Both Samsung and LG are known as tech titans that have been releasing new models every year. And while they often stand out among other TV manufacturers, it’s quite tricky to tell which one deserves the place in your living room. To avoid incompatibility, our team decided to pit LG vs. Samsung TV brands according to their price range category.
LG or Samsung TV?
History and Experience
Although both TV brands first emerged from South Korea, LG was founded a bit earlier than Samsung. The company started in Busan in October of 1958, whereas its local competition entered the home electronics scene in 1969.
As you may already know, both brands are highly regarded as the best TV options by several international media group companies.
Despite the obvious similarity, it’s common knowledge that Samsung offers cheaper models. This global TV brand also dominates today’s QLED TV industry while LG manufactures OLED displays for their recent releases.
Comparing LG and Samsung TVs
LG and Samsung: Up to $300
Smart HD TV
- Multiple streaming services
- Google Assistant
- Built-in TV tuner
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Active HDR
LED TV
- Response time: 7.5 to 18.8 ms
- Digital TV tuner
- Semi-gloss screen finish
- Direct LED backlight
- 720p screen resolution
Size and Design
Considering that we’re testing smart TVs under the $300 price mark, our home theater experts already expected to find smaller models. Both screen sizes are limited to 32 inches, but LG 32LM627BPUA has a smaller footprint compared to Samsung UN32M4500A because of the latter’s flat TV stand.
One glance and we could tell that both LG and Samsung TVs appear fairly thick in construction. Thankfully enough, these smart TVs are compatible with wall mounting, so you wouldn’t have any problem with setting them up.
Despite the thick bezels both TVs have, LG is still the TV brand our testers chose in terms of exterior design. Unlike 32LM627BPUA, Samsung UN32M4500A has black shiny plastic borders that are prone to visible fingerprints.
Image Quality and Technology
In this LG vs. Samsung TV evaluation, picture quality is among the most crucial features to consider. Upon closer look, our resident cinephiles noticed that Samsung Smart TV delivered a better contrast ratio and picture quality than its LG alternative.
This aspect was no surprise to us, especially because LED TVs always have brighter display capabilities than ones with an LCD layer like LG 32LM627BPUA. On top of that, UN32M4500A has VA panel technology that enables less image retention.
Our team didn’t expect to find selections with smart TV functions while working with a $300 budget during our search. Fortunately, both Samsung and LG TV options are integrated with pretty solid operating systems.
Like typical premium LG TVs, 32LM627BPUA works with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This smart TV feature is noticeably unavailable in Samsung TVs under this price range, which means LG wins in this part of the evaluation.
Connectivity Options
Wired and wireless connectivity is crucial for the smart TV market, which is why both LG and Samsung TVs have this feature despite their affordable price tag. Both have digital TV tuners to receive free channels and Wi-Fi to stream the internet.
The only perk this LG TV has over Samsung is its diverse inputs and outputs. Compared to UN32M4500A, our experts spotted that the LG model has more USB and HDMI ports readily available to accommodate external device connections.
While its competitor has a direct-lit LED backlight, the connectivity, voice control, and other smart functions of this LG TV prove its diversity to suit any home theater setup.
LG and Samsung: Up to $500
Smart UHD TV
- 4K Ultra HD resolution
- Magic Remote Controller
- Dolby Vision IQ
- FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
- High dynamic range
- Wide viewing angles
UHD TV
- Quantum Dot Technology
- 4K Ultra HD TV Resolution
- Dual LED backlight
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Quantum HDR
- Low input lag
Size and Design
Despite the close price range, this LG display offers a bigger screen size than Samsung. Thanks to its 43-inch screen, our resident cinephiles enjoyed much wider viewing angles compared to the standard 32-inch display of Samsung QN32Q60AAFXZA.
On the other hand, LG’s construction is quite standard-looking when placed next to this $500 Samsung QLED TV. The latter is also thinner and less likely to stick out when mounted to the wall. In addition to that, Samsung’s adjustable TV feet made it easier for our testers to settle its placement.
Image Quality and Operating System
Although both TVs don’t support Dolby Vision, we noticed that Samsung QN32Q60AAFXZA held out on its own with an impressive contrast ratio. You can also tweak its picture settings to achieve enhanced SDR peak brightness. It also has lifelike colors highly owed to its Quantum Dots technology.
As for LG’s picture quality, the precision of contrast is quite not there. When our team conducted the dark-room viewing, we immediately noticed that deep blacks appear greyish on its screen, unlike its Samsung alternative. Tweaking its image configuration also helped in enhancing its quality.
A solid operating system is the main similarity of these smart TVs. Instead of a horizontal menu bar, both interfaces have a dedicated home screen where users can access all sorts of content. Samsung’s Tizen OS runs a bit smoother and includes additional features like Tidal and BT Sport.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
Most of LG’s mid-range or premium sets have smart voice control functions, but this particular model doesn’t seem to support its functions. Instead, it comes with a magic remote app with shortcut buttons to streaming apps like Apple TV Plus.
In contrast, QN32Q60AAFXZA has multiple voice command capabilities and works with most AI speakers like Alexa or Google Assistant. Our team recommends this unit if you have other smart home devices that you want to integrate with your TV.
The unit has more overall wired inputs than its alternatives, making it easier for us to integrate external audio and visual devices.
In searching for a TV under the $500 price range, we expected it to have the versatility that Samsung QN32Q60AAFXZA has. With multiple connectivity options and configuration fit for gaming, there’s no doubt that these QLED TVs can add value to any modern home theater setup.
LG and Samsung: Up to $700-$1000
4K UHD TV
- Google Assistant integration
- Fast & Dynamic Game Optimizer
- Wide color gamut
- Balanced sound quality
- Low input lag
QLED 4K TV
- Native contrast ratio: 7,000:1
- Wide color gamut
- Contrast enhancer settings
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- QLED TV technology
Size and Design
Similar to other QLED TVs, Samsung QN55Q60TAFXZA’s construction is beyond exquisite. With a borderless design and a minimalist look, it’ll surely blend well with any setup. And while it has the same 55-inch screen size as LG’s NANO TV, it has cable management attached to its feet that the latter visibly lacks.
Both TVs are fairly thin with durable construction that’ll last a long time. However, our testers gave this LG vs. Samsung TV category to QN55Q60TAFXZA as it has thinner bezels and is less likely to stick out on a wall-mount setup.
Image Quality and Operating System
When compared side-by-side, our experts could easily tell that the Samsung unit under this price range has better contrast and brightness quality than the other. Although both televisions don’t have Dolby Vision support or local dimming, their native contrast ratio pretty much did its job.
The only difference is Samsung’s QN55Q60TAFXZA handles glare better than its competition, and the screen can be decently viewed even in well-lit rooms.
The two brands are both integrated with a decent content interface. Although we had a bit of an issue while navigating Samsung’s OS, its usage is easy, and the responsiveness is very smooth as well.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
Both selections within this price tag have voice command compatibility fit for any modern home cinema. If you have AI speakers like Alexa or Google Home, you can freely integrate these TVs using its wireless connectivity options.
Our testers also tried configuring these TVs through their remote apps, LG TV Plus and SmartThings. Delightfully, it made our streaming experience more convenient.
Additional Features
As an all-around TV option, it’s not a surprise that Samsung’s unit offers a Multi-View mode that enables users to mirror content from mobile to the TV screen. Its OneRemote also detects other smart home devices for easier control and integration.
On the other hand, its competitor’s additional features include a gameplay optimizer that sets low latency and gives users options to access game settings easily.
During the tests, we also noticed similar specifications and quality of both models. However, Samsung’s QN55Q60TAFXZA QLED TV surely snatched this round for its superior design and contrast ratio.
LG and Samsung: Up to $1500
OLED TV
- OLED technology
- Variable refresh rate
- Bluetooth support
- Dolby Vision Support
- Instant response time
QLED SMART TV
- Auto low latency mode
- Low input lag
- 70-inch screen size
- Wi-Fi support
- HDR10 & HDR10+
Size and Design
As you may already notice, both TVs are in the same price range. However, Samsung’s display size is a lot wider than LG’s, which is to be expected because OLED TVs are generally more expensive than QLEDs. Although UN70TU7000 has an advantage with its 70-inch screen, its problem lies in its standard feet.
Upon closer inspection, the OLED55C1PUB appears to have a more solid TV stand design than its alternative. In fact, its build quality is far more durable and superior than Samsung’s unit.
Image Quality and Operating System
With no liquid crystals involved, Organic Light Emitting Diode or OLED panels naturally have more precise contrast levels [1] than Samsung’s QLED TVs. With its own light, watching in a dark room didn’t become much of a problem for us than how it has been with UN70TU7000.
It also has local dimming capabilities, which QLEDs often lack. And thanks to its wide viewing angles, our testers were able to view the screen with fewer distortions at any corner of the spacious room. Contrarily, accuracy is quite hard to maintain with UN70TU7000 when we go off-center.
Both Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s WebOS have everything you can ask for a smart TV interface. Their access to streaming channels like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video is almost the same as well.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
Unlike LG’s OLED TV, Samsung’s unit under this price tag has no voice control functions. While the QLED massive option can be controlled through SmartThings App, it has very few smart functions apart from its content interface and wireless connectivity.
On the brighter side, LG’s OLED front-runner has everything you’d want for a smart TV option. From Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, up to TV tuner, this unit offers multiple connectivity options.
Additional Features
When it comes to additional features, LG’s front-runner takes home the crown. With its Game optimizer that enables compatibility with G-Sync and Free-Sync, your gaming experience will surely be elevated with this TV. It also has Sports Alert options that deliver the latest news from your favorite teams.
Even though this unit has a smaller screen size than its competition, its superiority was apparent with its multiple wired and wireless connectivity options. On top of that, it also delivers more lifelike colors and brightness that fit any viewing environment.
Overall Winner: Samsung
Despite the perks of LG’s OLED TVs, Samsung’s QLED options still emerged victorious in these Samsung vs. LG TV evaluations due to the diverse connectivity of models in each price range. The consistency of their features, excellent contrast ratio, and fast interface prove that this brand delivers what is expected regardless of your budget.
The post LG vs Samsung TV (2021) — A Face-Off Between Two Korean Tech Giants appeared first on The Product Analyst.
from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/lg-vs-samsung-tv/
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