Comparing Affordable OLED TVs from LG and Samsung with Dolby Vision: A Closer Look to Determine Its Significance
In the realm of high-end television technology, the LG B5 and Samsung S85F stand out as two of 2025's best OLED TVs. These devices offer a captivating viewing experience, each with its unique strengths.
When it comes to colour reproduction, the LG B5 took the lead, with hues appearing much bolder and richer compared to the Samsung S85F. However, the S85F shone in contrast, particularly when switched to its movie mode. Blacks looked deeper on the S85F, providing a more immersive viewing experience. Yet, the superior picture quality was still attributed to the LG B5.
The absence of Dolby Vision in the Samsung S85F was compensated for by its picture processing, but this feature remains an important aspect. Dolby Vision, a popular HDR technology, uses advanced AI to optimize picture quality by adapting brightness, contrast, and colours based on the content, the TV's capabilities, and ambient lighting conditions. This results in clearer dark scenes, improved motion control, and better viewing for sports and gaming, all while maintaining the artistic intent and delivering brighter, sharper, and more vivid images.
A comparison of the two TVs in their respective Filmmaker Modes revealed the extent of the S85F's Movie mode adjustments. The Dolby Vision picture on the LG B5 was found to be more appealing. The S85F's HDR tone mapping improved the picture when switched to its HDR Movie mode.
In streamed Dolby Vision content, the LG B5 outperformed the Samsung S85F, with superior contrast, black depth, crisper textures, stronger contrast, bolder colours, and higher brightness. However, the S85F fared well with colourful scenes. The advantage was more pronounced when comparing 4K Blu-ray content, where the LG B5 once again took the lead.
Both TVs use the same W-OLED panel, but the S85F does use a QD-OLED panel for its 55- and 65-inch sizes in the US. This technology is believed to provide improved colour accuracy and brightness.
The S85F's switch to Movie mode made its image much brighter, giving colours a more vivid look and textures enhanced detail. However, shadows appeared elevated on the S85F, taking on a gray hue in places.
In tests of various content, the LG B5 consistently outperformed the Samsung S85F. For instance, in a 4K stream of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the LG B5 with Dolby Vision had superior contrast and black depth compared to the Samsung S85F with HDR10. Similarly, in the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray tests, the S85F's picture was much closer to the B5 in more colourful scenes, but details in extreme bright scenes such as snowy fields were lost on the S85F.
It's essential to note that picture mode plays a significant role in the overall performance of these TVs. The S85F clearly benefited from the tone mapping provided in its Movie mode, bringing it more in line with the B5 and, in some instances, making Dolby Vision seem irrelevant.
In conclusion, both the LG B5 and Samsung S85F offer impressive viewing experiences. However, the LG B5, with its superior picture quality and Dolby Vision support, takes the lead in this comparison.
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