In the fiercely competitive world of premium televisions, the LG C5 OLED arrives with significant promises. Positioned as a more accessible alternative to the flagship G-series, but boasting a similar stunning picture quality, it aims to be the sweet spot for discerning viewers. But does it deliver a knockout blow to the competition, or is it a case of style over substance?
A Design That Disappears
From the moment you unbox it, the LG C5 commands attention with its minimalist aesthetic. The near-borderless design and incredibly slim profile mean the screen itself is the star of the show, melting away into your living space when not in use. The sturdy, central stand provides a stable base without being obtrusive, making it ideal for most modern TV units.
Where Picture Quality is King: The OLED Advantage
As with all OLED panels, the C5’s party trick is its ability to control light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This translates into infinite contrast ratios, with inky, perfect blacks sitting right next to searingly bright highlights. The result is a depth and realism that LCD/LED TVs simply cannot match.
Colour reproduction is equally impressive. The C5 delivers a wonderfully wide and accurate colour gamut, bringing films and nature documentaries to life with vibrant, yet natural-looking hues. Whether you're watching a gloomy thriller or a vibrant animated feature, the image is consistently engaging.
A Gamer's Paradise
This is where the LG C5 truly shines. It comes loaded with four full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports, a rarity at this price point. This means next-gen console owners with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X can enjoy 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rates, with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) all working in harmony.
The result is buttery-smooth gameplay with virtually no input lag. Fast-paced shooters and racing games feel incredibly responsive, making the C5 a strong contender for the best gaming TV of the year.
Smart TV, Smarter Interface
Powered by LG’s latest webOS platform, the smart interface is slick, intuitive, and customisable. The home screen gives you quick access to all your favourite streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. The magic remote, with its point-and-click functionality, remains one of the best in the business for navigating content effortlessly.
Are There Any Downsides?
No TV is perfect. While bright enough for most living rooms, the C5’s peak brightness doesn't quite hit the levels of its more expensive G-series sibling or some high-end QLED rivals. This means it might struggle slightly in a very bright, sun-drenched room.
Furthermore, as with all OLEDs, there is a minimal risk of burn-in for users who watch channels with static logos for extremely prolonged periods, though modern mitigation features have made this far less of a concern for typical use.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy The LG C5?
The LG C5 is a triumph. It successfully packages flagship-level OLED picture quality and a comprehensive gaming feature set into a more affordable package. If you are a film enthusiast who craves those perfect blacks or a serious gamer who demands peak performance from your console, the C5 is arguably one of the most compelling choices on the market right now.
It strikes a remarkable balance, offering near-top-tier performance without the flagship price tag, making it our top recommendation for anyone seeking a premium viewing experience.
