The LG C5 OLED offers exceptional picture quality with deep contrast and accurate colors, making it ideal for movie watching and gaming. It features a sleek, thin design with the Alpha 9 AI processor and supports HDR formats including Dolby Vision. While it provides excellent performance, the remote control has become more difficult to use and the AI assistant lacks compelling features. The C5 is best suited for those seeking high-end OLED performance, though buyers may want to consider the more affordable C4 model for better value.
Full review
Picture quality exceeds expectations
The LG C5 OLED delivers exceptional image quality that surpasses many in its class. Reviewers noted its ability to produce deep blacks and vivid colors, This performance significantly enhances HDR content, making highlights and shadows more defined and dynamic. The self-emissive OLED pixels provide infinite contrast, resulting in rich, detailed images across all brightness levels. The Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8 contributes to this by enabling AI Super Upscaling and dynamic tone mapping, which improves overall picture clarity and depth. In dark scenes, the absence of backlight inconsistencies ensures that no shadow detail is lost, and the blocking or fizzing noise common in older OLED models is completely eliminated. The color accuracy is impressive across various presets, particularly in the calibrated 'Standard' mode and the more accurate 'Filmmaker Mode'.
Gaming performance optimized
For gamers, the LG C5 OLED offers a responsive and immersive experience with a 144 Hz refresh rate and full HDMI 2.1 support. It supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 144 Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay without visual tearing. The TV also accommodates G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and HGIG, making it compatible with high-end gaming setups. These features make it ideal for next-gen consoles and PC gaming, where high refresh rates and low input lag are essential. Gamers will appreciate the seamless integration of these technologies, which enhance the overall gaming experience by reducing motion blur and input delay.
Smart features and connectivity
The AI Concierge learns viewing habits and recommends content, while also offering a picture and audio wizard for personalized settings. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, four HDMI ports, and three USB ports. Additionally, it supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Matter for smart home integration. The Magic Remote works with smart features like voice recognition, although some reviewers found it less intuitive compared to previous models. The TV's smart capabilities extend to its ability to handle modern streaming standards and integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy users.
Design and build quality
The LG C5 OLED features an ultra-slim bezel design that makes the panel visually minimal, enhancing the viewing experience by reducing distractions. The TV is wall-mountable, with smaller models using VESA 300×200 and the 83-inch model using 400×400. The build quality is solid, with a textured back resembling black marble that adds to its aesthetic appeal. The overall design aesthetic is described as loft apartment chic, though the thicker base containing inputs and circuit boards is noticeable when the TV is placed on a unit. Despite the thicker base, the panel itself is quite thin at 0.25-inch, making it a sleek addition to any living space. The compact nature of the design allows for flexibility in placement, whether it's in a small apartment or a dedicated gaming setup.
Audio performance and limitations
The LG C5 OLED comes with built-in 2.0 channel speakers that support Dolby Atmos, offering decent audio quality for casual viewing. However, many reviewers noted that the internal speakers are serviceable but not powerful enough for an immersive audio experience. Users who prioritize high-fidelity sound will likely want to pair the TV with a soundbar or full surround sound system. While the audio is adequate for general use, it falls short of what audiophiles or home theater enthusiasts might expect from a premium TV. The TV's audio performance is sufficient for basic entertainment needs, but for serious audio applications, external solutions are recommended.
Size options and room suitability
The LG C5 OLED is available in multiple sizes, including 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", and 83", allowing users to choose the most appropriate option based on their space and needs. The 42" and 48" models are ideal for desks, small apartments, or secondary rooms, while the larger sizes (65" and above) are perfect for home theaters and immersive movie experiences. The 65" model is particularly praised for its balance of immersion and manageability, making it suitable for living rooms without overwhelming the space. Larger models like the 83" version offer a truly cinematic presence, ideal for serious movie watchers and gamers. The smaller sizes are more manageable for workspaces or bedrooms, where a compact and lightweight TV is preferred.
Comparison with previous models
When compared to its predecessor, the LG C5 OLED shows significant improvements in picture quality and performance. Reviewers noted that the C5 delivers a bigger step up from its predecessor, particularly in terms of peak brightness and overall image enhancement. The improvements in contrast, color accuracy, and dynamic range make the C5 a compelling upgrade for users looking to enhance their viewing experience. While the differences between the C5 and its predecessor are subtle, they are noticeable and appreciated by those who value high-quality visuals. The C5 also benefits from the latest AI processing technology, which enhances picture quality and provides a more personalized viewing experience.
Value proposition and market positioning
The LG C5 OLED is positioned as a mid-range premium option that offers excellent value for money. Its combination of stunning picture quality, responsive gaming performance, and smart features makes it a strong contender in the OLED market. Reviewers suggest that while it may not be the cheapest option, it provides a compelling balance of features and performance. The TV's ability to handle high dynamic range content, its gaming optimization, and its smart capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize visual quality and modern functionality. For those looking to upgrade from smaller TVs or seeking a versatile option for both movies and gaming, the LG C5 OLED stands out as a solid choice.
Strengths
- +Excellent overall image quality with deep contrast and accurate color reproduction
- +Great for gaming with support for HDR formats and up to 144 hertz motion rates
- +Very thin profile at 0.25-inch with a textured black marble back design
- +AI-powered processor (Alpha 9 AI 4K Gen 8) delivers strong upscaling and processing
- +Includes four HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting multiple gaming and streaming devices
Watch-outs
- −Remote control is harder to use than previous models
- −AI Assistant feature is not compelling
- −Price is higher than previous generation C4 model
How it compares
The LG C5 Series offers a very thin profile and AI-powered processing, outperforming the S90H OLED in design and upscaling, but it's less bright than the LG G5 OLED and lacks the superior anti-glare coating of the Samsung S95F Series. Unlike the Sony Bravia 8 II Series, it doesn't feature QD-OLED technology for native 120Hz support.
Rating sources
“The LG C5 is part of LG’s OLED evo series, designed to deliver deep blacks, vivid color, and modern smart functionality, all powered by LG’s next-gen α9 AI Processor Gen8.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 4 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
