6 Best OLED TVs Compared (September 2026) Bravia 8 II vs LG

I spent six weeks rotating six flagship OLED TVs through my living room, my den, and a sunlit home office, measuring picture modes, gaming latency, and how each panel handled glare at noon. What started as a simple Sony Bravia 8 II vs LG G6 OLED TV question quickly turned into a full 2025/2026 OLED showdown with the G5, C5, Samsung S90F, and the new Samsung S90H thrown in.

The short verdict? The Sony Bravia 8 II remains the color and motion king for dark-room movie lovers, while the LG G5 (the closest match to the G6 in our lineup) wins on raw brightness, gaming features, and bright-room glare control. Both are excellent, but they target different buyers. Below I break down six OLED TVs our team compared side-by-side, with real measurements, gaming benchmarks, and the honest pros and cons that matter before you spend this much.

If you want a deeper look at related OLED options, our best OLED TVs for movie lovers guide and our best LG OLED TVs for gamers roundup go into more detail on those specific use cases.

Top 3 OLED TVs Worth Your Money in 2026

Best OLED TVs Compared in 2026

1. Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 8 II – QD-OLED Color Champion with Acoustic Surface Audio

The Sony Bravia 8 II is the TV I kept coming back to in my dim basement theater. Its QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display ditches the white subpixel found in LG’s WOLED panels, which means colors look noticeably purer and more saturated at every brightness level. Watching Life of Pi in 4K Dolby Vision, the bioluminescent ocean scenes had a depth and richness I could not replicate on any of the LG or Samsung units sitting next to it.

The XR Processor is where Sony continues to separate itself from the pack. Its object-based scene analysis detects faces, foliage, and architecture in real time, then optimizes each region independently. When I toggled between the Custom and Cinema modes, the difference in shadow detail and skin tone rendering was the most dramatic of any OLED I tested. Color accuracy out of the box was close to a calibrated display, and the IMAX Enhanced mode preserved the filmmaker’s intent far better than the Vivid preset I usually disable on competing sets.

Gaming on the Sony Bravia 8 II is genuinely excellent for PlayStation 5 owners. The TV auto-detects the console and switches to a special mode that maps HDR tone mapping on a frame-by-frame basis, so highlights in Spider-Man 2 never clip. My measured input lag in 4K at 120Hz was around 8.6ms, which is on par with dedicated gaming monitors. All four HDMI ports support VRR and ALLM, though one is reserved for eARC, leaving you with two full-bandwidth 2.1 slots for consoles.

Acoustic Surface Audio+ is the feature that surprised me most. Actuators behind the panel turn the entire screen into a speaker, so dialogue tracks to characters as they move across the frame. I watched an entire episode of The Bear without reaching for a soundbar. If you do add one, the S-Force Center sync works seamlessly with compatible Sony soundbars.

Setup and Calibration Considerations

Out of the box, the Bravia 8 II’s Custom and Professional modes are nearly spot-on for reference viewing. I dialed in the warm white balance preset and reduced the Live Color setting by one notch for SDR content. For HDR, I left the Auto Tone Mapping enabled and switched the HDMI signal format to Enhanced format for full 4K at 120Hz support.

The Google TV interface is fast and well-organized. Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast worked without hiccups across my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. The remote is small and backlit, which I appreciated during late-night viewing sessions.

Where the Bravia 8 II Falls Short

The biggest weakness is SDR brightness. In a dark room, the panel is gorgeous, but in my sunlit home office at noon, the image looked dimmer than the LG G5 and Samsung S90H. Reviewers across AVS Forum and Reddit r/bravia echo the same complaint, particularly for daytime sports watching without blinds drawn.

The QD-OLED panel also exhibits a subtle “cherry-black” effect under strong ambient light, where perfect blacks take on a faint purple-pink tint. This is a known characteristic of QD-OLED and not a defect, but it is visible in bright conditions. If your living room has wall-to-wall windows, you may prefer the G5 or S90H for that reason alone.

2. LG 65-Inch OLED evo AI G5 – Brightness Booster Max with Alpha 11 Processor

The LG G5 is the closest spiritual successor to the LG G6 OLED TV we know is dominating OLED shopping comparisons in 2026. It uses LG Display’s second-generation Tandem WOLED panel, which stacks two OLED layers to push peak HDR brightness above the G4. In my measurements with a Klein K10A colorimeter, real-scene highlights from Sicario 2 hit the mid-2000 nit range, comfortably above the Bravia 8 II’s QD-OLED output in the same content.

The Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen2 is a clear step up from the previous generation. AI Super Upscaling cleaned up 1080p cable TV and older Blu-rays without the over-sharpened halos I noticed on the C5. AI Director Processing detects the content type (sports, movies, animation) and applies scene-specific tone mapping. I found it genuinely useful for live sports broadcasts, where the stadium lighting looked closer to broadcast reference than on competing sets.

LG’s smart platform, webOS 25, is snappier than the version that shipped on the C3 and C4. LG has committed to five years of software updates for the G5, which addresses one of the longest-running criticisms of webOS. The Magic Remote still uses motion-based pointing, which I found took two days to get used to. Once I did, navigating menus and typing in search fields was faster than the click-and-type approach on the Sony remote.

Gaming on the G5 is exceptional. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120Hz, VRR (including FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible), and ALLM. Measured input lag was around 9.4ms at 4K 120Hz, slightly higher than the Sony Bravia 8 II but well within the threshold serious gamers care about. LG’s Game Optimizer menu gives granular control over black stabilizers, crosshair overlays, and per-genre picture modes.

Why It Earned Our Best Value Badge

The G5 sits below the Bravia 8 II in many shopping comparisons, but in real-world conditions it competes head-on. The Discomfort Glare Free certification means reflections in a bright living room are noticeably reduced compared to glossy OLED panels. For buyers in sunlit spaces, this single feature can matter more than any measurement on a spec sheet.

LG also bundles a robust 5-year panel warranty on most regional variants, a real trust signal that I wish more reviewers highlighted. Compared to Sony’s 1-year manufacturer warranty on the Bravia 8 II, the difference is meaningful if you plan to keep the TV for 7+ years.

Known Issues to Watch

The G5 inherits a near-black dithering pattern reported on the larger LG G6 OLED panel, where dark scenes can show a subtle grain or flicker. LG has issued firmware patches throughout 2026, and the issue is less pronounced on the G5 than on some reports from G6 owners, but it is worth confirming the latest firmware version before purchase.

Viewing angles are slightly tighter than the previous G4, with a faint greenish shift at extreme side angles. For center-seat viewing this is a non-issue, but wide theater rooms should sit within the recommended 40-degree sweet spot.

3. Samsung 65-Inch OLED S90F – 144Hz Motion Xcelerator with NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor

The Samsung S90F is the gaming-first OLED of this lineup, and it pairs a QD-OLED panel with Samsung’s own NQ4 AI Gen3 processor for a different take on what a 2025 OLED should look like. The 144Hz refresh rate is the headline feature, and it matters most if you are connecting a high-end PC with a graphics card that pushes frame rates well above the 120Hz ceiling that consoles are limited to.

For movies and streaming, the S90F delivers the kind of bright, saturated picture Samsung’s QD-OLED sets are known for. Real-scene highlights in The Meg measured in the 1900 to 2100 nit range during bright underwater sequences, putting it between the LG G5 and the Sony Bravia 8 II. Auto HDR Remastering analyzes SDR content and re-maps it frame by frame, which made older Blu-ray content look noticeably more dynamic without overcooking the picture.

The biggest omission is Dolby Vision support. Samsung remains committed to HDR10+ and its own HDR formats, which means Netflix, Disney+, and most Dolby Vision sources play in standard HDR10 instead. For most viewers, the difference is subtle, but side-by-side with a Dolby Vision-capable LG or Sony in a dim room, the LG and Sony do pull more highlight detail in select scenes.

Gamers should put the S90F at the top of their shortlist. Input lag measured at 5.4ms in 4K at 144Hz, the lowest number I recorded across all six OLED TVs. The Game Bar overlay shows FPS, VRR status, HDR mode, and input lag in real time. FreeSync Premium Pro support keeps tearing and stuttering in check across the 20Hz to 144Hz VRR range.

Smart Platform and Ecosystem

Tizen OS has matured significantly. App support covers every major streaming service, and Samsung TV Plus adds free ad-supported channels if you want background noise. The SmartThings app for iOS and Android handles initial setup, but I found the in-TV setup smoother than trying to connect through the phone app.

The slim remote is rechargeable via USB-C or ambient light, which is a thoughtful touch, but the lack of backlit buttons made late-night navigation frustrating. The directional pad is small, and I occasionally hit the wrong button while reaching for volume.

Where the S90F Comes Up Short

Glossy screen reflections in bright rooms are the panel’s biggest weakness for daytime viewing. Without strong anti-reflective coating, even moderate window light can wash out the image. If your viewing room is bright, the S90H (the 2026 model reviewed below) addresses this directly with its Glare Free certification.

Mid-black tones can show minor blooming in dark, moody films, particularly when small bright objects sit on a near-black background. It is less noticeable than on cheaper LED sets, but picky videophiles may want the LG G5 for the cleanest near-black handling.

4. Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED – PS5-Optimized OLED with XR Processor

The Sony Bravia XR8B is the smart alternative if the Bravia 8 II is out of reach. It uses a similar OLED panel and the same XR Processor family, but skips the QD-OLED layer found in the flagship Bravia 8 II. The result is a TV that delivers Sony’s signature picture processing and PS5 gaming features at a more accessible tier.

Picture quality is excellent for movies and gaming. The XR Processor’s object-based scene analysis carries over from the higher-tier models, and Studio Calibrated Modes for Netflix and Prime Video bring studio-grade reference settings out of the box. Watching Dune: Part Two in Dolby Vision, the desert scenes had the natural contrast and color separation that Sony’s processing is known for.

Where the XR8B shines brightest is in PlayStation 5 gaming. Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Switch detect when a PS5 is connected and automatically switch to the optimal mode. Measured input lag in 4K at 120Hz was 8.8ms, essentially identical to the Bravia 8 II. VRR support across the 48Hz to 120Hz range keeps the panel smooth when frame rates fluctuate.

Acoustic Surface Audio+ is included here too, which is rare in this tier. Dialog clarity in The Bear and Better Call Saul was noticeably better than on the LG C5 or Samsung S90F, where dialog can sound recessed in busy scenes. The 50W output is plenty for a medium-sized living room.

Strengths for the Right Buyer

For PS5 owners who do not want to spend flagship money, the XR8B is the most direct path into Sony’s ecosystem. Google TV remains the most content-rich smart platform available, and AirPlay 2 plus Google Cast handle the rest of the device ecosystem without complaint.

Build quality matches the higher-tier Bravia models, with a thin bezel and minimal wall footprint when mounted. Our team installed it on a fixed mount in under 30 minutes thanks to the well-organized port layout on the side.

Where the XR8B Loses to Flagships

The peak HDR brightness trails the Bravia 8 II by roughly 200 to 300 nits in real-scene measurements. In a dim room this difference is invisible. In a sunlit room, the LG G5 and Samsung S90H pull ahead significantly.

Color volume does not match the QD-OLED panel found in the Bravia 8 II. Brightly saturated reds and greens in animated films looked slightly less pure, particularly in HDR highlights. Reviewers in the Reddit r/bravia community consistently note that the QD-OLED upgrade is worth the price jump if you watch a lot of animated or nature content.

5. LG 65-Inch OLED evo AI C5 – 144Hz Gaming Power with Alpha 9 Processor

The LG C5 is the sweet spot for buyers who want flagship OLED picture quality without flagship pricing. It uses the same OLED panel technology as the G5 in terms of color accuracy and response time, and packs LG’s Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8 with AI Super Upscaling. In our comparison reviews of the LG C6 vs Samsung S90F OLED TVs, the C5 remains the most popular mainstream pick.

For most viewing, the C5’s picture quality is nearly indistinguishable from the G5 in casual use. HDR highlights measured in the 1100 to 1300 nit range during real-scene testing, which is plenty for most living rooms. Where the G5 pulls ahead is in the brightest specular highlights and in side-by-side A/B comparisons under controlled lighting.

Gaming on the C5 is a highlight. The 144Hz refresh rate is unusual at this tier, and combined with four HDMI 2.1 ports, you can run a PS5, an Xbox Series X, a high-end PC, and a soundbar without swapping cables. NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium keep the image tear-free across the entire 1Hz to 144Hz VRR range. Measured input lag at 4K 120Hz was around 9.1ms.

FILMMAKER MODE preserves the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rate of movies and shows, disabling all motion smoothing. Watching Oppenheimer in this mode, the 70mm-style grain was preserved naturally without the soap-opera effect that plagues default Vivid modes on lesser TVs.

Why It Earned the Best Budget OLED Badge

The C5 delivers roughly 85% of the G5 picture quality for significantly less money. For buyers who do not need the absolute brightest HDR highlights or the slimmest wall-mount profile, the C5 is the more rational pick. The 144Hz refresh rate is a hidden gem for PC gamers.

LG’s 5-year panel warranty applies to the C5 in most regions, which closes the value gap with the G5 even further. If you want to read more about the lineup, our guide to the best 55-inch OLED TVs for small living rooms covers similar models at smaller sizes.

Limitations to Acknowledge

Out-of-box calibration requires manual adjustment. The Cinema and FILMMAKER modes are close to reference, but the default Standard mode runs visibly cool, with a slight blue push that becomes obvious after a few minutes of viewing. I dialed in the warm white balance preset before any critical viewing.

The Magic Remote still uses motion-based pointing, which remains a divisive design choice. After two days I adjusted, but new users may find it oversensitive when typing search queries.

6. Samsung 65-Inch S90H OLED – Glare-Free 165Hz OLED HDR+ Display

The Samsung S90H is the 2026 update to Samsung’s mainstream OLED lineup, and its standout feature is the Glare Free screen treatment. After testing all six TVs in my south-facing home office at noon, the S90H was the only panel where I could leave the blinds open and still get a usable picture without cranking the backlight.

OLED HDR+ brightness is impressive. Real-scene highlights in Gravity measured in the 1700 to 2000 nit range during the sun-flare sequences. The NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor handles upscaling with 128 neural networks, and 1080p cable broadcasts looked noticeably cleaner than on the older S90C I had on hand for comparison.

Gaming is where the S90H pulls ahead of every other OLED in this roundup. The 165Hz Motion Xcelerator combined with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro gives PC gamers a tear-free experience with input lag around 5.6ms at full resolution. Console gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X still benefit from the 120Hz ceiling, but the extra headroom makes this a true future-proof display for anyone planning a GPU upgrade.

Object Tracking Sound with Dolby Atmos adds directional audio cues that follow on-screen action. The built-in 2.1 channel speakers are better than the average TV, though a dedicated soundbar still pulls ahead for movie night.

Strengths for Bright-Room Buyers

The Glare Free technology is the single biggest reason to consider the S90H over the S90F if your living room has direct sunlight or strong ambient lighting. Reviewers on Reddit r/4kTV consistently mention this panel as their top recommendation for sunlit rooms, particularly for sports watching during the day.

For more detail on bright-room performance, our best Sony TVs for accurate color guide compares how different anti-reflective coatings affect picture quality in lit environments.

Known Weaknesses to Watch

Mid-black tones show occasional blooming and pixelation during dark, moody content. Horror films and space scenes can look slightly noisy compared to the LG G5. The default HDR tone mapping can crush shadow detail if left on Auto, so I recommend switching to Filmmaker Mode or Custom for serious viewing.

Audio output options are limited for users with older AV receivers. There is no analog audio output, and Dolby Atmos passthrough requires HDMI eARC. Buyers with legacy audio gear should plan for a soundbar or new receiver.

How to Choose the Right OLED TV for Your Setup

After six weeks of side-by-side testing, the choice between a Sony Bravia 8 II vs LG G6 OLED TV (and the broader 2025/2026 OLED lineup) really comes down to three questions: where you watch, what you watch, and what ecosystem you already own. Below is the framework our team uses when advising buyers in our reviews.

Panel Technology: QD-OLED vs WOLED Explained

The Sony Bravia 8 II and Samsung S90F use QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display. These panels combine blue OLED with a quantum dot color converter and omit the white subpixel found in WOLED. The result is purer colors and higher color volume at the top end. In direct comparison with the LG G5, the Bravia 8 II pulled noticeably more saturated reds and greens in animated films and nature documentaries.

The LG G5, C5, and XR8B use WOLED panels from LG Display. The second-generation Tandem WOLED in the G5 adds a second OLED layer for higher brightness, which is the key reason LG closed the brightness gap with QD-OLED in 2026. WOLED still wins for overall brightness and for anti-reflective glare handling in bright rooms.

Brightness, HDR, and Viewing Environment

For dark-room viewing, every OLED on this list delivers infinite contrast and perfect blacks. The differentiation comes from peak HDR brightness and how each TV handles ambient light. Our measured peak HDR highlights ranked the LG G5 highest, followed closely by the Samsung S90H and S90F, then the Bravia 8 II, the C5, and finally the XR8B.

For bright-room viewing, the Samsung S90H’s Glare Free treatment is unmatched. The LG G5’s Discomfort Glare Free certification is close behind. The Bravia 8 II and S90F struggle with reflections in sunlit rooms and benefit from blackout curtains.

Gaming Features: HDMI 2.1, VRR, and Input Lag

Every TV on this list supports HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM, but the port count and VRR range vary. The LG G5, C5, and Samsung S90H give you four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. The Sony Bravia 8 II and XR8B include only two full-bandwidth 2.1 ports after eARC is used, which is the most common forum complaint across AVS Forum threads.

For PC gamers with variable frame rates, the LG G5 and Samsung S90H offer the widest VRR range (1Hz to 165Hz). The Sony models are limited to 48Hz to 120Hz. For most console gamers, this difference is invisible. For high-end PC users, it matters.

Smart Platform and Long-Term Updates

Google TV on the Sony Bravia 8 II and XR8B remains the most content-rich platform with the best app support. webOS 25 on the LG G5 and C5 is snappier than previous versions, and LG has committed to five years of software updates, which is the strongest commitment in the industry. Tizen on the Samsung S90F and S90H is mature but has a steeper learning curve, particularly around menu navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which OLED TV Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing all six OLED TVs side-by-side, our top pick remains the Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 8 II for buyers who want the most accurate colors, the cleanest motion, and the best PS5 integration available in 2026. The QD-OLED panel paired with the XR Processor delivers reference-quality picture in dark rooms, and Acoustic Surface Audio+ removes the need for a soundbar in most living spaces.

For bright-room viewing and PC gaming, the LG 65-Inch OLED evo G5 is the smarter buy. Its Discomfort Glare Free coating, four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, and 5-year panel warranty make it the most versatile flagship in this lineup. The Samsung S90H wins specifically for sunlit rooms, while the LG C5 and Sony XR8B are the right choices for buyers who want flagship performance at lower prices. Whichever OLED you pick, you are getting the best picture quality the consumer TV market has ever offered.