Affordable OLED TVs deliver impressive performance without major sacrifices, thanks to recent advancements. The LG B5 stands out as a top budget option with strong gaming capabilities close to higher-end models like the C5 and G5. Competitors include the Samsung S85F and Philips OLED760. Testing these side-by-side reveals clear strengths in brightness, color, contrast, motion, and upscaling.
Brightness
Tests used Movie/Cinema mode for fair comparison, with Philips OLED760 settings adjusted: texture enhancement off, noise reduction off, color temperature to Warm, and peak brightness to Maximum.
The Samsung S85F leads in brightness, appearing punchier in daytime and bright scenes. Snow shots look crisp, and yellow tones in Wicked‘s wheat field scene pop vibrantly. Peak HDR brightness measures 777 nits on the S85F, compared to 668 nits on the LG B5 and 665 nits on the OLED760 (Filmmaker Mode). Fullscreen HDR brightness ranges 130-150 nits across all. However, the S85F’s Active Tone Mapping can overblow highlights like reflected light on sand-colored buildings.
Colors
All three produce rich colors typical of OLEDs. In Wicked‘s Wizard & I scene, pink flowers appear vivid. The S85F delivers the boldest pinks due to higher brightness. The LG B5 balances vibrancy and accuracy, while the Philips OLED760 offers natural richness but lacks impact from lower brightness.
In The Mask, the yellow suit scorches on the S85F, nearing oversaturation. The B5 provides appealing balance, and the OLED760’s colors shine in dark rooms via Ambilight, enhancing immersion for Pixar or Star Wars content and making the screen feel larger.
Contrast
OLED excellence in blacks and contrast shines through. The S85F creates dynamic range with brighter highlights, excelling in Dark City‘s shadows. The OLED760 delivers authentic, true-to-life blacks, and the B5 balances both.
In The Warriors‘ opening, subway lights punch through darkness on the S85F, but the OLED760’s blacks look most accurate, with the B5 in between. Note: the B5 showed a slight green tint affecting skin tones on this content.
Motion and Upscaling
Motion handling varies significantly. In No Time to Die‘s cliffside pan, the LG B5 with Cinematic Movement offers smooth, natural motion without judder or soap opera effect. The S85F is smooth but shows more judder. The OLED760 struggles, with judder unprocessed and blurring when motion smoothing activates.
For upscaling, the LG B5 excels on Amazing Spider-Man DVD, smoothing textures and boosting colors/contrast. The OLED760 surprises with vibrant SDR brightness but muddier textures. The S85F performs solidly in between.
Conclusion
Each TV excels uniquely: Samsung S85F for vibrancy, Philips OLED760 for accurate contrast and Ambilight, LG B5 for motion, upscaling, and balance. Gaming features match across all. HDR support differs: OLED760 handles both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, S85F HDR10+, B5 Dolby Vision. Prices range £899-£999.
The LG B5 edges out as the top pick for its well-rounded performance, though any at a discount delivers value.
