LG C5 OLED: Why It’s a Smarter Buy Than Pricier TVs (Especially Now)
▼ Summary
– The LG C5 OLED TV is praised for its exceptional picture quality, with stunningly vibrant colors, precise contrast, and sharp image details.
– It features an ultra-thin, futuristic design with a screen as thin as 0.25 inches and premium materials like a black marble pattern on the back.
– The TV is powered by an Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor that enables AI features for upscaling content and optimizing picture and sound based on viewing preferences.
– Despite its strengths, the C5 offers only nominal upgrades over its predecessor, the C4, with marginal improvements in brightness and the same 144Hz max refresh rate.
– The review concludes that, given its high price, consumers may be better off purchasing the previous C4 model for significantly less money.
When evaluating a new television, the immediate impact of its picture quality often makes the strongest impression. The LG C5 OLED delivers a visual experience that ranks among the best available, combining stunning brightness and vibrant color in an exceptionally sleek design. While it carries a premium price for what are often incremental upgrades over the previous year’s model, its performance during real-world testing confirms it as a top-tier display that justifies serious consideration, especially when found on sale.
Picture quality remains the most critical factor for most viewers, and this is where the C5 truly excels. From the moment you power it on, the difference is apparent. The screen produces remarkably vibrant colors with pure, precise contrast and spookily definite image details. Testing with visually demanding content like Avengers: Endgame revealed its capability to handle everything from dark, shadowy scenes to explosive CGI spectacles without losing clarity or impact.
The design of the C5 is a standout feature, with an ultra-slim profile that measures a mere quarter of an inch thick. Handling the television requires some care, as the edges feel delicate, though a more substantial lower section provides a secure grip for setup. The overall aesthetic is futuristic, achieving a “more screen, less panel” look that is dramatically thinner than many popular models on the market. Thoughtful packaging adds to the experience, with the remote and stand components neatly organized for easy unboxing.
Under the hood, the latest Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor drives a suite of AI-powered features designed to enhance viewing. AI Super Upscaling improves lower-resolution content, making streamed videos appear closer to native 4K. AI-assisted Deep Learning analyzes your habits to optimize picture and sound settings automatically. While features like AI Concierge, which suggests new content based on your preferences, may not alone justify an upgrade, they represent a meaningful step forward in smart television functionality.
Calibrating the set is straightforward, with options to use either your smartphone via the LG ThinQ app or the included remote. The setup process quickly guides you through enabling features like AI Picture Pro, which includes a compelling real-time demonstration of its upscaling capabilities. It’s advisable to disable any Energy Saver modes to enjoy the full HDR brightness potential, as these settings can noticeably dim the picture in well-lit rooms.
The included Magic Remote remains a point of contention. Its cursor-based navigation, reminiscent of a Wii controller, is now optional, but the physical design has drawbacks. Notably, it lacks a dedicated mute button, requiring a two-second hold on the volume rocker, and the buttons are not backlit, which can be frustrating in a dark room.
For connectivity, the C5 is well-equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports and support for VRR, ALLM, and both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium, making it a strong candidate for next-generation gaming consoles and high-end PCs. On the audio front, the built-in AI Sound Pro tuning tended to prioritize volume over quality in testing, resulting in a tinny, treble-heavy output. Pairing the television with a dedicated soundbar is recommended for a better auditory experience.
When considering a purchase, it’s important to weigh the C5 against its predecessor. The improvements in brightness and processing are measurable but marginal. The refresh rate remains capped at 144Hz, unlike some competing models that offer 165Hz. Given that the previous C4 model can often be found at a significantly lower price, it represents a compelling value alternative for those who don’t require the absolute latest specifications. The C5 is an exemplary television that excels in design and picture quality, but its smarter buy status heavily depends on finding it at a discounted price point.
(Source: ZDNET)
