TechTvsLG C2 vs LG C1: the differences between these OLED TVs explainedThe ridiculously popular LG C1 OLED TV gets an upgrade in 2022 with the C2 – but how do they compare and is buying a discounted C1 actually the smarter move while you can?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechTvsLG C2 vs LG C1: the differences between these OLED TVs explainedThe ridiculously popular LG C1 OLED TV gets an upgrade in 2022 with the C2 – but how do they compare and is buying a discounted C1 actually the smarter move while you can?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The ridiculously popular LG C1 OLED TV gets an upgrade in 2022 with the C2 – but how do they compare and is buying a discounted C1 actually the smarter move while you can?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: LG)
(Image credit: LG)
In this LG C2 vs C1 comparison, LG’s blockbuster-selling OLED screen from 2021 goes head to head with its 2022 replacement. The C-series represent a sweet spot in LG’s OLED TV catalogue; they come in a wide variety of screen sizes, and bristle with really useful features designed to tempt buyers up from cheaper alternatives.
The new LG C2 model is getting a significant upgrade over last year’s LG C1, though, that looks set to give it an edge over similarly priced rivals when it comes to the battle to be thebest OLED TV.
However, if you’re considering buying right now, you’ll also have noticed that the LG C1 from 2021 is enjoyingextremelyheavy discounts, while the LG C2 is launching at a new slightly higher price. And in ourLG C1 review, we did give it the full five stars, and it certainly hasn’t gotten any worse over time.
So which is the better buy right now? Well, both have a good claim to be thebest LG TVin one way or another, so let’s go through the differences so you can work out which is the best fit for you.
LG C2 vs LG C1: Price and screen sizes
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to C-models. Whatever your room size, you’ll find a screen to fit.
2021’s C1 models are available in 48-, 55-, 65- and 77-inch guises (OLED48C1, OLED55C1, OLED65C1, OLED77C1). They’re currently subject to price cuts, as retailers look to create space for their replacements. Here are the current lowest prices for all models:
Today’s best deals on LG C1 at all sizesLG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best deals on LG C1 at all sizesLG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best deals on LG C1 at all sizesLG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best deals on LG C1 at all sizes
LG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all pricesLG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all pricesLG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all prices
LG OLED48C1$1,899ViewSee all prices
LG OLED48C1
LG OLED48C1
$1,899View
$1,899
$1,899
See all prices
LG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED65C1$2,199$1,386.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED65C1
LG OLED65C1
$2,199$1,386.95View
$2,199$1,386.95
$1,386.95
See all prices
LG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED77C1$2,026.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED77C1
LG OLED77C1
$2,026.95View
$2,026.95
$2,026.95
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
The 2022 C2 range offers two additional screen sizes, one the smallest OLED yet, the other huge. In total you’ll have six C2 OLED models to choose from, with sizes covering 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inches (OLED42C2, OLED48C2, OLED55C2, OLED65C2, OLED77C2, OLED83C2).
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Prices have not yet been officially announced, in all countries, but we do know some prices already.
The 42-inch LG C2 will cost £1,299/$1,399, while the 48-inch LG C2 will cost £1,399/$1,499. After that, we only have US prices so far: the 55-inch will cost $1,799, the 65-inch will cost $2,499, the 75-inch will cost $3,499, and the 83-inch will cost $5,499.
When it comes to placement options, the C2 line has the edge in terms of offering more sizes, but don’t expect to find a price advantage even at smaller sizes, due to the newer tech involved.
The LG C2’s OLED Evo screen delivers brighter pictures than the LG C1.(Image credit: LG)
The LG C2’s OLED Evo screen delivers brighter pictures than the LG C1.
The LG C2’s OLED Evo screen delivers brighter pictures than the LG C1.
(Image credit: LG)
LG C2 vs LG C1: Screen tech & performance
That’s not to say the C1 is any kind of slouch. That model runs LG’s 4th-gen Alpha 9 image engine, with a slightly earlier bouquet of AI enhanced image processing. It’s still extremely powerful.
We actually rate the C1 as one of LG’s brighter LG OLED models as of 2021, but there’s no question that it looks a little dull when compared directly to the new C2 – not that most people will do any direct comparisons, but it leads us to conclude that the C2 is a better viewing option for brighter rooms than the C1. If you don’t live in a Batcave (or if you just tend to watch or play games during the day in a sunny room) that could be a deciding factor.
The C2 also has upgraded picture presets, specifically a new Dynamic Vivid mode. This combines the eye candy hues of Vivid mode with more natural skin tone reproduction.
The Alpha 9 Gen 5 engine also enhances audio performance, courtesy of LG’s AI Sound Pro processing.
The LG C1 is still a fantastic-looking TV, but there’s no question the LG C2 is a step up – but so is the price, of course…
The LG C1 is ultra thin at the edges – the C2 is even thinner and smarter.(Image credit: LG)
The LG C1 is ultra thin at the edges – the C2 is even thinner and smarter.
The LG C1 is ultra thin at the edges – the C2 is even thinner and smarter.
(Image credit: LG)
LG C2 vs LG C1: Design & features
This year’s C2 trades that lip for a more conventional central stand. The adoption of next-gen OLED glass also allows for a slimmer bezel; the back panel is also quite different, being more streamlined and neat.
Smart functionality is similar. The sets both run LG’s webOS platform, and utilise a Magic Remote control. Streaming app support is extensive, and includesNetflix, Prime Video,Disney+ and Rakuten TV, withGoogleAssistant andAlexasupport. However, out of the box, the C2 comes with webOS22, which adds user Profiles to the smart experience, so you can get to what you personally enjoy faster.
Connectivity on both the C2 and C1 is uniformly excellent. On both models, all HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1 compliant and can handle a 4K 120Hz input from a games console or graphics card.
LG C2 vs LG C1: Conclusion
However, if you’re after a quality OLED TV for viewing in a room where the light is controlled or generally darker, then even with the slightly reduced HDR range and processing, buying an LG C1 for current prices is no doubt a good investment.
It might be that the LG C1 is the only option that fits in your budget range, or it may be the case that choosing the LG C1 over the LG C2 enables you to go up a size within your budget.
It’s a trade-off, but either model is an excellent buy.
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