LG и Samsung: which TV is better?

With so many television brands on the market, narrowing the choice to two or three is not an easy task. However, if you are considering options between Samsung and LG, you are on the right way. These two giants are among the world’s top TV manufacturers and represent their own competition in a saturated consumer market.

So, which brand is the best choice for you? If you are looking for an answer to this question, then you have applied to the address! We have conducted a careful comparison of LG and Samsung TVs to help determine which brand best suits you.

LG TV versus Samsung TV – Quick comparison

Before we delve deeper into the differences and similarities between the two brands, let’s start with a few basics to remember. Both Samsung and LG are South Korean technology brands that began operations in 1938 and 1947 respectively. These two brands have the same global reach and have a strong presence in the US and Europe.

Given their size and reputation, it is no surprise that both companies produce several models of TVs every year. Regardless of your budget, size, shape, image quality or processing capabilities you are looking for, LG and Samsung will take care of you.

Moreover, it also means that comparing the two brands as a whole can be a difficult task. Indeed, what is different, for example, TV Samsung 32 inch from similar LG model with the same size diagonal? We consider the most important characteristics of both brands and highlight several models from both manufacturers to see how they fit together.

Features: Face to Face

Screen technology

The technology of the screen panels is one of the first and most important aspects in which the two manufacturers differ markedly. LG TVs use OLED panel technology, which can emit its own light instead of using backlight. It provides bright colors, deep level black and excellent darkening properties.

Samsung panels use QLED technology. QLED panels are LED panels reinforced by Samsung quantum dot technology. In general, both panel technologies are equally excellent. However, OLED technology is better suited for high-quality video formats in dark environments, while QLED panels can provide a much brighter picture.

Image processor

In addition to using various panel technologies, both companies also use different image processing processors. LG uses α9 Intelligent processor, the newest in its line of processors. It combines advanced image processing with deep learning algorithms based on artificial intelligence.

Samsung TVs use a Neo Quantum image processor similar to what LG has to offer. In addition, the Neo Quantum processor is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence scaling technology to produce stunning images. This technology is especially noticeable in high-quality Samsung 8K TVs.

Motion technology

Both manufacturers have mastered motion technology for their televisions. LG has the advantage in the area of traffic technology, as most of its TVs provide instant response time. However, Samsung models also provide excellent response time. And while you can see some twinkling on both LG and Samsung TVs, it’s barely noticeable even with high-definition games.

Quality of the image

As the two leading TV manufacturers, LG and Samsung offer a diverse range of TV models. With regard to supported permissions, their TVs range from 1366 x 768 to 8K and cover all possible intermediate permissions. When assessing overall image quality, we need to take into account several key features. We will consider them one by one in the following sections:

Contrast Ratio / Black Level

The contrast ratio is another element in which you can see the marked difference between the two brands. LG works much better than Samsung in this category. LG TVs can also turn off individual pixels. This allows them to create perfect black colors even in dim light.

Samsung TVs, especially the more expensive, tend to also provide excellent contrast. However, they cannot compare to what LG TVs offer.

Local dimming

When we talk about the possibilities of local dimming, LG surpasses Samsung in this category. As with contrast, the ability of LG to disable each pixel individually eliminates the need for local blackout. In other words, all OLED LG TVs come with no backlight function.

For comparison, although Samsung TVs cannot compare to the LG models in this category, they still offer excellent local dimming functions. If you buy any middle class model or better, you can count on a full set of blackout features.

Peak brightness

Unlike the previous two categories, Samsung is much better when it comes to maximum brightness. This applies to all price ranges and TV models. To better understand how Samsung excels LG in this category, we will use the example of Samsung Q90 and LG B8. In the table below you can see a detailed comparison of their maximum brightness characteristics:

Colour

Samsung and LG TVs have an equally impressive range of colors. However, Samsung TVs tend to display better color volume. Due to the features of their panels, Samsung models can easily reproduce bright and dark colors, but with difficulty create a pronounced blue color. On the contrary, LG TVs cannot effectively transmit bright colors.

Angle of view

One of the main problems with Samsung’s OLED panel technology are the relatively low viewing angles compared to what LG can offer. Samsung models with Ultra Viewing Angle optical layer significantly improve this, but still not to the level that can compare to what LG offers.

Conversely, LG TVs provide superior image quality even at wide viewing angles. Some color shifts are still observed, but not as much as in Samsung models. So no matter which OLED TV you choose, you can always count on better viewing angles for LG TVs compared to their Samsung counterparts in the same price range.

Reflections / Anti-glare coating

Despite the fact that these two brands use different technologies for manufacturing panels, they offer equally high-efficiency reflective processing. For this reason, LG and Samsung TVs are an excellent choice for light rooms. Most LG and Samsung TVs have glossy or at least semi-glossy screen finishes. This provides clearer reflections and improved light diffusion compared to television brands and models that do not use this technology.

Sound quality

As for the sound quality, the two brands are roughly equal. Their mid-range models provide a decent frequency characteristic and sound distortion performance. As you move into more expensive models, you can expect more powerful basses and louder speakers. However, sound quality is not something that stands out especially for LG or Samsung models compared to other competitors.

Smart TV platform (operating system)

Both brands use their own operating platforms. LG uses WebOS, a simple and minimalist operating system that is very easy to navigate. The latest version of WebOS is 6.0, which introduced many changes, primarily to the initial screen. However, this version is only available in newer models as most LG TVs use the 4.0 WebOS platform.

Samsung supports a similar optimized Smart TV platform with its Tizen OS. Both intelligent platforms use the same horizontal application placement. However, the LG software for artificial intelligence ThinQ is more impressive than the Samsung search algorithm. In general, Samsung and LG have equally outstanding Smart TV platform.

Voice assistants

Most LG models released since 2018 offer excellent voice support features. They offer a combination of Google Assistant and artificial intelligence ThinQ to provide a wide range of actions. These include the ability to switch between HDMI ports via voice commands, open apps, and even search for content in popular applications like Youtube and Netflix. In addition, some LG TVs are also compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Samsung offers patented voice support technology in the form of a digital Bixby assistant. Bixby offers reliable support for voice control, but not as comprehensive as LG voice assistant. You can use basic functions such as searching for content and configuring basic commands.

However, the control and search functions in the application cause some difficulties, as there is no clear information about which applications support Bixby voice search. Given all this, LG has a little better voice assistant functions than Samsung.

Wireless technology

In the context of wireless technologies, there is no special place for differentiation between the two brands. Both Samsung and LG are equipped with the same wireless technology. Support Wi-Fi is required for all models of Smart TV with a frequency of 2.4 and 5 GHz.

In addition, if you choose a more expensive model of any brand, you can count on Bluetooth support. From this point of view, no matter which manufacturer you choose, you can expect equally good wireless technology performance.

Price

Of course, it is impossible to determine which TV is best suited to your needs and preferences without considering your budget. And when discussing television prices, this is the area where LG has a clear advantage.

Samsung TVs, like other company products, usually have a higher price than competitors’ products. So if you have a limited budget and you can’t afford to pay for the Samsung brand, LG TVs are the perfect alternative. Often you can buy a TV LG with almost the same features as Samsung, except for a significantly lower price.

Conclusion

Given all the points we discussed in this brand comparison, it is safe to say that LG and Samsung TVs offer top quality products. Both TVs provide impressive image quality, high-performance Smart TV platforms and many other convenient functions.

This comparison is primarily limited to the specific preferences you may have when choosing a new TV.

• If you are economical, prefer OLED-screen technology and want a little more powerful intelligent platform in general, LG TVs are the right option.
• If you want to buy a TV with a stronger brand, want functions like HDR 10+, and prefer QLED displays, Samsung is the best choice for you.