Comparing the Titans of 2024: Samsung S95D vs. LG G4 OLED TVs🖥️
In the world of premium OLED TVs, 2024 brings us an exciting showdown between two industry giants—Samsung’s S95D and LG’s G4. Both are remarkable in terms of brightness, color accuracy, and design. Let’s dive deep into what makes these televisions stand out and what sets them apart.
High-End Price Tags and Unmatched Quality 💰
Both the Samsung S95D and LG G4 come with premium price tags, approximately $3,400 for the 65-inch models we reviewed. While the cost is steep, it’s essential to note that you are paying for cutting-edge OLED technology. Both TVs excel in delivering the best image quality on the market:
Brightness: They deliver higher light output than any OLED TV ever measured.
Image Quality: In a dark room, distinguishing between the two becomes challenging because both offer spectacular visuals.
Sizing Options: Available in 55, 65, and 77 inches, with LG also offering an 83-inch and a unique 98-inch option.
Design and Aesthetics 🎨
LG G4: The Gallery Design 🖼️
LG’s G4 model is known for its Gallery design, intended to hug the wall closely for an almost completely flush look. This aesthetic advantage makes it a perfect fit for those who want their TV to blend seamlessly with their décor.
Flush Mount: Designed to sit close to the wall.
Included Stand: Stand included for 55-inch and 65-inch models.
Larger Options: An even larger 98-inch model available with slightly different specs.
Samsung S95D: Unique Design and Functionalities 🌀
Samsung’s S95D stands out with its unique approach to connections and cable management. It features a separate box that houses all the connections, including HDMI, USB, and the power cable. A single cable runs from this box to the TV, reducing clutter.
Separate Connection Box: Allows for a cleaner setup.
Mounting Options: You can mount the connection box on the back of the TV if you prefer a more traditional setup.
Smart TV Menus and User Experience 📱
Both Samsung and LG bring their own Smart TV interfaces to the table. Each has its pros and cons, although neither rivals the user-friendliness of Roku or Google TV.
LG’s Interface 🤖
LG’s interface is often praised for its ease of navigation. Here is what you can expect:
Ease of Use: More intuitive compared to Samsung’s interface.
Essential Apps: All the necessary apps are available for a complete smart TV experience.
Samsung’s Interface 🚀
Samsung has a bit of catching up to do in terms of user experience, but it still packs a punch with the features it offers:
Comprehensive Features: Supports Xbox Game Pass for cloud gaming.
Essential Apps: All the necessary apps are available to get the job done.
Technical Differences in OLED Technologies 🔬
LG G4: Micro Lens Array (MLA) 🌟
LG’s G4 employs its latest brightness-enhancing technology, known as Micro Lens Array (MLA). This technology maximizes the brightness levels while maintaining superb image quality.
Brightness: LG’s best brightness-enhancing tech.
Color Accuracy: Technically a bit better based on measurements.
Samsung S95D: Quantum Dot (QD) Technology ⚛️
Samsung counters with its Quantum Dot (QD) OLED technology designed to enhance both color and brightness:
Color and Brightness: Quantum Dot technology improves both aspects.
Matte Finish: First OLED TV ever with a matte screen finish, reducing glare effectively.
Performance in Bright Rooms ☀️
Samsung’s S95D is the first OLED TV to offer a matte screen finish, significantly reducing glare. This advantage is particularly noticeable in bright rooms:
Glare Reduction: Matte finish reduces overall glare.
Better in Bright Rooms: Performs better opposite large windows.
In a side-by-side comparison in a bright room, the Samsung S95D holds the upper hand, especially when the screen displays darker images. However, the LG G4 performs admirably well in different lighting conditions, particularly under strong overhead lights where it maintains better contrast and image quality.
Performance in Dark Room Environments 🌙
When it comes to dark room settings, both the Samsung S95D and LG G4 are spectacular. In side-by-side comparisons:
Brightness: Samsung’s matte finish did not affect its bright room performance.
Color Accuracy: While LG’s color accuracy is technically superior, Samsung’s natural-looking colors hold their own.
Uniformity: Both TVs showed excellent performance in uniformity and off-angle viewing.
Sound Performance 🎵
Both TVs deliver impressive sound, although not quite at the level of a dedicated sound system.
LG G4: Built-in Audio System 🔊
LG’s built-in audio system provides a rich sound experience:
Audio Quality: High-quality built-in speakers.
Sound Modes: Multiple sound modes to enhance different types of content.
Samsung S95D: Advanced Sound Features 🎧
Samsung also excels in the audio department with some advanced sound features:
Audio Calibration: Fine-tunes the audio based on room acoustics.
Built-in Speakers: Provides a well-rounded audio experience.
Gaming Capabilities 🎮
For gamers, these OLED TVs offer superb performance, although there are slight differences between them.
LG G4: Better HDR Format 🎮
LG supports the Dolby Vision HDR format, which is favored by many gamers:
Dolby Vision: Enhanced HDR experience.
Input Lag: Low input lag perfect for fast-paced gaming.
Samsung S95D: Xbox Game Pass Support 🕹️
Samsung has a slight edge with its Xbox Game Pass support for cloud gaming:
Cloud Gaming: Supports Xbox Game Pass for an extensive gaming library.
Input Lag: Equally low input lag for a seamless gaming experience.
Measurements and Technical Performance 📏
Using specialized meters and radiometers, we conducted a thorough evaluation of both TVs, with some interesting findings:
Brightness Levels 🌟
Maximum Brightness: Samsung measured about 1700 nits in the least accurate picture settings and 1500 nits in the most accurate, making it one of the brightest OLEDs we’ve tested.
LG G4: Similar brightness levels but with technical accuracy in its favor.
Color Accuracy 🎨
LG G4: Superior color accuracy based on technical measurements.
Samsung S95D: Slightly less accurate but still delivers natural-looking colors pleasing to the eye.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations 🏆
So, which TV should you choose? Both the LG G4 and Samsung S95D are top-tier OLED TVs, but the final choice depends on your specific needs:
If Your Viewing Environment is Dark 🏠
If most of your viewing happens in a dark room, the differences in image quality between these two TVs are minor. It’s better to base your decision on:
Design: Choose based on which design you prefer for your living space.
Features: Consider additional features like LG’s Dolby Vision support.
Screen Size: LG offers a more extensive range of screen sizes.
If Your Viewing Environment is Bright ☀️
If you’re dealing with a bright room with lots of windows or overhead lighting, the Samsung S95D holds a significant advantage thanks to its matte finish:
Matte Finish: Reduces glare, making it more versatile in various lighting conditions.
Overall Performance: Performs well in both bright and dark environments.
In summary, both the Samsung S95D and LG G4 are incredible OLED TVs. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, viewing environment, and personal preferences. Happy viewing!