We've always been fans of LG's simple webOS smart TV platform. (Image credit: LG) Samsung TV vs LG TV: smart TV platform The G3 also benefits from the latest iteration of LG’s most powerful processor, the α9 AI Processor Gen6. This is also found in the C3 and Z3 and enables a number of new picture processing technologies, including AI Super Upscaling, Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, Object Enhancer and HDR Expression Enhancer. LG showcased its new TV range at CES in January, with the lineup comprising various OLED models, a Mini LED flagship, a few edge-lit Quantum Dot NanoCell alternatives and a handful of basic LCD LED models.

60UQ81006LB Smart 4K UHD HDR LED Freeview TV LG 60 Inch 60UQ81006LB Smart 4K UHD HDR LED Freeview TV

Both formats use what’s called dynamic metadata to tailor the output of the television to the content being displayed, so scenes of dark underground caverns or well-lit drawing rooms vary the levels of brightness, contrast, and picture processing accordingly.These additional numbers and letters are the least important. They indicate the sales region, the type of broadcast tuner and the type of stand the TV uses. Audio on LG’s flagship TVs gets an upgrade too, with the top models now able to support 9.1.2 virtual channels and a couple of handy new technologies: Auto Balance Control, which optimises audio based on how the human brain processes sonic information, and AI Clear Sound, another optimisation algorithm that takes into account ambient settings and content types. LG TVs 2023: Breaking down the model numbers Having said that, if you're looking for the most impressive picture quality out there, regardless of price, nothing currently beats LG's OLED panels for color and contrast (read our LG C2 OLED review). C: The first letter of an OLED’s model number indicates the series to which the TV belongs. “Z” series OLEDs are the company’s most expensive, while the “A” series are entry-level options, though there’s no A series being released in the UK in 2023. We’ve gone into this debate in more detail in our QLED vs OLED guide. It’ll be enough to say that OLED is generally suited to high-quality video formats in dark viewing environments, while Samsung’s sets lag on contrast (comparatively) but make up for it with a bright and impactful display.

LG TV model numbers: LG’s latest OLED, QNED and NanoCell TVs

You won’t find any gaming features on the UQ81 that would allow you to play next-gen titles. LG would have to provide an HDMI 2.1 interface and 120 hertz for that. But this is simply not part of the specifications. You will also have to do without three-dimensional surround sound and sometimes show some patience when navigating through webOS 22. As you can see from the image above, the interface has changed in recent years, replacing its traditional overlay of apps for a full-screen view that's more spaced-out, but is still the best smart TV platform in our books. OLEDs are handled slightly differently from the rest of LG’s range so let’s look at those first. Taking the OLED83C34LA as our example, the model number can be broken down into five parts: QNED: Next comes the panel type, which in this case is a Quantum NanoCell Emitting Diode (QNED) panel.QLED, on the other hand, is a proprietary technology developed by Samsung. QLED uses a filter of quantum dots to enhance color and contrast and make do with several dimming zones to vary brightness across the screen – rather than being able to do so with each pixel individually. QLED TVs are also a lot brighter than OLEDs (thousands of nits versus hundreds) though they can struggle to show both light and dark images as effectively at the same time as a result.

Instruction manual for LG 60 Inch 60UQ81006LB Smart 4K UHD

This reflects the series the TV belongs to. The higher the number, the more advanced (and expensive) the TV is.Admittedly, the preferred HDR format is only really a concern at the higher end of the price range, but those spending big should think carefully about which services they’re likely to want HDR content on. Those features may be exclusive to α9-powered sets, but the rest of the lineup isn’t short on improvements. Every OLED, QNED and UHD entry comes with “AI Blue Light Reduction” to deliver a more natural viewing experience, while the new webOS home screen makes new home screen for webOS groups content into easy-to-access categories to reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling. Generally, voices from the downward emitting speakers sound clear and can be understood sufficiently well. This puts the performance on the usual level for everyday use. True cinema atmosphere is – unsurprisingly – a foreign word for the 2.0 sound system with 20 watts of output.

LG UK LG UN81 50 inch 4K Smart UHD TV - 50UN81006LB | LG UK

Despite the comparatively low price rating, you get a well-made 4K TV that delivers an amazingly great picture in terms of color reproduction and can also be used well for extended group evenings. However, the picture quality of this model is limited by its comparatively low contrast. In comparison, the best Samsung TV can sure light up a room, offering a higher boost in pixel density than its rivals, take a look at our Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K TV review. We also love Samsung's lifestyle sets, like The Frame QLED 4K TV (2022), for combining performance with style. And its mid-range TVs, like the Samsung BU8500, are truly excellent value for money. QNED and NanoCell model numbers take a different form but the general gist is the same. Let’s use the 75QNED826RE as our example: The Samsung QN900B is one of the best 8K TVs you can buy today, boasting stunning HDR pictures. (Image credit: Samsung) Samsung TV vs LG TV: panel tech

The two digits following the OLED panel type illustrate the TV’s screen size. In this case, we’re looking at an 83in model. Dolby Vision is really the more advanced format, with 12-bit color gamut instead of the 10-bit HDR10+, and is also more commonly found (both the Google Chromecast with Google TV and Apple TV 4K take advantage of Dolby Vision). The poor luminance of about 300 nits SI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m 2– The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness isn’t really enough to bring bright details to the panel with final consequence and to give the colorization an extra helping hand at this point. If the content gets too dark, there is a risk that the picture loses details. That being said, Samsung is dipping its toe into OLED TVs, having launched the Samsung S95B in 2022. Although it's technically what Samsung is calling QD-OLED. Because in this display there's actually a whole new type of OLED technology – one that combines the famous self-emissive properties of OLED with the brightness and color range potential of QLED. Samsung is currently the market leader, but which TV brand you choose is entirely up to you, your preferences and whether any of the differences we've highlighted above are dealbreakers for you. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that you'll want to compare like for like. A high-end set for Samsung, for example, will always beat a budget set from LG, and vice versa.