LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Full Comparison and Which Is Best

When looking at the best televisions of 2023, there are no two companies that make a claim more than LG and Sony. The former is well-known in the industry for its OLED technology, innovating the way pixels work. Sony, however, dominates the competition for its picture and sound quality. So when you want the best television for your needs, which one do you choose? From modern design to emerging technology, these models both come out swinging. So let’s get started comparing LG G3 vs. Sony A80K.

LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best for Integration

LG G3 Series 55-Inch Class 4K OLED

$1,796.99

• Supports HDR and Dynamic Tone Mapping
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
• Connects to smart home devices
• LG Game Optimizer with customizable settings

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11/26/2023 07:52 pm GMT

LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: What’s the Difference?

Design

The LG G3 OLED TV has a curved screen, which helps to create a more immersive viewing experience by providing a wider viewing angle. This is a great design for those who like to sit close to the screen. The LG G3 also has a thin bezel and an elegant stand that complements its sleek and modern design.

On the other hand, the Sony A80K OLED TV has a flat screen, which reduces distortion. This traditional feature is appropriate for viewers that like fast-moving content such as sports. The Sony A80K also has a slim profile and a minimalist design with a thin bezel that blends well with any room décor.

One of the biggest differences in design, however, is the Sony A80K’s Acoustic Surface Audio. This feature uses the TV’s screen as a speaker, providing a more immersive sound experience, The LG G3 OLED does not have this quality (more on the Acoustic Surface Audio below). 

Screen Sizes and Dimensions

When comparing the LG G3 vs. Sony A80K, you’ll notice that both models come in similar screen sizes. The former comes in an additional size, which might cater to viewers who desire the largest viewing experience. However, because of their age, the Sony A80K models come slightly wider and heavier than the LG G3. Let’s break down the size differences further.

LG G3 OLED TV sizes

• 55 inch – 48.5” x 28.2” x 1.4”
• 65 inch – 57.1” x 32.7” x 1.5”
• 77 inch – 67.4 x 38.4 x 1.0 inches
• 83-inch – 72.7 x 41.4 x 1.10 inches

Sony A80K OLED TV sizes

• 55 inch – 48.3” x 28” x 2.3”
• 65 inch – 57” x 32.9” x 2.2”
• 75 inch – 67.8” x 39.3” x 2.2”

At the end of the day, the screen sizes and dimensions are about the same for both models. The decision here is going to come down to user preference and room size. If you’re looking for a centerpiece for a home theater, the LG G3 83-inch model might be the right choice. However, you won’t go wrong with either in most cases.

Operating System

It’s in the operating systems where we begin to see major differences between the LG G3 and the Sony A80K. Both OS feature top-of-the-line user-friendly interfaces, making each model easy to navigate. However, Sony’s operating system seems a little more developed. Here’s how the two differ.

LG uses a proprietary OS called webOS, which was developed in-house. The operating system is solely focused on television interaction. WebOS has streamlined compatibility with services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It also connects seamlessly with other smart home devices, allowing you to control features such as lights, air conditioning, and more.

The Sony A80K, however, uses the Android TV operating system. This is Google’s OS, making it a step above others for Android users. It includes similar compatibility to streaming services, but its built-in Google Assistant and native features make it a breeze to control the television with voice commands.

Overall, both operating systems are going to provide a pleasant user experience. Therefore, the difference comes in the viewer’s familiarity with the system. If you’re excited about IoT features, then the LG G3 is your choice. However, if you’re an Android user or appreciate the Google ecosystem, the Sony A80K might fit better in your household.

Picture Processor

When it comes to picture quality, both models have state-of-the-art processors. They each support the highest quality HDR formats, which include HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. So while they use totally different technology, the LG G3 and the Sony A80K processors result in excellent and realistic images.

Those excited about artificial intelligence will be excited to learn that LG’s newest television model uses an Alpha 9 G3 AI processor. This unit uses deep machine learning to analyze the image on the screen and optimize it as needed. These AI algorithms work so efficiently, they can even upscale lower-resolution content to nearly 4K.

On the other hand, Sony’s A80K utilizes the CognitiveXR processor. It uses object-based processing to analyze individual parts of an image. The result is highly detailed and realistic. Similar to LG’s system, the Sony A80K can also upscale low-resolution content.

Sound Quality

Up front, both the LG and Sony televisions have similar, front-facing speakers. Both support Dolby Atmos and feature only marginal differences in channel systems. Where the real separating factor comes in is with the A80K’s Acoustic Surface Audio. Let’s see how this differentiates the two OLEDs

In addition to its 2.1 channel speaker, the Sony A80K comes with Acoustic Surface Audio technology. This feature uses actuators in the television screen to create vibrations that produce sound. These vibrations result in a more accurate audio experience because it comes from the image in addition to the speakers. 

Even more impressive, one of the Acoustic Surface Audio actuators is dedicated to dialogue. This enhances speech, making it easier to understand conversations in any setting.

Price and Release Date

In regards to price and release date, the Sony A80K came out earlier than the LG G3, and its cost reflects that. Generally, you find a better deal on the former. Here’s how they break down:

LG G3  prices (released 2023)

• 55-inch – $2,499.99
• 65-inch – $3,299.99 
• 77-inch – $4,499.99
• 83-inch – $6,499.99

Sony A80K prices (released 2022)

• 55-inch – $1,799.99
• 65-inch – $2,299.99
• 77-inch – $3,199.99

Best for Audio

Sony OLED 55 inch BRAVIA XR A80K Series 4K Ultra HD TV

• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR OLED Contrast Pro technology
• HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM.
• Comes in three sizes (55", 65", 77")

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LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Must-Know Facts

• The LG G3 features a proprietary webOS operating system that can connect to smart home devices.
• The LG G3 comes with the Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor, which uses AI learning to optimize images.
• The LG G3 starts at $2,499 for a 55-inch model.
• The Sony A80K comes with Acoustic Surface Audio technology, which uses the television screen as an additional speaker to create an immersive audio experience.
• The Sony A80K uses the Android TV operating system, which is part of the Google ecosystem.
• The Sony A80K starts at $1,799 for a 55-inch model, which is noticeably cheaper than similar televisions.

LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?

Having compared both the LG G3 vs. Sony A80K, it’s clear that both come with incredible features. While the former dominates in emerging technology and integration, the latter has amazing audio and beautiful imagery. So which one is better for your needs?

Hands down, the LG G3 features a more sleek and modern design. If you appreciate state-of-the-art technology, this model embodies it. However, if you’re more interested in picture quality than paying for good design, then the Sony A80K is the right choice.

The LG G3 appeals to users that have an interest in smart home appliances. With its ability to connect to these items in your house, this model is the way to go. However, if you’ve been using the Android OS for years, the Sony A80K is going to be much easier to use.

The curved screen on the LG G3 makes for a beautiful viewing experience. However, it could make watching fast-moving images a little difficult. Also, if audio is one of your top priorities, the Sony A80K’s Acoustic Surface Audio technology is going to elevate your purchase.

Both televisions excel in clear images, processing, and user interface, so you’ll have a great experience using either model. However because the Sony A80K comes at nearly $700 cheaper, it’s the optimal choice for the budget conscious.

LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Technology Updates

The LG G3 and Sony A80K have not received any recent technological updates.

LG G3 vs. Sony A80K: Down the Road

Both the LG G3 and Sony A80K OLED TVs are expected to receive future software updates, bringing exciting technological advancements for users to enjoy:

• Enhanced Image Processing: While both TVs already boast powerful image processing engines, continuous improvement is on the horizon. Expect future software updates to refine their ability to upscale lower-resolution content, reduce noise, and deliver even more vibrant color reproduction, elevating your viewing experience.
• New Features: Despite their already extensive feature sets, both TVs have the potential to expand their capabilities further. Anticipate future software updates to introduce support for additional streaming services, innovative gaming features, or novel ways to control the TVs through voice commands, enhancing your entertainment possibilities.
• Bug Fixes: Recognizing that perfection is elusive in software, future updates will address any identified bugs, ensuring the LG G3 and Sony A80K OLED TVs run smoothly and glitch-free.

Moreover, LG and Sony may release TV-specific features to maximize the potential of the LG G3 and Sony A80K OLED TVs. These tailored features could include gaming optimizations, leveraging the TVs’ rapid response times and low input lag for an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, new features designed to elevate performance with HDR content may also be on the horizon, delivering stunning visuals with High Dynamic Range technology.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©The7Dew/Shutterstock.com.