When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, we've never had better options. Today, I'm comparing two cutting-edge displays that take very different approaches: the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($5,499) and the LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($24,999). While both can deliver stunning 4K images around 100 inches, they represent fundamentally different technologies and value propositions.
Let's start with how these displays create their images, because it affects everything from installation to viewing experience.
The Hisense L9H uses a triple-laser projection system (what they call TriChroma) that bounces light off a special screen. Think of it like three incredibly precise, powerful laser pointers - red, green, and blue - that work together to paint your picture. What's cool about this approach is that lasers can produce incredibly pure colors, and by using three separate ones, the L9H can display more colors than traditional projectors. Released in late 2023, it represents the latest in UST (ultra-short-throw) technology, meaning you can place it just inches from your wall rather than across the room.
The LG G4 OLED, launched in March 2024, takes a completely different approach. Each pixel in its massive 97-inch panel creates its own light and can turn completely off for perfect blacks. This year's model adds something called MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology - think of it as tiny magnifying glasses that help each pixel appear brighter without using more power. It's a clever solution to one of OLED's traditional limitations.
Having spent time with both displays, here's how they perform in key areas:
In a perfectly dark room, the OLED G4 is simply stunning. Those perfect blacks create an almost three-dimensional look to images, especially in HDR content. However, the L9H fights back with raw brightness - at 3,000 lumens, it's significantly brighter than the OLED, making it more versatile when you can't control room lighting.
If you're serious about gaming, the G4 is the clear winner. Its response time (how quickly pixels can change) is nearly instantaneous, and it supports all the latest gaming features like variable refresh rate up to 144Hz. The L9H is perfectly fine for casual gaming with its 30ms input lag, but competitive gamers will notice the difference.
Here's where things get interesting. The L9H comes with a specialized ambient-light-rejecting (ALR) screen that helps maintain image quality even with some lights on. You'll need to mount this screen and position the projector precisely, but once done, you can hide the projector when not in use.
The G4, being a traditional TV (albeit a massive one), just needs wall mounting or its stand. No alignment needed, but it's always visible and takes up significant wall space.
The price difference here is substantial. At $5,499, the Hisense L9H includes both the projector and a 100-inch screen. The LG G4 at $24,999 is a premium product with premium pricing.
However, consider these factors:
In a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting, both displays can shine. The G4's perfect blacks and incredible contrast make it ideal for movie purists, while the L9H's brightness and larger potential screen size (it's also available in 120") might better replicate the commercial theater experience.
For my home theater, I prefer the OLED approach because I value those perfect blacks and watch a lot of darker content. However, if I were building a multipurpose room where ambient light control wasn't perfect, I'd seriously consider the L9H.
For bright living rooms, the decision becomes more complex. The L9H's ALR screen helps combat ambient light, but the G4's direct-view display handles reflections better and maintains contrast even in bright conditions. The G4 also looks more like traditional décor when mounted, while the L9H requires both screen space and a cabinet or shelf for the projector.
For gaming, the G4 is the clear choice if budget allows. Its gaming features, instant response, and support for the latest HDMI 2.1 features make it future-proof for next-gen consoles and PC gaming.
Consider these key factors in order:
Both displays represent the cutting edge of their respective technologies. The Hisense L9H offers incredible value for those wanting a massive, bright image and don't mind some setup complexity. The LG 97" OLED evo G4 delivers the absolute peak of picture quality and gaming performance, if you can stomach the premium price.
For most users, the decision will come down to budget and room environment. If you have a dedicated theater room and want the best possible image quality regardless of cost, the G4 is the way to go. If you want maximum screen size for your dollar and don't mind some setup complexity, the L9H delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost.
Remember, these are both premium products that will provide years of enjoyment. The key is matching their strengths to your specific needs and environment.
| Hisense L9H TriChroma ($5,499) | LG OLED evo G4 97" ($24,999) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines core image quality characteristics | |
| Triple Laser UST Projector with ALR Screen | OLED Panel with MLA Technology |
| Contrast Ratio - Critical for dark scene detail and overall punch | |
| 2,000,000:1 dynamic (good for projector) | Infinite (perfect blacks, best possible) |
| Peak Brightness - Determines HDR impact and daytime viewing capability | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 1,000+ nits (good but dims in bright light) |
| Screen Size - Consider your viewing distance and room size | |
| 100" included ALR screen (can be hidden) | 97" fixed panel (permanent installation) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for competitive gaming | |
| 30ms input lag (acceptable for casual gaming) | <1ms, 144Hz VRR (excellent for all gaming) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider setup complexity and flexibility | |
| Complex: Requires screen mounting and precise alignment | Simple: Standard TV wall mount |
| HDR Support - Affects quality of streaming and movies | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (good but limited by projection) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (exceptional processing) |
| Color Coverage - Impacts color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| 107% BT.2020 (excellent) | 100% DCI-P3 (reference standard) |
| Lifespan Considerations - Long term ownership costs | |
| Laser rated for 25,000 hours, may need replacement | 100,000+ hours, potential burn-in risk |
| Room Light Requirements - Flexibility of viewing environment | |
| Works well with some ambient light due to ALR screen | Better in bright rooms, no screen reflections |
For a dedicated home theater, the LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($24,999) offers superior contrast and perfect blacks that really shine in a dark room. However, the Hisense L9H ($5,499) provides excellent value and comparable screen size. If budget isn't a concern, the G4's OLED technology provides the ultimate theater experience.
The Hisense L9H offers 3,000 ANSI lumens and includes an ALR screen, making it very capable in bright conditions. The LG G4 handles reflections better but can't match the raw brightness of the laser projector. Both are suitable for daytime viewing, but the L9H has an edge in very bright rooms.
The LG G4 OLED is significantly better for gaming, offering 144Hz refresh rate, G-Sync/FreeSync support, and near-instant response time. The Hisense L9H is adequate for casual gaming but its 30ms input lag isn't ideal for competitive play.
The LG G4 requires standard TV mounting, while the Hisense L9H needs both screen installation and precise projector alignment. The G4 is simpler to install but requires permanent wall space, whereas the L9H offers more flexibility but needs more setup effort.
The LG G4 OLED delivers superior HDR performance due to its perfect blacks and precise pixel-level control. While the Hisense L9H supports all HDR formats, its projected image can't match the contrast and precision of OLED technology.
The Hisense L9H laser system is rated for 25,000 hours and may need replacement, plus periodic alignment checks. The LG G4 requires no maintenance but has potential OLED burn-in risk with static images.
At $5,499 including a 100" screen, the Hisense L9H offers excellent value per inch. The LG G4 at $24,999 is significantly more expensive but provides superior image quality and gaming features.
Both can work well, but the Hisense L9H offers more flexibility since the screen can be paired with a motorized housing to hide when not in use. The LG G4 is always visible but looks more like traditional décor.
Both offer comprehensive smart features. The LG G4 uses webOS 24, while the Hisense L9H uses Google TV. Both provide access to all major streaming services, but LG's platform is generally more refined.
Both handle motion well, but the Hisense L9H's higher brightness can be advantageous for daytime sports viewing. The LG G4 offers better viewing angles and motion handling for group viewing.
The Hisense L9H uses triple laser technology to achieve 107% BT.2020 color coverage. The LG G4 provides reference-standard color accuracy and superior color volume due to its OLED technology.
For serious movie watching in a controlled light environment, the LG G4 provides the best possible image quality with perfect blacks and superior contrast. However, the Hisense L9H still delivers excellent movie performance at a much lower price point.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorreviews.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - hometheaterhifi.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - 2001audiovideo.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - content.syndigo.com - rtings.com - marketplace.sce.com - abt.com - youtube.com - walts.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - fullspecs.net - big-georges.com - techradar.com - youtube.com
