LG OLED C2 TV review: an image close to perfection

Every year, LG updates its line of televisions. In the OLED segment, the C models represent the heart of the catalog. And, in this year 2022, we are therefore moving to the C2 model, available in multiple sizes (42, 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches). The great novelty is to be found on the side of OLED Evo technology, articulated around the new α9 Gen5 AI processor and ever more efficient algorithms.

In short, LG promises an ever more refined image, while its OLED products are considered, year after year, as references. Might as well admit it right away, yes, the C2 is our new favorite for three reasons: a slightly increased brightness, a spectacular visual rendering and its appetite for video games. As a bonus, prices are falling for certain sizes: the 65-inch version is launched at €2,799, compared to €2,999 on the previous generation. To compare, the Sony QD-OLED specimen, a technology supposedly superior to OLED, should exceed €4,000.

Finally a change in the design

For years, LG has relied on the same design for its C televisions. Good news: in 2022, the model changes – finally – its look. It may be just a detail for you, but for some it will mean a lot, since the foot no longer occupies the entire width of the product. For those who have a narrow piece of furniture, this change is excellent news, unless you prefer a wall hook. On the other hand, the height in relation to the cabinet remains insufficient to place a sound bar without masking the bottom of the image. LG would do well to raise the screen a few centimeters.

Otherwise, the design is a welcome sobriety, with even thinner edges so that the eyes are immediately drawn to what’s on display. Note that the engineers are using lighter materials to copiously reduce the weight of the television: when a 65-inch C1 reached 32.6 kilograms, a C2 of the same diagonal drops to 16.7 kilograms. This gap facilitates installation, with much easier handling.

The C2 comes with the same remote control as the C1, namely the Magic Remote equipped with gesture recognition to navigate menus by pointing in different directions. Which means that the keys are still not backlit – a real defect, especially at this price level.

More brightness

We repeat ourselves from test to test: the OLED panels designed by LG quickly reached a level of excellence, which allows very few major changes from one year to the next. Therefore, you have to take out the magnifying glass to see real differences between a C2 and a C1. OLED Evo technology still gives a semblance of pep to the image, thanks to a slight increase in brightness (it exceeds 800 nits, which was not the case in 2021). We are certainly still far from a Samsung QLED television (too bright, anyway), but we are starting to get used to it. Especially since the show is really quality.

Between the perfectly deep blacks (pixels emit their own light and can therefore turn off completely), the surgically precise sharpness and LG’s advances in presets, it’s impossible to be disappointed. by the C2. In addition to a solid base linked to the intrinsic qualities of an OLED panel, we benefit from extremely refined image processing, giving birth to a rendering that is both natural and full of volume. The colors are impeccably accurate, including on the most complicated elements to render (for example, the skin tone), and the flat tints are perfect. LG also manages to eliminate the few inconveniences of OLED, in the wake of less bright whites.

As always, it is with HDR content, HDR10 + excluded, that the C2 expresses itself with the most enthusiasm (spoiler: we find more and more of it on SVOD platforms). Thanks to the high contrasts and the superior luminosity, you will be amazed from the first to the last second. We also benefit from ideal fluidity, the motion compensation engine being very efficient (although they are often to be avoided), and very well calibrated image modes (which has not always been the case with LG ).

Versatile, the LG C2 is ultra comfortable with video games. In addition to an imperceptible display delay (under 10 ms), it offers several features popular with gamers: four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K at 120 fps, auto latency mode (automatic switch to low latency mode when a console is turned on) and VRR (which prevents screen tearing) — with G-Sync (Nvidia) and FreeSync (AMD) compatibility. There is even a special interface when Game mode is active, with some specific options (example: a dark room setting to lower the brightness and preserve your eyesight). The smaller formats – 42 and 48 inches – can also transform the C2 into a very relevant PC monitor.

A multi-profile interface

The home interface developed by LG is now one of the best, both in terms of available applications and ergonomics. MyCanal, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+… everything is there and, above all, navigation is fluid, knowing that the television can keep applications in memory to gain speed. Compatible with voice assistants, the webOS ecosystem knows how to make recommendations based on the content we are watching. And, in this year 2022, he gains the possibility of setting up several different profiles, in case members of the same family do not share the same tastes.

webOS finally introduces the Always Ready feature. When the TV is off, it can display a wallpaper, play music and be voice controlled. This is a means – deactivatable – of giving a little life to a room when the television is not in use. However, be careful with energy consumption, estimated at 33 W (against less than 1 W if standby is complete).