Choosing Between LG's Flagship Large Format TVs: OLED vs QNED

When you're looking to create a truly cinematic experience at home, few options can match the impact of a 97-98 inch television. Today, we're comparing two of LG's most impressive offerings: the LG 97" G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV ($14,999) and the LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV ($3,999). Let's break down exactly what you get with each and help you make the right choice for your space and needs.

Understanding the Technologies

These TVs represent two different approaches to creating a stunning picture. The G2 OLED uses organic light-emitting diodes - tiny elements that create their own light and can turn completely off for perfect blacks. Think of it like having millions of tiny lightbulbs that can each be controlled independently. Released in 2023, it features LG's latest OLED evo technology, which addresses the historical brightness limitations of OLED displays.

The QNED model, launched in 2024, combines quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color) with mini-LED backlighting (thousands of small LEDs behind the screen). While it can't turn off individual pixels like OLED, it offers impressive brightness and excellent color reproduction at a significantly lower price point.

Real-World Performance

Picture Quality

In a controlled environment like a home theater, the OLED G2 delivers an unmatched viewing experience. The perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio create an almost three-dimensional feel to movies and TV shows. Having spent time with both displays, the difference is most noticeable in dark scenes where the OLED can show subtle details that the QNED might miss.

However, the QNED has its own advantages. In bright rooms, its higher peak brightness (around 1,500 nits compared to the OLED's 1,000) means the picture remains vibrant even with sunlight streaming in. This makes it particularly well-suited for living rooms or spaces where lighting control isn't perfect.

Gaming Performance

Both TVs support modern gaming features, but the G2 OLED has a slight edge. Its near-instantaneous pixel response time (under 1ms) means virtually no motion blur in fast-paced games. Both support variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, but the OLED's perfect blacks and infinite contrast make games look more immersive.

The QNED is still an excellent gaming display, and its higher brightness can be advantageous for games with HDR (High Dynamic Range) effects. Plus, you don't have to worry about potential burn-in from static game elements like health bars or mini-maps.

Installation and Practical Considerations

Both TVs are massive and require careful installation planning. The G2 OLED weighs 123.5 lbs without its stand, while the QNED is slightly heavier at 134.9 lbs. Professional installation is highly recommended for both.

For home theater use, consider that:

• Both support Dolby Atmos audio passthrough
• The OLED's perfect blacks are particularly valuable in a dark room
• The QNED's higher brightness might be overkill in a controlled environment
• Both offer excellent smart TV features through LG's webOS platform

Value Proposition

The price difference between these TVs is substantial - you could buy three QNED TVs for the price of one G2 OLED. This makes the value proposition very different depending on your priorities:

OLED G2 Value Case:

• Best-in-class picture quality
• Perfect for dedicated home theaters
• Superior gaming performance
• Status as a flagship product

QNED Value Case:

• Excellent picture quality at one-third the price
• Better suited for bright rooms
• No burn-in concerns
• More practical for most users

Technology Improvements Over Time

The G2 OLED represents several generations of OLED development, with the evo panel addressing historical brightness limitations. Compared to previous OLEDs, it's about 30% brighter and includes better heat dissipation to maintain peak brightness longer.

The QNED showcases how far LED/LCD technology has come. Its mini-LED backlight offers much better local dimming than traditional LED TVs, while quantum dots provide colors that rival OLED. The 2024 model includes improved processing for better motion handling and upscaling of lower-resolution content.

How to Make Your Decision

Consider these key factors when choosing between the LG 97" G2 OLED and LG 98" QNED:

1. Room Environment
   • Controlled lighting: OLED excels
   • Bright room: QNED is more practical
2. Budget Considerations
   • If budget is no concern: OLED offers the best possible picture
   • If value is important: QNED provides excellent performance per dollar
3. Primary Use Case
   • Critical movie watching: OLED's perfect blacks are unmatched
   • Mixed-use/bright room viewing: QNED's versatility shines
   • Gaming: Both excellent, but OLED has slight advantages
4. Installation Location
   • Dedicated home theater: OLED's perfect blacks are ideal
   • Living room: QNED's brightness and anti-reflective coating work better

Final Thoughts

Both of these TVs represent the pinnacle of their respective technologies. The G2 OLED offers the absolute best picture quality possible today, while the QNED delivers stunning performance at a more accessible price point.

For most users, the QNED's combination of excellent picture quality and reasonable price makes it the smarter choice. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and want the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost, the OLED G2 is unmatched.

Remember that both TVs will provide an impressive viewing experience - the question is whether the OLED's perfect blacks and slightly better gaming performance justify the significant price premium over the very capable QNED.

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

LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices