LG G3 vs. Sony A90J: Which TV is the Better Buy?

LG and Sony are some of the world’s most innovative technology companies. Consumers appreciate the companies for their attention to detail and the creative ideas they incorporate into their products. Both brands are leaders in manufacturing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) televisions. One of Sony’s best OLED TVs is the BRAVIA A90J, while the G3 is one of the best from LG. The LG G3 and Sony A90J have multiple features that boost viewers’ entertainment experience by enhancing picture and sound quality and incorporating the latest broadcast technology. 

Therefore, it is challenging to choose between purchasing an LG G3 or a Sony A90J. Read on for a detailed review of the LG G3 and Sony A90J. The comparison will help you make an informed decision based on your taste, preference, and budget. 

LG G3 vs. Sony A90J: Side-by-Side Comparison

LG G3 vs. Sony A90J: What’s the Difference?

The LG G3 is the latest version of the LG G-Series released at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), while Sony released the A90J in 2021. The gap in release years means there are distinct differences between the TVs. Here’s a technical review of the LG G3 and Sony A90J TVs.

Design

The LG G3 and Sony A90J are pretty similar, with razor-thin bezels, and sleek and contemporary designs made of premium materials. However, the LG G3 is slimmer than the Sony A90J.  

Because of a lack of information about the weight of the LG G3, we shall compare the weight of the Sony A90J with that of the LG G2. However, note that the LG G3 will be slightly lighter than the LG G2 because the company used proprietary composite fiber material in its construction.

We will do the same with the comparison of the dimensions, as no dimensions data is available for the LG G3.

Note that the figures represented above do not take into account the weight and dimensions of the detachable TV stands.

Best Dual Purpose

LG G2 Series 65-Inch Class OLED evo

$2,236.95

• 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

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11/27/2023 10:56 am GMT

Operating System

LG upgraded the operating system (OS) that runs their OLED TVs from webOS 22 to webOS 23. WebOS 23 has features that simplify navigating the LG G3’s user interface. For example, users do not have to scroll through a long list of applications to find what they want to access. They will only need to navigate through two screen pages, with the first page dedicated to installed applications, quick cards, and adverts from LG’s partners. In contrast, the second screen has widgets for popular content streaming sites and other applications.

Other improvements to webOS 23 include the Quick Cards that allow users to group applications into categories for quicker access. For instance, you can group Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu under Movies and TV Shows. Users can also customize their image settings and save them in profiles, with the TV able to store multiple profiles.

In contrast, the Sony A90J uses the Android TV operating system. Android TV is a product of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Therefore, users gain access to various Google products. For example, the A90J has Google TV, which offers access to over 700,000 movies and TV shows from the most popular streaming services, including Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, and others. Google TV categorizes films and TV shows into various topics and genres for easier navigation and access. The A90J also has Chromecast built-in, which enables users to cast content like videos, applications, and games from their phones and tablets onto the TV. Moreover, consumers can use Google Assistant for hands-free navigation.

Picture Processor

The LG G3 will run on the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 4K AI processor, the most advanced AI-assisted deep learning technology. The new processor includes upgrades to the AI Picture Pro, which guarantees the LG G3 will have better picture clarity and processing than its predecessor, the G2.

In contrast, the Sony A90J uses the Cognitive Processor XR, which delivers pure blacks, natural colors, and high peak brightness through its XR Picture feature. The XR’s contrast feature also analyzes and enhances picture colors almost like the human eye, resulting in striking contrasts with higher peaks in glare and deeper blacks in shadows. 

The Cognitive Processor XR also powers XR Color and XR Triluminos Pro, which help the Sony A90J generate natural and vivid colors. Other features of the A90J’s processor include the XR 4K Upscaling and XR Motion. The first feature helps upscale 2K signals close to 4K, improving users’ viewing experience. In addition, the second feature guarantees smooth, bright, and clear picture quality when watching fast-paced content like live sports or action movies.

Overall, the LG G3’s picture processor helps deliver a better picture quality than the Sony A90J’s processor, mainly because of the former running a newer processor with better upgrades. In addition, the G3 has LG’s Brightness Booster Max technology, which has an improved light control architecture and light-boosting algorithms. As a result, the LG G3 is 70% brighter than LG’s entry-level OLED TV, the LG B3.

Audio Performance

The Alpha 9 Gen 6 4K Processor also helps boost the LG G3’s sound output. LG used the processor to upgrade the AI Sound Pro, resulting in an output of virtual 9.1.2 surround sound from the G3’s 3.1.2 channel speakers. Further, the LG G3 has the WOW Orchestra sound feature that synchronizes the sound from the TV’s speakers and the sound from a compatible LG soundbar. Finaly, combining the TV speakers and soundbar helps deliver multi-channel surround sound with IMAX-enhanced sound quality.

In contrast, the Sony A90J has multiple sound features to enhance sound quality. The screen is a unique sound feature on the A90J because it also functions as the TV’s speakers. That helps the XR Sound Position and Acoustic Surface Audio+ deliver realistic and immersive sound that accurately depicts the actions on display. 

Overall, the LG G3 and Sony A90J both have excellent sound quality. However, the G3 edges out the A90J slightly as it delivers a better bass, especially at high volumes.

Price

Our review of the LG G3 and Sony A90J also compares their average retail prices. As noted, LG launched the G3 at the 2023 CES held in early January; thus, LG has not yet provided its release price to consumers. However, LG consistently tries to keep the models’ release prices similar to their previous launches. 

Therefore, consumers can expect the prices of the LG G3 to be identical to those of the LG G2. You should note the prices could be higher on account of the G3 having better specifications, as well as economic factors like inflation. Below are the release prices for the different LG G2 models:

• 55-inch – $2,199
• 65-inch – $3,199
• 77-inch – $4,199
• 83-inch – $6,499

The release prices of the Sony A90J were:

• 55-inch – $2,799
• 65-inch – $3,799
• 83-inch – $7,999

The Sony A90J 55-inch and 65-inch models are moderately more expensive than the LG G2 55-inch and 65-inch models. However, the 83-inch Sony A90J is significantly more expensive than the 83-inch LG G2, which can be challenging to justify to some consumers.

Best for Movie Enthusiasts

Sony A90J 65-Inch TV

$4,098.00

• 4K Ultra HD
• Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
• XR Motion Clarity (120Hz)
• Supports HDMI 2.1
• Hands-free voice control

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11/27/2023 05:17 am GMT

LG G3 vs. Sony A90J: 6 Must-Know Facts

• The LG G3 and Sony A90J have four HDMI 2.1 ports with one dedicated to enhanced audio return channel (eARC).
• The LG G3 and Sony A90J have an ATSC 3.0 Tuner, the latest over-the-air broadcast technology.
• The Sony A90J has auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre picture mode to enhance gaming experiences, especially on the PlayStation 5.
• The LG G3 has a Game Optimizer, which allows quick switching and selection of gaming features and provides access to G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync Premium settings.
• Sony offers a one-year warranty for the A90J in the United States and Canada.
• The LG G3 has AI Concierge, which recommends content based on a user’s past viewing and search history, while also recommending trending content.  

LG G3 vs. Sony A90J: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

LG has a reputation for making the best OLED TVs, having won the CES Innovation Award for eleven consecutive years. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the LG G3 is better than the Sony A90J. One of the reasons why the G3 has an advantage over the A90J is their release years. Sony released the A90J in 2021, while LG announced the G3 in 2023, meaning LG had more time to research and develop the G3’s design and specs. However, the A90J compares favorably against the G3 despite being almost two years older. 

Overall, buy the LG G3 if you are a features-oriented individual. It has the latest technology meant to enhance the picture and sound quality and provides compatibility with numerous devices. Moreover, the Sony A90J is slightly costly for a device released almost two years ago. Investing your money in a more recent build would be more prudent.

Recent Updates to the LG G3 and Sony A90J

Both LG and Sony have continued to update their products to stay on the cutting-edge of TV technology. Since February 2023, we have seen firmware updates for both the LG G3 and Sony A90J to improve overall image processing and performance.

The Future of the LG G3 and Sony A90J

As time goes on, we can expect more technology advancements from LG and Sony. In the following six to 18 months, we may see improved brightness and image processing for better color reproduction, image sharpness, and support of 8k resolution. We may also see new features to support updated gaming standards with HDMI 2.1 compatibility. As OLED TVs continue to rise in popularity, we may also see prices for the LG G3 and Sony A90J come down.

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