We look at specs, price, and more to compare the LG G2 vs LG G4 OLED TVs
Updated: Feb 1, 2024 4:15 pm
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We’re quickly making our way through 2024 which means the LG G4 OLED TV release date is right around the corner, so let’s compare LG G4 vs LG G2 OLED TV to figure out if it’s worth upgrading. We’ve also put together an LG G4 vs LG G3 OLED TV guide if you’re interested. Both of these displays are premium picks and some of the best OLED TVs money can buy, though the aging G2 is obviously outclassed by the 4th-gen option. Enough to warrant a purchase though?
Before you find out where to buy the LG G4 OLED TV, it is always worth comparing to older generations which may offer better value for money. We take a look at the specs, design, pricing, sizing, and gaming performance to give a comprehensive comparison between these two impressive televisions. Let’s see how much generations of difference makes to LG’s popular gaming TV.
LG G4 OLED Series
Pros
Bright second-gen MLA OLED panel
Up to 144Hz, ideal for gaming PCs
Upgraded Alpha 11 AI Chip
MLA now available in 83″ model too
Cons
Still no MLA in 97″ model
LG G2 OLED Series
Pros
New Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor
Excellent gaming performance
Today’s best TV deals
LG G4 vs LG G2 specs
| Specification | LG G4 | LG G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Alpha 11 AI Chip | Alpha 9 Gen 5 |
| MLA (Micro Lens Array) | Yes | No |
| Screen technology | OLED | OLED |
| Screen resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Sizes | 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″, 97″ | 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″, 97″ |
| Max refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Response time | 0.1ms (expected) | 0.1ms |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1 (x4), Bluetooth 5.2 & Wi-Fi 6E expected | HDMI 2.1 (x4), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| VRR | HDMI 2.1 VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync | HDMI 2.1 VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync |
| Audio | AI Sound Pro, wireless lossless Dolby Atmos | AI Sound Pro, Dolby Atmos |
Looking at the difference in specs between the LG G4 and LG G2 shows off some big differences, which you may already be aware of. The newer TV of course boasts a better processor, which helps improve brightness due to the new Peak Highlighter feature and a number of AI-aided improvements. A newer chip also generally helps boost the responsiveness of the user interface. Other improved specs include the slightly higher refresh rate – particular good for PC gamers, given 120Hz is still the cap for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as more up to date wireless (Bluetooth & Wi-Fi) connectivity.
The biggest change here however is the introduction of the MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology. This was introduced in the G3 and returns for the G4 as well with a second-gen panel, so the older G2 misses out here. MLA is an improvement of the physical OLED panel which helps produce a much higher level of brightness, rectifying one the biggest downsides to OLED TVs.
Both models feature similar connectivity, with HDMI 2.1 an important aspect to unlock the high 120Hz / 144Hz refresh rate alongside the 4K resolution for silky smooth motion.
LG G4 vs LG G2 design
Design-wise, these two TVs are extremely similar. LG’s range of OLED TVs are known for their slim build and this of course hasn’t been abandoned. The G-series in particular are designed to be wall mounted, especially the larger screen sizes – and they fit flush to the wall effectively with LG’s very own ‘Zero Gap Wall Mount’. VESA compatibility is also ensured to help fit with a range of wall mounting brackets.
While the LG G2 requires a stand sold separately (this design annoyingly carried over to the G3), LG have provided a stand for the popular 55-inch and 65-inch models of the newer G4. While that isn’t the whole range of sizes, it is recommended that you wall mount anything larger anyway. These remaining sizes will now come with a wall mount included.
LG G4 vs LG G2 price by size
We don’t yet know the exact pricing of the LG G4 just yet, but we expect it be to extremely similar (if not the same) as the LG G3 at launch, which looked as follows:
- 83″: $6,499
- 77″: $4,499
- 65″: $3,299
- 55″: $2,299
This misses out the largest 97″ size, which we found for just under $25,000 at the time of writing for the G2 model – well out of reach for most of us. As for the cost of other LG G2 sizes, you’ll be able to find one for cheaper than they were on first launch, especially now they’re two generations old. That being said, availability is bound to become more scarce as time goes by if you don’t want a pre-owned one. Right now though, the LG G2 is good value for money – for example, the 55″ model has dropped well below the $2,000 mark.
LG G4 vs LG G2 gaming performance
Both of these TVs offer excellent specs for gaming. The larger 55-inch and up screen sizes compared to the LG C-series makes them less suitable for desktop use, but still viable if you have a large (and deep enough) desk to facilitate it. As mentioned earlier, both of them feature HDMI 2.1 connectivity for a maximum output of 4K at 144Hz, or 120Hz on current-gen consoles. Only the G4 manages 144Hz between these two, but the higher refresh rate isn’t the biggest leap we’ve seen and is only relevant for PC gamers.
OLED TVs are fantastic for gaming and general content consumption thanks to their crisp colors and excellent responsiveness. OLED panels can manage a 0.1ms response time or even less to allow clear visuals free from ghosting or annoying blurriness – perfect for gaming. This aids the high refresh rate and other gaming-focused technology such as VRR via HDMI, FreeSync, or G-Sync to stop screen tearing from ruining your experience.
So, the G4 still has the edge, but you won’t be disappointed with the G2 here. The higher brightness levels makes the G4 better for using in well-lit rooms, this obviously stands true for gaming as well.
55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ 97″
LG G4 OLED TV vs LG G2 OLED TV – should I upgrade?
If you’ve already got an LG G2 OLED TV, upgrading to the LG G4 gives you plenty of improvements – though we’re not too convinced that your G2 is ready to be retired just yet, unless you want the very latest technology and have the cash to splash. The large increase of brightness due to MLA technology is the biggest selling point for us and if you find your current G2 a little dull in certain environments, then that’s a good incentive to upgrade. Otherwise, the LG G2 is still a great display.
Don’t already have an LG OLED? Then we’d go for the LG G4 in this situation. It offers the better specifications and features between the two as you’d expect and is much more future-proof.
What is Micro Lens Array technology?
Micro Lens Array, usually shortened to MLA, is a piece of display panel technology which is designed to boost the historically poor brightness levels of OLED. Due to the fact that OLED panels don’t have a backlight of their own to boost brightness, this could become an issue in very well-lit rooms – particularly if you’re accustomed to a bright screen.
MLA is a hardware-based improvement. Microscopic lenses are layered on top of the OLED panel to help direct more organic light in the direction of the viewer, boosting brightness levels across the whole display.
Final word
There you have it for our LG G2 vs LG G4 OLED TV comparison. If you’re interested in picking up the newer G4, be sure to check out our where to buy LG G4 OLED TV guide. For more comparisons with LG’s latest line-up of OLED TVs, see our LG C4 vs LG C3 or LG B4 vs LG C4 articles.
The LG G4 quite a sizeable upgrade upon the LG G2, particularly when it comes to Artificial Intelligence features and brightness of the display. Regardless, both of them are fantastic at their job as gaming TVs and the G2 is still relevant if you want to save some cash.
