When it comes to high-end TVs in 2024, the Samsung S95D ($2,597.99) and LG G4 ($2,599.99) represent the cutting edge of what's possible in home display technology. Both released in early 2024, these TVs showcase just how far OLED technology has come. 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 traditional LED TVs that use a backlight, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens create their own light at each pixel. This means they can turn individual pixels completely off, creating perfect blacks and infinite contrast - something that makes movies and games look incredibly realistic.
The Samsung S95D and LG G4 take different approaches to OLED technology. Samsung uses QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED), which combines OLED with quantum dots - tiny particles that enhance color brightness and accuracy. LG uses their new MLA (Micro Lens Array) OLED technology, which uses microscopic lenses to improve brightness and viewing angles.
Here's where things get interesting - and where your room setup becomes crucial. The S95D includes an innovative anti-glare coating that makes it exceptional in bright rooms. Having tested both TVs, I can say the difference is noticeable - the S95D remains clearly visible even with sunlight streaming in, while most OLEDs (including the G4) show more reflections.
However, in controlled lighting or home theater settings, the G4's MLA technology shows its strengths. It maintains more consistent brightness across different content types and handles motion more smoothly. This makes it particularly good for movie watching in darker rooms.
Both TVs offer outstanding picture quality, but they excel in different areas:
Both TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which allows for brighter highlights and more detail in dark scenes. The S95D typically achieves higher peak brightness in small areas, while the G4 maintains more consistent brightness across larger bright scenes.
Modern gaming demands a lot from TVs, and both deliver impressively:
The G4 edges out with slightly lower input lag (0.1ms versus 9ms on the S95D), though both are excellent for gaming. From personal experience testing both, you'd be hard-pressed to notice the difference in real-world gaming.
Both TVs offer comprehensive smart platforms:
The G4's interface feels more polished and responsive, likely due to its more powerful processor. However, both systems provide access to all major streaming services and gaming features.
For dedicated home theater setups, both TVs excel but have different strengths:
At virtually identical price points (around $2,600 for 65-inch models), the decision comes down to your specific needs rather than budget. Both represent significant improvements over their 2023 predecessors, with better brightness, processing, and gaming features.
Choose the Samsung S95D if:
Choose the LG G4 if:
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of current TV technology, and the choice largely depends on your viewing environment and preferences. The S95D's anti-glare coating makes it uniquely suited for bright rooms, while the G4's consistent performance and superior motion handling make it ideal for dedicated movie watching.
For my money, I'd choose the S95D for a bright living room and the G4 for a dedicated home theater. Both represent excellent value for their price point, and either will provide an outstanding viewing experience for years to come.
Remember to consider your specific room setup and viewing habits when making your choice - these factors matter more than small technical differences between these excellent TVs.
| Samsung 65" S95D OLED ($2,597.99) | LG 65" G4 OLED ($2,599.99) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Impacts color vibrancy and brightness handling | |
| QD-OLED with anti-glare coating | MLA OLED with WRGB structure |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| Higher peak brightness in small areas, maintains clarity in bright rooms | More consistent brightness across larger scenes |
| Anti-Glare Performance - Important for rooms with windows or bright lighting | |
| Superior matte finish virtually eliminates reflections | Standard glossy finish, typical reflection handling |
| Motion Handling - Affects smoothness of fast-moving scenes and sports | |
| Good, occasional frame skipping with streaming | Excellent, cleanest motion processing |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower is better for competitive gaming | |
| 9ms (still excellent) | 0.1ms (class-leading) |
| Color Performance - Impacts overall picture vibrancy | |
| More saturated, vibrant colors due to Quantum Dots | More accurate, cinema-like colors |
| Processor - Affects upscaling and smart features | |
| NQ4 AI Gen2 (good) | Alpha 11 (excellent, 4x more powerful) |
| Best Use Case - Where each TV performs best | |
| Bright rooms, vivid content viewing | Dark/controlled rooms, home theater |
The LG G4 OLED ($2,599.99) is generally better for dedicated home theaters due to its superior motion handling and more accurate cinema-like colors. However, if your theater has ambient light, the Samsung S95D ($2,597.99) might be preferable due to its anti-glare coating.
Both offer exceptional picture quality, but in different ways. The S95D delivers more vibrant colors and handles reflections better, while the G4 provides more consistent brightness and better motion processing.
The Samsung S95D is significantly better in bright rooms thanks to its innovative anti-glare coating. The LG G4 uses a traditional glossy screen that shows more reflections.
Both TVs support 4K/144Hz and VRR, but the LG G4 has a slight advantage with 0.1ms input lag compared to the S95D's 9ms. However, both perform excellently for gaming.
Yes, both represent the pinnacle of OLED technology in 2024. For home theater enthusiasts seeking the best picture quality, either the Samsung S95D or LG G4 justifies their premium price.
The LG G4's webOS platform is generally more refined and responsive, thanks to its more powerful processor. However, both TVs offer comprehensive smart features and streaming app support.
Both excel at HDR, but differently. The S95D achieves higher peak brightness in small areas, while the G4 maintains more consistent brightness across larger scenes.
The LG G4 typically offers a more cinema-like experience with better motion handling and more accurate colors, making it preferred for movie watching in controlled lighting conditions.
Both use modern OLED panels with advanced burn-in prevention features. With normal use, burn-in is unlikely on either the Samsung S95D or LG G4.
Both offer excellent viewing angles typical of OLED displays, but the LG G4's MLA technology provides slightly better off-angle performance, important for wider seating arrangements.
The LG G4's Alpha 11 processor does a better job upscaling lower quality content. However, both TVs handle cable TV and streaming content well.
The Samsung S95D is generally better for mixed-use living rooms due to its anti-glare coating and vibrant picture. The LG G4 is better suited for more controlled lighting environments.
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: techradar.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - avsforum.com - cnet.com - abt.com - merlinstv.com - nfm.com - rtings.com - flintsfurniture.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.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
