As new TVs hit the market, last year’s TVs get cheaper. One of the most difficult decisions you’ll likely face when shopping for a new TV is whether to splurge for the latest model or save some cash on the set from the year prior.
The LG C1 was not only our favorite TV in 2021, but it’s also a solid pick in 2022, especially with its successor – the LG C2 – up for contention as one of this year’s top models.
The C2 is an updated version of the C1. So, are these two OLED TVs really that different? And if they are, is the C2 worth the extra cash? After having put them through extensive tests, we are here to guide you through this decision-making process so you can get the LG OLED TV that is perfect for your home.
LG C2 Vs. LG C1
The C2 is the first 4K TV we’ve reviewed and it’s great, but right now the 2021 model is a better deal.
2021’s C1 models are available in 48, 55, and 65-inch. They are currently subject to price cuts, as retailers look to make space for their replacements. There are two more screen sizes in the 2022 C2 range. In total, you will have six C2 OLED models to choose from, with sizes covering 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83-inches.
C2
C1
| 42-inch | 48-inch |
| 48-inch | 55-inch |
| 55-inch | 65-inch |
| 65-inch | |
| 77-inch | |
| 83-inch |
When it comes to picture quality, the two were almost identical, despite LG promoting the new “Evo” panel on the C2. In our test results, the C2 was slightly brighter, about 6% brighter, but in a real-life side-by-side comparison, we couldn’t tell the difference.
The color was pretty much the same between the two, and while LG touts improved picture processing on its 2022 models, we didn’t see any difference in real life.
Although the screen of the C1 seemed slightly more reflective than the C2, the difference was barely noticeable. From extreme off-angles, we saw a very slight color shift toward blue on the C2 that wasn’t noticeable on the C1, but it has no impact from normal viewing angles.
LG added a few new features to the C2 that aren’t available on the C1, but we don’t think most people will find them useful. For 2022 LG manufactured some compelling design alterations to the C2 OLED.
The 65-inch LG C2 model is about half as heavy as last year’s LG C1 in the same size thanks to a new composite fiber material used in the chassis. Despite less weight, the C2 OLED TV is still sturdy when positioned on its center stand. C1 and C2 can both be wall-mounted, too.. Though, if you closely examine the two TVs, you will certainly see that they are very similar.
Key Specs Of C2 Vs. C1
| C2 | C1 | |
| Resolution | 4K (2160p) | 4K (2160p) |
| High Dynamic Range Format | Dolby Vision, HDR 10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) | Dolby Vision, HDR 10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) |
| Featured Streaming Services | Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV+, Sling TV, Paramount+, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vudu, Spotify, Apple Music, Tubi, Peloton, Pandora, SHOWTIME, STARZ Number of HDMI Inputs (Total) | HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube TV, Spotify, iHeartRadio |
| Compatible With | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit |
| Voice Assistant Built-in | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Network Compatibility | Built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
Both have great black levels and infinite contrast, and they each have four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K/120 input. For gamers, both have low input latency of less than 10ms and both support the major varieties of VRR including G-Sync and FreeSync Pro. LG C2 has an Alpha A9 Gen 5 processor, while LG C1 OLED has an Alpha A9 Gen 4 processor.
According to LG, the Gen 5 does a better job of focusing on the subject of the image to make it stand out from the background compared to the Gen 4 processor, and It uses a slightly different upscaling process that the company says works better with less processing power.
The Bottom Line
The updated processor and design of the C2 make it an excellent TV, but you should also take into account the current pricing between the two. The LG OLED C2 is much more expensive than last year’s C1, with a current price starting at $ 1,499.99 for the 48-inch model, while the LG OLED C1 can be bought at a much lower price of $999 for the same size model as the C2. The LG OLED C2 is one of the most impressive TVs we have ever reviewed, but the C1 is still a great TV with almost the same picture quality. As such, if you are on a budget and don’t mind buying an OLED TV that’s a year old, then you should grab the LG OLED C1 with your savings. However, if you want a brand-new TV, with the latest technology and all the futuristic features, then you should definitely consider the C2.
