Choosing Between LG's Premium 98" Class TVs: OLED vs QNED

When it comes to creating the ultimate home entertainment experience, few things make as big an impact as a massive premium TV. Today, we're comparing two of LG's flagship models: the LG 97" OLED evo G4 ($19,999.99) and the LG 98" QNED ($3,999.99). Both released in early 2024, these TVs represent different approaches to achieving spectacular picture quality at a truly cinematic scale.

Understanding the Technology

Let's start with what makes these TVs different at their core. The OLED evo G4 uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), where each pixel creates its own light. Imagine millions of tiny lightbulbs that can turn completely off or on independently. This technology has been refined over several generations, with the G4 representing LG's latest innovations in brightness and color accuracy.

The QNED model, on the other hand, combines quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color) with LG's NanoCell technology behind an LED backlight. Think of it as having a sophisticated light source behind the screen, with several layers of color-enhancing technology to create the final image. While this might sound less advanced, it brings its own advantages, particularly in bright rooms.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Contrast and Black Levels

The OLED G4 absolutely dominates in this category. Having worked with both technologies, I can tell you that OLED's ability to turn pixels completely off creates a level of contrast that LED-based displays simply can't match. When watching space scenes or dark movies like "The Batman," the blacks are truly black, not the dark gray you might see on other TVs.

The QNED handles contrast well for its technology, using local dimming (where sections of the backlight can dim independently) to create good black levels. However, you might notice some blooming (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds) that you'll never see on the OLED.

Brightness and Color

Here's where things get interesting. The QNED TV can get noticeably brighter, making it better suited for well-lit rooms. Its quantum dot technology produces vibrant colors that really pop, especially in HDR content.

The G4 OLED isn't dim by any means - it's actually significantly brighter than previous OLED generations thanks to LG's latest evo panel technology. However, it still won't match the peak brightness of the QNED. What it does offer is more accurate colors and better gradient handling, meaning you'll see smoother transitions between similar colors.

Gaming Features

Both TVs support 4K gaming, but the OLED G4 takes the lead with its 144Hz refresh rate (meaning it can display up to 144 frames per second) and support for both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. These technologies help prevent screen tearing (where the image appears to split horizontally) during gaming.

The QNED supports gaming at 120Hz with FreeSync, which is still excellent for most gamers. However, the OLED's near-instantaneous response time (how quickly pixels can change color) makes it the superior gaming display.

Value Proposition

This is where the decision gets really interesting. The QNED at $3,999.99 represents excellent value for a premium large-format TV. You're getting a massive 98" screen with very good picture quality and features that will satisfy most viewers.

The OLED G4 at $19,999.99 is five times more expensive. Is it five times better? For most people, probably not. But it does offer the absolute best picture quality available in this size class, and for some enthusiasts or professional users, that premium is worth paying.

Room Considerations and Installation

Both TVs are massive and will require careful installation. I strongly recommend professional mounting for either model. The OLED G4 is slightly lighter but still weighs over 125 pounds.

Consider your room's lighting carefully:

• For bright rooms with lots of windows, the QNED might be the better choice
• For dedicated home theaters or rooms with controlled lighting, the OLED G4 will provide a more cinematic experience

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated home theater setting, the OLED G4's perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio create an absolutely stunning movie-watching experience. The TV's ability to handle dark scenes with precision while maintaining detail in shadows makes it ideal for serious film enthusiasts.

Both TVs support Dolby Vision and HDR10, but the OLED's pixel-level contrast control makes HDR content look more dimensional and lifelike. When watching movies like "Dune" or "Blade Runner 2049," you'll notice subtle details in dark scenes that might be lost on the QNED.

Who Should Buy Each TV?

Choose the LG OLED G4 if:

• You're building a high-end home theater
• Picture quality is your absolute priority
• You watch a lot of movies in dark room conditions
• You're a serious gamer who needs the best response times
• Budget isn't a primary concern

Choose the LG QNED if:

• You want excellent picture quality at a more reasonable price
• Your viewing area is typically bright
• You watch a lot of sports or bright content
• You're concerned about burn-in (although this is less of an issue with modern OLEDs)
• You want the best value proposition

Technical Evolution and Future-Proofing

Both TVs represent the latest in their respective technologies. The G4 OLED builds on LG's previous generations with improved brightness and processing, while the QNED demonstrates how far LED/LCD technology has come with quantum dots and advanced local dimming.

Looking forward, both TVs support the latest HDMI 2.1 features and smart platforms, meaning they should remain capable and relevant for years to come. The QNED might have a slight advantage in longevity for users worried about OLED burn-in, although modern OLED panels have significantly improved in this regard.

Final Thoughts

These TVs represent two different philosophies in home entertainment. The LG OLED G4 is the no-compromise option for those seeking the absolute best picture quality, while the LG QNED offers tremendous value while still delivering excellent performance.

For most buyers, the QNED's combination of features, performance, and price make it the more sensible choice. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and want the best possible picture quality, the OLED G4's superior contrast and color accuracy might justify its premium price.

Remember that either TV will provide an impressive viewing experience - the key is matching the technology to your specific needs and environment.

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

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