LG OLED evo G1 vs. TCL 5-Series: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the LG OLED evo G1 and TCL 5-Series (specifically the 2020/2021 R635 model) are two options available in secondary or refurbished markets, each catering to different priorities. The LG G1, a 2021 flagship OLED, offers unmatched contrast and a gallery-style design, ideal for cinematic experiences. The TCL 5-Series, a QLED TV, delivers vibrant colors and impressive value, competing strongly in the mid-range segment. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to guide Kenyan buyers, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

LG OLED evo G1

The LG OLED evo G1 (2021 model, e.g., OLED65G1PUA) is a premium 4K OLED TV featuring a WOLED panel with evo technology for enhanced brightness. Powered by the α9 Gen 4 AI Processor and webOS, it’s designed for wall-mounted, gallery-like aesthetics, offering perfect blacks and wide viewing angles for cinephiles and group viewing.

TCL 5-Series (R635)

The TCL 5-Series (2020/2021 model, e.g., 55R635) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming, and quantum dots. Running on Roku TV, it’s optimized for budget-conscious buyers seeking vibrant visuals and solid performance in darker rooms, with robust streaming and gaming features.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG OLED evo G1 (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide data):
• Panel Type: WOLED with evo panel for improved brightness.
• Brightness: ~412 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), suitable for dark to moderately lit rooms but not ideal for very bright environments.
• Contrast: Infinite contrast due to pixel-level dimming, delivering perfect blacks with no blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~133.92% of Rec.709 (~96% DCI-P3), with excellent color accuracy (Delta-E ~1.64).
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~47° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, and HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α9 Gen 4 AI Processor excels at upscaling (~8.5/10), rendering SD/HD content sharply.
• Reflections: Glossy screen with excellent reflection handling (1.5% total reflections), effective in most lighting conditions.
• TCL 5-Series (R635) (based on RTINGS.com, CNET data):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming (48–60 zones) and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~505 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~756 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), better for bright rooms than the G1.
• Contrast: ~5,243:1 native, enhanced to ~10,000:1 with local dimming, delivering deep blacks with some blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~87% of DCI-P3, offering vibrant colors but less accurate than the G1.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25° for color washout), better for solo or small-group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, matching the G1’s streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Decent upscaling (~7.0/10), but less refined than the G1, with minor softness in low-quality content.
• Reflections: Semi-gloss screen with moderate reflection handling (~5.6% total reflections), less effective than the G1.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG G1 excels with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for cinematic experiences in dark or controlled lighting. Its superior color accuracy and upscaling enhance movies and streaming. The TCL 5-Series offers higher brightness (~756 cd/m² vs. ~412 cd/m² HDR) and vibrant colors, performing better in brighter rooms, but its narrower viewing angles and blooming limit its cinematic depth.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG OLED evo G1:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~13ms at 4K@60Hz (~9.6ms with Input Lag Boost), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, ALLM, ideal for modern consoles like PS5/Xbox Series X.
• Game Mode: OLED’s near-instantaneous response time (~0.2ms) ensures crisp motion.
• TCL 5-Series (R635):
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz (120Hz with motion interpolation), not supporting 4K/120Hz due to HDMI 2.0.
• Input Lag: ~15.7ms at 4K@60Hz, slightly less responsive than the G1.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, but lacks HDMI 2.1, limiting next-gen console features.
• Game Mode: Good contrast enhances dark scenes, but motion handling is less fluid.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG G1 is superior for gaming with lower input lag (~13ms vs. ~15.7ms), 4K/120Hz support, and advanced features (G-SYNC, HDMI 2.1), making it ideal for serious gamers. The TCL 5-Series is adequate for casual gaming but lacks next-gen capabilities.

3. Sound Quality

• LG OLED evo G1:
• 2.2-channel speakers with 60W output (20W woofer), supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital via eARC.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio, but lacks deep bass without a soundbar.
• Decent for small rooms, but a soundbar is recommended for immersive audio.
• TCL 5-Series (R635):
• 2.0-channel speakers with 16W output, supporting Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Frequency response extends to ~80 Hz, offering limited bass.
• Soundbar required for cinematic audio due to weaker output.

Verdict on Sound: The LG G1 offers superior audio with higher power (60W vs. 16W) and a woofer, providing a richer soundstage. Both TVs benefit from a soundbar for immersive sound, but the G1 performs better out of the box.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG OLED evo G1:
• Platform: webOS 6.0, intuitive with Magic Remote, Freeview Play, AirPlay, HomeKit, and apps (Netflix, Disney+).
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF input, 3.5mm headphone output.
• AI Features: AI Picture Pro, AI Sound Pro, and ThinQ AI for smart home control.
• TCL 5-Series (R635):
• Platform: Roku TV, user-friendly with extensive app support (Netflix, YouTube) and simple navigation.
• Voice Assistants: Roku Voice, Google Assistant/Alexa via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.0 ports, one USB port, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone output.
• AI Features: Limited to basic upscaling and content search.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG G1’s webOS with Magic Remote, built-in voice assistants, and AirPlay/HomeKit support is more intuitive and versatile. The TCL 5-Series’ Roku TV offers a simple, app-rich interface but lacks advanced AI features and HDMI 2.1.

5. Design and Build

• LG OLED evo G1:
• Gallery design with ultra-slim 20mm depth, flush wall-mount included (VESA 300×300).
• No stand included; optional feet (~KSh 12,900) or third-party stand needed.
• Glossy screen, premium build (~63.9 lbs for 65-inch), ideal for wall-mounted setups.
• TCL 5-Series (R635):
• Sleek design with thin bezels (~0.4 inches) and a sturdy stand.
• Max thickness ~2.8 inches, lighter at ~38 lbs (65-inch).
• Semi-gloss screen, functional but less premium build.

Verdict on Design: The LG G1’s gallery-style, ultra-slim design is ideal for wall-mounted, art-like aesthetics, appealing to design-conscious buyers. The TCL 5-Series’ practical stand-based design is less elegant but more versatile for tabletop setups.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2021 pricing for the G1 and R635, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, and converted using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 2025). Local pricing in Kenya may vary due to import duties, taxes, and limited availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized LG/TCL dealers for exact prices.

LG OLED evo G1 Prices

Based on OLED65G1PUA pricing (Tom’s Guide, RTINGS.com):

• 55-inch: $1,000–$1,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,800 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 195,000–234,000
• 77-inch: $2,500–$3,000 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 325,000–390,000

TCL 5-Series (R635) Prices

Based on 55R635/65R635 pricing (RTINGS.com, CNET):

• 55-inch: $500–$600 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 65-inch: $700–$800 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 91,000–104,000
• 75-inch: $900–$1,000 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL 5-Series is significantly more affordable, starting at ~KSh 65,000, offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The LG G1, starting at ~KSh 130,000, commands a premium for its OLED technology and design, with limited availability in Kenya due to its 2021 release.

Target Audience

• LG OLED evo G1:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, design enthusiasts, and gamers prioritizing premium picture quality and aesthetics. Its perfect blacks and wide viewing angles suit Kenyan homes with controlled lighting or wall-mounted setups.
• Use Case: Best for HDR movies, gaming, and group viewing in dark rooms.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 130,000–390,000, willing to seek refurbished units for top-tier quality.
• TCL 5-Series (R635):
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious viewers, casual gamers, and those in brighter rooms. Its vibrant colors and value suit cost-sensitive Kenyan households.
• Use Case: Ideal for streaming, sports, and casual gaming in moderately lit environments.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 65,000–130,000, prioritizing affordability and performance.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED evo G1

The LG OLED evo G1 is the superior choice for its unmatched picture quality, with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles (~47° vs. ~25°), making it ideal for cinematic experiences, group viewing, and premium gaming in darker settings. Its Dolby Vision support, superior upscaling (~8.5/10 vs. ~7.0/10), and advanced gaming features (4K/120Hz, G-SYNC) elevate its performance, though its higher cost (~KSh 130,000–390,000) and burn-in risk may deter some buyers.

The TCL 5-Series (R635) offers excellent value with higher brightness (~756 cd/m² vs. ~412 cd/m² HDR), vibrant colors, and affordability (~KSh 65,000–130,000), performing well in brighter rooms. Its Dolby Vision support matches the G1, but narrower viewing angles and weaker gaming features (60Hz, no HDMI 2.1) limit its versatility.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED evo G1 if you prioritize premium picture quality, gaming, and a gallery-style design for dark-room viewing, with a budget of KSh 130,000–390,000, and can source a refurbished unit. Opt for the TCL 5-Series (R635) if you seek an affordable, vibrant TV for casual use in brighter rooms, with a budget of KSh 65,000–130,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

NOMA NTV THURSDAY 14TH JULY 2025 FULL EPISODE