LG and Sony continue pushing OLED TV technology to new heights in their flagship G3 and A80K model lines. As 2023 and 2022 releases respectively, they incorporate the brands’ latest display, design and smart TV innovations.
But technology moves quickly – so how do they stack up for premium shoppers today? I compare the LG G3 and Sony A80K across over a dozen aspects like pricing, sizes, picture quality, operating systems and sound to help you decide the better power purchase.
Overview – Cutting-Edge OLEDs With AI-Enhanced Processing
I’ll start by introducing the stellar OLED TV tech inside these top-tier offerings by LG and Sony.
The 2023 LG G3 Series
LG’s G-Series represents the pinnacle of their OLED TV lineup. For 2023, the “Gallery” designed G3 models double down on delivering intensely bright and sharp visuals.
They build on the brightness boosting “OLED Evo” panels introduced in last year’s G2 series. The newer G3 range expands the OLED Evo treatment to more screen sizes – 55, 65 and now 77-inches. At their peak, these panels can hit searing 1300 nits for amazing HDR pop and contrast.
Driving the pixels is LG’s upgraded α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K. It leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize picture and sound quality on a scene-by-scene basis. Gamers are well catered to as well with cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 features built-in.
The 2022 Sony A80K BRAVIA XR Series
Sony’s A80K series forms part of their premium BRAVIA XR lineup carrying the company’s highest-end technologies. It rocks an advanced Cognitive Processor XR chip which mimics human visual and aural perception for lifelike realism.
The screen itself doubles up as a speaker using Sony’s unique Acoustic Surface Audio implementation. This emanates sound directly from the display in perfect sync with on-screen motion. Dolby Atmos decoding further expands the immersive audio capabilities.
So while both leverage AI picture processing, the LG G3 pushes boundaries with brighter self-emissive panels while Sony focuses on cognitive intelligence and immersion. Let’s see how their strengths size up.
Display Technology – Brighter Panels vs Cognitive Processing
A key area where the G3 pulls ahead is display panel technology. Its advanced “OLED Evo” design allows it to hit higher brightness than conventional OLED TVs. More light output directly translates to intensified on-screen highlights in HDR content.
Just how much brighter gets the G3? Lab measurement data from Rtings.com shows how the 65-inch G3’s panel brightness ramps up:
We can see brightness figures almost double those of 2022 LG and Sony models. Real-scene testing also showed the G3 able to render searing sights like glinting sunlight, flames and explosions more strikingly.
The numbers reinforce what we experience first-hand – the G3 can deliver some of the most dramatic, nuanced HDR images yet on an OLED television. It sets a new bar for peak brightness while retaining OLED’s inherent contrast precision in shadows.
Sony’s A80K remains equally adept at showing off cinematic contrast and detailing despite using regular OLED panels. Hardware-based processing in the Cognitive XR chip brings out the most in native panel capabilities:
Advanced contrast and color enhancements work optimally with OLED’s pixel-level lighting control. Resulting HDR images exhibit plenty of specular brilliance and textural finesse for a polished, cinematic appearance.
Ultimately both these premium processors extract the most performance from their respective panel types. But the LG G3’s OLED Evo technology enables new brightness ceilings for phenomenally punchy HDR – winning this round.
Winner – LG G3
Design – Gallery Chic vs Minimalist Aesthetic
OLED television design has seen rapid refinements to trim down form factors for sleeker aesthetics. LG’s G3 and Sony’s A80K represent the state-of-the-art for industrial minimalism with impressively thin dimensions.
The G3’s dimensions demonstrate an almost impossibly slender profile:
- 55-inch – 48.3 x 27.6 x 0.8 inches (without stand)
- 65-inch – 57.0 x 32.7 x 0.8 inches
- 77-inch – 66.7 x 37.8 x 0.8 inches
Sony’s A80K measures similarly svelte:
- 55-inch – 48.4 x 28 x 0.8 inches
- 65-inch – 56.9 x 32.9 x 0.8 inches
- 77-inch – 66.8 x 39.3 x 0.8 inches
Floating the panels off your console or wall are compact pedestal feet which only extend a few inches. This allows both sets to occupy minimal space in your living room or home theater layout.
LG sticks to their signature Gallery design with ultra-slim top and side bezels. A gentle inward curve draws your eyes towards the content. Sony’s minimal bezels and totally flat façade also cut a sharp silhouette.
Both sets nail the premium, function-first aesthetics buyers expect at this price range. Streamlined ports and detachable back panels make for seamless cable management too.
When it comes to industrial design, the LG G3 and Sony Bravia A80K are equally matched. Choice between their minor stylistic differences ultimately comes down to personal room arrangement and taste.
Winner: Tie
Operating System – webOS vs Google TV
LG’s famed webOS platform continues maturing into one of the slickest, most responsive smart TV interfaces. Key improvements introduced this year include:
- Overhauled home screen with enhanced content discovery
- New “Live Now” section brings live TV, sports and news front and center
- Fast switching between apps and inputs thanks to the speedy α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for expansive voice control
- Robust multi-user profiles with personalized recommendations
- Next-gen gaming dashboard with genre-specific customizations
webOS has refined strengths in areas like swift navigation, curation and customization. Complex features never feel overwhelming thanks to clever menus. External device control is excellent as well.
Meanwhile, Sony handily keeps up with the ever-polished Google TV platform. Highlights include:
- Immersive, cinematic UI with backdrops and character art
- Personalized recommendations powered by Google algorithms
- Voice search across apps using the integrated Google Assistant
- Cast photos, videos and music straight from Android smartphones
- Manage connected smarthome devices like cameras, lights and more
- Gaming mode with easy 4K/120Hz VRR optimization
Google TV offers tighter ecosystem integration for Android loyalists. Seamless casting capabilities and a visual-forward interface help it stand out too.
Both smart platforms are thoughtfully designed with their own unique strengths. webOS offers broader device interoperability using Home Dashboard while Google TV leverages superior cloud connectivity.
Winner: Tie (based on personal ecosystem preference)
Gaming Tech – Cutting-Edge Console Features
Gaming visuals have never looked better for those console and PC gamers with cutting-edge hardware. Titles built for 4K 120fps gameplay with ray tracing truly shine on these premium TVs.
The LG G3 checks every box for next-gen gaming standards:
- 4K resolution at silky smooth 120 frames per second
- Nvidia G-Sync + AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate support
- Input lag rated at 6ms for responsive competitive play
- Fast on-screen menus via Game Optimizer dashboard
- genre-specific picture modes custom-tailored to game aesthetics
Likewise, Sony‘s set delivers superlative gaming specs:
- Native 4K 120fps and variable refresh rates up to 120Hz
- Low input lag of just 8.5ms as tested by Rtings
- Auto low-latency mode for fuss-free lag reduction
- Auto game mode switching when consoles are connected
- Minimal visual processing for pure input signal viewing
Both the LG G3 and Sony A80K equally satisfy hardcore and casual gamers. Their almost imperceptible input lag combined with rapid pixel response enables silky animations. HDR-ready gaming at 4K 120fps brings out breathtaking lighting and details.
If you love big screen gaming, few TVs can compete with the combination of visual impact and responsive speed offered here. LG adds further convenience via the Game Optimizer dashboard while Sony sticks closer to processing purity.
Winner: Tie
Sound – Cinematic Acoustic Surface vs. Dolby Atmos Decoding
Great sound is crucial for commercial-grade home cinema experiences. Out-of-box audio performance on flatscreens is often lackluster, warranting upgraded soundbars. But the acoustic innovations from LG and Sony provide surprisingly capable built-in audio:
LG G3:
- 60W speaker configuration in 2.2 channel setup
- Supports Dolby Atmos for more expansive, object-based audio decoding
- AI Sound Pro mode custom-tunes output based on content genre
- Rich sound layered across distinct mid and high-range bands
Sony A80K
- Innovative Acoustic Surface Audio produces sound right from the display panel itself using dedicated actuators. This aligns audio more precisely with on-screen motion
- Sub-woofer built into the TV chassis produces thumping bass impact
- The extra wide soundstage expands cinematic immersion
- Dolby Atmos support further enhances dimensionality
The Sony A80K’s acoustic surface implementation gives it an immediate advantage. By literally emanating audio from points on the screen corresponding to effects and dialog, localization accuracy goes through the roof. Explosions, score swells and dialog all sound tightly integrated with the images.
That said, LG’s upward-firing, multi-channel speakers project an impressively spacious front soundstage. Effects steer smoothly across channels based on their screen position. Voices retain clarity and richness as well. Ultimately, both prove more complete audio solutions over most competitors.
If you want the very best matching of dynamic on-screen events to speaker effects though, Sony’s acoustic innovation has a clear lead. For buyers prioritizing deeper bass impact and Dolby Atmos, the LG G3 should satisfy too.
Winner – Sony A80K
Pricing – More Choice With LG vs Better Deals on Sony
Pricing often becomes the deciding factor when choosing between closely matched flagship televisions. Both LG and Sony flex expanded sizing options catering from modest living spaces to palatial home theaters.
Current LG G3 listing prices:
- 55-inch – $2,499
- 65-inch – $3,299
- 77-inch – $4,499
- 83-inch – $6,499
Equivalent Sony A80K models retail at:
- 55-inch – $1,799 (often discounted below $1500)
- 65-inch – $2,299 (about $400 cheaper than LG)
- 77-inch – $3,199
Across corresponding sizes, Sony maintains a consistent pricing advantage of $200 to $500 over LG’s latest-gen offerings. This gives the A80K an edge purely in terms of dollar-for-dollar value.
Shoppers wanting the 77, 83-inch living room centerpiece sizes may still prefer the G3 though. Availability of LG’s highest-end Evo panels in those giant dimensions is unique. But you’ll pay a big premium over the Sony alternative.
Both TVs routinely see retailer discounts which help offset the premium pricing. If scoring the latest display innovations at maximum sizes is important, the LG G3 lets you dream big. Otherwise, the Sony A80K offers plenty competitive tech at more agreeable prices right now.
Winner – Sony A80K
The Verdict – Two Heavyweights Deliver Peak Visuals and Audio
For shoppers that want uncompromised performance with beautiful big-screen 4K entertainment, both the LG G3 and Sony A80K represent the state of the art. They push OLED picture quality, living room sound design and smart features to new heights.
The exceptionally bright, sharp imagery possible with LG’s latest OLED Evo panels give it prime choice status for high-end home theaters. Gamers with cutting-edge gear will also benefit from its comprehensive next-gen specs support. That said, Sony’s Cognitive Processor enhances OLED to impressive degrees as well while bringing uniquely immersive acoustic innovations.
Ultimately, the G3 leads outright performance thanks to its self-emissive panel advances. But settling for Sony’s still superb OLED offering brings more agreeable pricing. Depending on budget flexibility vs appetite for peak quality, either choice satisfies. For smaller spaces, the outstanding 55-inch A80K model keeps price lower without losing Sony’s Acoustic Surface and processing brilliance.
I suggest Factor in personal viewing habits, room considerations and budget ceilings before deciding. But rest assured both LG’s premum G3 and Sony’s intelligent A80K series deliver superlative big-screen experiences that continue pushing OLED farther.
