This yr, nonetheless, 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 provides two completely different sorts of OLED, together with a QD-OLED of its personal that looks pretty sweet in person. 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 yr’s LG C1 OLED TV regarded very related regardless of the C2’s new “Evo” panel, one of many 2022 upgrades LG touts.

I have never reviewed different 2022 OLED TVs but however from what I’ve seen to date I might be shocked in the event that they have been considerably higher than the C2. The C2 can also be cheaper and out there in additional sizes 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 is why I take into account the LG C2 the perfect 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 screen sizes within the collection. All sizes have equivalent specs and, based on the producer, ought to present very related image high quality. The exceptions are the 42- and 48-inch sizes, which lack the “Evo” panel and could be barely dimmer than the others because of this (though the distinction is minimal, if my comparisons to the non-Evo C1 are any indication). 

The C2 collection sits in the course of LG’s 2022 OLED TV lineup, with the widest vary of display screen sizes and all of the options I anticipate 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 price and fancier processing discovered on the opposite 2022 LG OLEDs. 

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 adjustments 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 p.c lighter relying on dimension. 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 answerable for the diminished weight, based on LG, and I observed it on the TV’s bottom. The sides 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 most likely would not have observed. The stand has a a lot smaller footprint than final yr and raises the panel a bit extra over the desk, each enhancements in my e book.

LG saved the identical distant, sadly. In my previous age I’ve grown simply aggravated by too many buttons, and I a lot want the streamlined, easy structure 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.

Sensible TV, crowded menu

LG’s WebOS menu system isn’t my favourite, partially due to the muddle. You will see notes and notifications alongside the highest, a field that shows the climate, a immediate to check in to LG’s system, a seemingly random assortment of stuff labeled “Trending Now,” then (lastly) the checklist 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 muddle. As normal, I want an easier interface like Roku, and in the event you like customizations and choices Google TV is a greater wager. On a TV this costly you must simply connect a good streaming device as an alternative. 

Additionally new for 2022 is one thing LG calls “all the time prepared.” As an alternative of turning the display screen off once 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 somewhat have one thing on their massive screens somewhat than a giant black rectangle, it is just like the ambient mode Samsung TVs have supplied for the previous couple of years. Personally I might somewhat save the facility, so I might go away this characteristic (and my TV) turned off.

The weather of the always-ready characteristic and LG’s screensaver transfer round in order to not threat burn-in. Here is the place I remind you that, like all OLED TVs, the C2 is extra topic to each short-term and everlasting picture retention, aka burn-in, than LCD TVs. The chance is small, which is why I do not take into account burn-in a motive for most individuals to keep away from shopping for an OLED TV. Take a look at our guide to OLED burn-in for extra.

LG additionally added a brand new multiview characteristic that places two sources facet by facet or picture-in-picture, however sadly it is fairly restricted. You may’t present two HDMI inputs on-screen and the principle factor you are able to do — share a display screen out of your telephone 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 permits you to difficulty Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice instructions by talking into the distant or, new for 2022, hands-free once you say the wake phrase like “Alexa.”

Properly-connected, particularly for avid gamers

LG continues to excel at connection choices. All of LG’s 2022 OLED fashions (other than the A2) embrace the most recent model of the HDMI standard: 2.1. Meaning their HDMI ports can deal with 4K at 120 frames per second and variable refresh rate (together with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync), in addition to enhanced audio return channel and computerized low latency mode (auto game mode). In different phrases, they will make the most of the most recent graphics options out there from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles in addition to high-end graphics 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 avid gamers with a number of next-gen gadgets. 

• 4 HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.2
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Optical digital audio output
• RF (antenna) enter
• RS-232 port (minijack, for service solely)
• Ethernet (LAN) port

LG OLED C2 image high quality comparisons

My side-by-side comparisons concerned the perfect TVs I had on-hand, however the one different OLED was the LG C1 from final yr. Because it’s early in 2022, the C2 was the one present model-year tv within the group – I will examine it to different 2022 TVs as quickly as I get the prospect. Here is the lineup:

TV and films: 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: Each TVs delivered primarily equal numbers, and each have been extraordinarily correct of their finest modes. Each outperformed the TCL TVs in my comparability total, as anticipated.

I began my comparability with acquainted (to me) high dynamic range materials, particularly the demo montage from the superb Spears & Munsil HDR benchmark 4K Blu-ray. Each OLEDs confirmed equally pleasing photographs. The proper 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 brilliant 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 related. Throughout Helly’s mind surgical procedure in Episode 2 the darkish areas regarded extra true and practical 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. Once more, nonetheless, the C1 and C2 have been very tough to inform aside.

Gaming: 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 related. The C1 was my favourite gaming TV final yr, and the C2 improves it only a bit. 

LG’s Sport Optimizer mode provides myriad changes and the up to date overlay menu surfaces them in a extra logical approach, placing VRR subsequent to FPS and providing just a few extra shortcuts on the underside, together with to the brand new Darkish Room mode. That mode dims the picture and is designed to scale back eyestrain, however although I recreation in the dead of night quite a bit, I haven’t got a lot use for it. Enjoying Horizon Forbidden West in HDR on PS5, for instance, Darkish Mode made the moonlit forest much less dazzling and the mountain snowscape duller, however in the event you’re somebody who’s bothered by brilliant sequences in video games it could be helpful.

A brand new Sports activities mode joins the litany of image modes, however as I discovered final yr, I favored Normal finest for many video games with its stability of shadow element and distinction. FPS is finest in order for you extra visibility into shadows, or you may simply crank the Black Stabilizer management up (on the expense of a washed-out picture). I respect the separate changes only for gaming, which most different TV makers do not have.

Buried inside Sport Optimizer is one other setting labeled “Cut back enter delay (enter lag)” with two choices, Normal and Enhance. The previous, which is the default for any recreation, serves up a wonderful input lag result just like previous LG OLED fashions: simply 13.5ms for each 1080p and 4K HDR sources. Partaking Enhance cuts lag even additional, to simply underneath 10ms for each. The catch is that Enhance is barely out there for 60Hz sources, so you may’t use it with 120Hz video games or VRR. And no, I do not suppose many people would discover the additional 3ms of lag.

Vivid lighting: Though LG touts the C2 as 20% brighter than non-Evo OLED TVs just like the C1, my measurements did not again that declare up. Sure the C2 was a bit brighter, about seven p.c 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.

Under are my measurements in nits for choose comparability TVs of their brightest and most correct image modes, utilizing each customary dynamic vary (SDR) and excessive dynamic vary (HDR) check patterns.

The C2 is a lot brilliant sufficient for almost any viewing setting, however as normal it isn’t practically as brilliant 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 Skilled Vivid image mode (Peak Brightness: Excessive) for SDR and Filmmaker mode for HDR. I like to recommend C2 homeowners do the identical to get good coloration in brilliant rooms. Observe that with SDR, you may must disable the Auto Power Saving setting (Assist > Power Saving > Power Saving Step > Off) to get full brightness.

Like all OLED TVs, the C2 will get fairly a bit dimmer than LCDs when displaying full-screen white — a snow area, for instance — however even in these conditions it is hardly dim. The C2’s display screen end was glorious at preserving black ranges, higher than the TCLs’ extra matte finishes, which beat each LG’s at rejecting reflections. The display screen 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 important brightness or coloration variations throughout the display screen and practically excellent picture high quality from off-angle. Evaluating 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 may very well be brought on by the brand new Evo panel construction. It was solely seen from very excessive angles, nonetheless, and has no actual impression.

Image setting notes

Probably the most correct settings have been Cinema and Filmmaker mode for each HDR and SDR, in addition to the 2 ISF modes out there 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 Vivid for brighter environments, and for HDR I used Filmmaker (which was very barely brighter than Cinema HDR). Sport Optimizer is finest for gaming, because of its processing, however fairly blue; for the perfect coloration accuracy for gaming you must regulate the colour temperature management all the way in which towards crimson (Image > Superior Settings > Coloration > White Steadiness > Coloration temperature > Warm50).

Like most TVs the C2 provides settings that have interaction smoothing, aka the soap opera effect, as I want to show it off for TV exhibits and films (and it is off in Sport Optimizer mode as a result of it will increase enter lag). You may experiment with the settings (Image > Superior Settings > Readability > TruMotion) and it is off by default within the Cinema and Filmmaker modes.

See How We Test TVs for extra particulars.

Portrait Displays Calman calibration software program was used on this assessment.