The Sony A95L was one of the best TVs ever made when it launched in 2023. The LG G5 is one of the best TVs available in 2026. Both use premium OLED technology. The A95L is increasingly available at heavy discounts as carryover stock. This is a value comparison as much as a specs comparison.
LG G5 OLED
The G5 is the better TV outright; the A95L at a $600+ discount is the smarter purchase for budget-conscious buyers.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Sony A95L QD-OLED | LG G5 OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | QD-OLED (2023) | OLED evo MLA (2026) |
| Peak HDR Brightness | ~1,050 nits | ~1,500 nits |
| Max Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Full-BW HDMI 2.1 Ports | 2 | 4 |
| Processor | Cognitive XR | a9 AI Gen8 |
| Built-in Audio | Acoustic Surface Audio+ | 60W conventional |
Panel and Brightness
The A95L uses Samsung Display's QD-OLED panel from 2023, measuring around 1,000-1,100 nits peak HDR. The LG G5 uses LG's 2026 OLED evo with Micro Lens Array, reaching approximately 1,500 nits.
That 400-500 nit gap is significant and visible in lit rooms. The G5's MLA-boosted brightness makes HDR highlights more impactful across a wider range of viewing conditions.
In a dark room, the A95L's QD-OLED color volume is excellent — quantum dots create vivid, saturated colors that challenge the G5's WOLED+filter approach.
Processing and Sound
Sony's Cognitive Processor XR in the A95L is still excellent — it hasn't become less intelligent since 2023. The upscaling performance on older content is class-leading and noticeably better than the G5's a9 AI Gen8.
The A95L's Acoustic Surface Audio+ system — vibrating actuators behind the panel — creates an immersive soundstage that the G5 can't match with conventional speakers.
If processing and audio quality matter, the A95L remains competitive despite its age.
The Discount Math
The A95L was selling for $1,800-2,200 for a 65" in late 2025. The LG G5 65" retails around $2,400-2,800 in 2026. A $600+ gap is enough to make the A95L the smart buy for many people.
The G5 will receive software updates for longer, supports 4K/144Hz (vs 120Hz on the A95L), and has four HDMI 2.1 ports vs the A95L's two.
Run the numbers for your budget. If you find the A95L at $1,500 and the G5 at $2,500, the A95L is the right purchase — full stop.
The Clearance Timing Window
If you're reading this in early 2026, the A95L clearance window is closing. Retailers move through carryover inventory quickly once the new model year ships — by mid-2026, A95L stock will be limited to whatever remains at liquidation prices.
The G5 will maintain better retail presence through the year. If you're not in a rush, the G5 at its own end-of-year discount (typically November) might be closer to A95L clearance prices than you'd expect.
Set price alerts on both and check them weekly. The spread between their prices is what determines the right choice here, more than any spec comparison.
Sony A95L QD-OLED Strengths
- QD-OLED color volume — vivid saturated colors
- Cognitive Processor XR still class-leading for upscaling
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ is exceptional
- Available at steep clearance discounts ($600-900 below G5)
LG G5 OLED Strengths
- ~1,500 nits peak with MLA — 400 nits brighter than A95L
- 4K/144Hz with four HDMI 2.1 ports
- 2026 generation with longer software support runway
- webOS 25 is the most current LG smart platform
Sony A95L QD-OLED Weaknesses
- 2023-generation panel — technology is three years behind
- Only 4K/120Hz — no 144Hz support
- Only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports
LG G5 OLED Weaknesses
- Costs $600-900 more than discounted A95L
- WOLED color approach slightly narrower color volume than QD-OLED
- No stand included — wall mount or paid accessory required
Best For
- a: Value hunters who find the A95L at $600+ clearance discount
- b: Buyers who want current-gen specs, longer software support, and maximum brightness
FAQ
Will the Sony A95L still receive firmware updates in 2026?
Sony typically provides 4-5 years of updates. The A95L, launching in 2023, should receive updates through 2027-2028. It's not being abandoned immediately, but its update window is shorter than the G5's.
Is QD-OLED noticeably different from OLED evo in color?
In controlled tests, yes. QD-OLED covers a slightly wider color volume with more vivid reds and greens at peak brightness. In day-to-day viewing of streaming content, most people won't notice the difference without a side-by-side comparison.