LG G1 vs G2 (2022) which OLED TV should you buy?

Last Updated: April 7th, 2022

LG had monumental success with its “1 series” OLED TV range last year, becoming some of the most sort-after displays on the market. Despite these achievements, the brand doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down, releasing new variations of its 2021 OLED TV series that look set to impress on all fronts.

The LG G2 will be the brand’s new flagship TV, offering up a plethora of advancements over its predecessor (LG G1). While it might feature a similar Evo OLED panel, it will exceed its predecessor in color accuracy, daytime viewing, and peak luminance – which should have a direct impact on the display’s HDR ability.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the fundamental differences that separate the LG G1 vs G2 OLED TVs. We’ll be comparing them for price, performance, picture quality, build quality, and everything else that might affect your decision-making process.

LG G1 vs G2: Specifications

LG G1 OLED Series

LG G2 OLED Series

55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ 97″

Pros

New Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor

Excellent gaming performance

On initial inspection, specifications for the G1 vs G2 look to be incredibly similar. Both support 120Hz 4K gaming, 4K screen resolutions, HDMI 2.1, and Evo OLED panel technology. On paper, the only fundamental specification that separates these two generations of ‘G’ series TVs is the available sizes.

Of course, this is fairly misleading as there are plenty of differences to find when comparing the two panels – all of which we’ll cover in the following guide.

LG G1 vs G2: gaming performance

While the G1/G2 aren’t the brand’s standout gaming-tailored TVs, that doesn’t change the importance of good gaming performance in these displays. Gaming performance is hugely important for all modern TVs now that next-gen consoles have the ability to deliver 120Hz gameplay at 4K UHD resolution. Fortunately, both G1 and G2 perform to a high standard in this department.

Like its predecessor, the G2 offers up all the specifications required for a smooth, immersive gaming experience – including; VRR technology, 120Hz refresh rates, near-instantaneous response times, and a newly implemented Game Optimizer menu that enables users to tweak the response, picture quality, and colors to their exact needs.

As we’ve just shown, both G1 and G2 sets feature the coveted HDMI 2.1 interface, allowing for full 4K 120Hz gameplay on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X next-gen consoles. VRR is also supported here by both TVs, great news after Sony’s recent announcement of PlayStation 5’s VRR support.

Following in its predecessor’s footsteps, the G2 will also feature key specifications such as ALLM (auto low latency mode) to help reduce annoying smearing and blurring that may occur when viewing fast-moving images.

LG has implemented some differences in its new G2 OLED TV, one of which is HGIG technology. This new feature will allow the G2 to actively adjust the HDR on the fly according to the scene being viewed – effectively allowing the panel to better produce HDR content. Furthermore, the G2 will also feature a Dolby Vision Game mode for Xbox Series X – a feature that allows Xbox Series X/S to enjoy the full spectrum visuals that are synonymous with Dolby Vision.

LG G1 vs G2: price & sizes

Eager fans of LG had to wait quite a while for the official G2 prices to be unveiled, with price leaks sparking a little confusion amongst consumers. Since then, official pricing for the entire LG series has been announced, with prices for the G2 increasing when compared to last year’s initial price rollout.

That’s right, LG has introduced a price premium for the new G2 OLED TV – with increases varying depending on which size you opt for.

Below you’ll be able to see the prices for both LG G1 and G2 models:

EU pricing

LG G1 vs G2: picture quality & peak brightness

One of the big differences between the LG G1 vs G2 is the improved Evo OLED panel technology the G2 OLED TV uses. While both sets use a similar Evo OLED panel, the latter will offer a new heat sink element that will help the G2 generate higher peak luminance, greater vividness, and better color accuracy overall. LG says that the LG G2 will offer a 30% increase in peak luminance when compared to its predecessor, making both SDR and HDR scenes look more realistic, three-dimensional, and intense.

If you’re familiar with the G1, you’ll know that, even with the brightness boosting Evo OLED panel, it fell victim to annoying screen artifacts. Daytime viewing wasn’t the most exciting of ventures and clipping was certainly noticeable when viewing intense HDR scenes. Luckily, with the LG G2, this no longer seems so to be an issue – with image fidelity increasing on all fronts thanks to a combination of new panel technology and better processing performance

Alongside this, LG has equipped the new G2 OLED TV with its latest Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor – enabling the TV to unlock the full potential of this OLED panel. This high-performance processor delivers noticeable improvements to the picture quality of the G2, with upscaling of sub-4K images improving exponentially. Additionally, LG has utilized Cinematic Movement and Default Natural Motion settings in the G2 – two features that have been custom-designed to remove judder and unwanted processing issues.

Users can also expect a new Dynamic Tone-mapping pro algorithm which effectively subdivides the picture into smaller sections (by around 10) for greater image sharpness. The G2 also picks up a Dynamic Vivid Mode for its Object Background Enhancement feature that can more efficiently differentiate depth of vision – producing more realistic depth perception.

Of course, both G1 and G2 models featured HDR support – however, the G2 delivers HDR picture quality to a much higher standard. Dolby Vision with Precision Detail, HDR10, and HLG formats are all supported here.

LG G1 vs G2: audio quality

Audio performance for the G1 and G2 models seems to be fairly identical – with both supporting 4.2 channel 60W systems. Both also provide HDMI ARC, eARC, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby AC-4.

Of course, with sound performance, the proof is in the pudding – meaning we’ll have to get our ears on one to be able to comprehensively compare the two.

LG G1 vs G2: Design & materials

Both G series models look fairly similar – offering up a picture frame-esque aesthetic that is the very essence of this ‘Gallery’ TV. Both feature an extremely slim profile and ultra-thin bezels that help to produce immersion when playing games and consuming general entertainment.

The G2 does differ from its predecessor, however, ridding itself of those 45-degree picture frame edges in favour of a more clinical right-angled approach. As you can expect, the G2 continues to be finished flush at the rear, enabling seamless wall-mounting of this set. Speaking of which, LG has improved the unboxing and mounting process of the G2 with the arrival of new materials that see a serious weight reduction over the G1.

One big improvement that LG has made for this year’s G2 OLED TV is the implementation of an optional stand (standalone purchase required). Fans of LG that wanted the best possible picture quality were restricted to wall-mounting the G1 – a factor that would fundamentally

LG G1 vs G2: WebOS

LG has updated its internal Smart System for the LG G2 to ‘WebOS 22″ – a rebrand of the previously coined WebOS 6.0. While WebOS 22 won’t be a completely revolutionary feature, it does bring a bunch of improvements to the table. Users will now be able to set custom profiles within the G2’s smart system, allowing different family members to set their own unique home screen preferences, content algorithm, and picture setup.

Speaking of family members, LG has now implemented a new Family Setting that allows the TV owner to monitor your screen time, volume, and eye care settings. While it isn’t a fully blown parental control, it does allow you to set certain features of the G2.

More impressive, however, is the new ‘Always Ready’ feature which will be utilized across LG’s OLED TV range. This feature is an adaptation of the TV’s built-in anti burn-in technology, allowing users to set customized content for when the TV falls into its standby mode. Instead of a generic art carousel, users will now be able to set their own artwork, photos, and images instead. Better yet, LG allows you to choose between weather updates and news reports as well. Streaming music via voice activation is now a feature, similar to the likes of Google’s Alexa gadgets.

LG G1 vs G2: which should you buy?

So, the only question left to answer is whether or not you should actually choose the LG G1 over the G2?

There’s no debate that the LG G2 is a much better TV set than the LG G1. It delivers better picture quality, better processing power, and greater HDR performance across the board. Furthermore, LG has also developed the manufacturing process for the 2022 LG G2, utilizing new build materials that make it easier to unbox and mount.

That being said, it is considerably more expensive than the G1 and some everyday users might consider the uplift in picture quality not worth the price premium.

Ultimately, whether you choose the G1 or G2, you’ll be purchasing a stunning OLED TV. However, if you want the best of the best when it comes to picture quality and image processing, you really can’t go wrong with the LG G2.