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LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Two minute assessment
The LG C5 is a feature-packed, mid-range OLED TV that continues the LG C-series legacy of providing actual bang on your buck. Launching at $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299, the 65-inch mannequin I examined is priced precisely the identical as its predecessor, the LG C4, one of many best TVs of 2024.
The LG C5 comes with a bunch of recent AI options and an Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI Processor that results in a modest image brightness increase over its predecessor. LG’s C-series continues to prepared the ground on the subject of options in a mid-range OLED, and whereas there will not be many new additions, it carries over what made the C4 nice.
Image high quality is excellent on the LG C5. Its vibrant, correct coloration, sturdy distinction, and lifelike textures all mix to rival what you see on the best OLED TVs. Movement dealing with is nice general, however I did discover some scenes the place the C5 stumbled. (This was fastened with a fast journey to the image settings.) One space the place the C5 struggles is display screen reflections in well-lit environments, which might affect darker photographs. It appears to be like sensible when considered in dimmed situations, nonetheless.
Sound high quality has by no means been a robust level of LG C-series OLED TVs, and whereas the C5’s built-in 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system sounds punchy and well-balanced, it received’t beat one of many best soundbars, which I’d advocate for the C5.
The C5 is well going to be one of many best gaming TVs of 2025. It has a full suite of gaming options, together with 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming, easy and responsive efficiency, and a ton of cloud gaming choices for these with no console.
LG’s webOS 25 is the C5’s sensible TV platform and alongside the beforehand talked about new AI options, it continues to be one of many higher interfaces available on the market. Fast Playing cards in webOS 25 is a helpful characteristic and LG’s Fast Menu continues to be glorious for many who wish to usually modify image settings.
The C5’s design is fundamental and secure, although a faux-marbled rear panel, strong aluminum stand, and trim profile assist to provide it a premium look. LG’s new AI Magic Distant is sleeker and extra fashionable wanting than earlier Magic Distant variations however is barely out there in choose areas.
LG C-series OLEDs are usually among the many greatest TVs on the subject of worth for cash. Whereas expensive at launch, they’ll grow to be extra inexpensive over time as costs drop. It’s exhausting to disregard, nonetheless, that the still-available LG C4 is the higher worth choice after quite a few value drops because the C5 is barely an incremental improve. Nonetheless, for anybody in search of a brand new TV, the C5 is a improbable choice.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Costs & launch date
- Launch date: March 2025
- 42-inch: $1,399.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,199
- 48-inch: $1,599.99 / £1,499.99 / AU$2,499
- 55-inch: $1,999.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$3,299
- 65-inch: $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$4,299
- 77-inch: $3,699.99 / £3,699.99 / AU$5,999
- 83-inch: $5,399.99 / £5,799.99 / AU$7,999
The LG C5 was launched in March 2025. It’s the mid-range sequence in LG’s 2025 OLED TV vary, sitting above the LG B5 and beneath the flagship LG G5 and LG M5 sequence. It’s out there in 42 to 83-inch display screen sizes.
Launch pricing for the LG C5 is sort of equivalent to that of its predecessor, the LG C4, apart from the 42-inch mannequin, which is $100 cheaper within the US. All different sizes within the US, UK and Australia have precisely the identical launch value because the C4.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Specs
|
Display screen kind: |
OLED |
|
Refresh charge: |
144Hz |
|
HDR help: |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HLG |
|
Audio help: |
Dolby Atmos, DTS |
|
Sensible TV: |
webOS 25 |
|
HDMI ports: |
4x HDMI 2.1 |
|
Constructed-in tuner: |
ATSC 1.0 (US) |
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Benchmark outcomes
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Options
- Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI Processor
- New AI options together with AI Sound Wizard
- 4 HDMI 2.1 ports with as much as 144Hz help
The LG C5 makes use of the identical OLED Evo (EX) panel as its predecessor, the LG C4. It options LG’s upgraded Alpha a9 Gen 8 AI processor, which introduces new AI capabilities (extra on these beneath) in addition to a Brightness Booster that isn’t supported within the smaller 42- and 48-inch fashions. The C4 helps the Dolby Imaginative and prescient high dynamic range format, however not HDR10+. It additionally helps the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound codecs.
For audio, the C5 options the identical 2.2-channel, 40W Dolby Atmos built-in speaker system because the earlier C4. Its vary of sound modes contains Normal, Cinema and AI Sound Professional, in addition to a brand new AI Sound Wizard (extra on that beneath).
LG TVs are sometimes well-equipped for gaming and the C5 is not any exception. Whereas there are not any upgrades from its predecessor, it nonetheless carries a full-suite of gaming options together with 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming and ALLM. It additionally includes a Sport Optimizer mode the place settings may be adjusted, together with a lift mode to cut back enter lag.
The LG C5 makes use of the most recent iteration of LG’s sensible TV platform, webOS 25. This affords a plethora of AI capabilities together with AI Search, a complicated search characteristic that appears for content material based mostly on the person’s standards and questions; AI Concierge, the place content material is beneficial based mostly on a person’s viewing historical past; and an AI Artwork characteristic the place customers can create AI artworks (creating artworks value credit that may be purchased, however 100 credit are offered to begin with).
Alongside AI Image Wizard, a characteristic that lets customers create a customized image mode based mostly on visible prompts, LG has launched AI Sound Wizard, the same characteristic the place customers react to audio clips to ascertain a private sound profile. For the house display screen, Fast Playing cards (a characteristic launched in webOS 24 that lets customers manage apps based mostly on classes akin to Sports activities, Video games, and many others.) has been additional streamlined.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Image high quality
- Vibrant coloration and powerful distinction
- Very good element
- Reflections in brighter environments
The LG C5’s peak HDR brightness (measured on a ten% white window) was 1,180 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 1,198 nits in Normal mode. These outcomes are a rise over the LG C4, which hit 1,065 nits and 925 nits in Filmmaker and Normal modes, respectively. Fullscreen HDR brightness (measured on a 100% white sample) was between 195-200 nits, a slight drop from its C4 predecessor.
The LG C5’s upscaling of lower-resolution sources is spectacular. An HD stream of Struggle Membership that I watched on Disney Plus obtained each a brightness and sharpness increase, giving the image a 4K-like makeover. For traditional-definition content material (480p and beneath), the C5’s upscaling additionally managed to scrub up textures, although they have been nonetheless understandably on the fuzzy facet.
Coloration on the LG C5 is excellent. Watching a Dolby Imaginative and prescient stream of Elemental on Disney Plus, colours seemed vibrant and dynamic, notably within the scenes the place Ember demonstrates her glass-making talents and dances throughout the shimmering minerals. One other Dolby Imaginative and prescient stream, of Star Wars: The Final Jedi, showcased an abundance of reds within the throne room combat scene, which have been displayed with actual readability and punch.
After I measured the C5’s HDR coloration gamut protection, it hit 99.4% of the UHDA-P3 coloration house and 75.1% of BT.2020. These are each very good outcomes and clarify the C5’s glorious coloration.
Shadow element and distinction have been additionally sensible on the C5. Watching the opening crime scene investigation sequence on a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman, element in clothes was maintained in even the darkest of scenes with out compromising deep blacks. In the identical sequence, the brilliant lamps and torches contrasted properly with the darkish environment, with an correct steadiness between vibrant and darkish tones. Additionally, aerial photographs of Gotham displayed punchy highlights in avenue lamps and neon indicators whereas nonetheless sustaining the murky, darkish tones within the surrounding buildings.
Within the black and white scenes in Oppenheimer, shadows and highlights seemed refined and genuine, with a variety of grey tones in between. For these scenes, I turned Dynamic Tone Mapping on (it’s off by default in Filmmaker Mode), which gave white highlights a bolder, brighter look with out sacrificing the steadiness of the grey and black tones.
I discovered that textures and particulars have been refined and lifelike in just about all my viewing on the C5. Facial options and pores and skin tones seemed correct, notably in close-up photographs in films akin to The Batman and High Gun: Maverick. Textures in objects and clothes have been additionally lifelike and gave footage an actual sense of depth.
Movement is properly dealt with on the C5. The extreme flight sequences and lengthy panning photographs in High Gun: Maverick seemed easy with solely minimal blurring. I did discover that the C5 struggled in some scenes, akin to a panning shot of a rocky panorama in No Time To Die, however turning on Cinematic Motion within the TruMotion image settings helped with this.
For viewing sports activities, I usually discovered Normal image mode with TruMotion set to Pure to be the most suitable choice. With these settings energetic, back-and-forth motion throughout a soccer recreation was precisely displayed. These wanting a ‘smoother’ look can select their very own de-blur and de-judder settings, although I discovered it was greatest to maintain these numbers low (round 3).
One space the place the LG C5 does battle is with reflections. With overhead lights on in our testing room, display screen glare was very apparent in comparison with the best mini-LED TVs and extra premium OLEDs such because the LG G4 and Samsung S95D, and resulted in a lack of black depth and shadow element in darker scenes.
- Image high quality rating: 4.5/5
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Sound high quality
- 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system
- Clear, detailed sound however restricted bass
- New AI Sound Wizard is hit-and-miss
The LG C5’s built-in 2.2-channel, 40W speaker array helps the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (by way of pass-through) sound codecs, and its AI Sound Professional mode upmixes soundtracks to 11.1.2 channels – a step-up from the C4’s 9.1.2-channel upmixing.
My default alternative for sound modes on TVs is normally the Film/Cinema preset. With this energetic, placement of screeching tires and swerving visitors throughout the Batmobile chase in The Batman was correct and properly linked to the motion on display screen. There was a good degree of bass and good rumble to the Batmobile’s engine, nevertheless it nonetheless felt restrained in comparison with a few of the best TVs for sound, such because the Sony Bravia 8. Dolby Atmos top results have been additionally restricted and the soundstage may have been wider.
Apparently, I discovered myself drawn to the TV’s AI Sound Professional mode. When activating this in the identical scene of The Batman, every thing was enhanced: the soundstage turned wider and deeper, and bass, whereas nonetheless restricted, was extra tightly managed. The general sound was brighter, which some individuals could not like, nevertheless it felt extra immersive. Nonetheless, the C5 may gain advantage from one of many best Dolby Atmos soundbars to enrich its image.
One of many new AI options in webOS 25 is AI Sound Wizard (the audio equal of the AI Image Wizard). This allows you to create a private sound mode, which is completed by listening to totally different audio clips to pick out your most well-liked sound profile. I examined three totally different profiles: Balanced, Pure and Wealthy, and Wealthy and Vivid however discovered they have been all a bit flat-sounding and nonetheless most well-liked the AI Sound Professional and Film presets. Nonetheless, having that degree of customization out there is appreciated.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Design
Picture 1 of 2
- Modern, premium design
- Stable, first rate stand
- New AI Magic Distant, however just for some areas
The LG C5’s design is what you’d anticipate from a mid-range OLED TV. Its slim body offers it a smooth look, with a trim profile and bezel-less display screen that enables the image to take heart stage. The connections, together with 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, are all simply accessible on the facet of the display screen – one thing you don’t all the time discover in TVs from different manufacturers.
The C5 doesn’t beat the premium design of flagship OLEDs such because the Samsung S95D or the Philips OLED909, nevertheless it has a strong aluminium pedestal stand and a brand new AI Magic Distant (solely out there in choose areas, together with the US) that’s sleeker, with a matte end, a much less cluttered format and new AI Dwelling Hub and Accessibility buttons. UK customers should accept a barely up to date model of the previous Magic Distant which appears to be like the identical (even the numbered buttons are nonetheless current) however does include the brand new buttons.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Sensible TV & menus
- webOS 25 sensible TV platform
- Fast Playing cards in residence menu
- In depth AI options
The C5 makes use of LG’s webOS sensible TV platform. The newest iteration, webOS 25, primarily provides a ton of AI options, together with AI Search, AI Concierge, AI Artwork and AI Sound Wizard. There are additionally upgrades and enhancements to the AI Chatbot launched in webOS 24.
After I posed inquiries to the Chatbot about bettering image brightness or sound, it offered recommendation on the best way to make these enhancements. It struggled with extra in-depth questions, however continues to be undeniably device for some customers.
LG has taken customization and personalization a step additional with the brand new Voice ID, which is a really helpful characteristic for households. The C5 helps a number of profiles to verify content material suggestions and settings are private for every person, and if Voice ID is enabled, webOs will mechanically recognise who’s speaking and modify to that person accordingly.
Elsewhere, webOS 25 retains the Fast Playing cards characteristic, which gives helpful hubs for classes akin to Sports activities, Sport and Accessibility. Selecting your favourite groups in Sports activities will hyperlink to any dwell or upcoming video games, scores, and associated content material from YouTube and different streaming websites. The house display screen’s format appears to be like similar to webOS 24 and whereas the massive banner picture at prime is annoying, the general format is user-friendly.
LG stands tall above the competitors primarily by means of its Fast Menu, the place settings may be rapidly adjusted with out transferring away from the motion on display screen. There are many image and sound settings for many who wish to experiment, and they’re organized in a method that’s not too overwhelming for extra informal customers.
- Sensible TV & menus rating: 4.5/5
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Gaming
- Full suite of gaming options
- Sport Optimizer menu
- 9.2ms enter lag time
The LG C5 is a wonderful gaming TV. Its full suite of options embrace 4K 144Hz, VRR (each AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming and ALLM help, all throughout 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. There’s additionally a Sport Optimizer mode the place gaming settings may be adjusted, and the house menu’s Sport Fast Card homes cloud-based gaming apps akin to Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now in addition to different gaming options and settings.
Gaming efficiency on the C5 is excellent. Enjoying Battlefield V on Xbox Sequence X, intense battle sequences that required quick motion and focusing on felt easy, leading to a seamless gaming expertise with no display screen tearing or blur. The C5’s image high quality added an additional layer to the sport, displaying attractive visuals stuffed with vibrant coloration, gorgeous distinction and refined element.
LG C5 OLED TV assessment: Worth
Picture 1 of 2
- Function-packed for the worth
- Premium efficiency
- LG C4 nonetheless out there for considerably cheaper
LG’s C-series OLED is all the time robust to guage on worth. On the one hand, it’s a feature-packed TV with practically every thing you can want for films and gaming and a very good set of sensible options to match. Though we’ve no 2025 mannequin costs but for the C5’s traditional mid-range Samsung, Sony and Panasonic OLED opponents, the C5 is more than likely to ship the perfect bang on your buck of the lot.
Alternatively, whereas boasting a slight brightness increase and a brand new set of AI options, the C5 is similar to its C4 predecessor. On the time of writing, the 65-inch C5 I examined will set you again $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 (at launch), whereas a 65-inch C4 now prices $1,499.99 / £1,499.99 – a very important value distinction. The value hole between the C4 and its C3 predecessor was simpler to justify as the brand new mannequin was such a step-up, however the identical can’t be stated for the C5.
Nevertheless, the C5 is undeniably a wonderful TV that justifies its value. Costs are additionally positive to drop over the approaching months, however whereas the C4 continues to be out there, that’s the mannequin we’d advocate. As soon as it’s gone, although, the C5 is a worthy alternative.
Ought to I purchase the LG C5 OLED TV?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
A brand new processor that introduces new AI options, plus all of the sensible and gaming options you’d want |
5/5 |
|
Image high quality |
Wonderful image high quality with excessive brightness for a mid-range OLED |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Good sound high quality with loads of AI options, however bass is underwhelming |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Premium, strong construct high quality with new AI distant (however just for choose areas) |
4.5/5 |
|
Sensible TV and menus |
webOS 25 comes with new AI options however maintains the good, streamlined look of webOS 24 |
4.5/5 |
|
Gaming |
Full suite of gaming options together with 4K 144Hz help and 4 HDMI 2.1 ports |
5/5 |
|
Worth |
Delivers what it must for the cash, however robust to justify value with the LG C4 nonetheless round |
4.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally Take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
LG C5 |
LG C4 |
LG G4 |
Sony Bravia 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Worth (65-inch) |
$2,699.99 / £2,699 / AU$4,299 |
$2,699.99 / £2,699 / AU$4,299 |
$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299 |
$2,799 / £2,699 / AU$4,495 |
|
Display screen kind |
OLED |
OLED |
OLED (MLA) |
OLED |
|
Refresh charge |
144Hz |
120Hz |
144Hz |
120Hz |
|
HDR help |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HLG |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient/HDR10/HLG |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HLG |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HLG |
|
Sensible TV |
webOS 25 |
webOS 24 |
webOS 25 |
Google TV |
|
HDMI ports |
4 x HDMI 2.1 |
4 x HDMI 2.1 |
4 x HDMI 2.1 |
4 (2 x HDMI 2.1) |
How I examined the LG C5 OLED TV
- Examined over per week
- Examined utilizing SDR and HDR sources
- Measurements taken utilizing Portrait Shows’ Calman coloration calibration software program
I first started testing the LG C5 OLED TV over a few days with informal viewing to find out its most correct image and sound modes.
After this, I moved on to important viewing, utilizing reference scenes from films and TV exhibits. This included SDR sources (broadcast TV, HD streaming, DVD) and HDR (4K streaming and 4K Blu-ray). I used these to check the C5’s image high quality, components akin to coloration, black ranges, distinction, element, movement and upscaling.
I used a Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player when taking part in discs together with 4K Blu-ray. I additionally used an Xbox Sequence X to check the TV’s gaming options and efficiency.
Shifting onto goal testing, I took measurements utilizing a colorimeter, take a look at sample generator and Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software to report measurements.
I first took measurements of the C5’s brightness utilizing each HDR and SDR white window patterns ranging in dimension from 1-100%. I additionally examined the C5’s grayscale and coloration accuracy, taking a median of the Delta-E values (the margin of error between the take a look at sample supply and what’s proven on display screen), in search of a outcome beneath 3.
I additionally examined the C5’s protection of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 coloration areas. Lastly, I used a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Enter lag Tester to check the C5’s enter lag in milliseconds.
You possibly can learn an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that hyperlink.