LG OLED evo C5: Still the King of the 4K Hill? A Deep Dive Review
The LG C series has long been synonymous with top-tier OLED performance, striking a sweet spot between flagship extravagance and accessible pricing. The 2024 LG 55-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV (let’s just call it the C5) aims to continue that legacy. But in an increasingly crowded market, does it still reign supreme? Let’s dive in.
First and foremost, let’s talk picture quality. The C5 boasts LG’s OLED evo panel, promising even brighter highlights and enhanced color volume compared to previous generations. And it delivers. Colors are vibrant and accurate, blacks are inky deep as you’d expect from an OLED, and the contrast is simply breathtaking. The α9 Gen7 AI Processor 4K does a phenomenal job of upscaling lower-resolution content, making even older Blu-rays look surprisingly sharp. Motion handling is also excellent, with minimal blurring even during fast-paced action scenes, thanks to LG’s TruMotion technology. It’s important to note that while the increase in brightness is noticeable, it’s not a revolutionary leap over the C4.
The design remains sleek and minimalist, with incredibly thin bezels that almost disappear into the background. The stand is sturdy and well-designed, providing ample support for the TV. Build quality is generally excellent, although the back panel does exhibit some flex, which is typical for large OLED TVs.
Feature-wise, the C5 is packed to the gills. LG’s webOS smart TV platform is intuitive and responsive, providing access to all major streaming services. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM makes it a perfect choice for gamers, offering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro modes automatically optimize picture and audio settings based on the content being viewed, although purists will likely prefer to manually calibrate the settings to their liking. The voice control capabilities are also improved, with seamless integration with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the C5 gets impressively bright for an OLED, it still lags behind some high-end LED TVs in peak brightness, which can be a factor in very bright rooms. The sound quality, while decent, lacks the punch and immersion of a dedicated soundbar or home theater system. Finally, the price is still a significant barrier to entry for many consumers, although it’s generally in line with other high-end OLED TVs.
Ultimately, the LG C5 is a fantastic TV that delivers exceptional picture quality, a sleek design, and a comprehensive feature set. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants the best possible viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and games.
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LG 55-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 89%
- Design: 91%
- Performance: 89%
- Quality: 90%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ OLED technology delivers unparalleled contrast and perfect black levels.
- ✅ The α9 Gen7 AI Processor 4K enhances picture quality and upscales content effectively.
- ✅ HDMI 2.1 ports enable next-gen gaming features like 4K/120Hz and VRR.
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Key Cons
- ❌ Peak brightness, although improved, is lower than some high-end LED competitors.
- ❌ The integrated audio system lacks the power and depth of a dedicated sound system.
- ❌ Price point remains relatively high, limiting accessibility for some consumers.
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