LG 55 G4 vs Samsung S85D

Direct compare

G45 / G42

S85D

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”83”97”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel technology: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: WebOS

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

8.6

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.4

    7.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.0

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    9.0

    8.4

  • Gaming on console

    9.5

    9.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    7.6

  • Matrix brightness

    6.0

    5.3

  • Utility functions

    9.5

    7.7

  • Apps

    9.7

    8.6

  • Sound quality

    8.6

    7.0

Advantages

  • Phenomenal image fidelity to the director's intent

  • Reference color reproduction after calibration

  • Very high brightness in HDR materials

  • Remarkable compatibility with console and computer

  • The panel suppresses reflections very well

  • Perfect viewing angles

  • Excellent Contrast: Thanks to OLED technology, you get deep blacks and vibrant colors.

  • Fast and Intuitive: The Tizen operating system provides a smooth and user-friendly experience.

  • Solar Remote: Conveniently controls other devices like decoders and gaming consoles.

  • Wide Viewing Angles: OLED ensures a great view from any seat in the room.

  • Smooth Motion: Equipped with a 120 Hz panel for fluid and clear motion, perfect for action scenes.

  • Ideal for Gamers: Packed with features designed to enhance the gaming experience.

  • Distinctive Design: A unique look that sets it apart from other models.

  • Affordable Price: Offers premium features without the premium price tag.

Disadvantages

No like
  • Visible tonal transitions

  • Sound of the built-in audio system - could be better in this class of television

  • No recording function from built-in tuners

  • Average SDR brightness – 310 nits

  • No support for DTS audio tracks

Our verdict

LG G4 is a strong contender for the best television of 2024. With a combination of OLED black and MLA technology, we will get an incredibly dynamic and detailed image that will surely captivate us entirely. LG G4 is also proof that TVs equipped with an OLED matrix supported by MLA technology are perfectly suitable for viewing in sunny rooms. The operating system, although not as open as the competition, allows for many possibilities. Its biggest advantage is the well-known remote control with a cursor, which makes controlling the unit one of the most convenient on the market (in our opinion). The color reproduction out of the box, while not at a high level, can be considered almost reference quality after calibration, providing a truly cinematic image. It is no coincidence that post-production studios choose TVs from this manufacturer. They are the only ones offering such deep intervention capabilities through 3D LUT calibration. It seems that the biggest (and perhaps only) drawback of this television is the tonal transitions, which, although far from ideal, cannot be said to detract from the viewing experience. The remedy is provided by the manufacturer itself, and enabling the "Smooth Gradation" function will eliminate the vast majority of stuttering. LG G4 also performs excellently when watching all kinds of sports or other dynamic scenes. The motion smoother is extremely advanced and allows adjustments to fluidity according to personal needs. With HDMI 2.1 ports boasting full functionality and the manufacturer's attention to detail, the tested television will find its place in many passionate gamers' homes. Every significant function works flawlessly, and the low input lag in every mode is very pleasing. In summary, LG G4 is an incredibly versatile television that allows for entertainment of excellent quality both at night and during the day.

The S85D is the 2024 entry-level OLED model from Samsung, which offers a lot for its reasonable price tag. 

Thanks to OLED technology, you can enjoy excellent contrast, deep blacks, and impeccable viewing angles, ensuring a comfortable watch from anywhere in the room. 

The Tizen operating system provides easy access to applications and streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. At the same time, the solar remote permits control of other devices in the home - such as a satellite decoder, console, and more. 

Its AirPlay feature allows for connection to iPhones, iPads and Macs and Bluetooth support enables wireless pairing with headphones, soundbars and gaming controllers.

The design of the Samsung S85D stands out among its peers due to its unusual, rounded shape at the back, giving the TV an elegant appearance. High compatibility with other devices allows for easy transition into a home entertainment system without major issues. 

However, no device is without flaws. The lack of recording functionality and DTS audio support means that users who prefer this codec will need an external audio system, and the average SDR brightness may affect viewing in very bright rooms.

Despite these slight imperfections, the Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a modern, versatile TV with outstanding picture quality. It offers many features that significantly enhance the user experience, leaving a positive impression. A lot for a little – the Samsung S85D proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy premium viewing from your TV.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

10/10

Kontrast:

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

LG G4, thanks to its OLED panels produced for over 10 years, delivers perfect results in contrast, black levels, and detail reproduction in the darkest scenes. It is worth mentioning that the matrix itself has been equipped with MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology, which LG presented just a year ago at the launch of its predecessor. The use of an organic matrix not only allows for achieving deep blacks but also provides remarkable immersion and a three-dimensional effect in the image, which is hard to find even in the best Mini LED televisions. Such image quality is closely correlated with OLED matrix technology, as each pixel is controlled by an electric impulse rather than by blocking filters on the matrix. Therefore, to achieve black, the pixel is not activated at all. This is very well visible in test images, where the reflective lights produce high brightness while being perfectly separated from each other. The situation remains unchanged in challenging scenes from "The Revenant," where the television remarkably captured secondary and even tertiary details. Television Tests have shown that the black in LG OLED G4 is nearly perfect, which further enhances the sense of depth in high-contrast films. MLA technology in LG G4 not only improves brightness but also handles light reflections excellently, making the television perform well even in sunlit rooms. With high contrast and deep blacks, the LG OLED G4 test recorded an exceptionally high level of immersion, which particularly distinguishes this television among competing models.

The Samsung S85D delivers exceptional black levels and contrast, making it worthy of top ratings. Leveraging OLED technology, it achieves infinite contrast, ensuring that dark scenes are displayed with perfect blacks and no halo effect. In demanding scenes, like those from the movie Oblivion, the TV shows a flawless separation of light and shadow, resulting in an incredibly lifelike image. Notably, the S85D uses a WOLED panel supplied by LG, similar to certain variants of the S90D model. This panel significantly enhances the contrast quality, especially in scenes with high dynamic range, making it an excellent choice for fans of visually striking films and series.

HDR effect quality

7.8/10

5.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 98.3%, Bt.2020: 74.7%
DCI P3: 98.9%, Bt.2020: 74.6%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

1474 nit

Result

1467 nit

Result

1403 nit

Result

1441 nit

Result

850 nit

Result

570 nit

Result

580 nit

Result

666 nit

Result

629 nit

Result

283 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung S85D

LG 55 G4

LG G4 guarantees an exceptionally vivid HDR effect, allowing the television to rank among the very best. The highest-end model from the manufacturer's 2024 portfolio, equipped with the second generation of micro-lens technology (MLA), achieved a maximum brightness of 1474 nits in real scenes. The only area where the Korean manufacturer's product may fall short compared to Mini LED backlit LCD TVs is during full-screen scenes with a lot of white. If we disregard the latter scenes, the average score would be even higher. It's also worth noting the scenes with very fine details, where each of them shone at full power, which is not so obvious in non-OLED televisions. The combination of such brightness and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut makes HDR materials more engaging than ever before.


Brightness is an important factor in televisions, and the S85D offers a level similar to older OLED models. While it’s not outstanding in this area, it comes at a very competitive price. With peak brightness at 600 nits, HDR content looks sharp, delivering a hint of cinematic quality at home. Like many budget OLEDs, though, very bright, full-screen scenes—such as the final shot in The Meg—may cause the brightness to drop by nearly half, which is noticeable compared to pricier models. However, with 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage, the S85D delivers vibrant, accurate colours.

Factory color reproduction

8.4/10

6.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode in terms of color reproduction was "Filmmaker". This was the mode we used during our tests. Let's check what its characteristics looked like before the calibration process. Taking a closer look at the white balance, we can notice a significant dominance of red and green colors. The result was a warm-yellow shade of the image. This is the kind of characteristic we can usually observe in "Cinema", "Filmmaker" or similarly named counterparts. The effect of such color balance was clearly visible in both SDR and HDR content, which, after switching from "Standard" mode, were distinctly yellowed. Now let's move on to two charts that are responsible for brightness characteristics, and consequently, the contrast of the image. The first one (Gamma), representing materials with a standard color palette, performed decently. For most of the time, mid-tones and bright whites were reproduced very accurately, however, it noticeably lost the darkest details, which merged into a black blob. On the other hand, HDR materials, represented by the EOTF curve chart, exhibited a significant drop in contrast due to a strong increase in brightness. The colors themselves turned out to be a problem, as can be seen in the "ColorChecker" chart, as they were noticeably under-saturated.

The Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D offers the best factory settings, but it is not free from flaws, particularly noticeable in colour reproduction. The white balance chart for HD and HDR content shows clear issues – both red and blue are significantly weakened, leading to a dominance of green. The result is an unnatural yellowish glow that can affect the perception of realistic scenes. The Colour Checker test also highlights issues, with colour samples deviating from expected values – for HD materials, colours tend to be too saturated, with a noticeable shift towards green, as seen in the white balance chart. In contrast, for 4K HDR content, colours appear too dull and lack depth, diminishing the attractiveness and naturalness of the image. This effect is particularly noticeable in delicate scenes where colour precision plays a key role, which can be disappointing for discerning viewers who expect faithful reproduction of details and colour intensity.

When it comes to brightness, the gamma chart for HD content produces positives, but there is a noticeable spike at the end, exceeding a value of 2.4. Although this is not a major problem in most scenes, in more demanding sequences it can affect the clarity of bright details. For 4K content, the problematic aspect is the EOTF curve, responsible for delivering brightness. The initial part of the chart shows a small spike. This phenomenon can result in excessive boosting of brightness in the brightest areas of the image, leading to loss of detail in very bright scenes.

Although the Samsung S85D’s factory settings are reasonable, especially in Filmmaker mode, it is worth considering a manual adjustment of settings to improve some imperfections, particularly in color reproduction.

Color reproduction after calibration

9.5/10

8.7/10

The manufacturer has been implementing extensive support for the calibration process in its LG televisions for many years. Therefore, we utilized 2- and 20-point grayscale adjustment as well as an advanced CMS (Color Management System) and got to work. As you can see, thanks to the conducted procedure, each parameter has significantly improved. Using the tools allowed for achieving extremely favorable effects, which include: studio color reproduction, recovery of details in dark areas of the image, appropriate brightness characteristics, and proper color saturation. Thus, we achieved maximum proximity to the reference image, which is what the film director saw on the preview monitor. It is worth noting that the LG G4 televisions are the only ones that allow for even deeper interference in image quality thanks to the ability to calibrate with 3D LUT matrices. This solution is, however, recommended only for post-production or graphic studios.

After calibration, Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D truly stands out. White balance adjustments across all content types yield significantly more natural colour reproduction. In the Colour Checker test, colour reproduction errors are minimal and well within acceptable limits, reflecting precise and true-to-life hues. Factory settings fell short in this regard, but now colours appear realistic, as though accurately rendered according to the creators’ intent. This marks a substantial improvement over previous generations, where colours often appeared distorted or overly saturated.

Brightness also benefits from calibration, becoming sharper and more refined. The Gamma, already fairly consistent, is now even more stable, delivering a deeper and more natural image. Adjustments to the EOTF curve enhance detail visibility in darker areas and improve contrast balance. With these refinements, the television provides a nearly reference-quality image, greatly enriching the experience of movies and HDR content.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

7.2/10

The tonal transitions presented on the LG G4 are not among the top performers. Each scene played from a BluRay disc with 10-bit HDR exhibited noticeable inconsistencies in color transitions. This was particularly evident in the case of the film "The Green Knight," where issues related to posterization were especially noticeable. This effect could also be observed in films with moderate and high brightness, such as "The Martian" or "Kingsman," which is rarely encountered in televisions (especially of this class), surprising us. Such results suggest that in scenes with low luminance and a lot of black, this issue will be bothersome, even for an amateur.

The Samsung S85D handles tonal transitions very well. There are no major issues, and the transitions between different color levels are smooth and natural. The only minor drawback is slight problems around the reds, where in some scenes you can notice minor disturbances. Nevertheless, the overall effect is very positive – the television performs excellently with most materials.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8.2/10

7.4/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
No
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The tested television did not perform well with materials rich in tonal transitions, resulting in a strong posterization effect. However, there is a partial remedy for this issue. The manufacturer has equipped the LG G4 with a smoothing system called "Gentle Gradation," which we can apply at three levels: Low, Medium, and High. Each of these options guarantees a fairly high effectiveness of smoothing on bright colors, but low on darker ones. We recommend using primarily the first one, as the other two interfere with the director's intentions by removing film grain.

When watching lower-quality material, the efficiency of the television during upscaling is extremely important. The image from the tested television is sharp and clear. However, attention should be paid to the jagged edges of fine details and minor issues around figures, such as the creation of a halo effect, which occurs due to the sharpening imposed by the LG G4 even when we set the lowest value on the slider, which is 0. It is worth noting that this is a change compared to the LG G3, which did not impose such strong image sharpening, even when the corresponding slider was set to position 0.

Samsung S85D performs excellently in image scaling and smoothing tonal transitions. Like other Samsung models, the TV offers three noise reduction modes: off, standard, and high. While it improves gradation well, it unfortunately also removes film grain, which many viewers desire to give the image a cinematic character. Grain often adds authenticity and a certain rawness to films, which is lost after smoothing. Removing grain can make the image look too sterile and smoothed out, which takes away some of the charm of the original film material. As for image scaling, the Samsung S85D handles lower resolution content perfectly – the model in the photo and the branches in the background are shown correctly, without significant jagged edge issues. The only noticeable drawback is the presence of overscan, which can sometimes cut off parts of the image, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
49%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate that we can set on the LG G4 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is possible only when connecting the LG G4 television to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will operate at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we want to watch sports or materials with a lot of motion dynamics. For those who require high image fluidity, the manufacturer implemented a multi-stage motion smoother called "TrueMotion." It has been divided into two separate sliders that adjust the sharpness of moving images (De-Blur) and judder (De-Judder). Both sliders can be set in the range from 0 to 10, with each degree affecting the level of smoothing, so everyone can find their sweet spot.

The LG OLED G4 panel features an average response time of 0.78 ms (which directly results from our measurements), allowing for an extremely clear image that is unattainable for LCD televisions, which can have response times of up to several milliseconds. This is clearly visible in images from the "UFO Test," showing no trailing blur behind moving objects. Moreover, the LG OLED G4 test showed that the television offers the ability to precisely adjust the motion smoothing function, allowing users to choose the ideal level of image interpolation. We particularly appreciated this during fast actions in video games, where the LG G4 performed exceptionally well, minimizing any blurring. Thanks to OLED technology, this model eliminates the so-called ghosting, ensuring that the image remains clear even in the most dynamic sports or movie scenes.

As expected from an OLED television, the Samsung S85D offers excellent motion fluidity. Equipped with a 120 Hz panel and a fast response time, the television delivers very smooth playback of dynamic scenes without visible blurring. For movie enthusiasts, there is a feature called "Image Clarity Settings," which allows you to adjust motion fluidity to individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the "stuttering" effect. This allows every user to set the appropriate level of clarity that best suits their taste, from a more cinematic effect to clearer, smoother movements.

Console compatibility and gaming features

10/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    40 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes
  • G-Sync
    Yes
    Yes

The LG G4 TV supports all the features that make up the HDMI 2.1 standard. During tests, each one activated without the slightest problem, which allows us to consider the TV to be built for gaming. Its performance will certainly be appreciated by both console users and those connecting the LG G4 to a computer. It’s also worth mentioning the correct implementation of the HGIG mode (HDR Gaming Interest Group), which allows games mastered to brightness higher than the maximum luminance of the LG G4 TV to correctly map tones, keeping the game image true to the original.

An added bonus is the existence of a special GameBar, which we can call up at any moment to check game parameters, but most importantly, to change them quickly. More importantly, enabling VRR technology does not worsen contrast, which is very common in TVs with local dimming or Mini LED backlighting. Of course, this is thanks to the OLED panel itself, characterized by pixel self-emission. Out of editorial duty, we will only mention a slight grey flicker, which is somewhat of a norm after enabling VRR.

In summary, the LG G4, like practically all OLED TVs, is an ideal product for all kinds of games and online competitions. With full-fledged HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gbit, features such as VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync, or gameplay in HDR Dolby Vision will bring a lot of joy.

The Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for gamers due to its many modern features that facilitate and enhance gameplay. The TV has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect the latest consoles without worrying about image quality or frame rate limitations. This means support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, which is ideal for modern titles. Additionally, the Samsung S85D has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function that automatically switches to low latency mode when it detects a gaming device. This way, you don't have to manually switch settings—the TV takes care of ensuring a quick response time, which is crucial in games where every second counts.

The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) feature and G-Sync support are further elements that make gameplay smoother. VRR adjusts the refresh rate to match the frame rate generated by the console or PC, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This is particularly useful in dynamic games where the frame rate can fluctuate. Auto Motion Plus Game is a feature that Samsung has introduced with gamers in mind, and it's worth appreciating. Thanks to it, the image in games becomes smoother—30 frames per second looks like 45, and 60 Hz gains fluidity, approximating a 90 Hz effect. Meanwhile, there is no significant increase in input lag, which remains below 25 ms, distinguishing this feature from others available on the market. Gamers can enjoy smoother visuals without worrying about a decline in responsiveness.

Samsung has also taken care of something extra—the TV has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, which means you can play in the cloud without the need for a console. This is a great solution for those who want to enjoy gaming without investing in additional hardware. All you need is internet access, and you have a vast library of games at your fingertips. This makes the Samsung S85D a great choice for both casual gamers and more advanced ones.

Input lag

10/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
14 ms
14 ms
1080p120
5 ms
5 ms
2160p60
14 ms
14 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120
5 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms

Lag time LG G4 is at an incredibly low level in every scenario. Even the most avid gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, which is just 5 ms. It is also worth noting that the lag at the same settings but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled remains unchanged, which is not so obvious with the competition. Therefore, it deserves the highest score and recommendation.

The Samsung S85D achieves excellent results in terms of input lag, regardless of refresh rate or resolution. This means that the screen responses are almost instantaneous, which is particularly important in fast-paced, dynamic games. Players can count on the television's lightning-fast response to controller movements, providing an advantage in competition and greater satisfaction with the gameplay. Low input lag is a significant advantage of this model, making the Samsung S85D an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RWBG
RWBG

LG G4 in combination with a PC works excellently, thanks to a very low latency of just 5 ms, which is practically instantaneous reaction between the mouse, the eye, and the screen. A crucial aspect during work on the screen is primarily the readability of the text, which is very good for the tested television.

The RWBG pixel arrangement has no significant impact on the display of fonts or letters, which is a significant advantage over Samsung's QD-OLED matrices. Users of both Windows-based PCs and macOS will surely be satisfied with the performance on the tested LG G4 screen.

The Samsung S85D performs very well as a computer monitor. Thanks to the clear visibility of the fonts, regardless of the background type, using it is convenient and comfortable. The 4:4:4 chroma support ensures precise reproduction of text and graphics, which is important during office work, web browsing, or document editing. The Samsung S85D is a versatile television that easily serves as a monitor for everyday applications.

Viewing angles

9.7/10

7.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
9%
28%

The undeniable advantage of OLED screens equipped with MLA technology is their efficiency in viewing conditions from various angles. The eye cannot notice any changes, regardless of the position from which we watch. This type of screen maintains consistent brightness, saturation, and shade of white, unlike LCD panels or OLEDs without micro-lens array (MLA) technology. The only panels that can match them are those produced by Samsung Displays, using quantum dots, i.e., QD-OLED.

The viewing angles on the Samsung S85D are excellent, as befits an OLED. The image remains sharp and does not lose quality even when viewed at wide angles, making the television perfect for larger rooms and watching together with family or friends. The only televisions that offer better viewing angles are those with QD-OLED or MLA OLED panels.

TV efficiency during daytime

6/10

5.3/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Satin
Reflection suppression
Good
Good
Black levels during daytime
Average
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung S85D: 313 cd/m2

LG 55 G4: 482 cd/m2

The glossy display coating of the LG G4, although it sounds like a negative, is actually the opposite. Thanks to it, the LG G4 TV maintains very high efficiency and effectively suppresses all reflections, "holding" them only at their source. It is also worth mentioning the quality of black during the day, which in the case of WRGB panels produced by LG Displays is exceptional. OLED MLA panels, despite having many advantages, are somewhat inferior in this case, but still better in the context of competition from Samsung, whose QD-OLED panels grow gray when exposed to light. The combination of brightness at around 500 nits and the glossy coating allows for using the TV during the day, unless the user has a living room with large glazing.

The Samsung S85D performs quite well with reflections thanks to the satin coating of the panel, which effectively dampens them. Unfortunately, the SDR brightness of 310 nits is rather average, meaning that in very bright rooms, the TV's effectiveness may be limited. This is not an impressive result, so this model will definitely perform better during evening viewing when such brightness will be sufficient. During the day, to get better comfort, it may be necessary to draw the blinds or curtains.

TV features

9.5/10

7.7/10

  • Operating system
    WebOS
    Tizen
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

LG uses the well-known proprietary system WebOS, which has been around for many years. The system itself offers virtually all the most important applications, and those that are missing can be counted on one hand, such as CDA or KODI.

WebOS also includes a highly appreciated feature allowing operations to be performed using a cursor that appears when the remote control is moved. The convenience of this feature is invaluable when entering queries or passwords for portals. WebOS, like most systems, also supports functions such as screen mirroring, AirPlay, voice search in Polish, and the ability to connect headphones via Bluetooth. More down-to-earth, WebOS allows us to use headphones and the TV speaker LG G4 simultaneously, which will certainly be a great help for people with hearing impairments. Among the more interesting features that sports fans will particularly appreciate, there is the ability to activate an alert for an upcoming match, ensuring we never miss a broadcast. The home panel is also commendable, allowing control of all smart devices connected to the home network. For example, the completion of a laundry cycle will be signaled by a notification in the upper right corner.

In summary, the WebOS system, although less well-known and having certain limitations compared to Android TV, offers stable and fast operation and supports most functions that users may need. It is a solid solution for those looking for a simple and effective operating system in a television.

The Samsung S85D runs on the Tizen operating system, which is intuitive and provides easy access to many applications and streaming services. The system offers smooth and fast navigation, significantly improving the comfort of using the TV. The television is equipped with a solar remote control that allows for the control of other devices, such as decoders and home theater systems, enabling the management of all home equipment with a single device. In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S85D supports AirPlay, making it easier to stream content from Apple devices, and has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows for the connection of peripheral devices such as keyboards, headphones, or speakers.

When it comes to everyday use of the television for regular TV viewing, the S85D model offers several useful features, but it also has some shortcomings. One of its advantages is the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) function, which allows for simultaneous viewing of two contents – for example, a match in a small window and a favorite series on the rest of the screen. This is a convenient solution for those who want to keep up with various programs. However, the lack of recording capability from the built-in tuners is disappointing. This limitation means that favorite shows or movies cannot be saved for later, which can be problematic for those who want to flexibly adjust their TV watching to their schedule – however, we believe that the absence of this function is becoming less burdensome as users now have wide access to various content online, making the need for recording less significant.

The design of the Samsung S85D television is distinguished by its characteristic, rounded shape at the back, setting it apart from most OLED TVs, which usually have a flat back. This unusual design gives it a unique look and attracts attention, making the TV appear modern and elegant. The package includes a remote control, a CI+ module, a stand in the form of two legs, and a power cable, allowing for quick and convenient usage of the television without the need to purchase additional accessories.

Playing files from USB

8.5/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
No
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default file player on the LG G4 definitely handles most photos well, although it is surprising that a few equally popular formats are missing. We can successfully play videos recorded in almost all popular formats, including Dolby Vision. The only codec that the G4 cannot play is H.266 VVC, although this is currently rather unused. However, attention should be paid to the supported photo formats, which are only two: JPEG and PNG. Users of Apple phones may feel disappointed by the lack of support for the HEIC format, which is the default format when taking photos. A remedy for this is to use the built-in AirPlay feature. We will also briefly mention the lack of support for TXT subtitles.

Playing multimedia files on the Samsung S85D will satisfy most users. The television offers wide compatibility with popular video, audio, and image file formats, ensuring smooth playback from both USB drives and the local network. The built-in media player operates efficiently and is easy to use, although there may be issues with some less common formats.

Apps

9.7/10

8.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
No
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

8.6/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    8.6/10
    7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

Audio quality assessment is always subjective. However, we must give LG G4 credit for maintaining a quite good level of sound clarity. The biggest drawback of the audio system built into the TV is the low bass range. However, it is essential to look at it from a different perspective — anyone deciding on this TV will likely own a home theater system. Key in this case will be the broad support for audio codecs, including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.

The Samsung S85D delivers decent sound quality, despite its built-in speaker system (2x10W) not being particularly remarkable. It supports Dolby Atmos technology, which enhances spatial audio, although it does not accommodate the DTS format. The sound is clear and adequate for everyday use; however, connecting an external audio system is recommended for those seeking a richer and more dynamic audio experience.