In the ever-evolving landscape of television technology, the LG C1 OLED TV stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection. Released in 2021 as the successor to the highly acclaimed LG CX OLED, the C1 does not disappoint. With remarkable picture quality, gaming prowess, and a plethora of features, it redefines the standards for home entertainment. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the LG C1 OLED TV, exploring its design, performance, gaming capabilities, audio quality, smart TV features, and much more. Whether you’re a cinephile, a hardcore gamer, or simply seeking the pinnacle of television innovation, this review will guide you through all the aspects of this stunning OLED masterpiece.
| Price | $1,499 |
|---|---|
| Model number | OLED55C1PUB |
| Screen size | 55 inches |
| Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| Ports | 4 HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 3 USB |
| Audio | 40W, 2.2 channel sound |
| Smart TV software | webOS |
| Size (w/o stand) | 48.3 x 27.8 x 1.8 inches |
| Weight (w/o stand) | 41.7 pounds |
Design and Build
The LG C1 OLED TV boasts an iconic design that has remained largely unchanged over the years, and for good reason. Its ultra-slim profile and OLED display-on-glass design create a futuristic aesthetic that is hard to match. Unlike its LCD counterparts, which often have substantial thickness, the C1’s top half measures a mere 0.1-inch in thickness, lending it an air of elegance that’s second to none.
Available in a range of sizes from a compact 48-inch model to an expansive 83-inch behemoth, the LG C1 offers versatility for various room sizes and preferences. Whether you opt for the wall-mount option or use the provided pedestal stand, the TV blends seamlessly with your living space.
| Size (Inches) | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | OLED48C1PUB | $1,299.99 |
| 55 | OLED55C1PUB | $1,499.99 |
| 65 | OLED65C1PUB | $2,099.99 |
| 77 | OLED77C1PUB | $3,299.99 |
| 83 | OLED83C1PUA | $5,499.99 |
Ports and Connectivity
The LG C1 OLED TV is well-equipped in terms of ports and connectivity options. Its rear-facing panel includes one HDMI input, two USB connections, coax, Ethernet, a headphone jack, a service port, and a digital optical audio output. On the left-facing panel, you’ll find three HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) and a single USB input.
What sets the LG C1 apart from the competition is that it boasts HDMI 2.1 connectivity on all four of its HDMI ports. This feature is a game-changer for gamers, as it supports high frame rate gaming and 4K content at 120Hz. If you own the latest gaming consoles, you’ll appreciate the seamless experience provided by these HDMI 2.1 ports.
Performance
The LG C1 OLED TV dazzles with its exceptional picture quality, thanks to its OLED display panel and the Alpha 9 Gen 4 AI 4K processor. OLED technology, with its self-illuminating pixels, delivers unmatched contrast, inky black levels, and superior HDR performance. The Alpha 9 Gen 4 processor takes this excellence to the next level, ensuring that every frame is rendered with precision and accuracy.
One of the standout features of the LG C1 is its near-infinite contrast ratio. This OLED TV achieves this by individually controlling each pixel’s brightness, resulting in blacks that are truly black and vibrant, lifelike colors. Testing revealed that the C1 reproduces 131.59% of the Rec 709 color gamut, surpassing the industry standard.
Color accuracy on the LG C1 is exceptional, with an average Delta-E rating of 1.25, a testament to its out-of-the-box accuracy. Whether you’re watching movies or playing games, this level of color precision ensures a visually stunning experience.
Brightness has traditionally been a challenge for OLED displays, but the LG C1 manages to shine. Producing 409 nits of brightness, it outperforms some of its predecessors and rivals, offering an impressive HDR experience.
Gaming Prowess
For gamers, the LG C1 OLED TV is nothing short of a dream come true. Its gaming capabilities are unparalleled, making it the ultimate choice for both casual and hardcore gamers. The TV’s input lag is incredibly low, measuring just 12.6 milliseconds. This near-instantaneous response time ensures that your actions in the gaming world are reflected on the screen without any noticeable delay.
HDMI 2.1 support on all HDMI ports means that the LG C1 can handle high frame rate gaming and 4K content at 120Hz. This is particularly appealing for owners of the latest gaming consoles, as it unlocks the full potential of these devices.
The TV also features auto low-latency mode (ALLM), which automatically switches to gaming mode when you start playing a game on your console. This eliminates the need to manually adjust settings every time you want to game.
Variable refresh rate (VRR) support, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Dolby Vision HDR at 120Hz further enhance the gaming experience. The C1 OLED is a versatile gaming monitor, supporting various frame rates and formats to cater to different gaming preferences.
LG’s Game Optimizer menu is a standout feature for gamers. It provides real-time data on frame rates and latency and allows you to fine-tune specific picture and processing settings, such as black stabilizer, latency, VRR support, and HDR settings, all at your fingertips.
Audio Quality
The LG C1 OLED TV not only excels in visual performance but also in the realm of audio. Equipped with 40 watts of 2.2 channel audio, it delivers better-than-average sound quality for a TV of its class.
During our hands-on experience, the clarity of dialogue in movies and TV shows was impressive. Even at higher volumes, the sound remained clear, with minimal distortion. The TV’s ability to bring out the nuances in audio tracks is commendable, making it a great choice for music enthusiasts as well.
However, the bass quality did exhibit some variations. At lower volumes, the bass levels were less pronounced, while at higher volumes, the bass tended to overpower the treble. Thankfully, the TV offers ample customization options to fine-tune the audio to your liking. For those seeking a truly immersive audio experience, pairing the C1 with a high-quality soundbar or a full-fledged home theater system is highly recommended.
Smart TV Features
LG’s webOS 6.0 powers the smart TV features of the LG C1 OLED, and it shines with its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The updated interface offers multiple rows of apps and content suggestions, resembling Google TV’s layout.
A noteworthy addition is the Sports Alert feature, which provides real-time updates on your favorite sports teams and events, even while you’re watching other content. It’s a handy feature for sports enthusiasts who want to stay in the loop.
The LG C1 supports voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making it easy to control the TV and search for content using voice commands. The Magic Remote, a sleek and ergonomic controller, enhances the overall navigation experience. Dedicated app buttons on the remote provide quick access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and LG Channels, which offers free content without the need for subscriptions.
LG’s app selection continues to grow, with recent additions such as Peloton and HBOmax, expanding the range of entertainment options. While the app selection is robust, it’s worth checking if your must-have apps are available on webOS.
Furthermore, the LG C1 OLED TV offers exceptional support for cloud gaming services. Whether you’re into Google Stadia or Nvidia GeForce Cloud, the TV provides a seamless gaming experience without the need for a dedicated gaming console or PC.
Remote Control
The LG C1 OLED TV comes with the revamped Magic Remote, which is a joy to use. Its sleeker profile compared to its predecessors makes it comfortable to hold. The remote features a scrolling click wheel at the center, simplifying menu navigation and content browsing. Additionally, the on-screen motion cursor adds an intuitive element to navigation, making it easy to point and select.
Dedicated app buttons on the remote allow for instant access to popular streaming services, while voice control options via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa provide convenience and versatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Near-infinite contrast ratio;
- Near-instantaneous response time;
- Very low input lag;
- Perfect blacks with no visible blooming;
- Future-proof HDMI 2.1 ports;
- Best-in-class gaming performance.
Cons:
- Risk of permanent burn-in;
- Low frame rate content may appear to stutter;
- webOS is missing some apps;
- Sound quality needs tweaking.
Modern Alternatives
In the rapidly evolving world of television technology, it’s essential to consider alternative options before making a final decision. While the LG C1 OLED TV offers outstanding performance and features, there are some noteworthy alternatives to explore.
- Sony Bravia XR A80J OLED TV. It also features OLED technology, delivering remarkable picture quality and color accuracy. What sets it apart is its use of Google TV as the smart TV platform, which offers a seamless and content-rich experience. Additionally, the A80J boasts impressive upscaling capabilities, making even non-4K content look stunning;
- Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV. Although it uses QLED technology, it excels in brightness and is a great option for well-lit rooms. With a multitude of dimming zones, it offers excellent contrast and black levels. Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform provides a smooth user experience with a wide range of apps and services;
- LG A1 OLED is a budget-friendly alternative. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in the C1, it still offers the core benefits of OLED technology, such as deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize visual quality without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the choice between these alternatives will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Each TV has its strengths and may cater to different use cases, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to find the perfect match for your home entertainment setup.
Conclusion
The LG C1 OLED TV stands as a testament to LG’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Whether you’re seeking a cinematic experience, a gaming powerhouse, or a versatile smart TV, the LG C1 exceeds expectations and sets new standards in home entertainment. It’s not just a TV; it’s a gateway to an unparalleled visual and gaming journey.