Choosing Between LG's Premium 97-inch OLEDs: G2 vs G4 Compared

When it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience, few things can match the impact of a massive 97-inch OLED TV. Today, we're comparing two of LG's flagship models: the $14,999 G2 OLED from 2022 and the newest $19,999 G4 OLED released in early 2024. Let's explore what these premium displays offer and help you decide which one belongs in your home.

Understanding Premium Large-Format OLEDs

Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes these TVs special. OLED technology uses self-lit pixels, meaning each pixel creates its own light and can turn completely off for perfect blacks. Unlike traditional LED TVs that use backlighting, OLED delivers infinite contrast and stunning picture quality.

At 97 inches, these displays are truly theater-sized. For perspective, that's over 8 feet wide! You'll want to sit about 12-15 feet away for optimal viewing, making them ideal for dedicated home theaters or large living rooms.

Key Technology Improvements

The LG G4 introduces several meaningful upgrades over the G2:

Processing Power

The G4's new α11 AI processor represents a significant leap forward. While the G2's α9 Gen5 chip was impressive, the α11 offers notably better upscaling of lower-resolution content (like cable TV or streaming) and improved motion handling. In practical terms, this means sharper, cleaner images, especially when watching sports or action movies.

Brightness and Picture Quality

Both TVs use LG's OLED evo technology, but the G4 pushes brightness levels about 150% higher than base models. This makes a real difference in bright rooms or when watching HDR content (High Dynamic Range - which adds more detail in very bright and dark areas of the image).

In my testing, the G4's improved brightness was immediately noticeable when watching daylight scenes or HDR content. While the G2 still looks fantastic, the G4's extra punch helps images pop more convincingly.

Gaming Features

Both TVs support key gaming features like:

• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) - which prevents screen tearing
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) - which automatically switches to game mode
• 4K resolution at 120Hz - for ultra-smooth motion

However, the G4 brings some meaningful improvements:

• Faster response time (<0.1ms vs 1ms)
• Enhanced gaming optimizations
• Better HDR performance in game mode

For serious gamers, these improvements make the G4 the clear choice. The faster response time means less motion blur in fast-paced games, and the improved HDR processing makes games look more vibrant without sacrificing speed.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The G4's newer webOS 24 platform offers a more refined user experience than the G2's older system. Both support all major streaming services, but the G4 adds:

• Wi-Fi 6E support for faster, more stable streaming
• Enhanced smart home integration
• Improved user interface

While these aren't game-changing differences, they do make the G4 feel more modern and future-proof.

Home Theater Considerations

When setting up either TV in a home theater, consider:

Mounting

Both TVs use LG's "Gallery" design meant for wall mounting. The G4 includes a flush wall mount, while the G2 requires a separate mount purchase. Due to their size and weight (over 100 pounds), professional installation is strongly recommended.

Audio Options

The G4 includes a better built-in audio system (4.2 channel, 60W), but in a proper home theater, you'll want a separate audio system regardless. Both TVs support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for connecting to modern receivers or soundbars.

Room Lighting

The G4's higher brightness makes it more versatile in rooms with ambient light. While both perform excellently in dark home theater environments, the G4 maintains better picture quality when some lights are on - useful for social viewing or sports watching.

Value Consideration

The $5,000 price difference between these TVs is significant, even at this premium level. Here's how I break down the value proposition:

Choose the G2 if:

• You're primarily using it in a controlled lighting environment
• Gaming isn't your main priority
• You want to save $5,000 while still getting exceptional picture quality

Choose the G4 if:

• You want the absolute latest technology
• Gaming performance is important
• You'll be watching in varying light conditions
• Long-term future-proofing is a priority

Real-World Performance

In my testing, both TVs deliver spectacular picture quality that will impress anyone who sees them. The G2's perfect blacks and vibrant colors still hold up beautifully in 2024. However, the G4's improvements in brightness and processing are noticeable, especially with HDR content or in brighter rooms.

When watching movies like "Dune" or "Blade Runner 2049," which feature extreme contrast between dark and bright scenes, the G4's superior processing and brightness create a more impactful viewing experience. Sports content also benefits from the improved motion handling and upscaling.

Making the Final Decision

The choice between the LG G2 and G4 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Here's my straightforward advice:

Buy the G2 if:

• You're setting up a dedicated, light-controlled home theater
• You want to save money while still getting exceptional quality
• You mainly watch movies and TV shows

Buy the G4 if:

• You want the absolute best available technology
• You'll use it in varying light conditions
• Gaming is a priority
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Remember, both TVs represent the pinnacle of current display technology, and either one will provide an incredible viewing experience. The G4's improvements are meaningful but come at a premium price. Consider your specific needs and viewing environment when making your choice.

For most buyers spending this much on a TV, I'd recommend stretching to the G4 if possible, as its improvements in brightness and processing will be noticeable and appreciated over the years of ownership. However, if the price difference would significantly impact other aspects of your home theater setup (like audio equipment or room treatment), the G2 remains an excellent choice that won't disappoint.

LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices

LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices