content.
Both LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs can display vivid and natural colors with a wide color gamut. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their personal preferences, content sources, and calibration settings.
c. Response time and input lag
Response time is the time that it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another, measured in milliseconds (ms). Input lag is the time that it takes for a TV to process an input signal from a source device, such as a gaming console or a PC, measured in milliseconds (ms).
LG OLED TVs have an advantage over Samsung QLED TVs in this aspect because they can achieve faster response time and lower input lag, thanks to their self-lit pixels that can switch on and off instantly. LG OLED TVs can achieve a response time of 1 ms, which is ideal for fast-moving content and gaming. LG OLED TVs also have a low input lag of around 10 ms, which is ideal for responsive gaming and PC use.
Samsung QLED TVs have a slower response time and higher input lag than LG OLED TVs because they rely on a backlight that can cause some motion blur and ghosting effects. Samsung QLED TVs can achieve a response time of around 10 ms, which is still good for most content and gaming. Samsung QLED TVs also have a low input lag of around 10 ms, which is still good for responsive gaming and PC use.
Both LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs can deliver smooth motion and graphics with fast response time and low input lag. However, some users may prefer one over the other based on their motion sensitivity, gaming preferences, and console compatibility.
Summary
In terms of performance, LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs offer a lot of quality and efficiency that can satisfy most users. However, some performance indicators may be better or worse for one or the other, depending on the model and series. Therefore, you may want to compare the specific performance of the TV models that you are interested in before making a decision.
4. LG OLED vs Samsung QLED: Price Comparison in India
The final factor that may influence your decision is the price of the TV. How do LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs compare in this regard? Let’s look at some of the average prices of different models and series of these TVs in India.
a. LG OLED TV price range
LG OLED TVs are generally considered to be premium and expensive TVs, due to their superior picture quality and features. However, LG also offers some affordable models and series that can fit your budget and needs. Here are some of the average prices of LG OLED TVs in India, as of July 2023:
- LG OLED A1 Series: This is the entry-level series of LG OLED TVs, which offers basic features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 70,000 for a 48-inch model, Rs. 98,000 for a 55-inch model, and Rs. 1,20,000 for a 65-inch model.
- LG OLED B2 Series: This is the mid-range series of LG OLED TVs, which offers improved features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 1,49,000 for a 65-inch model.
- LG OLED C1 Series: This is the flagship series of LG OLED TVs, which offers the best features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 98,000 for a 55-inch model, Rs. 1,50,000 for a 65-inch model, and Rs. 2,50,000 for a 77-inch model.
- LG OLED G1 Series: This is the premium series of LG OLED TVs, which offers OLED evo technology for enhanced brightness and contrast. The average price of this series is around Rs. 1,90,000 for a 55-inch model and Rs. 2,90,000 for a 65-inch model.
b. Samsung QLED TV price range
Samsung QLED TVs are also generally considered to be premium and expensive TVs, due to their high brightness and color accuracy. However, Samsung also offers some affordable models and series that can fit your budget and needs. Here are some of the average prices of Samsung QLED TVs in India, as of July 2023:
- Samsung Q60A Series: This is the entry-level series of Samsung QLED TVs, which offers basic features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 80,000 for a 50-inch model, Rs. 90,000 for a 55-inch model and Rs. 1,30,000 for a 65-inch model.
- Samsung Q70A Series: This is the mid-range series of Samsung QLED TVs, which offers improved features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 1,10,000 for a 55-inch model and Rs. 1,60,000 for a 65-inch model.
- Samsung Q80A Series: This is the flagship series of Samsung QLED TVs, which offers the best features and performance. The average price of this series is around Rs. 1,40,000 for a 55-inch model and Rs. 2,00,000 for a 65-inch model.
- Samsung QN90A Series: This is the premium series of Samsung QLED TVs, which offers the Neo QLED technology with Mini LED backlight for enhanced brightness and contrast. The average price of this series is around Rs. 2,00,000 for a 55-inch model and Rs. 3,00,000 for a 65-inch model.
Summary
In terms of price, LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs are both expensive options that can offer you a lot of value and quality for your money. However, some models and series may be more affordable or expensive than others depending on their features and performance. Therefore you may want to compare the specific prices of the TV models that you are interested in before making a decision.
Conclusion
LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs are both excellent choices for anyone who wants to enjoy a high-quality TV experience. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses that may suit different users and preferences. Here is a summary of the main differences and similarities between LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs:
- LG OLED TVs have perfect blacks and infinite contrast, while Samsung QLED TVs have high brightness and color accuracy.
- LG OLED TVs have higher color fidelity and wider viewing angles, while Samsung QLED TVs have higher peak brightness and color volume.
- LG OLED TVs have faster response time and lower input lag, while Samsung QLED TVs have higher brightness and contrast ratio.
- LG OLED TVs use webOS and Magic Remote as their smart TV platform and remote control, while Samsung QLED TVs use Tizen and SolarCell Remote Control as their smart TV platform and remote control.
- LG OLED TVs support various gaming features, such as NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, HDMI 2.1, Game Optimizer and HGiG, while Samsung QLED TVs support some of these features only on certain models and series.
- LG OLED TVs are generally more expensive than Samsung QLED TVs, but they also offer some affordable models and series.
Ultimately, the choice between LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs depends on your personal preferences, budget and needs. You may want to consider the following questions before making a decision:
- What is your viewing environment? Do you watch TV in a dark or bright room?
- What kind of content do you watch? Do you prefer movies, shows, sports or gaming?
- What are your motion sensitivity and eye comfort levels? Do you prefer smooth motion or vivid colors?
- What are your smart TV and remote control preferences? Do you use voice assistants or smartphone mirroring?
- What is your budget and price range? How much are you willing to spend on a TV?
We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences and similarities between LG OLED and Samsung QLED TVs. You can also check out our detailed reviews of different models and series of these TVs for more information. Happy TV shopping!