LG Electronics Inc. has been the leading manufacturer of OLED technology and TVs for about a decade. That fact holds in 2023, a year in which the company presented its flagship LG G3 OLED TV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in January.
The LG G3 uses the company’s latest operating system (OS), the webOS 23, and has the latest picture processor, the Alpha 9 Gen 6 AI Processor. The new OS drastically improves navigation through content menus while the processor substantially improves visual and audio experiences by upscaling picture and sound quality.
Other notable features of the G3 include a display with 4K resolution and Brightness Boost technology, resulting in the brightest LG OLED TV to date. It also has quick media switching and a variable refresh rate to guarantee quick transitions and responses during gaming.
Unfortunately, LG did not state the G3’s release date during its launch, meaning those who desire the device cannot acquire it. Luckily, several comparable TVs can act as alternatives. Read on for the five best alternatives to the LG G3 TV.
LG G2
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels provide stunning depth and clarity in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR
- Gallery Edition hangs closely to the wall and displays art photography when not in use
- Ideal for gamers with a VRR, ALLM, and Game Optimizer Mode
- Alexa-enabled with streaming support for HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and more
The most obvious alternative to the LG G3 TV is its predecessor, the LG G2. Choosing a device made by the same manufacturer is logical because consumer electronics companies often improve their product line-ups annually until they discontinue a product line or series.
The LG G2 is available in five different screen sizes, unlike the G3, which is available in four. They include 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch, and 97-inch display models. LG will not make a 97-inch G3; however, the company will continue production of the 97-inch G2 in 2023, which is a plus for those looking for a super-sized TV.
The LG G2 has a 3840*2160 screen resolution, meaning you will experience a similar image sharpness to the LG G3. The TV’s 120 Hz refresh rate guarantees seamless image motion, preventing blurriness.
The only advantage the G3 has over the G2 regarding the display is its use of micro-lens array technology, which drastically improves screen brightness, previously considered one of the most significant weaknesses of OLED TVs.
Regarding design, the LG G2 is quite similar to the LG G3. It takes a keen eye to differentiate the two devices, which should please most people looking for an alternative.
The LG G2 runs on the webOS 22, the predecessor to the webOS 23. Though webOS 22 is not the latest LG OS available, it performs its functions quite remarkably. It does not strain and facilitates quick transitions between media.
Moreover, the LG G2 has an Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor with AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro, which upscale picture quality and up-mix sound output, resulting in high-definition imagery and high-quality surround sound.
The LG G3 and LG G2 share other features, including having auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR), which help heighten the intensity of gaming experiences. Ultimately, the price is the most distinguishing factor between the LG G3 and LG G2.
The LG G2 has been available for almost a year, meaning its price has gradually declined. Therefore, you will likely pay a fraction of the LG G3’s anticipated rollout price. Overall, the G3 is a better device; however, when looking for an alternative from the same manufacturer, the best option is the LG G2.
Check out the LG G2 on Amazon.
Samsung S95B
- Contains 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels
- Built-in Dolby Atmos object sound tracking
- Smart TV hub to help find movies, shows, and games you want to play
- Xbox Game Pass built-in, no console necessary
The Samsung S95B is the best alternative to the LG G3 TV when accounting for display and picture quality. That is because it has an OLED screen with quantum dots that help improve screen brightness, similar to the brightness boost technology in the LG G3. The S95B’s OLED display has 8.3 million Pantone-validated self-illuminating pixels, guaranteeing color richness and unrivaled contrast.
Moreover, the Samsung S95B boasts a lightweight frame and LaserSlim design, making it one of the lightest and slimmest OLED TVs. The 55-inch S95B weighs under 40 lbs while the 65-inch model weighs under 50 lbs, comparable to the LG G3 versions. On the other hand, both versions of the S95B have a thickness slightly above an inch.
The Samsung S95B has a Neural Quantum Processor 4K with twenty neural networks for processing. The processor helps upgrade picture quality by supporting features like Samsung’s Quantum HDR OLED that creates in-depth image details and beautiful pops of color when watching content in HD. The processor also upscales content to 4K resolution.
Other functions unrelated to picture quality supported by the processor include Dolby Atmos Sound, which produces cinematic surround sound, and Object Tracking Sound, which synchronizes picture motions and sound.
The Samsung S95B runs on the Samsung Tizen OS. This Linux-based operating system supports Samsung Smart TV Hub, guaranteeing access to thousands of channels offering games, music, TV shows, and movies.
Check out the Samsung S95B on Amazon.
Sony A90J
- 4K Ultra HD
- Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
- XR Motion Clarity (120Hz)
- Supports HDMI 2.1
- Hands-free voice control
The Sony A90J is a practical alternative to the LG G3 TV for consumers who don’t mind buying models released before 2022. Sony released the A90J on March 15th, 2021, about two years before the launch of the G3. However, despite being older, the A90J maintains a competitive edge over its rivals.
For instance, though the A90J is slightly bulkier than the LG G3, its design still beats a lot of OLED TVs launched in later years. It has razor-thin bezels and lightweight components that keep its weight lower than expected for an older model OLED TV.
In addition, it has a panel at the back that expertly hides the connectivity ports, resulting in a contemporary look that will not clutter your space with exposed cables. The Sony A90J runs on an Android TV operating system, which offers access to Google Play Store, the world’s largest application distribution platform containing millions of apps.
The OS also supports Google TV, which guarantees access to over 70,000 tv shows and movies from the most popular content hosting platforms. In addition, buyers can use Google Assistant to navigate the piles of content available when looking for something to watch.
The Sony A90J has a Cognitive Processor XR for picture and sound processing. The processor supports several features for picture quality, contrast, resolution, and sound quality. They include XR 4K Upscaling for improved picture resolution, XR Triluminos Pro for natural colors, XR OLED Contrast Pro for realistic color depths, and DTS Digital Surround and Dolby Atmos for enhanced surround sound.
Check out the Sony A90J on Amazon.
Sony A95K
- Quantum Dot color with QD-OLED panel and XR Triluminos Max
- XR OLED Contrast Pro technology
- Great for PlayStation 5
- HDMI 2.1 120Hz refresh rate
The Sony A95K is another alternative to the LG G3 TV worth considering. The TV, released in 2022, received an Innovation Awards Honoree Award at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The device’s standout feature is its picture processing capability.
The A95K has a Cognitive Processor XR responsible for yielding high-quality imagery. Unlike the Samsung S95B, which focuses on brightness, the A95K’s processor focuses on tone generation to create life-like color palettes. As a result, the A95K produces more realistic pictures than the rest of the TVs on this list.
However, the processor’s focus on picture quality does not mean the A95K pays no attention to screen brightness. Sony announced the A95K would be the world’s first QD-OLED before its launch.
The quantum dots (QD) technology helps resolve one of the most significant criticisms of OLED TVs: their brightness. Quantum dots are a layer of light-emitting crystals measuring nanometers in diameter. They’re placed on OLED displays, helping with precision color output.
Regarding sound quality, the Sony A95K has four speakers: two actuators and two subwoofers. The TV also supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, and 3D Surround Sound. However, it does not support sound upscaling. The Sony A95K is also ideal for gaming, thanks to its auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR), which reduce drag.
Check out the Sony A95K on Amazon.
Sony A80K
- Features XR Cognitive Processor developed by Sony
- Triluminos Pro enhances the already outstanding picture
- Dolby Vision HDR and Auto HDR tone mapping for PS5
- 8.5ms input lag
- 4K at 120Hz
The Sony A80K is the most affordable alternative to the LG G3 TV. It is a mid-range premium OLED TV, offering a different picture and sound quality level than the other TVs highlighted. However, the differences are reasonable so that it will provide satisfactory service to most consumers.
Some of its features include a 4K resolution display available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes. Compared to the Sony A95K, it offers better contrast ratios for dark colors though it does lag behind the A95K in screen brightness.
Like other Sony smart TVs, it runs on the Android TV operating system and has a Cognitive Processor XR. It also has the features necessary for intense gaming sessions, including a 120 Hz refresh rate, ALLM, VRR, and HDMI 2.1.
Check out the Sony A80K on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Alternative to the LG G3 TV
There are numerous factors to consider when buying a TV. However, we’ll narrow down those factors to the most essential. They include the following:
Screen Size and Resolution
©Sony media kit – License
A TV’s screen size should be proportional to the room it will occupy. A small screen in a large room can result in squinting, while a large screen in a small space can affect your eyes. Lastly, screen resolution influences image quality; thus, you should ensure you get a high-resolution TV.
Display Technology
The most common display technologies include LCD, LED, QLED, and OLED. LCD is best on a tight budget; however, you should go for an OLED TV when money is not an obstacle. TVs with QLED technology also offer a good balance between price and expected features.
Connectivity
The TV you want should have several HDMI and USB ports to support linking to other devices. The HDMI ports should support at least HDMI 2.0. Buying a TV with internet connectivity is a no-brainer considering that most modern TVs have smart technology.
Price
©Sony media kit – License
Always buy a TV that is within your price range, and look for sales and bargains that will help you save money and get value for your money. The year of manufacture, series, and technology will likely influence a TV’s market price. Go for the latest models if money is not an issue. However, opt for lower-tier TVs should you want budget-friendly alternatives to the LG G3 TV.
Features
If you’re looking for an alternative to the LG G3 then you might also want to consider what features the TV offers. These can include voice control with voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa built-in. Other features might include web-browsing capabilities, pre-installed streaming services, screen mirroring, and internet connectivity options.
Conclusion
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The LG G3 is the ultimate OLED TV. Many reviewers predicted the decline of traditional OLED TVs with the introduction of quantum dot (QD) technology, but the LG G3 proved them wrong with its micro-lens array technology. Unfortunately, not everyone can get the LG G3 for various reasons.
Thus, it is appropriate to consider other alternatives. The options highlighted in this article are some of the best OLED and QD-OLED TVs. Though they are not up to the standard of the LG G3, they are close behind. Buying the LG G2, Samsung S95B, Sony A90J, Sony A95K, or the Sony A80K guarantees high-quality viewership with cinematic surround sound and life-like pictures.
Moreover, buying the TVs on this list instead of the LG G3 will save you hundreds of dollars, as these alternatives are older releases and have since dropped in pricing. Ultimately, replacing the LG G3 is impossible; however, the TVs on this list are as close as possible to recreating the LG G3 experience.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©The7Dew/Shutterstock.com.
