Samsung Bespoke AI vs LG ThinQ Appliances: Features, Apps and Running Costs Compared

Short answer: Samsung Bespoke AI and LG ThinQ are both connected-appliance ecosystems, but they emphasize different strengths. Samsung combines compatible appliances with SmartThings routines, home-wide control and AI Energy Mode. LG focuses on the ThinQ app’s remote control, downloadable cycles, usage reports and proactive diagnostics. Neither is proven to be universally cheaper to run. The meaningful comparison is between equivalent appliance models, their published energy ratings, your usage pattern and your electricity tariff.

What you are actually comparing

Samsung Bespoke AI is not a single appliance or one fixed feature set. It is Samsung’s range of connected home appliances, with compatible products managed through the SmartThings app. SmartThings can connect appliance controls with routines, monitoring, diagnostics and energy-management features. The “AI” label also does not mean every Bespoke model has the same capabilities: functions depend on the exact appliance, connectivity and market.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Samsung RF70H25KER 24.5 Stainless Bespoke AI French Door Counter-Depth Smart Refrigerator		Buy on Amazon
2		Samsung 5.3 cu ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo™ All-in-One Ultra Capacity Washer and Electric...		Buy on Amazon
3		Samsung 23 Cu. Ft. Bespoke Counter Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center, White...	$2,399.00	Buy on Amazon

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LG ThinQ is LG’s connected-appliance platform. The ThinQ app brings compatible LG refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and other products into one control center. It supports remote operation, status checks, notifications, downloadable cycles and selected care and diagnostic tools. Again, the available functions depend on the product model, country and app version.

For a household choosing between the two, the practical decision is less about an abstract AI-versus-AI score and more about five questions:

#1 Best Overall

Samsung RF70H25KER 24.5 Stainless Bespoke AI French Door Counter-Depth Smart Refrigerator

• Zero Clearance Fit Installation
• AI Inverter Compressor With 10 Year Warranty
• All-Around Cooling

Buy on Amazon

• Do you want a broader smart-home system or a focused LG appliance hub?
• Which app provides the controls and alerts you will actually use?
• Does your exact model support the advertised energy or diagnostic feature?
• Can the app’s estimated consumption be checked against a meter or bill?
• What is the appliance’s total cost over its expected service life?

Samsung Bespoke AI and SmartThings: what it offers

SmartThings control and routines

Compatible Samsung Bespoke AI products can be added to SmartThings for remote management and automation. Samsung describes custom routines that can coordinate appliance behavior with other connected devices. That makes SmartThings the stronger fit when you want appliance actions to sit inside a wider smart-home setup rather than remain isolated in a manufacturer-specific app.

Remote control is model-dependent. A compatible appliance may expose status information, settings or start-and-stop controls, while another model may offer only a narrower set of commands. The product listing and setup screens for the exact model should therefore be treated as the authority, not the general Bespoke AI branding.

Home Appliance Remote Management

Samsung describes Home Appliance Remote Management as continuous monitoring that can support predictive diagnostics and remote issue resolution. The intended benefit is earlier warning when an appliance detects an abnormal condition, potentially reducing the time spent identifying a fault. The feature still depends on a compatible product, an active connection and Samsung’s supported service in the relevant market.

AI Energy Mode

Samsung says AI Energy Mode optimizes a compatible refrigerator’s compressor speed and defrost cycles and can cut energy use by up to 10% under Samsung’s stated comparison conditions. That is a conditional manufacturer claim, not a guaranteed reduction in a household electricity bill. Actual savings depend on the refrigerator model, ambient temperature, door openings, food load, temperature settings and the comparison mode.

AI Energy Mode should also be distinguished from the SmartThings Energy dashboard. The former changes operation on supported appliances; the latter is an energy-monitoring and management service that can display consumption information and apply selected energy-saving options.

SmartThings Energy

SmartThings Energy lets users monitor household energy use, view estimated fees and, where available, participate in demand-response programs. Samsung describes Flex Connect as a way for eligible users to adjust energy use during periods of high demand. Eligibility and supported programs vary by region and utility.

Samsung’s UK description says the service can display monthly appliance usage and expected electricity fees. When a user sets an energy target, the service can automatically apply energy-saving options. Samsung also warns that displayed usage and cost may differ from actual usage and cost. Some target-setting environments may require a compatible smart meter.

LG ThinQ: what it offers

One app for compatible LG appliances

LG’s ThinQ app is designed as a central control point for compatible refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and other LG appliances. From a phone, users can check status, operate supported functions remotely and monitor a cycle while away from home. Voice control is available through compatible assistants, but both the appliance and assistant setup must support the command.

ThinQ’s value is greatest when a household owns several compatible LG appliances. A single app can replace separate controls for each product, although the depth of control is not necessarily identical across the range.

Downloadable cycles and cooking support

On supported washers and other appliances, ThinQ can provide downloadable cycles. This allows the appliance’s available programs to be expanded or changed through the app instead of being limited to the cycles printed on the physical control panel.

For compatible ovens and ranges, LG lists cooking instructions that can be sent to the appliance. The feature is model-specific, so buyers should confirm whether their exact product supports the instructions, remote start and any safety conditions attached to remote operation.

Usage reports, maintenance alerts and Smart Diagnosis

LG’s ThinQ platform lists usage reports, water-filter reminders, proactive maintenance alerts and Smart Diagnosis on selected products. Usage reports can help identify how often an appliance runs and how its programs are being used. Maintenance reminders are useful for consumables or routine care, while Smart Diagnosis is intended to help identify potential problems through the app.

LG’s UK support information explicitly states that product and service availability can vary by model, country and app version. A feature shown in an international product demonstration may therefore be absent from a locally sold appliance or from an older app release.

Rank #2

Samsung 5.3 cu ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo™ All-in-One Ultra Capacity Washer and Electric Dryer with AI Home, Dark Steel, WD90F53AVSUS

• ALL-IN-ONE WASHER + DRYER: AI Laundry Combo with Vented Drying Advantage System is a vented all-in-one washer and dryer that washes and dries clothes completely in one machine without transferring loads.
• ULTRA CAPACITY WITH SUPER SPEED: This fast 5.3 cu. ft ultra capacity combo washer + dryer delivers powerful cleaning performance in up to 68 minutes.*
• AI OPTI WASH & DRY: AI Opti Wash & Dry detects soil level and fabrics adjusting settings as needed during the cycle to deliver a better wash & dry.
• SIMPLE SWAP DESIGN: Swap your current washer & electric dryer for the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo. Install requires a 240V outlet, water line and a drain hose.
• FLEX AUTO DISPENSE SYSTEM: Automatically dispense up to 47 loads of detergent or flex one compartment to dispense up to 34 loads of softener and 25 loads of detergent.

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Feature comparison at a glance

Which app is better for everyday control?

Choose SmartThings when your home is already multi-device

SmartThings is the more natural choice if your priority is a connected-home framework rather than an appliance-only dashboard. Routines can place compatible appliances into broader schedules, and SmartThings Energy adds a household-level view of usage and estimated fees. This approach is useful for people who want one automation layer for several device categories.

The trade-off is complexity. More integrations mean more compatibility checks, and an advertised SmartThings capability may require a particular appliance generation, account, Wi-Fi connection or regional service.

Choose ThinQ when appliance control and care matter most

ThinQ is well suited to a household that wants straightforward remote monitoring, downloadable cycles and maintenance prompts for LG appliances. Its usage reports and Smart Diagnosis tools can make routine care more visible, especially on washers, refrigerators and cooking appliances that support the relevant functions.

The trade-off is that ThinQ’s breadth is centered on compatible LG products. If a home contains appliances from several manufacturers, ThinQ may not provide the same cross-device scope as a broader smart-home platform.

Do Samsung AI appliances really save electricity?

Samsung’s published claim is specific: AI Energy Mode can reduce a compatible refrigerator’s energy use by up to 10% under Samsung’s comparison conditions by adjusting compressor speed and defrost cycles. “Up to” describes a maximum result observed under the stated method; it does not predict the saving for every household or every Bespoke refrigerator.

A lower appliance energy figure also does not automatically produce a lower bill. A household’s bill is affected by the appliance’s baseline efficiency, local tariff, operating conditions and time of use. If a refrigerator already runs efficiently, the absolute saving from an additional mode may be small. If other household loads rise, the total bill can still increase even when the refrigerator uses less energy.

No independent, like-for-like study establishes that Samsung Bespoke AI appliances cost less to run than equivalent LG ThinQ appliances. Any article or sales claim that names one ecosystem as universally cheaper goes beyond the evidence available here.

How to compare running costs fairly

Use the exact appliance models rather than the platform names. A Samsung refrigerator and an LG refrigerator may have different capacities, compressor designs, temperature settings and published annual consumption. Comparing a large refrigerator with a smaller one, or a washer-dryer with a washer, produces a misleading result even if both are called “smart.”

The basic calculation

Start with the annual energy-consumption figure on the local energy label or manufacturer specification. Multiply it by the electricity price you actually pay:

Estimated annual energy cost = annual consumption in kWh × your tariff per kWh.

If your tariff has time-of-use rates, use the rate for the hours in which the appliance normally operates. Include fixed charges only when comparing the whole bill; do not assign a household standing charge to one appliance unless you are making a clearly labeled allocation.

State the operating assumptions

For washers, dishwashers and ovens, note the assumed cycles, temperature, load size and frequency. For refrigerators, note the annual rating period and any assumptions supplied with the label. Include standby consumption when the specification provides it, because a connected appliance remains networked even when it is not actively running a cycle.

For a feature such as AI Energy Mode, calculate the standard model’s published consumption first. Then treat Samsung’s “up to 10%” figure as a conditional scenario, not as a guaranteed adjustment. Present a range or explain the uncertainty instead of subtracting 10% from every annual bill.

Rank #3

Samsung 23 Cu. Ft. Bespoke Counter Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center, White Glass, RF23BB860012AA

• BEVERAGE CENTER: Quick access to refreshingly cool, filtered water two ways. Choose from an internal dispenser or a built-in pitcher that automatically refills, with the option to infuse with a flavor.
• DUAL ICE MAKER WITH ICE BITES: Enjoy your favorite beverage with your choice of ice. Select from cubed ice or Ice Bites that chill your drink faster.
• FLEXZONE DRAWER: The FlexZone Drawer is customizable with 5 different temperature settings. From french door refrigerator to soft freeze, this middle drawer can store everything from fruit and vegetables to your favorite meat & seafood.
• MODERN DESIGN: Flat panel door design with easy-to-open recessed handles blends into your cabinetry to give you a modern built-in-look.
• WiFi CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi connectivity on your fridge isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for safety and energy conservation. You’ll get immediate notifications if the temperature drops due to a power outage or if you accidentally leave the door open.

$2,399.00

Buy on Amazon

Use app figures as monitoring aids

SmartThings Energy and ThinQ usage reports can reveal patterns such as unusually frequent cycles, extended operation or a change after a maintenance issue. They should not be treated as a replacement for a utility meter. Samsung explicitly warns that displayed usage and cost may differ from actual values, and LG makes energy-reporting availability model-specific.

A step-by-step buyer comparison

1. Write down the exact model numbers. Include capacity, appliance type, regional suffix and product generation. Do not compare “Bespoke AI” or “ThinQ” as if each were one specification.
2. Record the published energy data. Use the energy label or manufacturer specification for each model and note whether the figure is annual, per cycle or based on another test period.
3. Match the use case. Compare equivalent capacities and functions. A washer should be compared with a washer, not a washer-dryer, and refrigerator capacities should be close enough to represent the same household need.
4. Apply your tariff. Multiply each consumption figure by your current electricity rate and identify any time-of-use assumptions.
5. List the connected features you will use. Mark remote control, notifications, downloadable cycles, routines, usage reports, diagnostics and voice control separately. Do not count a feature that the local model does not support.
6. Check connectivity requirements. Samsung’s AI features require the SmartThings app, Wi-Fi and a Samsung account. LG’s ThinQ functions also depend on supported appliances, app versions and regional availability.
7. Validate monitoring after installation. Compare the app’s reported pattern with meter readings or utility data over a consistent period. Treat differences as a measurement limitation to investigate, not proof that the appliance is faulty.
8. Include ownership costs. Account for filters, detergent or other consumables, maintenance, likely repair exposure and the expected service life. A small energy difference can be outweighed by a large difference in purchase or service cost.

Diagnostics, maintenance and failure handling

Samsung approach

Home Appliance Remote Management is intended to monitor compatible products continuously and support predictive diagnostics or remote issue resolution. If a warning appears, record the appliance’s displayed code and follow the support instructions for that model. Connectivity cannot repair a mechanical failure by itself, and remote support does not guarantee that a technician visit or replacement part will be avoided.

LG approach

ThinQ can provide maintenance alerts, water-filter reminders, usage reports and Smart Diagnosis on selected products. These tools can narrow down a problem or remind you about routine care. They do not make every ThinQ appliance self-diagnosing, and the absence of an alert is not evidence that an appliance requires no maintenance.

When an advertised feature is missing

• Check the exact model number in the local support page or manual.
• Confirm that the appliance is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the required account is signed in.
• Update the app, then check whether the feature is restricted by country or app version.
• Verify that the appliance firmware supports the function; older generations may expose fewer controls.
• If the appliance operates normally but reports an implausible energy value, compare the reading with the utility meter before treating it as a hardware fault.

Model, region and account requirements

Samsung states that its AI features are model-specific and require the SmartThings app, Wi-Fi and a Samsung account. SmartThings Energy functions, demand-response participation and target-setting behavior can vary by market, utility and smart-meter availability.

LG’s documentation similarly limits ThinQ functions to compatible products and says availability can vary by model, country and app version. A feature listed for a US appliance may not appear on a UK or other regional version, and an app update can change the controls exposed for a particular product.

Before buying, open the local product specification and support documentation for the exact SKU. Confirm the supported app, required account, Wi-Fi band or network conditions stated by the manufacturer, remote-start restrictions and whether energy reporting is included. This check is more reliable than choosing on the platform name alone.

Which ecosystem should you choose?

Samsung Bespoke AI is the better fit if

• You already use SmartThings and want appliance routines alongside other connected devices.
• Household energy dashboards, estimated fees and eligible demand-response features are important to you.
• You are specifically interested in a compatible refrigerator with AI Energy Mode.
• You value Samsung’s stated remote-management and predictive-diagnostic direction.

LG ThinQ is the better fit if

• Your priority is one app for several compatible LG appliances.
• Remote cycle monitoring and downloadable washer cycles are high-value features.
• You want usage reports, maintenance reminders or Smart Diagnosis on supported models.
• You prefer appliance-focused controls over a broader multi-brand smart-home framework.

Neither platform is automatically better if

• The exact model you want does not support the headline feature.
• Your main goal is the lowest electricity bill but you have not compared energy labels and tariffs.
• You are buying from a region where the relevant app service is limited.
• You will rarely use remote control, downloadable cycles, routines or diagnostics; in that case, connectivity may add little practical value.

Frequently asked questions

Can LG ThinQ show how much energy my washer uses?

ThinQ usage reports are available on selected products, but availability and the level of detail depend on the exact washer, country and app version. Check the local specification before assuming that a particular model reports energy use.

Are smart-appliance running-cost estimates accurate?

They are estimates. Samsung explicitly says SmartThings Energy’s displayed usage and cost may differ from actual values. ThinQ reporting is also model-specific. Use app data to identify patterns, then validate important comparisons against your meter or utility bill.

Does AI Energy Mode guarantee a 10% lower bill?

No. Samsung’s claim is up to 10% lower refrigerator energy use under its stated comparison conditions on compatible models. A household bill depends on the appliance’s baseline use, operating conditions, tariff and all other loads.

Do I need a smart meter for Samsung SmartThings Energy?

Samsung says some target-setting environments may require a smart meter. Basic monitoring and the exact functions available depend on the service and region.

Can I use SmartThings or ThinQ without Wi-Fi?

The connected functions described by both platforms require a supported network connection. Samsung specifically lists Wi-Fi, the SmartThings app and a Samsung account for its AI features. Offline appliance operation may still be available through the appliance’s physical controls, but remote and cloud-based functions will not work normally without connectivity.

The practical verdict

Pick Samsung Bespoke AI when SmartThings routines, household energy management or a compatible refrigerator’s AI Energy Mode match your priorities. Pick LG ThinQ when downloadable cycles, remote appliance control, usage reports and care diagnostics are more valuable. For running costs, ignore platform-wide claims: compare matched models, published consumption, realistic usage and your local tariff. That method produces a defensible answer for your home, while any universal Samsung-versus-LG percentage winner would be speculation.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Samsung RF70H25KER 24.5 Stainless Bespoke AI French Door Counter-Depth Smart Refrigerator

Zero Clearance Fit Installation; AI Inverter Compressor With 10 Year Warranty; All-Around Cooling

Bestseller No. 2

Samsung 5.3 cu ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo™ All-in-One Ultra Capacity Washer and Electric Dryer with AI Home, Dark Steel, WD90F53AVSUS

Bestseller No. 3

Samsung 23 Cu. Ft. Bespoke Counter Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center, White Glass, RF23BB860012AA

$2,399.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Appliance energy costsconnected homeLG ThinQSamsung Bespoke AIsmart appliancesSmartThings