LG's OLED TVs have been the top choice for premium viewing experiences for years. With each new release, especially in their C-series, there's always a buzz of anticipation since these models often strike the perfect balance between performance, features, and price.

Last year, we noticed a difference in picture quality between the C-series and the brighter G-series. This year, the gap remains: the C2 incorporates the 'Brightness Booster' technology from last year’s G1, while the new G2 pushes it further with 'Brightness Booster Max' technology.

After thoroughly testing both the G2 and the C2, we confidently declare that although the G2 rightly sits at the pinnacle of LG’s 2022 OLED lineup, the C2 is still the best option for most consumers.

Price

The launch price for the 65-inch LG C2 is set at £2699 / $2500 / AU$4495. While this is slightly higher than the C1's launch price in the UK, the same cannot be said for the US or Australia. Fortunately, UK prices are already dropping, and at the time of writing, you can purchase an OLED65C2 for £2499. It's still unclear if this is a permanent price reduction.

There is a notable price difference between the C2 and the G2, with the G2 currently priced at £3299 / $3000 / AU$5295. The key question remains: is the C-series or G-series the better buy?

Beyond LG's own models, the C2 must also prove its value against competitors like the Sony A80K (£2899 / $2500 / AU$TBC) and, likely in Europe, the Philips 65OLED807, which is expected to arrive later this year.

Design

Our latest product stands out with its sleek and modern aesthetics, ensuring it catches the eye in any setting. The design emphasizes minimalism, offering clean lines and a sophisticated appearance that appeals to contemporary tastes. Every curve and detail is crafted with precision, enhancing not only its visual appeal but also its functionality. The intuitive layout ensures ease of use, making it perfect for both tech-savvy users and beginners alike.

LG's C-series OLEDs have seen little change in design since the C9 was launched in 2019. It's refreshing to notice some updates in the C2 model. Notably, the stand has evolved from an elegant but wide and low design to a more practical pedestal that's narrower and slightly taller, making it more suitable for furniture placement and leaving room for a soundbar.

Other than the stand, the design remains similar, with minor changes such as a couple of millimetres shaved off the overall depth and width, thanks to thinner bezels.

Another significant improvement is the weight reduction. The 65-inch C2, with its stand, weighs just 16.5kg, which is remarkably lighter than 2021’s C1 model, weighing in at 32.6kg. Without the stand, the C2’s weight is reduced to 14.8kg, significantly less than the 24kg C1, making it easier on wall mounts.

Features

Welcome to the ultimate guide on the standout features of our product! Our aim is to present you with an engaging and informative overview that aligns with our brand's voice.

Our product boasts an array of innovative features designed to elevate your experience. Let's dive into the key elements that set us apart from the competition:

User-Friendly Interface

Our intuitive design ensures a seamless experience. Whether you're a novice or an expert, navigating through our platform is a breeze.

Top-Notch Performance

Experience blazing fast speeds and unparalleled performance. Our advanced technology ensures you get the best results, every time.

Customizable Options

Tailor the product to suit your preferences. From settings to themes, enjoy a personalized experience that meets your unique needs.

Robust Security

We prioritize your safety with top-tier security protocols. Rest easy knowing your data is protected around the clock.

Want to learn more? Visit our features page for a deeper look at what we offer. Stay tuned for more updates and advancements as we continue to innovate and improve.

The big news is that, unlike its predecessor, the C2 is now an ‘OLED Evo’ model, boasting the latest and brightest OLED panel technology. This technology, akin to the one used in last year’s outstanding G1, doesn't quite match the new G2, which enhances brightness further with an added heatsink. In LG terms, the C2 features Brightness Booster while the G2 is equipped with Brightness Booster Max. It's worth noting that although OLED picture quality generally scales consistently, the smaller 42-inch and 48-inch versions of the C2 aren't as bright as the larger models.

The feature sets of the C2 and G2 are mostly similar. Both are driven by the new Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor. While this isn't a major leap from last year’s Alpha 9 Gen 4, AI upscaling has been refined to eliminate unnecessary steps that might add unwanted artifacts. Additionally, a new Dynamic Tone-mapping Pro Algorithm divides the screen into more areas for finer enhancement.

Object Background Enhancement benefits from a Dynamic Vivid Mode that better distinguishes between foreground and background by analyzing them separately, resulting in greater depth of field.

The new processor also enhances audio performance, upmixing soundtracks to 7.1.2 virtual channels, up from the previous 5.1.2.

Another exciting feature enabled by the Alpha 9 Gen 5 is support for Dolby's innovative Dolby Vision IQ with Precision Detail format. Unlike Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts brightness and contrast based on lighting conditions, Precision Detail actively adjusts light levels across the picture to enhance contrast, sharpness, and detail. Besides Dolby Vision, HDR is also supported in HDR10 and HLG formats, though HDR10+ remains absent in LG TVs.

For gamers, LG has not made significant changes because it wasn't necessary. Both the C2 and G2 sport four HDMI 2.1 ports, an upgrade from 40gbps to 48gbps, providing some future-proofing. These HDMI 2.1 sockets support 4K/120 gaming, VRR and ALLM. The C2 and G2 are also equipped with HGiG for enhanced HDR accuracy in games, and a Dolby Vision Game mode for Xbox Series X/S players. The input lag is incredibly low, measuring under 10ms in our tests.

LG’s 2022 TVs run on the new webOS 22, which, while not a major shift from 2021’s webOS 6.0, focuses on personalization and recommendations through user profiles.

MOST crucially, webOS 22 supports a wide array of streaming services, complete with 4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos where available.

LG has also adopted an ‘Always Ready’ mode, similar to Samsung's innovation, which allows the screen to display weather updates, a clock, art, personal photos, or animations when on standby. The C2 (and G2) also feature far-field microphones that respond to voice commands even in standby mode, providing handy updates without turning the TV on.

Picture

When it comes to delivering stunning visuals, this product shines brightly. The clarity and color accuracy will leave you mesmerized, making every viewing experience a delight. Whether you're watching your favorite movies or playing the latest video games, the picture quality remains consistently high. With enhanced detail and vibrant hues, it's an excellent choice for anyone who values top-notch visuals.

First things first, the C2 is actually even better in picture terms than last year’s excellent G1. The improvements are most noticeable when playing Dolby Vision content, which is clearly brighter on the new C2. There's noticeably more punch to the whole image, resulting in a more dynamic and enticing picture with significantly greater contrast and dark detail. There’s no downside either, as the image is lifted naturally with no detriment to colors or black depth.

These improvements are most pronounced in the Dolby Vision Bright mode, ideal for rooms with ambient light or for those who simply appreciate a punchier approach. The C2 also excels in the Dolby Vision Dark preset, maintaining image authenticity while revealing more shadow detail and providing brighter highlights. Very occasionally, some fine detail in the brightest parts of the image might be slightly washed out, but overall, it's all gain and no pain.

Even when watching No Time To Die in HDR10, the good news continues. While the upgrades are less obvious than with Dolby Vision content, the C2 still outperforms the G1. Depending on the preset, the differences can be subtle – patches of sky in early scenes are a bit brighter, and reflections off the Mediterranean Sea are slightly more pronounced.

This second scene is lifted just a touch, with fine margins. Detail levels are higher, revealing more of Bond’s characterful skin blemishes. There’s also a slightly cooler purity to whites, appealing to those who favor a neutral color balance as typically found in Standard mode presets.

In Cinema Home mode, the C2’s brighter approach becomes even more pronounced. The pleasingly rich overall character remains consistent from last year’s G1, but with more punch and pop in the new model's performance.

You wouldn’t rush to sell your G1 to buy a C2, but the C2 is undeniably the better picture performer. It's not just about brightness; the contrast is noteworthy too. Characters and objects stand out more vividly from their backgrounds, enhancing both action visibility and three-dimensionality.

True purists will appreciate that these improvements are evident even in Filmmaker Mode. While it's not a massive upgrade, the C2 is definitely brighter, sharper, and more contrasty. It’s a great picture made just a bit better.

Interestingly, with SDR content, the C2 and G1 are much closer in brightness, with the older G1 actually being slightly brighter across all picture presets. However, the C2 still delivers the superior picture overall, upscaling both 1080p and standard-def material with greater control and image clarity. Watching The Gentlemen in HD on Netflix, the image is crisper and more detailed compared to the G1. Switching to Pointless in SD only highlights the upscaling improvements LG has achieved for 2022.

So, where does the LG C2 stand in the broader TV landscape? While it’s not quite as impressive as the G2, which offers similar picture quality with even more impact, the Sony A95K QD-OLED goes even further, matching the G2’s punch but delivering superior color reproduction, especially in the brightest parts of the image. However, the C2 is significantly more affordable than these flagship models, making it almost unbeatable on a performance-per-pound basis, particularly with its top-notch picture quality.

Sound

Discover the ultimate guide to premium sound quality for your home entertainment system. In this article, we'll explore tips and recommendations to elevate your auditory experience. Stay tuned for insights on selecting the best audio equipment, optimizing sound settings, and integrating smart technology to enrich your listening pleasure. Let's dive into the world of superior sound!

LG has had its challenges balancing the sound quality of its C-series TVs, but the C2 marks a significant improvement. Although not perfect, it's a step in the right direction.

While last year’s models were smooth but somewhat bland, the C2's punchier and more dynamic audio is a welcome enhancement. This makes the TV more engaging and exciting to listen to. However, there is a slight rattle from the speaker cabinet when tested with the intense bass of Blade Runner 2049's opening and the flight into LA at the start of the second chapter. Though less pronounced than the 2020 CX model, it's an issue that 2021’s C1 didn't have, indicating that LG is still fine-tuning its balance between excitement and easy listening.

Despite this, the C2 is a sonic upgrade over last year's LG OLEDs, offering a more authentic sound with better-projected voices. The audio is generally smoother and cleaner, yet has more punch and dynamism. There's also increased weight, seamlessly integrated with the rest of the audio delivery, unlike many TVs where a sudden bass can feel disconnected.

Ultimately, while few TVs wouldn't benefit from a simple soundbar, the C2 is more easily enhanced than you might expect for a TV in its price range.

Verdict

Our latest review dives deep into the features of the product, examining its performance, design, and overall value. With a thoughtful blend of expert analysis and honest feedback, we aim to provide a clear, concise verdict that helps our readers make an informed decision.

Performance

After rigorous testing, the product has proven to deliver on its promises, offering robust performance and reliability. While it excels in certain areas, it also faces some challenges that are important to consider.

Design

The design is both modern and functional, making it a visually appealing addition to any setup. Its intuitive interface ensures ease of use, even for those not particularly tech-savvy.

Value

Considering the balance between cost and quality, this product offers good value for money. It's a solid choice for those looking to invest in a lasting solution.

Ultimately, our verdict is guided by a thorough evaluation process to ensure we offer readers the most reliable advice possible.

The LG G1 was one of last year’s most admired TVs, setting the bar high. Now, the LG C2 not only meets but exceeds those expectations, all while being more budget-friendly.

For those with a keen eye and a generous budget, upgrading to the G2 or Sony’s A95K is worthwhile. However, for unparalleled value in 2022, the C2 stands out as the top performer – that is, until the launch of the Sony A80K and Philips OLED807...