When it comes to buying a LED TV, the first thing in memory is two names – LG and Samsung. And it is not surprising, because the competition between the products of these brands as an invisible thread stretches through the entire history of their existence. Consumers have long been divided into three camps: some prefer the development of Samsung, others take the side of LG, and still, others are equally loyal to both manufacturers and consider their products to be almost identical in terms of functions and technical characteristics. So where is the truth? To find the answer to this question, you should compare brand TVs on several important parameters.
Design solutions
Despite the fact that many manufacturers claim that functional and technical rather than external characteristics are primarily important for TV buyers, the beauty of devices plays an important role. Consumers are ready to forgive the minimum error in the “stuffing” only thanks to the stylish design that will complement and emphasize the interior of their homes. As for the Korean flagships LG and Samsung, it is not so easy to judge the appearance of their products, and even more so to determine the leader by this parameter. Here, the “taste” plays a big role – someone will appreciate the classics from Samsung, and someone will definitely decide in favor of LG innovations. However, in many respects the design solutions of both manufacturers coincide – in the foreground is the stylish minimalism of the case, and only when the “chips” with rotating supports, removable legs, and other elements.
Characteristics of “pictures”
But the nature of the graphics – this is a feature that often becomes decisive in the choice of brand TV. Who wins the battle of LG and Samsung? It is well known that the first brand virtually eradicates a variety of species and is taken for the improvement of the LED line, while the second one, on the contrary, devotes equal shares of attention to LCD, LED and plasma devices. What are the characteristic differences of brand devices, what parameters allow us to judge whose TVs are still better? Advantages of LG TVs; Wide viewing angle; The use of 3D technology in manufacturing; High color quality LED TV; the 4K high definition for LED TVs; Matte and glossy finish displays. Advantages of Samsung TVs; Depth of Black; The use of 3D technology in manufacturing; The color saturation of the output image; Display speed; 4K resolution for all types of TVs. Matte and glossy finish displays. Obviously, in terms of the ratio of white and black, that is, the depths of colors, Samsung TVs definitely win. They are also one step ahead in the “Resolution” parameter, but this is due to the fact that all LG’s efforts are aimed at modernizing the LED panels. However, it is impossible to say with confidence that the victory for the Samsung company – according to some other characteristics of the LG image, is not that lagging behind, but ahead of the rival.
It is well-known that experts predict a great future for“smart” TVs – they are called an integral part of the “smart” home and indispensable helpers of modern users. The ability to log into social networks, control using a smartphone, monitor Internet resources, install various instant messengers – all this is provided exclusively using Smart TV. Both Samsung and its main competitor LG are launching a whole line of Smart TVs. However, the first brand wins in this parameter. And the matter is not even in the number of developments, but in their quality, or rather, functionality. Comparing the LG and Samsung TVs, one can come to the conclusion that the latter is typical: availability and simplicity of the user interface; higher color saturation; protection from “glitches” and freezes; regularly updated firmware. However, we should not forget that LG is working tirelessly on the development of options and capabilities of smart devices, so it actually breathes in the back of its rival. Additional features: what brands offer It would seem, what else can surprise the audience, in addition to Smart TV? However, both companies are doing everything possible to maximize the arsenal of functions of their offspring. It is hardly possible to fairly assess who works on this “field” more since both LG and Samsung give out something unique and unusual from time to time. Rivals are developing devices with: voice control; the function of “memorizing” missed programs or interesting films (just like in the good old days, recording important stories on VCR tapes); the possibility of use for gaming.
Price policy
Naturally, the price of TVs of both manufacturers primarily depends on the functional characteristics, screen size, release date. Samsung’s product line, exactly like LG, has a budget, medium, and high-priced models. Therefore, it cannot be said in full confidence that one brand is stronger than another and cares about the financial well-being of its consumers. In this part, we will try to analyze low-cost TVs for the purpose of comparing LG and Samsung TV. More precisely, these will be 4K TVs of the LG UK6 series and Samsung NU7 series. Among 4K TVs, LG is considered the initial stage of the 6th series, and Samsung – 7th series. As for the comparison of the flagship models of the same manufacturers, they were described in the article: LG E8 OLED and QLED Samsung Q9FN differences. After writing reviews of almost all Samsung lines and most LG reviews, we found a pattern that allows us to compare LG and Samsung.
Cheap LG and Samsung TVs. Which is better?
Immediately, we note that the question: “Which LG or Samsung TV should I choose?” It all depends on the purpose for which the consumer buys a TV and in what conditions he will use this TV. Besides the fact that there are lighted and darkened rooms. Some take the TV as a monitor. Some people prefer to watch high-quality 4K films, while others like soap operas or sports programs. These and many other factors influence the fact that you still choose: Samsung or LG. Matrices We found that in all Samsung TVs, the VA panel was used. The exceptions are only some models with the 43rd screen diagonal. LG TVs in the vast majority of models used matrix IPS. Given the fact that these are cheap TVs and there is no high-quality local dimming in them, preference should be given to the VA matrix because of its good contrast. However, there are exceptions. The matrix is good if you look at the screen in the center, hugging together on the couch with a child in her arms. If the teacher chooses a TV to place it in the classroom, what will it look like at the image from the front side desks? In addition to looking at the TV from the bottom up, the side viewing angles are too large … In this case, the IPS matrix with wide viewing angles will definitely benefit.
Contrast
The contrast parameter is mainly a consequence of the LCD panel used. At the VA panel in Samsung TVs, the contrast is much higher. However, throughout the model range, Samsung used Edge-LED side lighting. The only exceptions were the two flagship series: Samsung Q9FN and Samsung Q9DN. LG, on the contrary, even equipped low-end 6-series TVs with Direct-LED direct illumination, which led to noticeable improvements. In addition, IPS has deeper and more natural colors. In general, it is precisely in contrast that Samsung wins, but loses in some other parameters. Brightness and HDR This subsection cannot be read, because in the battle of LG vs Samsung, according to these parameters, a combat draw. Peak brightness values are about the same (about 350 nits). This brightness is not enough for high-quality viewing HDR. That is, when viewed in HDR mode, improvements are clearly observed, but they do not look as good as on more expensive TVs. Apparently, this is why Samsung TVs 7 series is not equipped with HDR10, and LG 6 series TVs do not have Dolby Vision. However, most LG models have Active HDR with dynamic metadata. But it is not known how much it improves on these TVs compared to the HDR10. Smart Tv According to many users, webOS by LG is considered the best Smart TV system among all other systems, and Tizen from Samsung as well. Its main merit is speed and an intuitive menu interface. 4K entry-level TV models are equipped with full versions. However, Samsung and LG in this price segment have some limitations – the usual remote controls. To have the full version of Smart, you need to buy additional control panels. Only in this case voice control and other useful functions will be added. WRGB and RGB Continuing the comparison of LG and Samsung TVs, it should be added that the former have an RGBW color structure. Recently, it has often become known as WRGB. Samsung TVs adhere to the classic version of RGB. We have already written about the differences between RGBW and RGB. The downside of the WRGB is some horizontal pixel offset. However, this shift to the human eye is almost imperceptible. It can be identified if you draw a grid on TV, where the size of each cell will be pixel by pixel. So, if you use the TV screen for small graphic works, then WRGB is clearly not for you. In defense of WRGB, it can be said that this technology allows reducing the cost price and, consequently, the price for the consumer. If we compare starting models 4K LG and Samsung, then the price of LG 55UK6100 starts from 42,000 rubles. The Samsung UE55NU7100U with the same diagonal has the lowest price of 53,000 rubles. In my opinion, the 20% difference in price in favor of LG is a rather considerable result …
Game Mode
It is considered that any Samsung TV model is ideal for computer games. The main reason is the low entry delay time. If you study the LG model of the same year, then in their game mode this parameter is not worse. The disadvantage of cheap 4K models from both manufacturers is a frame rate of 60 Hz. Under Game mode, it is usually meant that the gamer plays alone and sits opposite the monitor in the center. In this case, the VA matrix will have an advantage because of its contrast (especially in dark games). Sound Audio in TV LG and Samsung in this price category is almost the same. The main problem – there is no high-quality low frequencies. The same applies to representatives of other companies whose televisions cost the same. However, in all its models, Samsung has removed support for the DTS format. LG has such support in stock.
Switching
As for connections, the necessary connectors for both models are present. Unlike LG, Samsung brought all the connectors to the side panel, which is a good solution for wall mounting. The disadvantage of the same Samsung can be attributed to the lack of audio output to the headphones. On the LG TVs, there is a headphone jack. As it turned out, the problem of the lack of audio output to the headphones is disturbed by a considerable number of users. So what’s better, LG or Samsung It follows from the above to buy an inexpensive TV, it is necessary to clearly mark for yourself what content it will be used to view. In addition, do not forget about the lighting of the room and the possibility of collective viewing. You also need to “consult” with your finances. If someone is not satisfied with some of the parameters, but there are additional funds, then it is worthwhile to safely move at least one level higher. There are HDR, and brightness, and additional consoles …
What conclusion can be drawn from the above?
Which LED or LCD TV is better: LG or Samsung? The answer to this question depends largely on the purpose of use – if you are looking for the perfect “smart” TV, then Samsung is in the lead, but LG wins in the price-quality ratio. But it is hardly possible to say for sure who wins this equal battle – both brands are doing their utmost to the same extent to get a palm.
