The LG G5 OLED is undeniably one of the best televisions you can buy in 2025. Its picture quality, design, and smart features are exceptional. But before you invest in this premium 65-inch display, there are some genuine frustrations you need to know about.
This isn’t about tearing down a great product. It’s about giving you complete transparency so you can make an informed purchase decision. Every TV has trade-offs, and the G5 OLED is no exception.
Disclaimer: If you already own this TV, don’t take this personally. These observations are meant to help prospective buyers understand what they’re getting into, not criticize your purchase.
Let’s dive into the 5 worst things about the 2025 LG G5 OLED.
Problem #1: No Dedicated Input Button on Remote
Issue: The LG G5 remote control lacks a dedicated input button, which has frustrated many users who upgraded from older LG models.
What Changed?
In previous years, LG remotes featured a straightforward input button that let you quickly switch between HDMI sources, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. This year, LG replaced it with a dedicated AI button.
While AI features might be useful for some, most users find a quick input switcher far more practical for daily use. The AI button feels like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, especially when you’re juggling multiple devices.
How to Access Inputs on the G5
The Long Way (Inconvenient):
- Press the Home button
- Navigate to the Home Hub
- Scroll through a cluttered menu
- Select your input source
This process is messy, time-consuming, and nothing like the clean pop-up menu previous LG TVs offered.
The Hidden Shortcut (Most People Don’t Know This):
- Press and hold the Home button for 2-3 seconds
- A clean input selection menu appears instantly
This hidden gesture isn’t obvious to average consumers, and even many tech reviewers have missed it. Now you know the workaround, but the question remains: why should users need a hidden workaround for such a basic function?
Our Take
LG made a poor design choice here. A dedicated input button is more useful than an AI button for 99% of users. Hopefully, future remote updates will address this, but for now, you’ll need to memorize the long-press gesture.
Workaround: Long-press the Home button for quick input access.
Problem #2: Outdated Remote Control Design
Issue: While some regions get LG’s updated remote, the UK and several other markets are stuck with an aging design that doesn’t match the TV’s premium quality.
What’s Wrong with the Remote?
The remote control shipped with the G5 OLED in many regions has been around for years. Sure, LG has made minor tweaks over time—button repositioning, slight shape changes—but the overall design feels dated and cheap.
This is the kind of remote you’d expect on a mid-range or budget TV, not on a flagship OLED that costs thousands. The functionality works fine, but the aesthetics don’t match the sophistication of the television itself.
Regional Disparity
LG has released a sleeker, more modern remote in select markets, but the UK and other countries continue receiving the old model. This inconsistency is baffling. Why are some customers getting a premium experience while others get last year’s (or even older) hardware?
Our Take
For a TV at this price point, LG should include a remote that reflects the product’s premium positioning. The functionality is adequate, but the design feels like an afterthought. If you’re spending big money on a flagship OLED, you deserve better accessories.
What You Can Do: Consider purchasing a universal remote or using LG’s TV app on your smartphone for a more modern control experience.
Problem #3: Fixed Power Cable (Wall-Mounting Nightmare)
Issue: The LG G5 OLED has a non-removable, fixed power cable that creates serious problems for wall-mounted installations.
Why This Matters
This might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s actually a dealbreaker for many buyers, particularly those planning to wall-mount their TV.
The Problem: If your wall outlet isn’t positioned perfectly behind the TV, you’ll need to run an extension cable up to the back of the unit. This adds unnecessary bulk and ruins the clean aesthetic that makes wall-mounted OLEDs so appealing.
The No-Gap Wall Mount Dilemma
LG offers the G5 OLED with an optional no-gap wall mount that sits flush against the wall, creating a stunning, gallery-like appearance. But here’s the catch: the fixed power cable and any required extension cord add significant bulk, making it nearly impossible to achieve that flush, seamless look.
You’re left with two bad options:
- Run an extension cord visibly along the wall (destroying the aesthetics)
- Position the outlet precisely behind the TV (requiring expensive electrical work)
Why This Is Inexcusable
Other TV manufacturers—including many at lower price points—use removable power cables. This simple design choice gives users flexibility for cable management and wall mounting. LG has been using fixed cables for years despite consistent customer complaints, and it’s costing them sales.
Our Take
This is perhaps the most frustrating issue on this list because it’s completely avoidable. LG knows customers want removable cables, yet they continue using fixed ones. If you’re planning to wall-mount this TV and cable management matters to you, seriously consider whether this limitation is acceptable.
Alternative Solutions:
- Hire an electrician to install an outlet behind the TV
- Use flat extension cables designed for wall mounting
- Accept visible cable runs (not ideal for premium aesthetics)
Problem #4: Zero Transparency on Software Updates
Issue: LG provides almost no information about what software updates actually do, leaving users in the dark about changes to their expensive TV.
The Update Process
When a software update is available for your G5 OLED, you’ll receive a pop-up notification. Sounds good, right? Here’s the problem: when you navigate to the software update menu, LG shows you:
- The new version number
- Nothing else
No changelog. No description of improvements. No explanation of bug fixes or new features. You’re essentially asked to blindly update your TV without knowing what you’re agreeing to.
Why This Is Problematic
Lack of transparency means you can’t make informed decisions about updates. Some questions you can’t answer:
- Will this improve picture quality?
- Does it fix known bugs?
- Could it introduce new problems?
- Are there new features worth updating for?
Historically, some LG TV updates have caused more problems than they solved. Users who updated blindly ended up with worse performance than before, with no easy way to roll back.
What Other Brands Do Better
Competitors like Samsung, Sony, and even budget brands provide detailed update notes explaining exactly what changes with each software version. This transparency respects the consumer and helps them decide whether an update is worthwhile.
Our Take
For a premium product, this lack of communication is unacceptable. You shouldn’t need to search online forums or watch YouTube videos (shoutout to tech reviewers who test updates first) to understand what an update does to your own TV.
Recommendation: Before updating, search online for user experiences with that specific version number. Tech forums and YouTube reviews often have the information LG should be providing directly.
Problem #5: Disappointing Audio Quality for the Price
Issue: While the sound quality isn’t terrible, it doesn’t match the premium pricing or exceptional picture quality of the G5 OLED.
The Thin TV Problem
Modern OLED panels are incredibly thin—it’s part of their aesthetic appeal. But thin TVs create a fundamental problem: there’s simply no physical space for large, powerful speakers.
The LG G5 OLED suffers from this universal challenge. The built-in speakers are:
- Adequate for casual viewing
- Sufficient for news and YouTube content
- Noticeably weak for movies, gaming, and immersive content
The Experience Gap
Here’s the disconnect: the G5 OLED produces a stunning, reference-quality picture that rivals cinema displays. But the audio output doesn’t come close to matching that visual experience.
If you’re upgrading from an older, thicker TV with larger speaker chambers, you’ll likely notice a downgrade in sound quality. That’s a strange feeling when spending premium money on a flagship product.
Comparison to Older TVs
Older, thicker televisions had physical space for substantial internal speakers. They often delivered surprisingly good audio without external help. Modern thin displays sacrifice this for aesthetics, but at the G5’s price point, you’d expect LG to compensate somehow—perhaps through better speaker technology or bundled soundbar offers.
Our Take
The speakers are good enough to “get you by,” but they’re not good enough for the TV to reach its full potential. To truly enjoy what the G5 OLED offers visually, you’ll need to invest in a soundbar or external audio system.
Budget-Friendly Options: Even a mid-range soundbar ($200-400) will dramatically improve your experience.
Premium Match: A high-end soundbar or surround system ($800+) will deliver audio that matches the visual quality.
Think of it this way: if you’re spending thousands on a premium TV, budget another few hundred for audio. Otherwise, you’re only experiencing half of what the G5 can deliver.
The Balanced Perspective: Is the LG G5 OLED Still Worth It?
Despite these five legitimate issues, the LG G5 OLED remains one of the best televisions you can buy in 2025. Here’s why:
What the G5 Does Right
- Exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks
- Stunning HDR performance
- Sleek, gallery-worthy design
- Advanced gaming features (low latency, VRR support)
- Excellent smart TV platform
- Premium build quality
These problems don’t make the G5 a bad TV. They’re frustrations that buyers should be aware of before purchasing, not reasons to avoid it entirely.
Who Should Still Buy It?
Perfect for you if:
- Picture quality is your top priority
- You’re willing to invest in a soundbar
- You can work around the fixed power cable issue
- The remote control workarounds don’t bother you
- You want one of the best OLED displays available
Consider alternatives if:
- Wall mounting with perfect cable management is essential
- You refuse to buy external speakers
- Frequent software updates concern you
- Remote control usability is a dealbreaker
Where to Buy the LG G5 OLED
If you’re in the UK and decide the LG G5 OLED is right for you, consider purchasing from Peter Tyson, a trusted UK electrical retailer offering:
✅ Free 5-year warranty (exceptional peace of mind)
✅ Free delivery to your door
✅ Finance options for flexible payment
✅ Price matching against major competitors
✅ Outstanding customer service for post-purchase support
A 5-year warranty is particularly valuable for a premium OLED TV, protecting your investment far beyond the standard manufacturer coverage.
Final Verdict: Know What You’re Getting Into
The 2025 LG G5 OLED is a remarkable television with a few frustrating quirks. None of these issues is are dealbreaker on its own, but collectively, they represent missed opportunities for LG to deliver a truly flawless premium experience.
Our Recommendation: If the picture quality and design appeal to you (and they should—they’re exceptional), go ahead and buy the G5. Just plan to:
- Budget for a soundbar
- Learn the remote control workarounds
- Carefully plan wall-mounting logistics if applicable
- Research software updates before installing them
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5 stars
(Would be 5/5 if these issues were addressed)
Quick Checklist Before Buying
Before pulling the trigger on the LG G5 OLED, ask yourself:
- [ ] Can I accommodate the fixed power cable for my setup?
- [ ] Am I comfortable learning remote control shortcuts?
- [ ] Am I willing to buy external speakers for optimal sound?
- [ ] Do I understand LG’s limited update transparency?
- [ ] Is the dated remote design acceptable to me?
If you answered “yes” to all five, the LG G5 OLED will likely exceed your expectations despite these quirks.
Your Turn: What’s Your Experience?
Do you own the LG G5 OLED? Have you encountered these issues, or do you have additional frustrations to share? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you found this honest review helpful, check out our “Best Things About the LG G5 OLED” article for the complete picture. Every great TV has trade-offs—understanding both sides helps you make the smartest buying decision.
