When you're spending thousands on a new TV, you want to make the right choice. I've been testing and comparing TVs for over a decade, and 2024's lineup presents an interesting choice between two excellent but different technologies. Let's dive into the details of the Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED ($1,798) and LG 65" G4 OLED evo ($2,600) to help you decide.
The TV market has evolved dramatically in recent years. While we used to focus mainly on resolution (like 4K vs 1080p), today's premium TVs differentiate themselves through their underlying display technology, processing capabilities, and smart features. Both of our contenders here represent the latest 2024 models, released in early spring, and showcase significant improvements over their 2023 predecessors.
The fundamental difference between these TVs lies in how they create an image. The Samsung QN85D uses Mini-LED technology (think thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen) combined with quantum dots (special particles that enhance color). Meanwhile, the LG G4 uses OLED technology, where each pixel creates its own light.
In my testing, room lighting makes a huge difference in which technology shines (pun intended). The Samsung typically hits peak brightness levels around 1,500 nits (a measure of light output), while the LG G4 manages about 1,300 nits. This difference is noticeable in bright rooms.
Think about watching TV on a sunny afternoon - the Samsung's extra brightness helps combat glare and maintains vibrant colors. However, in a darkened room (like a home theater setup), the LG's perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio create an absolutely stunning image that the Samsung can't quite match.
The LG G4 OLED has a clear advantage in contrast thanks to its ability to turn pixels completely off. This creates true black levels that are particularly noticeable in dark scenes. When watching space movies like "Interstellar," the stars appear to float in perfect darkness.
The Samsung QN85D uses local dimming zones to control its Mini-LEDs, which is very good but can sometimes create a slight "blooming" effect (a halo around bright objects on dark backgrounds). However, most viewers won't notice this unless they're specifically looking for it.
Both TVs offer excellent color accuracy out of the box. Samsung's Quantum Processor with AI upscaling does an impressive job making lower-resolution content look better on the 4K screen. LG's new Alpha 11 processor (a significant upgrade from last year's Alpha 9) matches this performance and adds some impressive AI-based enhancements for motion handling.
For gamers, both TVs support 4K/120Hz gaming, Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing), and Auto Low Latency Mode (which reduces input lag). The LG G4 adds Dolby Vision gaming support, which can make compatible games look even better, though there aren't many titles that support this yet.
Input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is excellent on both, measuring around 10ms in game mode. Having tested both with the latest gaming consoles, I can say you won't be disappointed with either choice.
Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS both received updates for 2024. Both systems are fast and support all major streaming services, but they take different approaches:
Both have improved voice control features, though I still find myself reaching for the remote most of the time.
The $800 price difference between these TVs is significant. The Samsung QN85D at $1,798 represents better value for most users, especially if you're upgrading from an older LED TV. However, the LG G4 at $2,600 offers some unique advantages:
One consideration with OLED is the potential for burn-in (where static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen). While this is much less common with modern OLEDs, it's still something to consider if you watch a lot of news channels or play games with static HUD elements.
For dedicated home theater rooms, the LG G4 OLED has a clear advantage. Its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio create a more immersive experience in controlled lighting conditions. The Samsung still performs admirably but can't quite match the OLED's cinema-like quality in a dark room.
Both TVs support Dolby Atmos passthrough and have decent built-in speakers, though for a proper home theater setup, you'll want a separate sound system regardless of which TV you choose.
Choose the Samsung QN85D if:
Choose the LG G4 if:
Both TVs represent the best of their respective technologies in 2024. The Samsung QN85D offers exceptional brightness and value, while the LG G4 provides unmatched picture quality in optimal conditions. Your choice should primarily depend on your viewing environment and budget.
For most people, I recommend the Samsung QN85D - it's more versatile and offers better value. However, if you're a cinema enthusiast with a controlled lighting environment, the LG G4 will provide the ultimate viewing experience, albeit at a premium price.
Remember, these are both excellent TVs that will serve well for years to come. The key is matching the TV's strengths to your specific needs and viewing environment.
| Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED ($1,798) | LG 65" G4 OLED evo ($2,600) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines core picture quality characteristics and room compatibility | |
| Mini-LED with Quantum Dots (brighter, better for lit rooms) | OLED (perfect blacks, better for dark rooms) |
| Peak HDR Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daytime viewing | |
| 1,500 nits (excellent for bright rooms) | 1,300 nits (very good but slightly dimmer) |
| Black Level Performance - Crucial for movie watching and overall contrast | |
| Very good (local dimming with minimal blooming) | Perfect (each pixel can turn completely off) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, 10ms input lag | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming, 10ms input lag |
| Viewing Angles - Matters for wide seating arrangements | |
| Good (some color shift at angles) | Excellent (consistent from any angle) |
| Reflection Handling - Important for bright rooms with windows | |
| Excellent (anti-reflective coating) | Very Good (more reflective) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability | |
| Tizen OS (streamlined, easy to use) | webOS (more customizable, slightly more complex) |
| Power Consumption - Impacts running costs | |
| Higher (LED backlighting draws more power) | Lower (OLED is more efficient) |
| Longevity Concerns - Important for long-term ownership | |
| No burn-in risk, typical LED lifespan | Minimal burn-in risk with modern protection, longer potential lifespan |
The LG G4 OLED evo is superior for dedicated home theater rooms due to its perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio. While the Samsung QN85D performs well, OLED technology provides a more cinema-like experience in controlled lighting conditions.
For movie enthusiasts and home theater users, yes. The LG G4 at $2,600 offers perfect blacks, better viewing angles, and superior contrast. However, if you're not watching in a dark room, the Samsung QN85D at $1,798 provides excellent value and better bright-room performance.
The Samsung QN85D Neo QLED performs better in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and superior anti-reflective coating. While the LG G4 is still very bright for an OLED, it's better suited for controlled lighting conditions.
Both TVs offer excellent gaming features including 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low input lag. The LG G4 has a slight edge with Dolby Vision gaming support, while the Samsung QN85D offers better brightness for well-lit gaming spaces.
Yes, both the Samsung QN85D and LG G4 support Dolby Atmos passthrough via eARC. They'll work perfectly with a home theater receiver or soundbar for immersive audio.
The LG G4 OLED potentially has a longer lifespan due to fewer components that could fail, though it does carry a minimal risk of burn-in. The Samsung QN85D has no burn-in risk but its backlight may gradually dim over time.
The LG G4 has significantly better viewing angles, making it ideal for wide seating arrangements in home theaters. The Samsung QN85D shows some color shift when viewed from extreme angles.
Yes, both TVs support standard VESA mounting. The LG G4 is designed specifically for wall mounting with a slim profile, while the Samsung QN85D offers standard mounting options.
The Samsung QN85D has an advantage for sports viewing due to better motion handling and higher brightness for daytime games. The LG G4 still performs excellently but may be less optimal for bright-room sports viewing.
Both the Samsung QN85D and LG G4 require HDMI 2.1 cables for full 4K/120Hz gaming features. Standard HDMI cables work fine for normal 4K/60Hz content.
Both offer comprehensive smart platforms. The Samsung QN85D uses Tizen OS, which is more streamlined and user-friendly, while the LG G4 uses webOS, offering more customization options.
The Samsung QN85D at $1,798 offers the best value under $2,000, with excellent brightness, gaming features, and overall performance. The LG G4 at $2,600 offers better picture quality but at a significant premium.
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: videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.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
