Samsung and LG have been battling to deliver the best TV picture quality and smart capabilities for years. Samsung‘s QLED screens compete against LG‘s acclaimed OLED models. The Samsung Frame and LG OLED TVs represent the pinnacle of their respective brand‘s display technologies.
This comprehensive guide will break down how these TV technologies differ in their display characteristics and features. We‘ll compare The Frame and LG OLED models across over a dozen factors to reveal how they stack up.
Overview of QLED vs OLED
The core difference between QLED and OLED comes down to how the TVs produce light and color.
QLED (quantum dot LED) televisions use LCD (liquid crystal display) panels with a LED (light emitting diode) backlight system. The LED backlight shines through the LCD layer, which contains quantum dots to produce rich colors. Samsung enhances this with contrast-boosting technologies for increased brightness and deeper blacks.
OLED (organic light emitting diode) televisions have pixels that generate their own light. So each pixel can turn on or off individually to achieve perfect black levels. This also allows for infinite contrast ratios and exceptional viewing angles.
The self-emissive nature of OLED pixels also enables fast response times essential for gaming and movies. But OLEDs can‘t achieve the same peak brightness levels as premium QLEDs.
Display Characteristics
Resolution
- Both Samsung Frame and LG OLED TVs are available with 4K Ultra HD resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). So they deliver four times the detail of 1080p full HD.
Peak Brightness
- Samsung‘s 2023 Frame TVs can hit around 1,000 to 1,500 nits peak brightness with HDR content. This makes them highly viewable in bright rooms.
- LG‘s latest G3 OLED Evo TVs can reach around 800 nits peak in Vivid mode. Most other LG OLED models offer over 550 nits peak brightness. So QLED is brighter overall but OLED still offers ample pop.
Contrast Ratio
- OLED contrast is functionally infinite thanks to pixel-perfect black levels. This creates stunning vibrancy.
- Samsung hasn‘t published specific numbers but expects excellent contrast from full-array local dimming (FALD) in Frame models, albeit not infinite.
Viewing Angles
- OLED screens maintain color and contrast at wider viewing angles than LCD/QLED. You can sit almost anywhere and get a great picture.
- Samsung Frame viewing angles are very good but can show more color shifting when viewed extremely off-axis.
Refresh Rates
- Samsung Frame TVs can be found with 120Hz refresh rates, enabling smooth, high-framerate gaming and video playback.
- Top-tier LG OLED models also provide up to 120Hz refresh rates, with G-Sync compatibility for tear-free gaming.
Response Times
- OLED‘s quick pixel response allows for sub-1ms response times. This speed is perfect for fast action games and sports.
- Samsung quotes 4-8ms response times for its QLED Frame TVs. Still excellent but can exhibit slightly more motion blur in action scenes.
So in summary, Samsung QLED Frame TVs will get brighter for well-lit rooms but can‘t match the infinite contrast and off-axis viewing of OLEDs. LG OLED is better for dark home theater rooms. Both deliver gorgeous 4K images with excellent motion handling.
Motion and Video Processing
To optimize motion clarity and picture quality, Samsung and LG have developed advanced video processing technologies.
Samsung Frame TV motion features:
- Motion Xcelerator Turbo+: Custom backlight adjustment algorithm for fast action scenes
- HGiG & AMD FreeSync: Enhances gaming performance by matching the display capabilities to console GPUs
LG OLED TV motion features:
- OLED Motion Pro: Custom algorithm to reduce blur and judder
- AI 4K Upscaling: Uses deep learning to intelligently upconvert HD to 4K resolution
- HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro: Dynamically adapts HDR picture settings to optimize contrast scene-by-scene
LG also integrates top gaming features like:
- Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync Premium: Smooths out gameplay by matching screen refresh to GPU frame rates
- Game Optimizer Menu: Quickly switch picture modes optimized for different game genres
Both brands leverage AI and machine learning to actively analyze and refine video quality across different types of content. This helps them optimize entertainment experiences.
Smart TV Platform & Features
Samsung deploys its proprietary Tizen smart TV platform across its lineup. LG smart televisions run the company‘s own webOS platform. They take quite different approaches to launchers, content aggregation, and multitasking.
Some key smart TV capabilities offered include:
- 4K/HDR Streaming Apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV app, etc.
- Content Recommenders: LG ThinQ AI and Samsung Bixby AI systems
- Smart Assistants: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- Screen Mirroring: Tap Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast built-in to cast content from mobile devices
Samsung Frame sets itself apart with Ambient Mode – when not being actively watched, the TV mimics wall art and photo frames thanks to its anti-reflective matte coating.
Meanwhile LG offers sports alert functions and a web browser app not typically found in competing smart TV systems.
Gamers will also appreciate LG OLED TVs supporting Nvidia G-Sync, enabling buttery smooth visuals from compatible GeForce GPUs.
Both smart TV systems provide frequent updates to expand capabilities over time. The platforms simplify searching across integrated apps. Quick access buttons also make juggling live TV, streaming services, gaming, and inputs quite convenient.
Design & Aesthetics
Here‘s where these TV product lines diverge the most outside their underlying display technologies…
The Samsung Frame fully lives up to its name by mimicking framed artwork and photo displays:
- Interchangeable Bezels: Magnetic bezels snap on to customize color/border to match room decor
- No-Gap Wall Mount: Flush mounts The Frame nearly edge-to-edge against the wall
- Matte Display: Anti-glare panel diffuses and absorbs ambient light to appear borderless when wall-mounted
- Art Mode: Doubles as digital picture frame to display curated artwork, photos, or custom images
- Motion Detector: Walk in front of the TV and Art Mode activates to greet you
LG OLED TVs follow a clean, minimalist aesthetic:
- Picture-on-Glass: Ultra-thin panels produce dazzling image quality from pure blacks
- Compact Design: Smaller bezels expand the screen while minimizing footprint
- Gallery Stand: Elegant and elevation to hold the TV like a piece of art (select models)
- Wall Mount: Flush wall-mountable to nearly eliminate bezels (WX series)
So Samsung Frame TVs focus heavily on mimicking conventional wall art in terms of form and function. While LG OLED TVs deliver that "picture on glass" aesthetic perfect for cinephiles and avant-garde homes.
Audio Performance
With ever-slimming displays, it can be challenging for televisions to incorporate high fidelity speaker systems. But both brands work around this:
Samsung Frame audio technologies
- 4.2 Channel System: Integrated speakers positioned throughout the chassis
- 60-80W Power: Strong enough to avoid needing a separate soundbar
- Dolby Atmos Support: Immersive audio formats mapped to available speaker channels
- Adaptive Sound+: Analyzes content and room acoustics to optimize audio output
- Q-Symphony: Pairs Samsung soundbars to act as surround speakers
LG OLED audio technologies
- 40W Speaker System: Good enough for everyday TV watching
- AI Sound Pro: Leverages neural networks to upmix sound to virtual 5.1.2 channels
- Dolby Atmos Support: Next-gen 3D sound capability for cinematic realism
- Bluetooth Surround Ready: Streams audio to wireless rear speakers
- WiSA Wireless Speakers: Connect to premium certified surround sound speakers
For the best audio experience, plan on adding at least a soundbar. But the integrated speaker performance is quite decent if you just want a minimalist, clutter-free setup.
Connectivity & Ports
Modern televisions need to accommodate a growing array of source devices and accessories. Fortunately, both Samsung and LG offer comprehensive connectivity.
Samsung Frame ports include:
- 4 HDMI ports (1 eARC)
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- Digital optical audio out
- Ethernet port
- RF antenna input
LG OLED ports include
- 4 HDMI ports (1 eARC)
- 3 USB ports (v2.1)
- Digital optical audio out
- RF antenna input
- Ethernet port
- CI card slot (satellite)
These port configurations allow you to connect all the essential A/V gear:
- Game consoles
- Blu-ray/DVD players
- Cable boxes / DVRs
- Roku, Apple TV boxes
- Sound bars and speakers
Almost all HDMI inputs support the latest specs like 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode. Enabling buttery smooth gaming and app switching.
One difference is that LG TVs carry an extra USB 2.1 port for conveniently charging mobile devices even when the TV is in standby.
Voice Assistants
Both smart TV platforms provide hands-free control using integrated microphones that listen for wake words and voice commands.
Samsung Frame TV
- Bixby voice assistant built-in
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Compatible with Google Assistant devices
- Far-field mic array sensors pick up commands from across the room
LG OLED
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Works with the Google Assistant
- Supports Alexa & Google Routines to trigger smart home scenes
- Integrated microphones listen for wake words up to 5m away
You can search for content, launch apps, control smart home devices, and access information purely through voice interactions. This allows for an intuitive, hands-free smart TV experience.
Note Samsung Frame does not support Apple HomeKit. So Siri voice control is not available. LG OLED TVs fully support HomeKit and Siri.
Power Efficiency
Going green is an increasing priority for consumer electronics. So power efficiency can be an important consideration for new TV buyers.
We compared power consumption across the 65-inch models:
- Samsung Frame: 90 watts
- LG C2 OLED: 115 watts
So Samsung QLED Frame TVs draw 25 watts less on average. However OLED screens dynamically disable pixels to optimize power use across darker images.
Both TVs offer integrated ambient light sensors to automatically dim the backlights/pixel intensity based on room brightness. So they intelligently adjust luminosity down to match your viewing environment.
Additionally all modern TVs enter low-power standby whenever not actively being watched. So electricity usage drops to just a few watts.
Pricing Differences
As flagship TV model lines, Samsung Frame and LG OLED carry premium pricing. However, both attempt to span a wide range of budgets.
Samsung Frame MSRP:
- 43" ($999)
- 50" ($1,499)
- 55′′ ($1,799)
- 65′′ ($2,499)
- 75" ($3,499)
- 85" ($4,299)
LG OLED MSRP:
- 42" C2 ($1,399)
- 48′′ C2 ($1,499)
- 55" B2 ($1,799)
- 65′′ A2 ($2,199)
- 77′′ G2 ($3,999)
- 83′′ C2 ($5,999)
Street prices end up 10-20% lower typically. But Samsung Frame commands a premium over comparably sized LG OLED models. In exchange you receive the custom framed aesthetic.
Overall both provide gorgeous 4K HDR image quality using quantum and OLED technologies respectively. Which model line best suits your taste, price preferences and viewing needs depends on your priorities.
But rest assured all these TVs rank among the finest available in 2023. You‘ll love streaming movies, shows, sports and gaming on these big screens!
Recent Developments
Both Samsung and LG remain committed to innovating display technologies for their premium TVs:
Samsung Frame
- Adding more art from established partners like Artifact Uprising in 2023
- Developing a 32-inch Frame TV launching later this year
- Continuing evolution of quantum dot and zone dimming tech
LG OLED
- Unveiled OLED EX Evo TVs boosting brightness through personalized algorithms and deuterium gas
- Using stable larger substrates to enable 97-inch model coming soon
- More sizes like 42-inch tailor the latest panels to small room viewing
So buyers can expect a wider range of options plus refinements bringing better pictures and smarter features.
FAQs – Samsung Frame vs LG OLED
Is the LG TV better than the Frame?
LG OLED TVs perform better than Samsung Frame in dark room home theater settings thanks to infinite contrast. But Samsung QLED has higher peak brightness that‘s preferable for daytime viewing.
Is there an OLED Frame TV?
No, Samsung Frame TVs currently only use QLED with full array local dimming (FALD) LCD panels rather than OLED.
Does LG have a TV like the Frame?
LG makes "gallery design" GX series OLED TVs with minimalist aesthetic and picture frame-like wall mounting capabilities. But they lack the custom frames and Art Mode functionality.
What TV is better than Samsung Frame?
The LG G2 and Sony A95K QD-OLED TVs often rank above Samsung Frame in reviews and technical measurements. But personal preferences for the design and smart features should dictate your choice.
I hope this comprehensive Samsung Frame vs LG OLED comparison helps highlight how they match up! Let me know if you have any other questions.
