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

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If you’re looking to buy the best of the best when it comes to OLED TVs, LG is often the brand of choice, as it is considered one of the top names in OLED models. And with the release of the new G6, it continues to prove why it deserves to remain at the top. But is the annual update really worth the extra cost?

Also: The best OLED TVs you can buy

To help explain where the real differences lie between lg g6 and its predecessor, G5I’ve broken down what each model has to offer in terms of smart features, tech upgrades, and new software. And while at a glance the two look almost identical, there are some key changes that make the G6 OLED an attractive option.

But if you want to get the same picture and audio quality at a slightly better price, the LG G5 is still a solid choice.

Specifications

You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if…

1. You want premium picture and audio quality

Although the G5 OLED may no longer be LG’s latest and greatest, it still delivers a top-notch picture with signature OLED color accuracy and contrast, as well as virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos support.

The 120Hz refresh rate helps give you smooth motion while watching live sports and streaming, but it can be bumped up to 165Hz with a dedicated gaming picture mode, which supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync premium VRR. It also includes a dedicated Filmmaker mode for movie lovers for detailed descriptions.

2. You want a high-performance OLED with style

The LG G5 hits the sweet spot between a traditional TV design and the more gallery-inspired builds of competitors from Samsung or TCL. The ultra-thin build allows for flush wall mounting, similar to a real picture frame, as well as edge-to-edge picture framing to help with the artistic illusion.

Also: LG G5 OLED TV review

The Gallery Plus app lets you create slideshows of your favorite art works and your photos, turning your living room or home theater into a private gallery.

3. You frequently browse tech sales

Since the LG G5 is now a generation behind, both brands and retailers are willing to offer markdowns and one-time discounts during sales events to free up space for new stock. If you keep a keen eye on the deals tabs of retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, you can sometimes get the G5 OLED for a more modest price.

This means that even if you’re working with a more limited budget when shopping for a new TV, you still have the chance to buy a premium-grade OLED without breaking the bank.

You should buy the LG G6 OLED TV if…

1. You want a bright, matte OLED screen

Like the OLED that came before it, the G6 uses a quad-layer screen to enhance color accuracy and brightness. However, the G6 can reach a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, which is almost four times that of the G5.

By stacking four OLED layers on top of each other, the Tandem panel can independently control each layer for nearly perfect blacks, bright whites and more precisely, bold colors. The display also features a matte screen to help reduce glare and reflections, improving visibility in bright rooms and sunlight.

2. You want more useful AI integration (at first)

The G6 features LG AI Concierge, an integrated assistant that will provide personalized entertainment options, TV customization settings, search recommendations, and even an AI chatbot to help with troubleshooting.

WATCH: LG is making OLED TV technology even better in 2026

This update is great for those who want to fine-tune picture and audio settings without the hassle of navigating a series of confusing menus; The integrated AI assistant automatically monitors and analyzes your favorite media and creates custom audio and picture settings.

3. You want a faster processor

Dual-layer OLED panels require a lot of power to get the best picture. The Alpha 11 processor used by LG was upgraded for the G6, enabling it to push the TV to its technical limits with up to 50% faster performance.

Not only will you get faster loading apps, but the Alpha 11 can also analyze and upscale many more frames per second than its predecessor for better stability and easier upscaling in real-time to 4K resolution. It also uses a Dual-AI engine that analyzes each frame to enhance sharpness and detail.

author’s choice

While on a technical level, the two versions of LG’s flagship OLED TV aren’t all that different, the G6 offers some meaningful updates over its predecessor. The refreshed dual-layer OLED panel delivers a bright picture as well as a matte finish for better visibility in bright rooms and sunlight, while the new third-generation Alpha 11 processor delivers improved power efficiency and faster picture processing for upscaling to 4K.

If you’re looking for one of the best OLED TVs on the market And If I wanted to save a little money the LG G5 would be my choice, as it’s often on sale – now that it’s a generation behind. You’ll still get incredible picture quality with great audio, tons of smart features, a dedicated picture mode for gaming and streaming movies, and a 5-year warranty.