LG G6 vs. LG G5: I compared the flagship OLED TVs, and there's a surprise winner

## Summary
If you're looking to buy the best of the best when it comes to OLED TVs, LG is often the brand of choice, since it's considered one of the top names in OLED models. Also: The best OLED TVs you can buy To help explain where the real differences lie between the LG G6 and its predecessor, the G5 , I've broken down what each model offers in terms of smart features, tech upgrades, and new software. Specifications LG G5 OLED LG G6 OLED Display type Dual-layer OLED Dual-layer OLED Display size 55 - 97 inches 55 - 97 inches Refresh rate Up to 165Hz Up to 165Hz HDR Dolby Vision Dolby Vision Audio Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos Voice controls Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home VRR support Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Price Starting at $1,999 Starting at $2,499 You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if... You want a faster processor The dual-layer OLED panel requires a lot of power to get the best picture.

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LG G6 vs. LG G5: I compared the flagship OLED TVs, and there's a surprise winner
Between the new LG G6 OLED and last year's G5 OLED, here are the key differences to consider before upgrading.
Written by
Taylor Clemons,
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
April 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. PT
Kerry Wan and Adam Breeden/ZDNET
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If you're looking to buy the best of the best when it comes to OLED TVs, LG is often the brand of choice, since it's considered one of the top names in OLED models. And with the release of the new G6, it continues to prove why it deserves to remain at the top. But is the yearly update really worth the extra cost?
Also:
The best OLED TVs you can buy
To help explain where the real differences lie between the
LG G6
and its predecessor, the
G5
, I've broken down what each model offers in terms of smart features, tech upgrades, and new software. And while at a glance the two seem nearly identical, there are a few key changes that make the G6 OLED an attractive choice.
But if you're looking to get a similar picture and audio quality at a slightly better price, the LG G5 is still a solid option.
Specifications
LG G5 OLED
LG G6 OLED
Display type
Dual-layer OLED
Dual-layer OLED
Display size
55 - 97 inches
55 - 97 inches
Refresh rate
Up to 165Hz
Up to 165Hz
HDR
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision
Audio
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
Voice controls
Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home
Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home
VRR support
Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Price
Starting at $1,999
Starting at $2,499
You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if...
Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Buy the LG G5 OLED
View now at LG
1. You want premium picture and audio quality
While the G5 OLED might not be the latest and greatest from LG anymore, it still offers top-notch picture with signature OLED color accuracy and contrast, as well as virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos support.
A 120Hz refresh rate helps give you smoother motion while watching live sports and streaming, but it can be boosted to 165Hz with the dedicated gaming picture mode, which supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR. It also features a dedicated Filmmaker Mode for movie buffs for enhanced detailing.
2. You want a high-performance OLED with style
The LG G5 hits the sweet spot between a traditional TV design and the more gallery-inspired builds of competitors from Samsung or TCL. The ultra-thin build allows for flush wall mounting, similar to a real picture frame, as well as an edge-to-edge picture to help with the artistic illusion.
Also:
LG G5 OLED TV review
The Gallery Plus app lets you create slideshows of your favorite works of art and your own photos, turning your living room or home theater into a personal gallery.
3. You frequently browse tech sales
Since the LG G5 is now a generation behind, both the brand and retailers are more inclined to offer markdowns during sale events and one-off discounts in order to clear space for new stock. If you keep a sharp eye on the deals tab of retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, you can sometimes snag the G5 OLED for a more modest price.
This means that even if you're working with a more limited budget when shopping for a new TV, you have a chance to get your hands on a premium-grade OLED without breaking the ban

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### Expert Commentary
This article covers oled, picture, zdnet topics. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1495.