Choosing Between Two Premium Large-Format TVs: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, few things can match the impact of a massive television approaching 100 inches. Today we're comparing two 2024 flagship models: the Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV ($2,499.99) and the LG 97" OLED evo G4 Series 4K UHD Smart TV ($19,999.99). While they might seem similar at first glance, these TVs represent very different approaches to delivering a premium viewing experience.

Understanding the Category

Large-format TVs have come a long way in recent years. What used to cost well over $50,000 can now be had for a fraction of that price, though there's still a significant range between different technologies and brands. The key improvements we've seen include:

• Better processing for upscaling lower-resolution content
• Enhanced brightness and contrast capabilities
• More sophisticated gaming features
• Improved smart TV platforms

Display Technology: A Tale of Two Approaches

The most fundamental difference between these TVs lies in their display technology. The Samsung DU9000 uses LED-LCD technology, where a panel of LED lights illuminates LCD pixels from behind. This traditional approach has been refined over years, with Samsung's Crystal UHD technology offering improved color accuracy and contrast compared to basic LCD TVs.

In contrast, the LG G4 OLED uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), where each pixel creates its own light. This means every single pixel can turn completely off, creating perfect blacks that LCD TVs simply can't match. LG has also incorporated their latest Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, which helps increase brightness - traditionally an OLED weakness.

Real-World Impact

Having seen both technologies in action, here's what this means practically:

• In a dark room, the OLED's perfect blacks create an almost three-dimensional image quality that's stunning for movies
• In bright rooms, the Samsung's higher overall brightness can actually make it more practical
• The OLED has better viewing angles, maintaining quality when viewed from the side
• The LCD can display static images indefinitely without risk of burn-in (though modern OLEDs have greatly improved in this regard)

Performance Deep Dive

Image Quality

Both TVs offer 4K resolution (that's 3840 x 2160 pixels), but they handle picture processing differently:

The Samsung DU9000 uses their Crystal Processor 4K, which does an admirable job upscaling lower-resolution content and managing motion. It's particularly good at handling bright, colorful content like sports or nature documentaries.

The LG G4 OLED employs their latest α11 AI Processor, which shows its strength in handling subtle gradations and maintaining detail in dark scenes. For movie lovers, its ability to display true blacks means you'll see every detail in dark scenes exactly as the filmmaker intended.

Motion Handling

For fast-moving content like sports or action movies:

• The Samsung offers Motion Xcelerator 120Hz technology, which provides smooth motion without the artificial-looking "soap opera effect"
• The LG's OLED technology has near-instantaneous pixel response times, resulting in incredibly clear motion with virtually no blur

Gaming Features

Both TVs support modern gaming features, but there are important differences:

Samsung DU9000:

• 120Hz refresh rate
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
• Basic Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support

LG G4 OLED:

• Up to 144Hz refresh rate
• ALLM
• Advanced VRR support including G-Sync and FreeSync
• Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports
• Sub-1ms response time

For serious gamers, especially those with current-gen consoles or gaming PCs, the LG offers a more complete package.

Value Proposition

This is where the comparison gets really interesting. At $2,500, the Samsung DU9000 offers tremendous value for its size. It delivers a very good picture, strong bright-room performance, and solid gaming capabilities at a price that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

The LG G4 OLED at $20,000 represents the pinnacle of current TV technology. Its perfect blacks, superior contrast, and advanced gaming features make it technically superior in almost every way. However, it costs eight times as much as the Samsung.

Who Should Buy Each TV?

The Samsung DU9000 is ideal for:

• Buyers prioritizing screen size and impact on a budget
• Bright room viewing
• Casual viewers who want a big, impressive TV without breaking the bank
• Sports fans who often watch with groups in well-lit rooms

The LG G4 OLED is perfect for:

• Home theater enthusiasts seeking the absolute best picture quality
• Movie lovers who primarily watch in controlled lighting
• Serious gamers who demand the best performance
• Buyers for whom budget is not a primary concern

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater, there are additional factors to consider:

Room Control

• In a light-controlled room, the OLED's superior contrast and black levels will be more apparent
• The Samsung's higher brightness might actually be disadvantageous in a dark room, as it can create more visible blooming around bright objects

Sound Systems

Both TVs offer decent built-in sound, but in a home theater setting, you'll want an external sound system:

• Both support eARC for high-quality audio passthrough
• The LG offers better compatibility with various sound formats including DTS
• The Samsung's Q-Symphony feature works well with Samsung soundbars specifically

Common Questions and Concerns

About Burn-in

While OLED burn-in is still technically possible, LG has implemented numerous features to prevent it. For most users, it's no longer a significant concern unless you display static images for many hours daily.

About Lifespan

Both TVs should last many years with normal use. The LED-LCD technology in the Samsung has a longer theoretical lifespan, but modern OLEDs are rated for around 100,000 hours of use.

About Future-Proofing

Both TVs support current standards for resolution and HDR. The LG has more advanced gaming features and connection options, which might matter for future compatibility.

How to Decide

1. First, consider your budget:
   • If $2,500 is already stretching it, the Samsung is your clear choice
   • If you can afford either, focus on your usage patterns and preferences
2. Think about your viewing environment:
   • Bright room with lots of windows? The Samsung might be more practical
   • Controlled lighting or dedicated theater? The LG will shine
3. Consider your content preferences:
   • Mostly streaming and cable TV? The Samsung is plenty capable
   • Serious about movies or gaming? The LG offers meaningful advantages
4. Evaluate your viewing habits:
   • Casual viewing with family? Save money with the Samsung
   • Dedicated cinephile? The LG's superior picture quality will be worth it

The Samsung DU9000 represents incredible value for most users, offering a massive screen and good performance at a reasonable price. The LG G4 OLED delivers the ultimate viewing experience for those who demand - and can afford - the very best. Both represent significant advances in their respective technologies, making this an exciting time for home theater enthusiasts.

Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices

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