LG C2 OLED TV Review: Best High-End TV for the Money

This 12 months, nevertheless, the OLED TV competitors is harder than ever. LG’s archrival Samsung has an OLED TV too, promising higher coloration with an all-new QD-OLED panel. Sony presents two completely different sorts of OLED, together with a QD-OLED of its personal that appears fairly candy in individual. And in 2022 extra TV-makers promote mini-LED fashions, which promise glorious picture high quality for a lot much less cash than OLED.And whereas it is glorious, the C2 is not an enormous leap in comparison with earlier fashions. In my side-by-side comparisons, the C2 and final 12 months’s LG C1 OLED TV regarded very comparable regardless of the C2’s new “Evo” panel, one of many 2022 upgrades LG touts.I have not reviewed different 2022 OLED TVs however from what I’ve seen in demos, the C2 is pretty much as good or higher, and it is cheaper than fashions just like the LG G2 and people QD-OLED TVs. It additionally outperforms QLED TVs just like the Samsung QN90B and TCL 6-Series. That’s why I contemplate the LG C2 the very best high-end TV for the cash of 2022. LG C2 sizes, collection comparability I carried out a hands-on analysis of the 65-inch OLED C2, however this assessment additionally applies to the opposite display sizes within the collection. All sizes have similar specs and, based on the producer, ought to present very comparable image high quality. The exceptions are the 42- and 48-inch sizes, which lack the “Evo” panel and is likely to be barely dimmer than the others in consequence (though the distinction is minimal, if my comparisons to the non-Evo C1 are any indication).  The C2 collection sits in the midst of LG’s 2022 OLED TV lineup, with the widest vary of display sizes and all of the options I count on from a high-end TV. Spending extra for the G2 will get you a barely brighter panel based on LG, in addition to the wall-friendly “gallery” design. The less-expensive A2 lacks the HDMI 2.1 gaming options, 120Hz refresh charge and fancier processing discovered on the opposite 2022 LG OLEDs.  David Katzmaier/CNET Lighter weight, practically all image The C2 is a really nice-looking TV, with a minimalist look just like previous LG OLEDs, however the firm made some modifications for 2022. When a colleague and I set it up, we really felt the primary such change: it is lighter than the C1 by a noticeable quantity, as much as 47 % lighter relying on measurement. The 65-inch model I reviewed weighs simply 37 kilos with its stand, in comparison with 72 kilos for the 65-inch C1.  New carbon-fiber supplies are accountable for the decreased weight, based on LG, and I observed it on the TV’s bottom. The edges of the panel are barely extra squared-off as nicely. I additionally appreciated the narrower bezel, 6mm slimmer than the C1, resulting in much more of an all-picture look, though if I did not have the 2 TVs side-by-side I in all probability would not have observed. The stand has a a lot smaller footprint than final 12 months and raises the panel a bit extra over the desk, each enhancements in my ebook. David Katzmaier/CNETLG saved the identical distant, sadly. In my outdated age I’ve grown simply irritated by too many buttons, and I a lot want the streamlined, easy format of Samsung and Roku/TCL remotes, for instance. As all the time, you may wave LG’s distant round to maneuver the cursor, or scroll shortly by way of menus with the built-in wheel. Smart TV, crowded menu LG’s WebOS menu system just isn’t my favourite, partly due to the litter. You’ll see notes and notifications alongside the highest, a field that shows the climate, a immediate to sign up to LG’s system, a seemingly random assortment of stuff labeled “Trending Now,” then (lastly) the listing of apps under. Signing in unlocks a brand new 2022 characteristic, personalized suggestions and extra person accounts. LG touts the truth that you may arrange favourite sports activities groups, for instance, however most individuals will simply go straight to the app and skip the litter. As typical, I want a less complicated interface like Roku, and in case you like customizations and choices Google TV is a greater wager. On a TV this costly it is best to simply connect streaming system as a substitute.  David Katzmaier/CNETAlso new for 2022 is one thing LG calls “always ready.” Instead of turning the display off if you press energy, the TV shows your selection of artwork wallpapers, a clock, “sound palette” artwork or your individual customized pictures. Designed for individuals who would reasonably have one thing on their massive screens reasonably than a giant black rectangle, it is just like the ambient mode Samsung TVs have supplied for the previous couple of years. Personally I’d reasonably save the facility, so I’d go away this characteristic (and my TV) turned off. The components of the always-ready characteristic and LG’s screensaver transfer round in order to not danger burn-in. Here’s the place I remind you that, like all OLED TVs, the C2 is extra topic to each non permanent and everlasting picture retention, aka burn-in, than LCD TVs. The danger is small, which is why I do not contemplate burn-in a motive for most individuals to keep away from shopping for an OLED TV. Check out our information to OLED burn-in for extra. The new “always ready” characteristic places one thing on the display even after you flip it “off.” David Katzmaier/CNETLG additionally added a brand new multiview characteristic that places two sources aspect by aspect or picture-in-picture, however sadly it is fairly restricted. You cannot present two HDMI inputs on-screen and the principle factor you are able to do — share a display out of your cellphone side-by-side with an enter — did not work with Apple AirPlay. LIke most TVs, the C2 does assist Apple’s phone-mirroring characteristic, and it additionally helps you to subject Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice instructions by talking into the distant or, new for 2022, hands-free if you say the wake phrase like “Alexa.” Well-connected, particularly for players LG continues to excel at connection choices. All of LG’s 2022 OLED fashions (except for the A2) embody the most recent model of the HDMI normal: 2.1. That means their HDMI ports can deal with 4K at 120 frames per second and variable refresh charge (together with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync), in addition to enhanced audio return channel and computerized low latency mode (auto sport mode). In different phrases, they’ll reap the benefits of the most recent graphics options obtainable from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles in addition to high-end graphics playing cards. The C2 is uncommon amongst high-end TVs in that every one 4 of its HDMI ports assist 4K/120 — nice for hard-core players with a number of next-gen gadgets.  Four HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.2Three USB 2.0 portsOptical digital audio outputRF (antenna) inputRS-232 port (minijack, for service solely)Ethernet (LAN) port All 4 of the C2’s HDMI inputs assist HDMI 2.1 options. David Katzmaier/CNET LG OLED C2 image high quality comparisons My side-by-side comparisons concerned the very best TVs I had on-hand, however the one different OLED was the LG C1 from final 12 months. Since it is early in 2022, the C2 was the one present model-year tv within the group – I’ll evaluate it to different 2022 TVs as quickly as I get the prospect. Here’s the lineup: TV and flicks: The LG C2 has a spectacular image however watching it subsequent to the C1 from 2021, any enhancements have been actually robust to see. And measurements backed up my preliminary impressions: Both TVs delivered primarily equal numbers, and each have been extraordinarily correct of their greatest modes. Both outperformed the TCL TVs in my comparability total, as anticipated. The comparability lineup with the LG C2, heart, on the grey TV stand and the C1 to its proper. David Katzmaier/CNETI began my comparability with acquainted (to me) excessive dynamic vary materials, specifically the demo montage from the superb Spears & Munsil HDR benchmark 4K Blu-ray. Both OLEDs confirmed equally pleasing photographs. The excellent black ranges and lack of blooming (stray illumination) in areas just like the honey dripper and cityscapes created superior punch to the LCD-based TCLs. And whereas the snowscapes, deserts and different full-screen shiny scenes from the TCL TVs outshined the OLEDs, smaller highlights in areas just like the ferris wheel at night time have been really brighter on the LGs. Spot measurements utilizing a lightweight meter revealed the C2 as being barely brighter than the C1 on the ferris wheel, however with the bare eye I could not actually see the distinction. I additionally noticed extra saturated, pure coloration on the LGs, specifically reds just like the strawberries and flowers. Switching to TV content material, I put Severance from Apple TV Plus on all 4 units and the outcomes have been comparable. During Helly’s mind surgical procedure in Episode 2 the darkish areas regarded extra true and lifelike on the OLEDs, with out the blooming — within the letterbox bars close to the working lights, for instance — I noticed on the TCLs. The brightness benefit of the LCDs within the workplace coaching scene later was apparent, however the faces of Mark and Helly regarded flatter and fewer outlined. Again, nevertheless, the C1 and C2 have been very troublesome to inform aside. The new overlay for Game Optimizer reveals vitals like frames per second and variable refresh charge, at a look. David Katzmaier/CNETGaming: As with nongaming content material, the OLEDs regarded higher than the LCDs in my side-by-side comparisons, though the 2 LGs once more regarded very comparable. The C1 was my favourite gaming TV final 12 months, and the C2 improves it only a bit.  LG’s Game Optimizer mode presents myriad changes and the up to date overlay menu surfaces them in a extra logical means, placing VRR subsequent to FPS and providing a number of extra shortcuts on the underside, together with to the brand new Dark Room mode. That mode dims the picture and is designed to scale back eyestrain, however regardless that I sport at nighttime lots, I haven’t got a lot use for it. Playing Horizon Forbidden West in HDR on PS5, for instance, Dark Mode made the moonlit forest much less dazzling and the mountain snowscape duller, however in case you’re somebody who’s bothered by shiny sequences in video games it is likely to be helpful. A brand new Sports mode joins the litany of image modes, however as I discovered final 12 months, I favored Standard greatest for many video games with its steadiness of shadow element and distinction. FPS is greatest if you’d like extra visibility into shadows, or you may simply crank the Black Stabilizer management up (on the expense of a washed-out picture). I recognize the separate changes only for gaming, which most different TV makers haven’t got. The full Game Optimizer menu reveals much more choices. David Katzmaier/CNETBuried inside Game Optimizer is one other setting labeled “Reduce input delay (input lag)” with two choices, Standard and Boost. The former, which is the default for any sport, serves up a wonderful enter lag end result just like previous LG OLED fashions: simply 13.5ms for each 1080p and 4K HDR sources. Engaging Boost cuts lag even additional, to simply underneath 10ms for each. The catch is that Boost is just obtainable for 60Hz sources, so you may’t use it with 120Hz video games or VRR. And no, I do not assume many people would discover the additional 3ms of lag. Bright lighting: Although LG touts the C2 as 20% brighter than non-Evo OLED TVs just like the C1, my measurements did not again that declare up. Yes the C2 was a bit brighter, about seven % on common, however the distinction wasn’t seen in absolutely anything I watched. In my expertise these variations are slight sufficient to differ from pattern to pattern. Below are my measurements in nits for choose comparability TVs of their brightest and most correct image modes, utilizing each normal dynamic vary (SDR) and excessive dynamic vary (HDR) check patterns. Light output in nits TV Brightest mode (SDR)Accurate mode (SDR)Brightest mode (HDR)Accurate mode (HDR)Hisense 65U8G 1,6191,6122,2882,288Samsung QN65QN90A 1,6221,2832,5961,597TCL 65R635 1,1147921,2921,102Sony XR65X90J 951815945847LG OLED65C2 413389812759LG OLED65C1 409333790719 The C2 is a lot shiny sufficient for nearly any viewing atmosphere, however as typical it isn’t practically as shiny as competing LCD-based fashions. As with most TVs, the brightest mode for HDR and SDR (Vivid on the C2) is horribly inaccurate. For the correct outcomes listed above on the C2, I used ISF Expert Bright image mode (Peak Brightness: High) for SDR and Filmmaker mode for HDR. I like to recommend C2 house owners do the identical to get good coloration in shiny rooms. Note that with SDR, you may have to disable the Auto Energy Saving setting (Support > Energy Saving > Energy Saving Step > Off) to get full brightness. The display of the C2 was glorious from off-angle however did not appear to scale back reflections fairly in addition to the C1. David Katzmaier/CNETLike all OLED TVs, the C2 will get fairly a bit dimmer than LCDs when exhibiting full-screen white — a snow subject, for instance — however even in these conditions it is hardly dim. The C2’s display end was glorious at preserving black ranges, higher than the TCLs’ extra matte finishes, which beat each LG’s at rejecting reflections. The display of the C1 appeared barely extra reflective than the C2, however the distinction was minimal. Uniformity and viewing angle: Like all OLEDs I’ve examined the C2 was exemplary on this space in comparison with LCD-based TVs, with no vital brightness or coloration variations throughout the display and practically excellent picture high quality from off-angle. Comparing the C2 and C1 I noticed a really slight coloration shift towards blue and magenta on the C2 that wasn’t seen on the C1, one thing that might be brought on by the brand new Evo panel construction. It was solely seen from very excessive angles, nevertheless, and has no actual affect. The C2 has myriad image settings, however in case you simply wish to set it and overlook it, use Filmmaker Mode. David Katzmaier/CNET Picture setting notes The most correct settings have been Cinema and Filmmaker mode for each HDR and SDR, in addition to the 2 ISF modes obtainable in SDR. For SDR viewing I went with Cinema for darkish rooms (as a result of it was nearer to my 2.2 gamma goal) and ISF Bright for brighter environments, and for HDR I used Filmmaker (which was very barely brighter than Cinema HDR). Game Optimizer is greatest for gaming, because of its processing, however fairly blue; for the very best coloration accuracy for gaming it is best to alter the colour temperature management all the best way towards crimson (Picture > Advanced Settings > Color > White Balance > Color temperature > Heat50). Like most TVs the C2 presents settings that interact smoothing, aka the cleaning soap opera impact, as I want to show it off for TV reveals and flicks (and it is off in Game Optimizer mode as a result of it will increase enter lag). You can experiment with the settings (Picture > Advanced Settings > Clarity > TruMotion) and it is off by default within the Cinema and Filmmaker modes. Geek field SDR ResultScoreBlack luminance (0%) 0.000GoodPeak white luminance (10% win) 389AverageAvg. gamma (10-100%) 2.16GoodAvg. grayscale error (10-100%) 1.34GoodDark grey error (30%) 0.67GoodBright grey error (80%) 1.66GoodAvg. coloration checker error 0.95GoodAvg. saturation sweeps error 1.00GoodAvg. coloration error 0.81GoodInput lag (Game mode) 13.47Good HDR10 Black luminance (0%) 0.000GoodPeak white luminance (10% win) 759AverageGamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976) 99.62GoodColorMatch HDR error 5.93PoorAvg. coloration checker error 2.94GoodInput lag (Game mode, 4K HDR) 13.47Good See How We Test TVs for extra particulars. Portrait Displays Calman calibration software program was used on this assessment.