Comparison between LG OLED48C5 and OLED48C4: Determining the superior small OLED TV
The LG C5 and C4 OLED TVs share many similarities, but there are key differences that set them apart, particularly in picture brightness, processing power, and slight variations in color rendering.
Picture Quality
Brightness
The LG C5 shines with a noticeable brightness advantage, peaking around 1,300 nits on 2% HDR highlights, compared to the C4’s roughly 950 nits peak brightness. This difference delivers a stronger HDR punch with more vivid highlights and better performance in well-lit rooms, reducing glare and improving clarity.
Color and Contrast
Both TVs offer excellent OLED characteristics—perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. The C5 shows improved clarity and brightness but can sometimes have a slight drop in color volume in darker image parts, affecting skin tones and making these areas look flatter or less natural. This issue is intermittent and not widespread.
Image Processing
The C5 features the newer Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor compared to the C4’s Gen 6, contributing largely to its better brightness management and picture refinement, including enhanced upscaling and game optimization.
Overall Picture
The C5’s enhanced brightness and processing make for a more immersive and refined experience, especially in HDR content and gaming. However, the C4 still offers "punchy and warm colors," excellent detail, and is a strong performer in its own right, especially in controlled lighting.
Features
HDMI and Gaming
Both models include four full bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports and support 4K at 144Hz, Dolby Vision, and LG’s webOS. The C5 has improved game optimizer features benefiting gamers.
Smart TV Platform
Both run LG’s webOS, which is consistent across both models, although some users note webOS can be cluttered with promotions and occasional app issues, not specific to either TV.
Sound
There are no prominent or widely noted differences in sound quality between the two models in the available reviews. Both provide typical OLED TV sound performance suitable for general use but would likely benefit similarly from external sound systems.
Summary Table
| Feature | LG C5 | LG C4 | |-----------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Processor | Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI | Alpha 9 Gen 6 | | Peak HDR Brightness | ~1,300 nits (2% window) | ~950 nits (2% window) | | Color Volume | Slight drop in shadows (occasionally) | Rich, punchy, warm colors | | HDMI Ports | 4 x HDMI 2.1 | 4 x HDMI 2.1 | | Gaming Support | Enhanced game optimizer | Standard game support | | Picture Performance | Brighter, more HDR pop | Solid, natural, slightly dimmer in HDR | | Sound | Similar sound quality | Similar sound quality |
In summary, the LG C5 OLED offers a modest but meaningful improvement over the C4, mainly due to brighter HDR output and a better processor enhancing image processing and gaming features. However, the C4 remains an excellent OLED TV with nearly comparable contrast, color quality, and smart features, often at a lower price.
- For those seeking a more immersive and refined viewing experience, the LG C5 OLED TV's brighter HDR output and enhanced image processing are worth considering.
- The LG C4 OLED TV also delivers solid performance in HDR content and gaming, with rich, punchy, warm colors, but it's slightly dimmer in HDR compared to the C5.
- Ave tech enthusiasts shopping for a high-quality audio system, both the LG C5 and C4 provide suitable sound quality for general use, but they might benefit from an external sound system.
- If you're a gamer, the LG C5 offers enhanced game optimizer features, providing an edge for smoother gaming performances.
- Tech-savvy consumers looking for a new TV might find the LG C5's Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor an attractive feature, contributing to better brightness management and picture refinement.
- For individuals who follow the world of technology, the LG C5 and C4 OLED TV review headlines show that the C5 offers a meaningful improvement over the C4, particularly in its brightness and processor performance, making it a worthy consideration, but the C4 remains a great choice for those on a budget.
