Choosing Between Today's Top OLED TVs: A Complete Guide

Today we're comparing two flagship OLED TVs - the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV ($3,199) and the LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV ($2,599). Both represent the cutting edge of TV technology in 2024, but they take slightly different approaches to delivering an amazing picture.

Understanding OLED TV Technology in 2024

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes OLED special. Unlike regular LED TVs that use a backlight, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs have pixels that create their own light. This means they can turn individual pixels completely off for perfect blacks, creating incredible contrast that regular TVs just can't match.

Both of these TVs use the latest MLA (Micro Lens Array) OLED technology - think of it like adding tiny magnifying glasses to each pixel to make them brighter without using more power. This is a big step forward from earlier OLED TVs that some found too dim for bright rooms.

Picture Quality: A Tale of Two Approaches

The LG G4 and Panasonic OLED take different paths to picture excellence. The LG focuses on brightness and punch, while Panasonic prioritizes accuracy and naturalism.

Having tested both in various lighting conditions, here's what stands out:

Brightness and Contrast

• LG G4: Noticeably brighter, especially great for daytime viewing
• Panasonic: More nuanced contrast, better shadow detail

Color Performance

• Panasonic: More accurate "out of the box" colors
• LG: Slightly more vivid, which some viewers prefer

For home theater use, I slightly prefer the Panasonic's more cinema-like presentation. However, in a bright living room, the LG's extra brightness is really helpful.

Gaming Features: A Clear Winner

Gaming is where these TVs really diverge. The LG G4 is simply better equipped:

• 144Hz refresh rate (versus Panasonic's 120Hz)
• Lower input lag (time between pressing a button and seeing the result)
• Better VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) implementation
• More gaming-specific features and menus

Both TVs support next-gen gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode, which automatically switches to game mode) and 4K/120Hz gaming. But LG's gaming heritage shows - they've been focused on gaming features for years, while Panasonic has primarily targeted movie lovers.

Smart Features and Daily Use

The smart platform you'll use every day matters a lot:

LG webOS 24

• More polished interface
• Better app selection
• Faster navigation
• More customization options

Panasonic's Fire TV OS

• Simpler to use
• Great for Amazon Prime users
• Good voice control
• More limited app selection

Having used both, webOS feels more modern and capable, though Fire TV is perfectly fine for basic streaming needs.

Sound Quality: A Surprising Difference

While most people buying premium TVs will use a separate sound system, the built-in audio can matter:

The Panasonic includes an impressive Dolby Atmos speaker system with dedicated up-firing speakers, producing noticeably better sound than the LG. In a bedroom or casual viewing space where you might skip the soundbar, this is a real advantage.

The LG G4 has decent sound, but it's clearly designed with the expectation you'll add a separate audio system.

Value and Price Considerations

With a $600 price difference, we need to talk about value:

LG G4 advantages for the lower price:

• Better gaming features
• Brighter screen
• More modern smart platform

Panasonic advantages despite higher price:

• Better built-in sound
• More accurate picture
• Better processing for movies

Real-World Performance: Home Theater and Beyond

In a dedicated home theater, both TVs excel, but in different ways:

Movie Performance

The Panasonic's focus on accuracy and processing makes it slightly better for serious movie watching. Its handling of dark scenes and color gradients is exceptional.

Sports and Bright Content

The LG's higher brightness and excellent motion handling make it better for sports and daytime TV watching.

Gaming Setup

For a multi-purpose room that includes gaming, the LG is clearly superior. Its gaming features and lower input lag make it the better choice.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Both TVs were released in early 2024, representing significant improvements over their predecessors:

LG G4 improvements:

• 70% faster processor
• Better brightness than G3
• Improved sound quality
• Updated webOS

Panasonic improvements:

• New Fire TV interface
• Better gaming features
• Brighter panel
• Better processing

How to Decide: Making the Choice

Choose the LG G4 if:

• Gaming is a priority
• You have a bright viewing room
• You want the best value
• You prefer a more modern smart platform

Choose the Panasonic if:

• Movie performance is your priority
• You want the best built-in sound
• Color accuracy is crucial
• You don't need advanced gaming features

Final Thoughts

For most buyers, the LG G4 represents the better value. Its gaming capabilities, brightness, and lower price make it hard to beat. However, the Panasonic is the choice for pure picture quality enthusiasts who prioritize movie performance above all else.

Remember that both are excellent TVs that will provide years of enjoyment. The choice really comes down to your specific needs and how you'll use the TV most often.

If you're building a home theater, consider your viewing habits carefully. The Panasonic's superior movie performance might be worth the premium if you're a serious film buff. But if you're creating a multi-purpose space, the LG's versatility makes it the smarter choice.

Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Deals and Prices

LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices