LG’s 65-inch C-series OLED is my favorite high-end TV. You can spend more for 8K resolution or pay for a larger screen, but you simply won’t find a TV that looks this good and functions this well for the price. This TV delivers exceptional brightness, color highlights, and gaming performance. This year’s model is better than ever, keeping up with Samsung in brighter rooms while also supporting Dolby Vision, making it an all-around excellent choice. Whether you're a first-time OLED buyer or someone looking for an upgrade, this is most likely the model for you.
Let’s dive deeper into the details.
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Prices and Availability
The C4 OLED TV is positioned between the less expensive B4 and the high-end G4. It offers the best price-to-performance ratio among LG’s lineup. The C4 OLED is available in six sizes:
- LG OLED42C4PUA (42"): $1,500 ($1,200 on sale)
- LG OLED48C4PUA (48"): $1,600 ($1,300 on sale)
- LG OLED55C4PUA (55"): $2,000 ($1,600 on sale)
- LG OLED65C4PUA (65"): $2,700 ($2,100 on sale)
- LG OLED77C4PUA (77"): $3,700 ($3,000 on sale)
- LG OLED83C4PUA (83"): $5,400 ($4,800 on sale)
All sizes from 55 inches and up use similar hardware and deliver equivalent performance to the 65-inch model. The 42- and 48-inch versions lack LG’s Brightness Booster technology and will appear dimmer. These smaller sets are also the only ones with headphone jacks. Additionally, the 42-inch model has a 20W audio system with 2.0 speakers instead of the 40W, 2.2-speaker systems on the larger models.
Design and Build Quality
Do you like ultrathin TVs? Because the LG C4’s screen is barely a quarter inch thick at its narrowest. The TV is elegant with a futuristic appearance. There’s an IR emitter on the bottom center edge, and a physical button underneath allows you to power the set on/off, adjust the volume, and change channels. For mounting, there are 300x200mm VESA holes, but the included stand is also an excellent option. The stand’s brushed-metal foot matches the screen’s aesthetic, offering sturdy construction and a clean look that accommodates soundbars nicely.
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The attention to detail is evident, from the premium materials to the thoughtful cable management built into the stand. Even when viewed from the back, the C4 OLED maintains a sleek profile, which is ideal for those who opt for a stand rather than wall mounting. LG has successfully combined style and functionality, making it a centerpiece for any living room.
Display Quality
OLED TVs are getting brighter year after year. While flagship models like the Samsung S95D reach nearly 1,700 nits peak brightness, the LG C4 hits 1,065 nits—a significant improvement over last year’s C3, which maxed out at 830 nits. The colors are rich and vibrant, whether you’re watching broadcast TV or streaming on Netflix or Disney+. The wide range of picture modes, including Filmmaker Mode and Dolby Vision, allows customization for optimal viewing. However, the glossy finish means that bright rooms can cause reflections, especially during darker scenes.
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For movie lovers, the LG C4 offers an exceptional cinematic experience, faithfully reproducing directors’ intentions in 4K HDR. Motion handling is smooth, ensuring fast-paced action scenes and sports look crisp without artifacts. The TV excels in displaying deep blacks and high contrast, making it perfect for dark-room viewing.
Gaming Features
The LG C4 is built with gamers in mind. With a low input lag of 12.9ms in Game Mode (dropping to 9.2ms with the Game Optimizer’s boost feature), the C4 competes directly with Samsung’s gaming-focused TVs.
One standout feature is the Game Dashboard, which provides quick access to settings like Dark Room Mode, Multi View, frame rate monitoring, VRR status, and more. Though a bit chunky on-screen, its functionality is outstanding.
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The C4 also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is G-Sync Compatible, making it ideal for both console and PC gamers. With a native 120Hz panel and the ability to match a 144Hz refresh rate from a compatible PC, the C4 doubles as a fantastic gaming monitor. This is further complemented by its full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling features like 4K at 120Hz and ALLM.
Audio Performance
The LG C4’s audio performance is decent but not exceptional. The downward-firing 40W speakers, even with Dolby Atmos support, don’t deliver the clarity you’d get from Sony’s screen-as-speaker technology. For audiophiles, pairing the TV with a soundbar or home theater system is a must to match the stellar visual quality.
That said, casual viewers will find the built-in audio sufficient for most content. Dialogue is clear, and the overall sound profile, though not particularly bass-heavy, is well-balanced for day-to-day use. LG also includes AI Sound Pro, which optimizes audio based on content type, enhancing the experience for those who prefer simplicity over external audio setups.
Smart TV Features
The C4 comes equipped with LG’s latest webOS. The interface is well-organized and user-friendly, now allowing up to 10 user profiles. Quick Cards categorize features into six groups, including Home Hub for LG ThinQ smart home integration and Sports for following teams and players. While the app row is customizable, the ad carousel at the top of the home screen can be a minor annoyance.
Notably, the C4 supports both Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. However, due to patent issues, the C4 is limited to an ATSC 1.0 tuner, which cannot handle over-the-air 4K content—a drawback for those who rely on broadcasts.
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LG has also refined its AI-based recommendations, providing more accurate suggestions for movies and shows based on your viewing habits. The system integrates well with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, further enhancing usability.
Remote
The Magic Remote remains largely unchanged from previous models. It’s versatile, functioning as both a traditional remote and a pointer-style device. Shortcut keys for popular apps like Netflix and Disney+ are convenient, and the overall layout is intuitive.
Additionally, the remote includes a built-in microphone for voice commands and can also control other connected devices via HDMI-CEC. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, a thoughtful touch for binge-watchers.
Connectivity and Ports
All ports are conveniently located on the left edge of the control box. These include:
- IR emitter
- Coaxial cable
- RS-232C service
- S/PDIF optical audio out
- Ethernet
- Three USB ports
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports (with HDMI 2 supporting eARC)
The HDMI 2.1 ports enable advanced features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and QMS, ensuring the TV is future-proof for gaming and media. The ample connectivity options make it easy to set up a complete entertainment system, with plenty of room for peripherals.
Should You Buy the LG C4?
Buy this TV if you value:
- Amazing picture quality
- A clean, user-friendly UI
- Strong gaming features
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
- Elegant design
Consider other options if you prioritize:
- Exceptional audio performance
- Over-the-air 4K content
- Budget-friendly pricing
Conclusion
The LG C4 OLED TV is an excellent choice for its design, display, and gaming features. While the price is higher than average and the audio performance and ATSC 3.0 tuner omission are drawbacks, it’s a solid option for most users. If budget is a concern, consider the LG C3 OLED, which offers similar features with minor compromises. Waiting a few months for the C4’s price to drop might also make it an even better deal.
In short, the LG C4 strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge performance and practical usability, cementing its place as one of the top TVs of the year.
