LG has long been trusted as one of the most spectacular TV brands in the industry. Perhaps no other models in their entire catalog exemplify this better than the LG G3 and the LG G2. This LG G Series — a line of OLED TVs dating back to 2021’s LG G1 — continues to put out a new model every year, with each addition improving upon the one that came before it.
But how do the LG G3 and the LG G2 really compare? And is one significantly better than another? Let’s compare the two where it matters most, paying close attention to their respective advantages.
LG G3 vs LG G2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG G3 | LG G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Q1 2023 | April 2022 |
| TV Type | OLED | OLED |
| Subtype | WOLED | WOLED |
| Available Sizes | 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″, 97″ |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Ports | 4 HDMI, 3 USB | 4 HDMI, 3 USB |
| Operating System | webOS | webOS |
| Processor | α9 AI Processor Gen6 | α9 AI Processor Gen5 |
LG G3 vs LG G2: What’s the Difference?
Looking at the above specs side by side, it looks like the LG G3 vs LG G2 are practically identical. However, there are actually a number of factors that set the two apart from one another. In order to see them, we’ll need to spend some time breaking down the six key differences.
From processing power to price range, from sizing options to brightness levels, from audio technology to display tech, these are the most prominent distinctions between the LG G3 and LG G2. Let’s dive in below.
Processor
- Voice control enabled (HomeKit, Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
- Self-lit OLED pixels, 4K resolution
- Includes Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and LG Game Optimizer
- LG's fifth-generation a9 AI processor
Firstly — and most prominently — is the difference in processors between the LG G3 and the LG G2. It might not sound like there’s much that distinguishes the G3’s α9 AI Processor Gen6 and the G2’s α9 AI Processor Gen5, but rest assured that the former makes a number of key improvements over the latter.
The Gen6 brings superior algorithms and optimizes the internal hardware far more efficiently than the Gen5. While it might not be enough to make a Gen5 owner want to upgrade to the Gen6, it nevertheless puts the G3 above the G2 in this regard.
Pricing
Secondly, there’s the price per model to consider. Though processing power certainly plays a key part in how these two OLED TVs from LG compare, price is practically just as important. A 55-inch LG G2 will cost you $2,199. A 65-inch model comes in at $3,199. A 77-inch G2 costs $4,199.
You probably get the picture by now: it’s a $1,000 increase with each size jump. The LG G3’s pricing is yet to be officially announced, but it’s overwhelmingly likely that its release will knock down the price of the LG G2. This gives the G2 an important advantage.
Sizing
Thirdly, let’s compare the available sizes between the LG G3 and the LG G2. In its current lineup, the LG G2 comes in five available sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch, and 97-inch. The LG G3, by comparison, has only been announced in four sizes.
In other words, the 97-inch model will not be carried over from the LG G2 line to the LG G3 line. This is another advantage for the LG G2, as it shows more options to choose from in this particular generation of the G Series. Perhaps the LG G3 line could announce more sizes later but, for now, the G2 has the upper hand.
Brightness
Here’s another major difference between the LG G3 vs LG G2: brightness. With the help of the α9 AI Processor Gen6, the LG G3 is claiming to deliver up to 70% brighter picture quality than that of the LG G2.
If nothing else, this serious claim is the one that establishes the most prominent distinction between these two entries in the LG G Series. It claims to do this via improved algorithms and superior utilization of the existing OLED hardware. It’s a difference that’s not to be taken lightly. The LG G3 is a much better bet for brightness.
Built-In Audio
While many simply choose to depend on sound bars or surround sound systems rather than the television’s built-in audio, it’s nevertheless worth considering the kind of sound the LG G3 vs LG G2 can provide. Exclusive to the LG G3 is the ability to put out 9.1.2 virtual surround sound.
The LG G2 offers just 7.1.2 virtual surround sound. Though both provide support for Dolby Atmos, there’s no doubt that the LG G3 has greater built-in audio with its two additional surround sound channels than the LG G2.
Variable Refresh Rate
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Last but not least, there’s VRR to consider. Short for Variable Refresh Rate, VRR is an increasingly important spec for the way it allows quick switching between refresh rates without any noticeable lag. The LG G2 boasts VRR support, which is a great little feature to have.
The LG G3, by comparison, is equipped with QMS-VRR. This is a superior form of Variable Refresh Rate that adds Quick Media Switching — the ability to switch between inputs without any downtime. Once again, the LG G3 edges ahead of the LG G2.
5 Must-Know Facts About OLED
- Today, there are really just two TV types: OLED and LCD. Looking beyond all the different phrases and terms and abbreviations circulating throughout the television display industry today, they’re all going to come down to just these two types.
- One of the most important facts about OLED TVs in comparison to traditional LED TVs is the ability of pixels to brighten or dim on an individual level. With an LED TV, pixels can only brighten or dim in groups. With an OLED TV, pixels can do so on a pixel-by-pixel basis. What’s more, LEDs can never go completely dark when powered on whereas OLEDs can.
- In addition to improved picture quality with OLED compared to LCD, OLED televisions also provide higher refresh rates and lower power consumption. This is because of the electroluminescent nature of OLED compared to the more traditional LCD’s reliance on LEDs.
- Some OLED televisions incorporate the use of color filters into their displays. With these, the OLED panel simply emits a white light that is then filtered through a color filter. This is actually somewhat similar to the way an LCD TV works, but the use of OLED is ultimately what makes it the superior iteration of the technology. This is what’s known as WOLED.
- When dealing with OLEDs, you might hear the term AMOLED tossed around from time to time. The “AM” in AMOLED stands for active matrix, which means the refresh rate is far higher than your traditional OLED refresh rate.
The History of OLED
Don’t be thrown off by all those different TV types being tossed around right now. Looking past names such as QLED, QNED, ULED, and NanoCell, there’s just one that stands far above the rest. That TV type? OLED. Short for organic light-emitting diodes, OLED televisions are the absolute greatest in consumer-grade television technology on the market today.
Whether you judge by brightness, dynamic range, energy use, or overall picture, OLED wins. It’s been this way since the beginning of the display type’s history. The LG G3 vs LG G2 debate emphasizes this.
Now, you know that OLED is the most desirable TV type over all other competitors. But do you know why? In truth, it boils down to a number of key features. For one, OLED’s reliance on electroluminescent diodes is quite different than the kind of diodes you’ll find inside your average LCD television.
Inside an LCD, you’ll be met with an array of LEDs — or, in recent models, an array of mini LEDs — that light up the screen. For optimal picture and color quality, LCDs rely on hundreds of zones of LED lights to illuminate the screen with different brightness levels.
OLED TVs, by comparison, rely on those aforementioned organic light-emitting diodes. That means that, instead of relying on a backlight made up of an array of LED bulbs, an OLED TV can light up all on its own without an LED backlight.
What’s more, OLEDs can brighten and dim individually — no need for zones. No LED LCD TV will ever be able to replicate this and still remain technically proficient. Furthermore, no LED LCD can reach the level of brightness or darkness an OLED can achieve. Even though both TV types are advertised as 4K UHD, OLED’s 4K UHD quality is superior.
LG and OLED
Today, OLED technology is used in everything from handheld gaming devices to smartphone screens to television displays and everything in between. However, just 20 years ago, these organic light-emitting diodes were nothing more than a lab experiment.
It wasn’t until Kodak and Sanyo came together in the late 1990s to research and develop OLED display technology. (Kodak was actually the first company to create a working OLED display in the late 1980s.) By the fall of 1999, they had the world’s first fully functional OLED display.
The problem with this first model? It was less than two and a half inches big. By 2002, they had grown their OLED display technology to just 15 inches. It was an improvement, but it wasn’t much. Samsung, TDK, and Pioneer entered the OLED industry in 2002, as well.
Samsung Display — the company responsible for manufacturing OLED displays — soon became the largest provider of organic light-emitting diodes in the world. However, by the early 2010s, Samsung was already ready to duck out of the OLED industry. This left a wide open space for the next company willing to step up.
As it turns out, LG was the company to take their place. With this move, LG became the world’s most trusted source for OLED displays over the course of the next decade. How did this happen?
LG actually acquired Kodak’s OLED arm in 2009, then signed a deal with the Universal Display Corporation to solidify its status as the industry’s most reliable OLED display manufacturer. Samsung later re-entered the OLED industry in 2022, but the LG G3 vs LG G2 debate proves this company remains at the top of the heap.
LG G3 vs LG G2: Pros and Cons
| Pros of LG G3 | Cons of LG G3 |
|---|---|
| Superior brightness | Fewer sizing options |
| Speedier processor | More expensive than the G2 |
| Greater VRR | Will likely be replaced by a future generation next year |
| Improved sound quality | OLED carries the risk of burn-in |
| Pros of LG G2 | Cons of LG G2 |
|---|---|
| Exceptional color contrast | Processor pales compared to LG G3 |
| Brighter than the LG G1 | No QMS-VRR |
| Better audio than the G1 | Fewer surround sound channels than the G3 |
| More sizes available | Less bright than the G3 |
LG G3 vs LG G2: Which One Is Better?
Looking at these two latest versions of the LG G Series, it’s apparent that the LG G3 is the superior model. It’s about more than just the simple fact that the former is newer than the latter.
The G3 also improves the brightness, processing power, audio, and energy efficiency of the television compared to its previous generation, the G2. While both OLED televisions are superior to your typical LED LCD TV (not to mention the LG G1), the LG G3 is ultimately the television that deserves to take home the top prize here.
LG G3 and LG G2: Technology Updates
The LG G3 TV has not received any recent technology updates. As a relatively new model, the TV currently stands at the forefront of technology and does not necessitate significant updates at this juncture.
As for the LG G2 OLED TV, recently, significant technological advancements have been scarce. Nonetheless, a series of minor updates have subtly enhanced its capabilities, including:
- AI Upscaling Enhancement: Noteworthy is a firmware update optimizing the TV’s AI upscaling algorithm, elevating the quality of upscaled content and enriching the viewing experience.
- Expanded Streaming Options: A software update has broadened the TV’s horizons by incorporating compatibility with new streaming platforms like Disney+ and Apple TV+, granting users access to an even wider array of entertainment choices.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A hardware update focused on augmenting heat dissipation has contributed to the LG G2 OLED TV’s energy efficiency. This modification not only aligns with sustainable practices but also ensures an improved and prolonged operational lifespan.
LG G3 and LG G2: Looking Forward
In the span of the next six to 18 months, both the LG G3 OLED TV and the LG G2 OLED TV are poised to receive notable technological enhancements, offering users an elevated viewing experience.
LG G3 OLED TV:
- 8K Brilliance: Anticipate an imminent update to the LG G3 OLED TV, introducing an impressive leap from its current 4K resolution to the visual splendor of 8K. This transition promises an imagery rich in detail and clarity, ensuring a captivating and lifelike display.
- MicroLED Marvel: The horizon unveils the potential introduction of a MicroLED TV by LG. While this technology is in its nascent stages, the whispers suggest an unparalleled picture quality, transcending even the excellence of OLED displays, albeit at a higher investment.
- AI Upscaling Evolution: Building on its existing AI upscaling prowess, LG is reportedly refining this feature for the upcoming iteration. The LG G3 OLED TV could soon upscale content to an astounding 8K resolution, resulting in visuals that are both vivid and finely intricate.
- Smart Innovation: Expanding its smart TV ecosystem, LG is rumored to introduce fresh dimensions to the LG G3 OLED TV’s capabilities. The forthcoming update could encompass broadened support for emerging streaming platforms, intuitive voice control, and seamless web browsing functionalities.
LG G2 OLED TV:
- Processor Prowess: In the horizon, LG is poised to bolster the LG G2 OLED TV’s performance with an upgraded processor. The anticipated arrival of the Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor promises a smoother and more responsive user experience, enhancing the TV’s seamless interaction.
- AI Upscaling Advancements: Elevating AI upscaling capabilities, LG is reportedly refining this feature for the next rendition of the LG G2 OLED TV. The result could be an ability to seamlessly upscale content to an impressive 8K resolution, delivering visuals characterized by unprecedented depth and clarity.
- Smart Features Evolution: Expanding the realm of intelligent entertainment, LG is projected to infuse the LG G2 OLED TV with new dimensions of smart functionality. This includes a potential expansion of support for burgeoning streaming services, intuitive voice control, and seamless web browsing for an all-encompassing digital experience.
- Gaming Enrichment: While the LG G2 OLED TV is already acknowledged for its gaming prowess, LG aims to elevate the gaming experience further. The integration of support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM) is expected to enhance the TV’s responsiveness, appealing to avid gamers.
- Refined Aesthetics: Shaping the visual appeal, whispers hint at LG’s efforts to refresh the LG G2 OLED TV’s design. Envisaged enhancements involve a sleeker bezel and a contemporary aesthetic, harmonizing style with technology for an exquisite television centerpiece.
