LG has showcased its OLEDs and QNEDs for 2025 – we have our own measurements and initial conclusions.

Calendar 4/3/2025

We were at the LG headquarters and checked out the new televisions for 2025. We’re not theorising – we have the first measurements.

We are not relying on press kits, we are not copying presentations from CES – we were on-site, at the LG headquarters, where we saw and tested the new television models for 2025. We had them in front of us, we measured brightness, checked angles, browsed the new WebOS, and – yes – we played on Game Pass without a console.

LG OLED G5 – it is brighter than we thought.

OLED G5 is not just another minor update – it is a model that introduces real changes where they were most needed. First and foremost: brightness. G5 uses a new Tandem OLED panel and our initial tests showed that this has a noticeable effect. In the standard brightness measurement on a 10% window, G5 achieved a result of over 2200 nits. This is clearly more than last year's G4 and definitely one of the highest results we have recorded so far for OLED televisions.

However, the true difference appears where OLEDs typically falter – in full-screen, bright scenes. In our procedure based on a sequence from the film The Meg, where the entire screen is filled with intense light, G5 maintains a very high luminance (around 1900 nits), showing no typical drop in brightness associated with OLEDs. In practice, this means that the screen does not dim as aggressively under load. Furthermore – in this specific scene, it outshone the brightness of the Sony Bravia 9, which is one of the highest-rated MiniLEDs from last year. This is the first time the difference between an OLED and a MiniLED in this regard is beginning to genuinely blur.

Additionally, there is 165 Hz refresh rate, which will be appreciated mainly by PC gamers, as well as a new Magic remote with gesture control functionality. The WebOS in this year's version is a separate topic – it runs faster, has support for Copilot and Xbox Game Pass, but we will take a closer look at that later.

Comparison of LG G4 VS G5

LG OLED C5 – finally breaking the 1000 nit barrier.

The C5 model may not have the letter "G" in its name, but it's the first time you don't have to worry about choosing due to lower brightness compared to MINI-LED televisions. In our film measurements, C5 exceeded 1000 nits of brightness, which means that HDR finally looks as it should (most films are made for this brightness) – with strong highlights and better detail in the bright parts of the image. Additionally, there is a low input lag, full support for Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10, and a new WebOS system with Game Pass, Co-pilot, and a Magic remote with gesture control. The C5 will be available in sizes from 42 to 83 inches, although – as is often the case – the smallest model may differ in panel, which could affect its brightness. But for most users, especially in sizes 55–77 inches, it will be a very successful continuation of the C4 model that simply makes sense – both in terms of quality and price. Although the latter (price) must be honestly said is unlikely to encourage purchase. At least at the start.

Comparison of C4 vs C5

LG OLED B5 – the cheapest OLED TV from LG.

Series B has been fulfilling the role of the most accessible OLED in LG's offering for years, and the B5 continues this precisely. The new model is a slightly improved version of the B4 (still inferior to the C4), but with minor enhancements – including in image processing and the new WebOS system, which is appearing in all this year's OLEDs. It is not a television that will perform well in a very bright living room in the middle of the day, but for evening viewing of series and films – it will be perfect. We still have here the typical strong points of OLED: deep black, good colours, and an image without the effect of exaggeration. The operating system is the new WebOS, which is the same as in the more expensive models – with access to the same applications and features. In short: the B5 is an OLED, it is a television for those who want to enter the world of OLEDs without overpaying and do not need the highest brightness for complete happiness.

Comparison C4 VS B5

QNED9M, QNED85 and QNED80

Although LG mainly focuses on its OLEDs in communication, the QNED line for 2025 has also received a refresh. Here we have three main models: QNED9M, which offers a wireless connection to an external box, QNED85/86/87, which is the successor to QNED87T, and the basic QNED80. The models still rely on LCD technology, using PFS LED diodes that provide wide colour gamut coverage and decent brightness. However, during the presentation, we noticed something that is unfortunately not new for LG but also for other manufacturers – depending on the diagonal, the same model can have a different panel. This means that in one version of the television, we may encounter an ADS type panel (which is similar to IPS), while in another – a VA panel, which offers higher contrast and better blacks. Such a "panel lottery" is a practice of manufacturers that can have a real impact on image quality, especially in darker scenes or during evening viewing.

From our side – after the first tests and analyses – we definitely recommend that before purchasing a specific size, you check what type of panel has been used. This year we will strive to check and test each size individually for you.

New Magic remote – a minimalist design that may appeal, though not to everyone.

New Magic remote

The new Magic remote has been designed with simplicity in mind – there are fewer physical buttons, and the layout is more streamlined. Some may appreciate the minimalism that resembles remotes known from Samsung's offerings or the latest Sony models, while others may find this change too limiting.

The remote offers intuitive control of basic functions, such as volume adjustment, channel switching, and quick access to applications and voice assistant. On one hand, fewer buttons make the device look more modern and fit better in the hand; on the other hand, for users accustomed to more elaborate interfaces, this may be a challenge.

Strong entry by LG in 2025 – OLEDs have never been this bright

After the first measurements, it's hard to overlook what LG has achieved in 2025. The OLED G5 is a television that sets a new standard for brightness in this technology, and the C5 actually exceeds the barrier that has separated the mid-range from premium models for years. Even the B series has gained a bit of freshness, while still remaining the most accessible option for those who simply want a good picture in the evening. The changes are significant, especially in the OLED segment, which has so far been treated as a compromise between quality and brightness. Now this compromise is starting to disappear – and not just on paper, but in specific film scenes that we test.