Samsung vs LG TV UK
Samsung and LG are the two most popular TV brands in the UK, and most buyers end up choosing between them. They take different approaches: Samsung leads in QLED (quantum dot LED) technology with brighter, more vivid panels, while LG dominates OLED with perfect blacks and superior viewing angles. Both have excellent smart platforms and strong UK retail availability through Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.
What to Look For
- 1Decide between OLED and QLED first. LG's OLEDs have perfect blacks and wide viewing angles — ideal for dark rooms and film lovers. Samsung's QLEDs are brighter and better in well-lit UK living rooms with large windows.
- 2Compare smart platforms honestly. Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS both have every UK streaming app. The real difference is LG's Magic Remote (point-and-click like a Wii) versus Samsung's standard remote — try both in Currys before buying.
- 3Check gaming specs if you own a PS5 or Xbox. Both brands offer 4K/120Hz models, but Samsung's QN90C and LG's C3/C4 OLED are the standout gaming TVs. Look for VRR, ALLM, and low input lag specifically.
- 4Consider panel longevity. OLED panels can experience burn-in from static images (news tickers, game HUDs). Samsung's QLED is immune to burn-in. For a TV that's on 10+ hours daily showing varied content, QLED is lower risk.
- 5UK warranty and service matter. Both offer 2-year standard warranties. John Lewis extends Samsung and LG warranties to 5 years at no extra cost — worth buying from them for higher-end models.
Our Top Picks
LG OLED55C4PUA 55-Inch C4 4K OLED TV
Pros
- Perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio make films look stunning
- 4K/120Hz on all 4 HDMI ports — the best gaming TV available
- Wide viewing angles mean everyone on the sofa gets a great picture
- Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced support
Cons
- Risk of burn-in with prolonged static images (news tickers, game HUDs)
- Not as bright as Samsung QLED in well-lit rooms during daytime
The best overall TV for UK buyers who want top-tier picture quality — LG's C4 OLED is the gold standard for home cinema and gaming alike.
Samsung QE55QN90D 55-Inch Neo QLED 4K TV
Pros
- Exceptional peak brightness over 2,000 nits handles direct sunlight
- Mini LED backlighting provides deep blacks for a non-OLED panel
- Anti-reflection coating eliminates glare from UK windows
- Zero burn-in risk — ideal for all-day background TV viewing
Cons
- Viewing angles are narrower than LG's OLED — centre seat is best
- Samsung's One Connect box is absent at this tier, leaving visible cable clutter
Samsung's brightest TV delivers knockout HDR and handles UK daytime glare better than any OLED — the top pick for bright living rooms.
Samsung QE55Q70D 55-Inch QLED 4K TV
Pros
- Quantum Dot colour is noticeably more vivid than standard LED at this price
- Motion Xcelerator 120Hz for smoother sports viewing
- Dual LED backlight adjusts colour temperature by scene
- Samsung Gaming Hub gives cloud gaming access without a console
Cons
- Edge-lit backlighting means blacks aren't as deep as the QN90D above
- HDR performance is limited by lower peak brightness around 600 nits
The best mid-range Samsung — solid QLED picture quality with gaming features at a price that undercuts LG's equivalent offerings.
LG OLED55B4PUA 55-Inch B4 4K OLED TV
Pros
- Same OLED panel technology as the C4 with perfect blacks
- webOS 24 with all major UK streaming apps pre-installed
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Significantly cheaper than the C4, especially during sales
Cons
- Older α7 processor means slightly less effective upscaling than C4's α9
- Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports versus the C4's 4 — limiting for multi-console gamers
LG's entry-level OLED delivers 90% of the C4's picture quality at a meaningfully lower price — the best value OLED in the UK.
Samsung QE50CU7100 50-Inch Crystal UHD TV
Pros
- Crystal Processor 4K handles upscaling from Freeview and streaming well
- PurColour technology produces natural, accurate colours
- Samsung Tizen platform with long-term app support guaranteed
- Slim design with narrow bezels looks clean wall-mounted
Cons
- 60Hz panel with no VRR — not suitable for serious gaming
- Edge-lit LED with limited dimming zones — blacks look grey in dark scenes
Samsung's most affordable 4K TV is a reliable choice for buyers who want a trusted brand without spending more than £400.
LG 55NANO76 55-Inch NanoCell 4K TV
Pros
- NanoCell technology filters impure colours for wider colour accuracy
- IPS panel provides consistent picture quality from any seating position
- webOS with Magic Remote included for intuitive navigation
- AI Sound Pro adjusts audio output per scene
Cons
- IPS panel means black levels are weaker than Samsung's VA-based LEDs
- NanoCell is being phased out in favour of QNED — future discounts likely
LG's NanoCell range offers wider viewing angles than Samsung's budget QLED, making it better for family rooms where not everyone sits centre.
Editor's Note
In the UK market, LG wins on outright picture quality with its OLED range — the C4 is the sweet spot for most buyers. Samsung wins on brightness and value at the mid-range, where the Q70/Q80 series undercuts LG's non-OLED offerings. For most UK living rooms with typical daylight, a Samsung QLED in the £500-800 range delivers better pound-for-pound value. If you watch mainly in the evening with lights low, LG's OLED is worth the premium. Black Friday (late November) is consistently the best time to buy either brand in the UK, with discounts of 20-35% at Currys and Amazon.