Those seeking the best smart TV often turn to a pair of giants in the industry:LGandSamsung. These two Korean electronics companies are among the most popular and trusted brands in TVs, continually pushing the technological envelope in search of the most comprehensive entertainment experience. They also tend to look at each other for inspiration, and with the market being so saturated with options, a lot of companies tend to have more in common than they don’t.
A lot of work goes into finding the rightsmart TVand when there are so many similarities, it can be hard to pin down the right choice. If you’re unsure, here’s why you might be better served with an LG smart TV than a Samsung model.
Toss your HDMI cables because LG just went all-in on wireless
LG has announced the launch of its 2025 QNED evo premium LCD TVs, with one model featuring its remarkable wireless technology.
1You really want the best OLED TV
A TV made for modern movies and shows
LG has been the industry leader in OLED TVs, models that forgo a backlight in favor of individually-lit pixels. This technology allows for perfect-contrast ratios and true, deep blacks. That makes such TVs ideal for anyone watching new, prestige content, from HBO shows to major blockbusters. OLED TVs are simply the best at discerning dark scenes and really seeing shadows and shades of gray, instead of black splotches or blurred areas on screen that can occur with lesser-quality LED TVs. Because those models use a baclight, they can’t fully achieve a true black space on screen.
Samsung famously resisted investing in OLED technology until it saw how successful and popular it was. And while Samsung, among others, make quality OLED TVs, LG still seems to be ahead of everyone else when it comes to making and implementing the very best panels. For OLED faithfuls and diehards, LG models are still better, and worth taking over a comparable Samsung model for now.
Samsung’s new OLED TVs are smarter, faster, and brighter
Samsung’s 2025 OLED TV lineup is available now.
2You’re in need of Dolby formats
LG edges out Samsung when it comes to video
One of the most noticeable differences between the two brands is that LG smart TVs provide support for Dolby Vision. Samsung opts out of the licensed video format and instead provides users with HDR10+, a very similar option, albeit one lacking a couple features of Dolby Vision. While both are dynamic formats that adjust color and brightness across scenes, Dolby Vision supports a higher color bit, and, as a result, more precise colors. It also supports a higher brightness. It’s worth nothing though that those high limits aren’t going to make a difference on most TVs, because the video format exceeds what most smart TVs are capable of.
However, most streaming services will support one format or the other. Dolby Vision can be found on Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, while Amazon Prime supports HDR10+. There is broader support (for now) for Dolby Vision, which means if you want the best-looking video for your streaming services, you’re probably better off with Dolby Vision.
The real difference between HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision
High Dynamic Range improves your TV’s image quality, but competing formats make shopping around confusing.
3You’re partial to Google’s ecosystem
Consider how your devices all connect
Every TV company wants its model to act as your smart home hub, allowing you to control and monitor a slew of connected devices from a single interface. The push to make a TV central to smart access involves championing different assistants and becoming compatible with certain frameworks. For example, LG promotes its ThinQ AI technology that interacts with other devices. Brands don’t want to leave you out on a limb, so most TVs are compatible with most virtual helpers and ecosystems. Some, though, are more seamless than others.
LG operates more intuitively with Google programs, and everything related to the company is a lot easier to connect. Last year, Samsung removed Google assistant from its TVs, meaning those who like to use Google won’t find the same convenience. Instead, Samsung continues to push its own virtual assistant, Bixby, as part of its SmartThings hub. It can be pretty annoying if you’re not interested in either of these services, especially if you already have ones lined up at home.
Similarly, both LG and Samsung have home appliances and devices that are compatible with their own systems. If you’re partial to LG appliances, or you plan on acquiring them in the future, then an LG TV will help keep everything connected easily and running smoothly.
Dolby may be losing its grip on TV audio thanks to Google
A recent TV Streamer update and a Samsung collab may threaten the future of Dolby Atmos.
4Serious gamers should consider LG TVs
LG provides players with the best advantage for online play
Most smart TVs come with a slew of features designed to make gaming a fast, seamless, and customizable experience. Both LG and Samsung are no exception, with variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and 4K streaming at 120Hz from HDMI 2.1 ports. Both also offer different game bar displays, allowing you to personalize the look and feel of the interface as well as tinker with specific settings.
Most LG and Samsung TVs provide support for FreeSync technology, reducing tearing, lag, and stutter while online gaming. However, some LG TVs, like the top-tier G4, are G-Sync compatible. G-Sync is generally regarded as the best gaming technology, and ideal for anyone gaming with NVIDIA GPUs.
I didn’t realize how much Wi-Fi was slowing down my video game console
Wi-Fi provides plenty of convenience, but a connected console is key for competitive gaming.
5LG TVs go on sale often
Sometimes a cheaper option will seal the deal
LG UT75 Series (55-inch) LED TV
Enhanced brightness, improved sound, refined picture detail. It all comes together for a thrilling watching experience powered by the α5 AI Processor Gen 7.
For some consumers, the difference between these two TV brands will be minute, especially if you’ve already decided on a screen type, size, and year. The top TVs from both companies offer features for the modern entertainment consumer, from streaming to gaming, watching old sitcoms or enjoying the latest blockbuster. When all things are considered, sometimes it might just come down to finding the right deal at the right time.
It’s important to be a bit flexible when looking for the right TV; you may come across a sale for one company but not the other when you’re ready to make your purchase. Samsung tends to have more budget-friendly TVs available, but when you’re comparing the mid-range and high-end options for both, the prices aren’t drastically different, unless you come across a good sale. There are also opportunities to snag an open-box discount along the way. LG is introducing its latest top models soon, which means last year’s impressive options will receive a heavy discount, perhaps making either the C4 or G4 a steal for the price.
LG’s evo G4 OLED TV left me impressed and just a bit overwhelmed
With so much power and precision, LG’s stunning TV can immerse you in content in an almost overwhelming way.
