As Black Friday approaches, savvy shoppers looking for top-tier televisions have a fantastic opportunity to snag the LG OLED G5 at a significant discount through Best Buy and Amazon. This model stands out in the crowded TV market, particularly among OLED screens, for its exceptional brightness and superior picture quality. Having tested numerous TVs over the years, including many OLEDs, the LG G5 has impressed experts at CNET as the brightest and most vivid display they have encountered, making it a standout choice for gamers and general viewers alike.
For gamers, picture quality and response time are critical factors that can influence performance and enjoyment. This was brought into sharp focus during a gaming session with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on the LG G5 OLED. While quick reflexes are undeniably key in competitive shooters, the clarity and brightness of the display proved just as important in enhancing the gaming experience. The LG G5’s ability to vividly render both bright and dark areas of the screen allowed players to better distinguish details in challenging environments, such as spotting enemies lurking in shadowy doorways—something that is often difficult on less capable screens.
The brightness of the LG G5 is particularly noteworthy. In the controlled environment of the CNET TV lab, this model consistently outshone other OLEDs, delivering an unparalleled luminance that enriched the viewing experience. This advantage is crucial for gamers who rely on subtle visual cues to gain an edge. Enhanced brightness combined with deep contrast means that images “pop” with more realism and depth, providing a more immersive and visually engaging experience. Such qualities are especially beneficial when playing games with complex lighting effects and shadow details, where every bit of visual information can influence gameplay.
Beyond just brightness, the LG G5 supports advanced image technologies like HDR10 and Dolby Vision. These features elevate the gaming experience by delivering a wider range of colors and improved contrast, making in-game environments appear more lifelike. For example, while exploring the Protocol map in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the vivid blue skies and strikingly rendered buildings made the virtual naval fort feel almost tangible, as though you were actually walking through it on a crisp autumn day. This level of detail and color accuracy is a testament to the G5’s powerful display technology and processing capabilities.
To provide a comprehensive assessment, the LG G5 was tested alongside four other TVs, including competitors like the Samsung S95F, the LG C5, and two popular LCD models. All were connected to the same Xbox console and run simultaneously to directly compare performance. Across several games—including Doom and Ori and the Blind Forest—the LG G5 consistently delivered the most vibrant and dynamic picture quality. However, it was in Call of Duty that the G5’s advantages really shone, with its brightness and contrast making a tangible difference in visibility and immersion.
A key factor behind the LG G5’s remarkable brightness is its innovative four-stack OLED panel. This technology stacks two blue OLED layers along with red and green layers, significantly boosting light output compared to conventional OLED designs. Currently, this four-stack panel is unique to the LG G5, giving it a distinct edge over competitors like the Samsung S95F, which, while excellent, cannot match the G5’s brightness. Additionally, the LG G5 supports Dolby Vision HDR, whereas Samsung’s S95F is limited to HDR10. This distinction is especially important for Xbox gamers aiming to maximize their 4K HDR capabilities, as Dolby Vision support enhances the visual experience on compatible games and content.
While the TV’s performance impressed in terms of picture quality, it is important to note that playing on the LG G5 alone does not guarantee improved gaming skills. Factors such as network latency and overall hardware setup also play crucial roles in competitive gaming. Nonetheless, the G5 offers a visually stunning platform that can greatly enhance the enjoyment of revisiting classic maps and exploring new game worlds. For serious gamers seeking the best possible display technology, the LG G5 is a compelling “must-see” option.
It’s worth mentioning that not everyone needs to invest in a premium $3,000 television to enjoy gaming. There are numerous budget-friendly TVs available for under $1,000 that deliver solid gaming performance and can provide a satisfying experience for most players. However, for those building an ultimate gaming setup and willing to invest in top-tier technology, the LG G5 offers a comprehensive package with its unmatched brightness, superior HDR support, and exceptional picture quality.
In summary, the LG OLED G5 stands