LG debuts its 2025 OLED TVs with higher brightness and more AI smarts

MW
Mike Wheatley
LG debuts its 2025 OLED TVs with higher brightness and more AI smarts

LG Electronics 2025 OLED Evo TVs are going to be brighter than ever, with its high-end G5 and M5 models featuring a next-generation panel that delivers an incredible three-times the brightness of their predecessors. What’s more, they’ll be much “smarter” too, with a host of new AI features powered by the company’s latest α (Alpha) 11 AI processor.

The combination of increased brightness and AI-driven smarts should ensure the new G5 and M5 OLED TVs reproduce the most impressive images we’ve ever seen on an LG TV, while users will also have tons of clever personalisation features to look forward to, too.

LG has just unveiled its full OLED TV lineup at CES 2025, and alongside the G5 and M5, it’s also showing off the midrange C5 OLED and entry-level B5, which also boast some impressive AI capabilities. Depending on where you live, you may also get a hold of LG’s newest Magic Remote, which is said to be more compact, ergonomic and, most importantly, intuitive to use, enhancing the overall experience for TV aficionados.

Brighter Than Ever

LG says the increased brightness of its G5 and M5 OLED TVs stems from a new “Brightness Booster Ultimate” technology that combines an update panel architecture with light and colour boosting algorithms powered by the Alpha 11 AI processor. The panel is believed to be based on a new 4-layer stack comprising one red, one green and two blue pixel layers that enhances both colour and white luminance while expanding its coverage of the Rec. 20 colour gamut, hopefully delivering more accurate images than ever before.

However, LG’s claims of three-times increased brightness need to be taken with a pinch of salt, for it’s comparing the latest panel to its conventional, first-generation OLED display technology, rather than the MLA OLED panels used in last year’s LG G4 and M4 TVs.

Intriguingly, while LG has been tight lipped about the new OLED stack, there are indications that these new panels are not using MLA technology. That’s because they’re able to maintain perfect deep blacks, unlike the G3 and G4 OLED TVs with MLA, which saw a slight elevation in their black levels.

Faster Than Ever

Another key enhancement found on the G5 and M5 OLED TVs is their higher refresh rate, with LG claiming they’re the first AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync-certified TVs to hit 165Hz VRR. This should ensure smoother gameplay than ever before, though it’s worth noting that Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles won’t benefit from these faster speeds, as their games max out at 120Hz. Another point to note is that the 165Hz panel will only be available on the 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch versions of the G5 and M5 TVs, but not the 97-inch model.

G5, M5, C5 and B5: What's The Difference?

As always, the LG G5 OLED TV retains its status as the company’s flagship model, with its enhanced 4-stack panel, 165HZ refresh rates and advanced Alpha 11 gen 2 AI processor. It will go head to head with Samsung Electronics’ newest QD-OLED TV, the S95F, but it’s worth noting that its rivals’ model maxes out at 77-inches, so the 83-inch G5 is all set to be the biggest and brightest TV in that size category. The 97-inch G5 features last year’s MLA panel rather than the 4-stack display with Brightness Booster Ultimate tech, and only goes up to 144Hz.

The LG M5 shares many of the same specifications as the G5, but it comes with a Zero Connect Box that hides away all of those unsightly cables. But doing this means making a sacrifice in terms of its maximum refresh rate, which is capped at 144Hz, rather than 165Hz on the G5 models.

The step down LG C5 OLED TV doesn’t have the next-gen display, which means refresh rates are capped at 144Hz. It’s powered by the older Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor, an upgrade on last year’s C4 model. In addition, it also has a beefier audio system that’s said to support 11.1.2-channel surround sound.

Last is the LG B5, which is the company’s most affordable OLED TV. It features the Alpha 8 Gen 2 processor and is fitted with a conventional OLED panel that maxes out at just 120Hz.

AI Enhancements

While we’re still waiting for the full specifications, we did at least get to learn about the bevvy of AI-powered features that will be available through webOS 25, the latest version of the company’s TV operating system, which powers all four of this year’s models.

As with its older TVs, there are tons of AI algorithms onboard that are designed to enhance the image and sound quality. These include the AI Picture Wizard, AI Super Upscaling, AI Sound Pro and AI Voice Remastering technologies. The AI Picture and Sound wizards work to personalise the picture and sound quality according to the preferences of the individual user.

Other nifty new features include the AI-powered Voice ID system that’s able to recognize your voice and automatically switch the TV to your own personal profile when you activate the voice remote, so you’ll see personalised content recommendations and search results. There’s also an AI Concierge tool that will help to enhance content discovery based on your viewing habits.

In addition, LG is bringing its AI smarts to art and search. The new LG AI Art tool leverages large language models to help users generate original images or edit their photos so they can be displayed on the TV. Users will receive a number of free credits each month, but once they’ve generated 100 images they’ll need to purchase more.

Meanwhile the AI-enhanced search is powered by a new chatbot that can also help users to troubleshoot problems with the TV and quickly adjust the picture and sound settings.

A More Magical Magic Remote

Last but not least, we need to talk about the new Magic Remote, even though it won’t be available in every region. According to LG, it does away with the number keys to make all of the controls available via a simple thumb swipe. There’s a new multifunction Home Hub button that replaces the Input button – give it a quick press and it goes to the Home Hub interface, while a long press will bring up the inputs menu. Meanwhile, the Accessibility button opens up things like the user guide, help menus and tips. And there’s a dedicated microphone button, along with an AI button that can bring up the AI concierge and AI voice recognition features.

The new remote features the same mouse-style pointer and quick access buttons for services like Netflix as found on the older style controller.

Unfortunately, users in countries like the U.K. and Italy will not get the new Magic Remote, due to local regulations that mandate them having a numbered keypad. Instead, they’ll get last year’s version, albeit with the AI and Home Hub buttons replacing the microphone and input buttons.

LG hasn’t yet said anything about pricing or release dates, although it has indicated that at least some of the new OLED models will launch in the spring, which should make them among the first new TVs to launch in 2025.