When it comes to high-end TVs in 2024, two models stand out: the Samsung 65" OLED S90D at $1,599 and the LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo at $2,296. Both were released in March 2024, representing the latest in OLED technology. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Before diving into the specifics, it's worth understanding what makes OLED special. Unlike regular LED TVs, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs can turn individual pixels completely off, creating perfect blacks. This year's models have made significant improvements in brightness, previously a weakness of OLED technology.
The Samsung S90D uses QD-OLED technology, which combines OLED with quantum dots (tiny particles that produce incredibly pure colors). Meanwhile, the LG G4 uses MLA WOLED technology, featuring tiny lenses that help focus light for better brightness. Both approaches offer stunning picture quality, but they have different strengths.
Both TVs excel here, but they shine in different ways. The LG G4's MLA technology pushes brightness levels about 20% higher than the Samsung, making it slightly better for bright rooms. However, in real-world viewing, the difference is subtle - both TVs are plenty bright for most situations.
The Samsung's QD-OLED technology gives it an edge in color volume - meaning colors stay vibrant even in bright scenes. The LG counters with more accurate colors out of the box. Having seen both in person, I can say the Samsung produces slightly more "wow" factor with vibrant content like nature documentaries, while the LG looks more natural with movies.
Gaming on these TVs is a revelation compared to even last year's models. Both support 144Hz refresh rates (meaning the screen can update 144 times per second) and variable refresh rate (VRR), which prevents screen tearing during gameplay.
The LG G4 has a slight edge for serious gamers:
However, the Samsung S90D is still excellent for gaming, and most casual gamers wouldn't notice the differences.
Both TVs have improved their smart platforms this year. Samsung's Tizen OS has become more streamlined, fixing many of the navigation complaints from previous years. LG's WebOS remains more intuitive and supports a wider range of formats.
For home theater use, the LG G4 has a slight advantage due to its support for Dolby Vision, which can make a noticeable difference when watching movies. The Samsung counters with better upscaling of lower-resolution content, thanks to its new AI processor.
The price difference between these TVs is significant. At $1,599, the Samsung S90D delivers about 90% of the performance of the $2,296 LG G4. For most viewers, the Samsung's price-to-performance ratio makes it the smarter choice.
However, if you're building a serious home theater or are a competitive gamer, the LG's additional features might justify the premium. Its superior HDR performance and gaming features could be worth the extra investment for enthusiasts.
For dedicated home theater setups:
Both TVs are relatively straightforward to set up, though they take different approaches:
The LG G4 includes a 5-year warranty on the panel, while Samsung offers a standard warranty. Both TVs support all the latest standards and should remain current for years to come.
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of current TV technology. The Samsung S90D offers exceptional value while maintaining premium quality, making it the better choice for most buyers. The LG G4 justifies its higher price with superior technical capabilities and features that will appeal to enthusiasts.
For my personal setup, I'd choose the Samsung S90D. The value proposition is too good to ignore, and the picture quality differences in real-world use are subtle enough that the price difference is hard to justify. However, if money were no object, the LG G4's superior gaming features and Dolby Vision support would make it my choice for a dedicated home theater room.
Remember, both of these TVs will provide an exceptional viewing experience - the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget.
| Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV ($1,599) | LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD TV ($2,296) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Impacts color reproduction and brightness | |
| QD-OLED (better color volume, more vibrant) | MLA WOLED (higher brightness, more accurate colors) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR content and bright room viewing | |
| 1000 nits | 1300 nits (noticeable improvement for HDR) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console and PC gaming | |
| 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, 12ms input lag | 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, 9.8ms input lag (slightly better for competitive gaming) |
| HDR Support - Affects quality of HDR streaming content | |
| HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (better for streaming movies) |
| Processor - Impacts upscaling and motion handling | |
| NQ4 AI Gen2 | Alpha 11 (30% faster, better AI processing) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app compatibility | |
| Tizen OS (good but occasionally sluggish) | WebOS 24 (more intuitive, better app support) |
| Warranty - Important for long-term value | |
| 1 year standard | 5 years panel coverage (significant value add) |
| Sound System - Consider if not using external speakers | |
| 40W 2.1 channel | 60W 4.2 channel (noticeably better built-in audio) |
| Power Consumption - Impacts electricity costs | |
| 187W typical | 210W typical (slightly higher but negligible difference) |
The LG G4 OLED evo ($2,296) has a slight edge for dedicated home theater use due to its Dolby Vision support, higher peak brightness, and superior HDR performance. However, the Samsung S90D ($1,599) still offers excellent dark room performance at a lower price point.
Yes, there's a $697 difference. The Samsung S90D costs $1,599 while the LG G4 is priced at $2,296. This price gap is substantial and should be a major consideration in your decision.
Both TVs support 144Hz and VRR, but the LG G4 has lower input lag and supports Dolby Vision gaming. For competitive gaming, the LG has a slight advantage, though casual gamers would be well-served by either TV.
The LG G4 has higher peak brightness at 1300 nits compared to the Samsung S90D's 1000 nits. However, both TVs perform well in bright rooms, with the Samsung's QD-OLED technology providing excellent glare handling.
The LG G4 uses WebOS 24, which is generally more user-friendly and stable than the Samsung S90D's Tizen OS. However, if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem, you might prefer Tizen's integration with other Samsung devices.
Both TVs excel at movie playback, but the LG G4 has an advantage with Dolby Vision support, which can provide better HDR performance with compatible content. The Samsung S90D counters with excellent color volume and contrast.
The LG G4 comes with a 5-year panel warranty, while the Samsung S90D offers a standard 1-year warranty. This significant difference in coverage could be important for long-term value.
While both TVs have built-in speakers, for a true home theater experience, external speakers or a soundbar is recommended. The LG G4 has better built-in sound (60W 4.2 channel vs Samsung's 40W 2.1 channel), but neither matches dedicated audio systems.
Both TVs handle streaming content well, but the LG G4 has an advantage with Dolby Vision support for services like Netflix and Disney+. The Samsung S90D still provides excellent streaming quality with HDR10+.
Both TVs feature advanced AI upscaling processors. The Samsung S90D uses the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, while the LG G4 uses the Alpha 11 processor. Both perform admirably, with the LG having a slight edge in processing speed.
Both TVs support current standards like 4K/120Hz, VRR, and HDMI 2.1. However, the LG G4 might have a slight edge due to its higher brightness capability and Dolby Vision support. The Samsung S90D remains competitive with its QD-OLED technology.
For most users, the Samsung S90D offers excellent value at $1,599. However, if you're building a premium home theater and want the absolute best performance, the additional features of the LG G4 at $2,296 might be worth the investment.
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: bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - pcrichard.com - samsung.com - tomsguide.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - youtube.com - cnet.com - schaeferstv.com - rtings.com - costco.com - bhphotovideo.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - abcwarehouse.com - youtube.com
