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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I've been testing TVs for 8 years — and the LG G5 OLED actually wowed me
Price: $3,400Screen size: 65 inchesModel: OLED65G5WUAResolution: 3,840 x 2,160HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLGRefresh rate: 120Hz native, 165Hz VRRPorts: 4 HDMI 2.1, 3 USBAudio: N/ASmart TV software: webOS 25Size (without stand): 56.7x32.5x1 inchesWeight (without stand): 48.5 pounds After more than eight years of testing TVs, I don't get wowed by them very often anymore. But every once in a while, one manages it, and the LG G5 OLED is just such a TV. LG's top-of-the-line OLED excels in every area, with an eye-catching, dynamic picture in every situation, and enough new technologies both inside and out to make everything you watch look as good as it can possibly be. At its launch price of $3,200 for a 65-inch model, though, the G5 is $1,000 more than the superb LG C5 OLED, and the competition from Samsung and Sony is fierce enough that the G5 doesn't always fully justify its sky-high price. Still, this is an exquisite OLED, as well as one of the best TVs you can buy for folks who want a premium design to match LG's top-notch picture quality. The G5 is the latest TV in LG's flagship line of OLED sets, slotting in above the upper-midrange C5 and the lower-midrange B5, both of which are currently available. The M5, essentially a version of the G5 designed for entirely wireless use, is likely to be released later this year. The five size variants of the G5 include: We evaluated the 65-inch model, but because the 55-, 77-, and 83-inch versions all use the same technologies, we would expect them to be comparable as far as overall picture performance. The only substantial differences arise with the 97-inch G5. It uses Brightness Booster Max instead of Ultimate (see below for more on this), and the lack of faster Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support means you're limited to a refresh rate of 120Hz. Otherwise, the TVs should all be similar, regardless of size. You would expect that the G5, being a high-end TV, would have a high-end look — and you would be correct. Unlike the C5, which more resembles a traditional OLED in its no-nonsense design and ultrathin screen, the G5 boasts another layer or two of sparkle in its design. The most obvious enhancement is that its substantially thicker screen (just past half an inch) is framed on all sides with a gleaming silver band that catches your eye from everywhere in the room. When looking at the set from the front, the only other visible adornment is the orange power light. Located on the underside of the power light's housing are a switch for activating or deactivating the integrated far-field microphone, and a hardware button you can push to turn the TV on and off or access Inputs, Volume, and Channel functions. The other key difference between the G5 and LG's lower-end sets is that this one does not come with a stand. (This was true of the G3 OLED two years ago, too, but not last year's G4 OLED.) LG provided an excellent stand (an ST-G4SN65) for the purposes of our review, but you'll have to buy your own if you want the TV on top of an entertainment center or other flat surface. No, the G5 is intended for wall mounting. It ships with a special wall bracket designed to fit into the large depression on the rear panel, and thus make it possible for the TV to lay nearly flat against the wall, as though it were a painting. It's not alone in this aesthetic, as both the Hisense Canvas and Samsung The Frame are also engineered to provide this gallery-style design. As a result of this, the port layout is slightly unusual, with the majority (a coaxial cable connector, Ethernet, two HDMI ports, and two USB ports) near the center of the TV's back and facing downward and hidable beyond a snap-on plastic panel. Three more ports intended for regular use (two HDMI, with one the eARC port, and one USB) are recessed in about 5 inches from the TV's left edge and face outward. All four HDMI ports support the newer and more powerful HDMI 2.1 specification that offers Auto Low Latency-Mode (ALLM) and the aforementioned VRR, which is capable of refresh rates as fast as 165Hz. HDMI 2.2 is right around the corner, but for now, this port selection is as good as it gets in 2025. We follow a standard testing protocol for every TV we review at Tom's Guide. Our benchmarks include a series of technical and subjective tests designed to rate the set's performance. For our technical tests, we set the TV to Filmmaker Mode (usually the most accurate out of the box) and take measurements using a Jeti spectraval 1501-HiRes spectroradiometer, a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo 8K-SIX-G Metal pattern generator, and Portrait Displays's Calman TV-calibration software. We also use a Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester for determining the TV's gaming prowess. Subjective tests vary based on the reviewer but usually include anecdotes from a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and other content reflecting the types of things you may actually want to watch on the TV. For a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it, check out our 'How we test TVs' page. Though QD-OLED TVs have stolen most of the headlines the last couple of years with their combination of quantum-dot color and brightness with the perfect black and infinite contrast of OLEDs, LG's new Four-Stack OLEDs can still rock your world. Because the G5 gets so bright (see below), something LG attributes to its Brightness Booster Ultimate technology, it has no trouble pointing up even fine light details in the darkest scenes, while also supercharging color. The results are astonishing with anything. I was especially thrilled by the roller-coaster contrast in movies like Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two, which thrive on scenes of either pure black and white or more monochromatic color palettes. The G5 made them look nearly as vivid as they did in the theater. There is nothing to criticize about movies on the (literal) opposite end of the spectrum, either. Films like Barbie, Wicked, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, all four of which may as well feature eye-detonating color as a main character, looked stunning on the G5. As with all OLEDs, the G5's picture doesn't lose a whit of its distinctiveness or colors their saturation from any seat in the house. And though I haven't experienced crippling glare problems with LG's previous G-series sets, the new antiglare coating on the G5's screen (which has earned the TV a UL Glare Free certification) eliminates what little problem was left. LG G5 LG C5 LG G4 Samsung S95F SDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 465 335 358 268 Delta-E (lower is better) 1.99 1.25 1.4 1.19 Rec. 709 Gamut Coverage 99.69% 99.67% 98.55% 106.88% HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 2,296 1165 1488 2,138 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 99.79% 99.45% 97.29% 99.97% Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 82.42% 76.18% 72.91% 90.26% Input Lag (ms) 12.9/9.2 (Boost) 12.9/9.1 (Boost) 12.9/9.2 (Boost) 9.5 Our technical tests backed up what my eyes were already telling me. For an OLED, the G5 gets dazzlingly bright with both SDR (465 nits) and HDR (2,296) content, putting it not only on equal footing with the Samsung S95F OLED (2,138 nits), but within spitting distance of a lot of LED-based sets. (As an interesting point of comparison, the G5 proved more than 800 nits brighter with an HDR signal than its predecessor, the G4 — a truly impressive generational leap.) We measured its Delta-E (a value representing the difference between a color at the source and as displayed on the screen, with lower numbers being better) as 1.99, and its coverage of the Rec. 709 (SDR) color gamut as 99.69%, and its HDR performance in coverage of the UHDA-P3 gamut as 99.79 and the Rec. 2020 gamut as 82.42. In every case, this is outstanding, if never quite category leading. The similarly priced S95F, and even some lower-cost sets like the Samsung S90F and LG's own C5, for example, had marginally more accurate colors, and both Samsungs covered noticeably more of the Rec. 2020 gamut. Audio on the G5 is fine. It never stood out as either a detriment or a boon while watching movies or series, and when just playing music it was in no way offensive with either low basses or high trebles. The 4.2-channel, downward-firing speaker system, complete with Dolby Atmos, is unquestionably good enough for the purpose of everyday TV watching. But not much more than that. In order to get the TV to sound as good as it looks, however, you will definitely want to add one of Tom's Guide's best soundbars. LG's higher-end TVs have long been good for gaming, and the G5 is surprisingly no exception. As measured with our Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester, the G5 registered an outstanding 9.2ms of lag when the Game Optimizer boost function was enabled, and a still-strong 12.9ms with it off. This puts the G5 in the first rank of gaming sets, right alongside the best gaming TV, the LG C5 OLED. There are plenty of gaming features, too, including Dark Room Mode and Multi View, which are accessible through the Game Optimizer menu (when you're in that mode) and a pop-up game bar you can raise while you're playing a title. The G5 also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is Nvidia G-Sync compatible. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle played beautifully and looked absolutely amazing on the G5, with the G5's superb contrast and brightness handling accentuating every nook and cranny of the water-hewn caverns and dank secret passages that provide so much of the game's rich, satisfying atmosphere. LG has not abandoned its proprietary webOS operating system — and why should it when it's one of the best you can find on a TV? The easy-to-navigate home screen is divided up into rows, with an advertising carousel at the top, a row of rectangular cards that group various functions such as sports or gaming, a highly customizable app bar, then below that a row showing content from your recent inputs and offerings from the LG Channels streaming service. It shouldn't be hard to find something to watch from the home screen, but you can also view video from your mobile device with Google Cast or Apple AirPlay or watch live broadcasts on the integrated ATSC 1.0 tuner. (Due to an ongoing licensing dispute, there is no ATSC 3.0 tuner, which would allow for over-the-air 4K broadcasts. This is common in recent TVs, but it's still a shame that it's not included here.) AI features comprise a voice search option that, as far as I can tell, is functionally identical to the previous, non-AI version (and works just fine from either the remote or the far-field microphone), and a 'concierge' that makes additional viewing suggestions based on your interests and watch history. I was not bowled over by these, but they are there if you want to take advantage of them. Amazon Alexa is also supported, in case you have a smart home full of Amazon's Echo devices. Like all LG's TVs beginning this generation, the G5 ships with a thoroughly redesigned Magic Remote that retains much of the (controversial) original's functionality in a more streamlined package. It still can be used like an on-screen mouse by waving it (that's the 'magic' part), and the select button in the center of the directional control is still a scroll wheel for some reason. But in addition to losing the antiquated number keys and color buttons, LG has also dumped some I would consider essential (Inputs, which you now must access via the Home Hub button, and Mute) and renamed or added others that may be of limited use ('AI'). This new Magic Remote is more in line with Sony's and Samsung's recent redesigns, and its new matte, candy-bar design is more traditional than the previous glossy, ergonomic one. These changes won't be for everyone, though the overall offering is a functional one. The big question with the LG G5 isn't whether it's a good TV, or even whether it's a great one. Each of those questions merits an emphatic 'yes.' What really needs to be asked instead is: Is it worth the money? If you have the money budgeted for a high-ticket home entertainment purchase, that's also a firm yes. The big advantage the G5 has over the C5 and its other competitors is its incredible brightness. But that's a bit of a matter of diminishing returns past a certain point. And as much as I loved everything I viewed on the G5, the fact remains that the C5 — despite being not as bright on paper — looked almost as good, and it costs nearly $1,000 less. Some other sets, like the Samsung S90F (which costs about the same as the C5), even edge out the G5 in other ways. Good as the LG G5 is, it's not quite an undisputed king. I still think this is one of the best TVs you can buy, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a premium design that matches that G5's excellent picture performance. If you can live without the gallery-esque aesthetic, however, the more affordable C5 is still my go-to pick in 2025.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
There's no way! The LG C5 OLED just got slashed by $900 on Amazon
Prime Day deals are almost here, bringing steep discounts on some of our favorite TVs. But why even wait when some serious savings can already be had on brand new TVs? Right now you can get the 65-inch LG C5 4K OLED TV for $1,796 at Amazon. That's $900 slashed on one of LG's newest TVs, a discount bringing it down to its lowest price yet, but it won't last for long as it's labeled a limited time deal so you'll have to act fast. The LG C5 OLED has arrived. It's marked as one of our favorite value TVs and a brilliant OLED for those looking to save a little on the more advanced screen. With the C5, you get tons of gaming features, including a 144Hz refresh rate built on four total HDMI 2.1 ports. LG's webOS platform also has a slew of free channels to dive into as well as cloud gaming platforms. 42" for $1,19648" for $1,29655" for $1,496 77" for $2,99683" for $4,796 The LG C5 OLED TV is one of the best OLED TVs of the year and it's an instant hit for gamers. It's built on a 144Hz refresh rate with LG's Alpha a9 AI processor, which is at the heart of its incredible upscaling potential. I saw the C5 OLED earlier this year at an event held at LG's facilities in New Jersey. LG had two LG C5s side-by-side playing the same baseball content, but one was playing in 720p while the other was in 4K — and it was genuinely impossible to tell which one was which. That's a testament to its upscaling chops, and it only gets better the more you dive into its features. Through webOS, its TV interface, you have tons of free channels to dive into along with some of the best cloud gaming services. Its gaming prowess is made all the better when you take into account its 9.1ms of input latency in tandem with a slew of other features, like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. This makes it ideal for everything from the PS5 Pro to a powerful gaming PC, and it helps that the C5 comes in a range of varied sizes. This is a rare deal on a brand new display, so act fast if it's something you're looking to get your hands on. But if it's a bit too much out of your price range, you can always check out our ongoing early Prime Day deals page for even more savings on TVs and the like.
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
One of our favorite OLED TVs is 19% off in an early Prime Day deal
Are you looking for OLED TV deals? You don't have to wait for Prime Day to get a nice bargain from Amazon, as the 65-inch LG C5 OLED 4K TV is already 19% off. From its original price of $2,697, it's down to $2,197 for a $500 discount. It's still pretty expensive, but we assure you that it's going to be worth every single penny. You'll have to act fast for your purchase though, as we're not sure how much time is remaining before this offer expires. Why you should buy the 65-inch LG C5 OLED 4K TV The LG C5 OLED 4K TV is the runner-up in our list of the best OLED TVs, second only to the LG G5 OLED 4K TV. While The LG G-series OLED TVs push the boundaries of OLED technology, the LG C-series OLED TVs always offered the best bang for your buck, and that's exactly what you'll get with the LG C5 OLED 4K TV. The brand's Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen 8 delivers exceptional images, with AI Super Upscaling automatically improving all content to 4K quality, and Brightness Booster magnifying each pixel to make the colors pop even when you're watching in a brightly-lit room. You'll be bringing a cinematic experience into your home with the LG C5 OLED 4K TV as it supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and gaming on its 65-inch screen will be magnificent with its up to 144Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time. You'll also never run out of shows and movies to watch as the OLED TV is powered by LG's webOS platform, which grants access to all of the popular streaming services. The 65-inch LG C5 OLED 4K TV is available with a 19% discount in an early Prime Day deal from Amazon, which slashes its price from $2,697 to $2,197. You wouldn't want to miss this chance at $500 in savings on such a fantastic OLED TV, so you should hurry in completing your transaction. Buy the 65-inch LG C5 OLED 4K TV right now to make sure that you get it for a lower price than usual, as TV deals like this usually get sold out quickly.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Minister calls for wartime effort to build infrastructure
Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, provides an update on the forecast for the 2025 wildfires season at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Canada's Energy and Natural Resources Minister is calling for a wartime effort to build big national infrastructure projects as envisioned by recently passed bill C-5. In a keynote address to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Tim Hodgson issued a call to action to business leaders to 'bring your best ideas forward' as the country attempts to retool the economy like it did at the end of the Second World War. Hearkening back to a time when Canada faced 'such a transformational upheaval of the world order,' Hodgson reminded the room that eight decades ago, instead of hesitating, Canadians came together to do great things. 'Now, we must stand side-by-side once again, from coast to coast to coast, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, industries, small businesses, and entrepreneurs,' said Hodgson. 'We need that same spirit today.' The 'One Canadian Economy Act' passed parliament last week and is awaiting first reading in the Senate. It must pass third reading before getting Royal Ascent and then becoming law -- a process that could happen this week as the Upper Chamber is expected to rise for the summer on Thursday or Friday. Hodgson says the bill will create conditions to get projects off the ground more quickly with the establishment of a major projects office, whose goal is to give proponents one point of contact 'to make sure things stay on track,' said the minister. That office will be a central coordination point with an Indigenous Advisory Council to consult with indigenous, first nations and Metis communities. Coupled with a 'rigorous' environmental review, Hodgson says it will inform a 'single set of binding federal conditions for the project,' said Hodgson. The goal is to expedite reviews and focus on how the project will be built as opposed to whether it will be built, Hodgson said. Last Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he will be holding working sessions and public roundtables in Ottawa with First Nations rights holders on July 17, then with Inuit leadership in late July and Metis leadership at a later date. That came after the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak raised concerns about the lack of consultation, saying during the legislative process, indigenous rights holders had been 'shut out'. 'It's why we're starting with the literal launch of the process of this nation-building process is with First Nations, literally in full partnership,' Carney told reporters last Friday. Hodgson praised Ontario's nuclear energy program as an example of how 'Canada can do great things', pointing out how 58 per cent of electricity in that province comes from nuclear energy. That technology has been exported around the world to help other countries 'achieve energy security and avoid over 30 million tonnes of pollution annually,' according to Hodgson. Ontario is also working with Alberta and New Brunswick on the development of small modular reactors to advance that form of energy. 'Nuclear power is one of our greatest strategic assets. It is clean. It is reliable. And it is built here, by Canadian workers and engineers, using Canadian uranium and technology,' said Hodgson. Hodgson also underlined how developing Canada's critical minerals can help to drive investment while growing exports and raising wages in the country. 'At the G7, all of the countries said they wanted to buy Canadian critical minerals,' said Hodgson. 'Right now, at the NATO what the prime minister is hearing is that all of those countries want to buy our critical minerals, this is an opportunity for us.' The government believes there will be a demand for responsibly sourced minerals that could support new mining projects across the country.
Stuff.tv
24-06-2025
- Stuff.tv
The LG G5 is the best and brightest OLED TV I've ever laid my eyes on – here's why
Stuff Verdict The LG G5's combination of supreme image quality, gaming pedigree, and next-gen panel tech has left a lasting impression – even if the sound and software don't impress to the same degree Pros Brightest OLED on the market with new panel tech Genuinely jaw-dropping HDR and contrast Superb motion handling and image processing Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports Cons Built-in speakers are underwhelming Remote and software layout prioritises AI and ad nonsense over usability The LG G5 is the best and brightest OLED I've ever tested. This 4K TV isn't simply slightly improved over its predecessor – it's a proper generational leap. The big upgrade is a new four-stack OLED panel, which adds an extra blue layer to crank up brightness and colour volume to frankly absurd levels. OLED TVs have always delivered perfect blacks and top-tier contrast. But brightness has historically been the one area where LED-based TVs had it beat. Not anymore. LG's G5 absolutely torches last year's G4 and Samsung's latest QD-OLED efforts. Perhaps that's no surprise, given it sits near the top of LG's 2025 line-up; available in 48, 55, 65, 77, 83, and 97in screen sizes, is it worth the steep price over the already-excellent C5? If you care about HDR performance or if you just want the best picture quality currently available, then yes. Here's how the 65in model fared in around two months of having my eyes glued to it. How we test TVs Every TV reviewed on Stuff is put through its paces with a mix of film, TV and game content, using a combination of streaming services, Blu-ray and console games. We use our years of testing experience to judge picture and sound quality, ease of use, and value for money. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: Barely even there The G5's design is pretty familiar. If you've seen the G4 or even the G3, you know what you're getting. It's a minimalist wall of screen framed by the thinnest of bezels and a stylish silver trim. It's not a radical departure, but honestly, it doesn't need to be. LG calls this a 'Gallery' TV (hence the G), and it fits the bill – clean lines, discreet branding, and a build that's as happy wall-mounted as it is on a stand. That stand, by the way, is an optional extra in some regions. LG has designed this TV to go on your wall. But if you do get the stand (as I did), it's a solid pedestal affair with adjustable height. That's particularly useful if you want to squeeze a soundbar underneath without blocking the screen – which is exactly what I did. The wall mount, meanwhile, is a zero-gap type that keeps the TV flush against the wall, giving it that showroom finish. The TV is just 2.4cm thick across the board – no chunky power bulges here – and while it's heavier than the ultra-slim C5, it still feels remarkably svelte. Around the back, all the ports are side-facing and sensibly placed, which helps keep cable management tidy. There are plastic covers to clip over all the wires and keep things tidy once you're hooked up, but I found these a little fiddly. Features & connectivity: What more could you ask for? LG has thrown every bit of tech into the G5 that it possibly could. The star of the show is, of course, the new panel. That four-layer tandem OLED stack delivers serious brightness gains over previous generations – with a peak output of 4000 nits. Whether or not it gets to that max depends on content and mode – but either way, you absolutely notice how bright this TV in real-world use. From vibrant HDR film highlights to well-lit gaming sessions, it just looks better than anything I've seen. There's no other way to put it. Under the hood is the Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen 2. While its name sounds like something fitting of a robot, its job is to handle picture processing. It's very good at it. Features like AI Picture Pro and Dynamic Tone Mapping work together to maintain detail and colour fidelity even as brightness ramps up. If you value what you're watching you'll probably switch the former off, but the processor still powers the incredible colour mapping and upscaling. There's also AI Sound Pro, which – despite good intentions – can't quite rescue the TV's undercooked speaker setup. As per usual, you'll be better off pairing this TV with some home cinema speakers or a soundbar. The 60W 4.2-channel system has Dolby Atmos support, but if you're expecting cinema-style immersion or even just decent midrange punch, you'll be disappointed. Voices sound recessed, and while there's some bass presence, it's more of a polite rumble than a thump. Cinema mode is the only one that gets close to listenable – but even that feels constrained. Round back, you'll find four HDMI 2.1 ports, all full-fat 48Gbps bandwidth, support for 4K at 165Hz (or 120Hz with Dolby Vision), VRR, ALLM, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium. Input lag is supposed to come in under 10ms with Game Optimizer Boost enabled, putting the G5 right at the top of the responsiveness leaderboard. That's great news for gamers. There's also Wi-Fi 6E, three USB ports, optical audio, Ethernet, and all the usual smart home integration. This includes LG's ThinQ platform and Matter compatibility, which plays nice with other gadgets in your home. The new Magic Remote unfortunately now places an AI button front and centre, and moves the input selector into some weird ThinQ submenu that requires holding down the Home button. It's irritating and unnecessary, as if LG decided ease-of-use was optional. You do still get the floating cursor if that's your thing, but the UI is more fiddly than fun these days. Honestly, I used to really like LG's webOS interface – but I can't say the same thing in 2025 (more on this below). Which remote you get depends on where you live in the world, too. The US gets a fancy, slimmed down version with fewer buttons, but some European locations stick with the old design because of laws requiring TV remotes to have number buttons (yes, really). Interface: AI + ads = irritating LG's webOS used to be the gold standard for smart TV operating systems: quick, intuitive, and largely free of clutter. The G5's iteration isn't a massive departure from last year's version, so existing LG TV owners should feel right at home. But as of 2025, it's starting to feel like LG is trying to do too much. The first thing you'll notice is the home screen. It's laid out in customisable rows filled with apps, user profiles, inputs, and suggestions, all punctuated by an intrusive banner ad that refuses to go. This ad real estate has only grown in recent years, and it still feels like a slap in the face on a TV at this price. What you do get is access to virtually every streaming service you'd expect – Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, regional catch-up services, and more – all neatly presented and quick to load. User profiles have seen a meaningful improvement, with voice recognition that automatically switches users based on who's talking. This is ideal for households where everyone has different streaming habits or picture preferences – and it's surprisingly accurate, assuming you're not trying to impersonate your partner. Elsewhere, webOS 25 continues to double down on AI. Sigh. There's a voice-controlled chatbot (yes, really) baked right in, powered by a large language model that can interpret commands like 'make the picture warmer' or 'I can't hear dialogue.' To give LG credit, it actually works quite well most of the time. Sometimes it fumbles commands or defaults to generic suggestions, but when it hits, it's helpful – especially for users who don't want to root around in menus. As I mentioned, the G5's Magic Remote has been redesigned to support this AI-centric approach. The input button is now a long-press function hidden behind the ThinQ hub. If you want to quickly jump from your Blu-ray player to your Xbox, it's now a faff. There's no excuse for this kind of basic UX regression. LG making the TV a smart home hub is nice in theory, but in practice, it's a feature you probably won't use. Performance: Blown away by brightness This is the bit that matters. And here, the G5 absolutely delivers. If you've been waiting for OLED to finally crack the brightness ceiling, this is the TV that does it. Whether it's a 4K Blu-ray of Top Gun: Maverick, a Dolby Vision binging stream of Severance, or a high-end Xbox Series X title like Call of Duty, the G5 renders every frame with jaw-dropping dynamism and clarity. Trust me, I tested them all. Filmmaker Mode is the picture setting you want here – colour accuracy is superb, motion is clean without looking artificial, and dynamic range is in another league. You'll notice just how bright this thing gets during particularly bright scenes or those with lots of white (I'm looking at you, Severance). In particularly bright HDR sequences, like the scramjet blast in Top Gun, the G5 hits retina-roasting peaks while still maintaining colour integrity. Whites are pure, not tinged with green (as they are on other TVs), and black levels remain perfect – the pixel just switches off. Simple, beautiful. The way the G5 handles extremely dark scenes and shadow detail set it apart. There's gradation and subtlety here that other TVs struggle to match. We found similar things on the C5, so this might be partly down to LG's processing as well. Side-by-side with the C5, the G5's advantages are more subtle in SDR or standard HDR streaming content, but crank up a properly mastered 4K disc or high-bit-rate stream and the difference is immediate. Colours pop harder, highlights sparkle more, and overall image depth feels more three-dimensional. Gaming is where the G5 flexes hardest. Motion clarity, HDR consistency, and input responsiveness are all top-tier. The Game Optimizer mode offers granular control, and support for 165Hz makes it a dream pairing for high-end PCs. Frankly, if you're a gamer or film lover with cash to burn, this is the best TV you can buy right now. LG G5 OLED verdict The LG G5 OLED is possibly the best TV I've ever used. It's a genuine leap forward for OLED tech, not just another annual refresh dressed up with buzzwords. If you care about picture quality – and let's be honest, you probably do, or you wouldn't be reading this – then this TV is a no-brainer. It nails HDR, handles motion brilliantly, upscales with precision, and makes games look breathtaking. The downsides? The speakers are fine at best, the new remote and interface is baffling, and the price is undeniably steep. But none of that overshadows the fact that this is a stunning bit of kit. Honestly, I'll (begrudgingly) put up with the software and remote to get these stunning visuals. I use an Apple TV and have a sound system, so they're not unavoidable issues. If you've got the cash and want a TV that makes everything else look dated, the G5 is worth every penny. Stuff Says… Score: 5/5 LG's G5 finally gives an OLED the one thing it's always lacked: a proper punch of brightness. The G5's combination of supreme image quality, gaming pedigree, and next-gen panel tech has left a lasting impression – even if the sound can't quite impress to the same degree Pros Brightest OLED on the market with new panel tech Genuinely jaw-dropping HDR and contrast Superb motion handling and image processing Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports Cons Built-in speakers are underwhelming Remote and software layout prioritises AI and ad nonsense over usability LG G5 OLED technical specifications Screen size 48, 55, 65 (version tested), 77, 83, 97in Resolution 3840×2160 HDR formats HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision Connectivity 4x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 2.0, Ethernet, Optical audio, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth Smart TV webOS 25 Dimensions 1441x826x24.3mm, 22kg (panel only) 1441x915x263mm, 26.6kg (with stand)
