Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

When it comes to high-end OLED TVs, LG is the undisputed heavyweight champion. The brand has long been the gold standard for the technology, and the debut of the G6 further solidifies its dominance in the market. 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 the two seem nearly identical at a glance, 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

You should buy the LG G5 OLED TV if...

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 bank. 

You should buy the LG G6 OLED TV if...

1. You want a brighter, matte OLED screen

Like the OLED that came before it, the G6 uses a quad-layer screen to boost color accuracy and brightness. However, the G6 can reach a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, almost four times that of the G5. 

With four OLED layers stacked on top of one another, the tandem panel can control each layer independently for near-perfect blacks, brighter whites, and more accurate, bolder colors. The display also features a matte screen to help reduce glare and reflections, improving visibility in bright rooms and sunlight.

2. You want more useful AI integration (first)

The G6 features the LG AI concierge, an integrated assistant that will offer personalized entertainment options, TV optimization settings, search recommendations, and even an AI chatbot to help troubleshoot issues. 

Watch: LG pushes OLED TV technology even brighter in 2026

This update is great for anyone who wants to fine-tune picture and audio settings without the hassle of navigating a series of confusing menus; the integrated AI assistant automatically monitors and analyzes your favorite media and creates custom audio and picture settings.

3. You want a faster processor

The dual-layer OLED panel requires a lot of power to get the best picture. The Alpha 11 processor that LG uses was upgraded for the G6, enabling it to push the TV to its technical limits with up to 50% faster performance. 

Not only will you get faster-loading apps, but the Alpha 11 can also analyze and upscale many more frames per second than its predecessor, for better consistency and smoother real-time upscaling to 4K resolution. It also uses a dual-AI engine that analyzes each frame to enhance sharpness and detail. 

Writer's choice

While on a technical level, both versions of LG's flagship OLED TV aren't all that different, the G6 does offer a handful of meaningful updates over its predecessor. The refreshed dual-layer OLED panel offers a brighter picture as well as a matte finish for better visibility in bright rooms and sunlight, while the new third-gen Alpha 11 processor provides better power efficiency and faster picture processing for upscaling in 4K. 

If you're looking for one of the best OLED TVs on the market and want to save a bit of money, the LG G5 would be my choice, as it's often on sale -- now that it is a generation behind. You'll still get incredible picture quality with top-notch audio, a host of smart features, dedicated picture modes for gaming and streaming movies, and a 5-year warranty.