Summary
With a number of its OLED televisions making it into Tom’s Guide’s list of the best televisions, LG is responsible for producing some of the greatest OLED televisions of the past few years. Despite the fact that the LG C4 OLED is designed to carry on that heritage by including a number of significant enhancements, it comes with a number of downsides.
LG C4 OLED TV review
Increasing the brightness capabilities, upgrading its webOS smart platform, and providing a 144Hz refresh rate for PC gamers with the appropriate hardware are some of the ways in which LG’s new C4 OLED improves upon the already outstanding image quality and extensive feature set of the upper-midrange OLED series.
However, its sound quality is no better than ordinary, it does not have a tuner that is compatible with the next generation, and at its current price of $2,699.99 for the 65-inch model, it confronts stiff competition from the Sony A80L OLED and Samsung S95C OLED televisions.
In spite of this, both its image performance and the improvements that are geared at gamers make it an obvious choice for specific audiences, and it places it among the top OLED televisions that you can purchase.
A review of the LG C4 OLED, including pricing and availability
The C4 OLED is the first television to be published as part of LG’s portfolio for the year 2024. It is marketed as the middle model that provides the greatest price-to-performance ratio, and it is situated between the more affordable B4 and the more costly G4 (and M4).
The 65-inch C4 OLED, which has a starting price of $2,699, was put through its paces by our team. The same-sized G4 OLED, which has a more sophisticated MLA panel, a more robust microprocessor, and a Zero Gap design that is more streamlined, can be purchased for $3,399 for the design that measures 65 inches.
The C4 OLED is offered in six distinct sizes and pricing points, which are as follows:
- LG OLED42C4PUA (42-inch): $1,499.99
- LG OLED48C4PUA (48-inch): $1,599.99
- LG OLED55C4PUA (55-inch): $1,999.99
- LG OLED65C4PUA (65-inch): $2,699.99
- LG OLED77C4PUA (77-inch): $3,699.99
- LG OLED83C4PUA (83-inch): $5,399.99
From 55 inches up, all sizes employ hardware that is comparable to the 65-inch, and it is expected that they will produce performance that is comparable to the 65-inch. It is likely that the 42-inch and 48-inch models will look less bright than the bigger sets since they do not include LG’s Brightness Booster technology. Additionally, these are the only two sets that have headphone ports as well. Additionally, the audio system on the 42-inch set is just 20W and has 2.0 speakers, as opposed to the 40W and 2.2-speaker systems that are found on the sets that are 48 inches or bigger.
A review of the LG C4 OLED: Design
The LG C4 OLED will not let you down if you want your televisions to be very slim. In its narrowest position, the screen measures just under a quarter of an inch in thickness, giving it a sophisticated and modern look that is accentuated by the polished metal line that is located on its outside. Note, however, that because of this, the large set (56.7 x 32.5 inches) is dangerous to move by yourself; thus, we strongly advise that you include some assistance in the process of setting it up.
When it comes to the front, the only other distinctive visual feature is the infrared emitter that is located on the bottom-center edge. If you reach behind it, you will discover a physical button that allows you to turn the set on or off, control the volume, and navigate through the channels.
The control box that is located on the nicely mottled dark gray back panel is responsible for the remaining thickness of the set, which amounts to 1.8 inches in total. In addition, there are VESA holes measuring 300x200mm here, which may be used to mount the television on the wall.
With the stand that is supplied, you have the option of placing it on an entertainment center if that is what you would like. To assemble the TV, just put the components together and then screw the backplate over the television itself. Despite the fact that the back is made of matte gray plastic, the brushed metal foot in front fits the style of the screen. Additionally, the solid construction and central location of the foot provide for a great deal of peace of mind, many different positioning choices, and the placement of the soundbar in a way that is not intrusive.
A review of the LG C4 OLED: Ports
It is possible to route the power line straight down through the stand, and a snap-on panel helps to keep things looking neat. The power wire is securely linked to the rear center of the television. Every single port on the C4 can be found on the left side of the control box, which is a very handy location. Infrared (IR) emitter, coaxial cable, RS-232C service, S/PDIF optical audio out, Ethernet, three USB ports, and four HDMI ports (with the second connector enabling eARC connections for connecting an external soundbar) are some of the features that are included.
The newer and more powerful HDMI 2.1 standard is supported by all of the HDMI ports. This standard supports a variety of capabilities, including 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Media Switching (QMS). Even on their most expensive televisions, some manufacturers do not make the most of the 2.1 ports because they believe that there is not much to connect other than an Xbox and a PlayStation 5. However, it is encouraging to see that LG has made the C4 as future-proof as possible in this respect.
Overview of the LG C4 OLED: How We Test It
Each and every television that we evaluate here at Tom’s Guide is subjected to a regular testing procedure. Our benchmarks consist of a number of scientific and technological examinations that are meant to evaluate the performance of the set. We collect measurements for our technical testing with the help of an X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro pattern generator, and the Calman TV-calibration software that is offered by Portrait Displays. We also make use of a Leo Bodner 4K Input Lag Tester in order to evaluate the gaming capabilities of the television.
Anecdotes from a wide variety of films, television series, and other forms of entertainment that are reflective of the kinds of things you may genuinely want to watch on television are often included in subjective tests. However, the specifics of these tests vary depending on the reviewer. You may have a look at our “How we test TVs” page for a more in-depth look at what we do and how we do it.
Evaluation of the LG C4 OLED: Performance
There is a widespread consensus that organic light-emitting diode (OLED) televisions are among the most visually appealing displays available on the market. LG is generally recognized as a manufacturer of some of the most impressive televisions that use this technology. In addition to the α9 AI CPU 4K Gen7 CPU, the C4 OLED also offers compatibility for a wide range of important image technologies, including HDR10 (but not HDR10+), HLG, and Dolby Vision, which further enhances the viewing experience.
The photo left a profound impression on us with its quality. This was the case regardless of whether we were watching the pink-freebasing Barbie, the magically saturated The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the magically aquatic Avatar: The Way of Water, or even something that pushes real-life hues to their limits, such as the Netflix series Is It Cake? Each movie and show impressed us with its contrast and visual richness.
The C4 OLED also performed well when it came to movies that included color palettes that were more muted. Oppenheimer, the epic film directed by Christopher Nolan, was a piercing study in contrasts, with its extended passages in black and white and realistic color parts reproduced equally brilliantly. In addition, the action and expansive cinematography of Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning did not fail to impress, and the 120Hz display ensured that everything seemed to be fluid.
When it comes to the overall picture quality, the C4 OLED looks fantastic, and the fact that it has an OLED display guarantees that you can sit wherever in your room and still have the sensation of being in the front row.
It was determined via our technological examinations that our eyes were not deceiving us in any way. As far as brightness is concerned, the C4 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the LG C3 OLED, despite the fact that it is not the best in every area of image quality. The Samsung S95C QD-OLED is superior to the C4 in a handful of crucial parameters.
Having a peak brightness of 1,049 nits in high dynamic range (HDR) and 296 nits in standard dynamic range (SDR) (both of which were tested in a 10% window in Filmmaker Mode), the C4 OLED establishes a new benchmark for LG’s intermediate C-Series. When it comes to brightness, the C3 OLED’s 237 and 820 nits, respectively, just cannot compete with the S95C’s 1,369 nits. On the other hand, even the C4 cannot compete with the S95C.
The C4’s Delta-E, which is a number that represents the difference in color between the source and what shows on the screen, was an amazingly low 1.8201, which is not quite as excellent as what we saw from the S95C. Although the C4’s Delta-E was extremely low, it was not quite as good as what we saw from the S95C. In addition, despite the fact that the C4 is capable of covering a significant portion of the Rec. 709 (SDR) color gamut, as well as the UHDA-P3 and Rec. 2020 (HDR) color gamuts (98.9136%, 72.27%, and 98.15%, respectively), Sony and Samsung both perform somewhat better.
These changes, on the other hand, are rather insignificant and do not significantly hinder the image quality of the C4; the only people who will genuinely care about it are those who want it to have the maximum possible brightness and the most accurate colors possible.
A review of the LG C4 OLED: Audio
If you were to consider how impressive the image is on the C4, you would imagine that the sound would get the same amount of attention. But the audio quality of the C4 is, at most, decent.
Even at lower volume settings, the television has a little rumble that prevents your hearing from experiencing the same crystalline clarity that your eyes perceive. The television does not become quite as loud as your eyes do. It is not that movies, television programs, or our test music tracks sounded horrible. These recordings include The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” which is mostly bass-based, as well as a soprano solo that reaches a high B-flat. However, despite the fact that they support Dolby Atmos, the downward-firing 40W speakers do not provide the same exquisite clarity that you would get from, for example, higher-end Sony sets that use the company’s distinctive “screen-as-speaker” method.
Even if the audio of the C4 is adequate for general watching, if you are an audiophile of any type, you will want to include one of our top soundbars into your entertainment setup.
A review of the LG C4 OLED: Gaming
The dedication of LG to gaming performance and features is just as strong with the C4 as it was with the previous generation of the company’s consumer electronics. The C4 detected a rather low 12.9 milliseconds of input latency in Game Mode when we used the default settings. However, when we engaged the Boost option of the Game Optimizer, this lag reduced to an amazing 9.2 milliseconds—a significant improvement. Given this, LG’s higher-end televisions continue to be in direct rivalry with the majority of Samsung’s televisions, including the S95C, in terms of providing the most precise gaming performance available.
In addition, the Game Dashboard is a feature that gamers will like. When you raise it while you are playing a game, you have the ability to toggle Dark Room Mode on or off, activate or deactivate Multi View, access the Game Optimizer to make adjustments to gaming-specific settings, or visit the general Settings panel for the set. You can also view the frame rate of the game, the state of the virtual reality refresh rate (VRR), the level of the black stabilizer, and whether or not Low Latency is active. Additionally, you may change to a different gaming image style. Although the Dashboard is a little on the bulky side and takes up a little more than a quarter of the screen, the functionality that it provides is of the highest possible standard.
C4 is certified G-Sync Compatible for Nvidia’s system and supports AMD’s FreeSync Premium technology, both of which are designed to lessen the amount of screen tearing that occurs. The default 120Hz screen is perfect for gaming; in our testing, playing Starfield was quite pleasant, with smooth action and its outer-space and planetside images brilliantly reproduced. Additionally, if you connect a personal computer that supports a 144Hz refresh rate, the C4 is also capable of matching that rate. This is a really useful feature to have if you want to use the C4 OLED as both your primary television and your gaming monitor.
Review of the LG C4 OLED: Intelligent features
For some time now, LG’s webOS has been considered to be among the most effective implementations of smart TV software, and the most recent version (24) is nothing more than an enhancement overall.
The user interface that appears on the screen is still well laid out and easy to use, but it has been made even more simplified, and it now allows you to add up to ten different user accounts. There is a giant advertisement carousel that rotates at the very top of the home screen. Another row below holds the most recent version of the Quick Cards stack, which classifies the features of the television into six distinct categories. The categories of Home Office, Games, and Music are all self-explanatory. When connecting to LG’s ThinQ smart home ecosystem, Home Hub is the device that is used. You may now follow a particular team and its players and get a plethora of information about them, including scores, schedules, and videos. This access is made possible by sports. Lastly, accessibility makes it easier to make modifications if you have problems seeing or hearing, learning how to use the capabilities of the remote, or accessing resources such as a chatbot that provides artificial intelligence assistance.
Then there is the app row, which is already filled with all of the most popular options and which you have the ability to modify by adding, removing, or rearranging the options. Last but not least, there are a number of rows that promote material from the LG Channels TV aggregator, new titles from streaming providers, and so on. It is common knowledge that the farther you go down the home screen, the less relevant your options become; nonetheless, the webOS layout has always been a strong selling feature due to its cleanliness and clarity.
In the event that you are still unable to locate anything to watch, you have the option of casting from a different device. The Apple AirPlay 2 protocol is still supported for this purpose; however, Chromecast has also introduced a significant new feature that is very much appreciated.
Public transmissions over the air are more difficult. In contrast to LG televisions of prior years, which were fitted with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, all of LG’s televisions for the year 2024 will only come with an ATSC 1.0 tuner, which is not capable of playing over-the-air 4K content. This is due to a patent dispute. This is something that was revealed quite some time ago, but it is still a step in the wrong direction, and it is something that you will want to pay attention to if you are concerned about getting the most out of broadcast television.
Evaluation of the LG OLED evo C4: Remote
There have been no modifications made to LG’s Magic Remote since its previous iteration, and it is included with the C4 model. Actually, it did not need them. The Power button and the number pad are located at the top of the device, while the six shortcut buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, LG Channels, Sling, and Alexa are located at the bottom of the device. The controls are efficiently organized. You may use it as a conventional remote control by using the five-way directional pad (which has a scroll wheel in the middle), or you can use it as a mouse-like device by utilizing the on-screen pointer that displays when you wave the device.
As of late, remote controls have been moving toward being smaller and more rectangular. The Magic Remote, on the other hand, stands out due to its larger size and more traditionally ergonomic feel. In spite of the fact that you, like me, could do without the twitchy pointer on the screen, it is simple and nice to use.
LG C4 OLED TV review
Review of the LG C4 OLED: Conclusions
When considered on its own, the LG C4 OLED is an exceptional television. It is remarkable in every aspect, from its design and remote control to its intelligent operating system and gaming capabilities. It has all the characteristics of a product that was developed by a firm that was determined to get every element absolutely right. Nevertheless, it falls short of brilliance due to its price, which is more than usual, its performance statistics, which are not nearly leading in the class, and the absence of a killer sound and an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
The LG C3 OLED, which is still available, has a lot of the same features as the LG C5 OLED, with just a few small performance setbacks, and it costs quite a bit less. If you want to save some money, you should consider purchasing it. In addition, the Samsung S95C makes use of a more sophisticated QD-OLED screen, which results in improved brightness and color saturation.
Not all of these factors will be important to everyone, and if you are able to wait a few months for the price of the LG C4 OLED to decrease — for example, the price of the 65-inch LG C3 OLED fell from $2,599 to $1,499 — then you may be able to forgive its few limitations. However, the LG C4 OLED does not come close to justifying the hefty premium that it now commands.
