
Christmas LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series OLED TV Review – Oemiu
Christmas LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series OLED TV Review
The festive season is upon us, and what better way to enhance those cozy Christmas movie nights or exhilarating gaming sessions than with a stunning new television? The LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series OLED TV emerges as a strong contender for the ultimate holiday upgrade. This isn’t just another TV; it’s a gateway to immersive visuals, unparalleled picture quality, and a suite of smart features designed to elevate your home entertainment experience. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let’s unwrap this OLED offering and see what makes it tick, exploring everything from its breathtaking display to its gaming prowess and user-friendly smart features. This long-form review dives deep into the intricacies of the C4, providing a comprehensive overview to help you decide if it’s the perfect addition to your Christmas wishlist.
Unboxing the Visual Marvel: Picture Quality and Performance
The heart of any television, especially an OLED, lies in its picture quality. The LG C4 doesn’t disappoint, boasting self-lit pixels that deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast. This translates to an image that is incredibly rich, detailed, and lifelike. Colors pop with vibrancy, yet maintain a natural accuracy that avoids oversaturation. This is particularly noticeable when watching nature documentaries or animated films, where the nuances of the colors and textures are brought to life with remarkable clarity. Unlike traditional LED TVs that rely on backlighting, OLED technology allows each pixel to emit its own light independently. This creates a truly unparalleled level of contrast, where bright highlights can coexist with deep shadows without any blooming or haloing effects. This is a significant advantage, particularly in scenes with mixed lighting conditions, such as a dimly lit room with a bright fireplace in the background – a common Christmas scene! The C4’s ability to render these complex lighting scenarios accurately adds a layer of realism that’s hard to match. The α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K, the brains behind the operation, plays a crucial role in optimizing the picture quality. It uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and upscale content, enhancing details and reducing noise, even on older or lower-resolution sources. This means that your favorite Christmas classics, even those filmed in standard definition, will look better than ever before. Furthermore, the processor intelligently adjusts the picture settings based on the content being displayed, optimizing the image for movies, sports, or games. This dynamic optimization ensures that you’re always getting the best possible viewing experience, regardless of what you’re watching.
The OLED evo panel technology used in the C4 enhances brightness compared to standard OLED panels. While OLEDs are known for their exceptional contrast and black levels, they have traditionally been limited in terms of brightness. The evo panel addresses this limitation, delivering brighter and more vibrant images, especially in well-lit rooms. This makes the C4 a more versatile option for users who want a TV that can perform well in a variety of lighting conditions. The wide viewing angles are another standout feature. Unlike some LED TVs that suffer from color shifting or dimming when viewed from off-axis angles, the C4 maintains consistent picture quality even when viewed from the side. This is particularly important for larger living rooms where viewers may be sitting at different angles from the screen. Everyone can enjoy the same high-quality picture, regardless of their seating position. When considering the overall picture quality, the LG 65-inch class OLED evo C4 series OLED TV truly shines, offering a visual experience that is both immersive and captivating. It’s a clear step up from traditional LED TVs, and a worthy investment for those who prioritize picture quality.
Delving Deeper: Color Accuracy, HDR Performance, and Viewing Angles
Beyond the impressive contrast and black levels, the LG C4 excels in color accuracy. It covers a wide color gamut, accurately reproducing a vast range of colors with stunning fidelity. This results in images that are not only vibrant but also realistic. Skin tones appear natural, landscapes are lush and inviting, and the overall color palette is incredibly balanced. The C4 also supports a variety of HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. HDR content offers a wider range of brightness and color compared to standard dynamic range (SDR) content, resulting in more realistic and immersive images. Dolby Vision, in particular, is a dynamic HDR format that optimizes the picture on a scene-by-scene basis, ensuring that you’re always seeing the best possible image. The C4’s HDR performance is truly exceptional, delivering bright highlights, deep shadows, and a wider range of colors than SDR content. This is particularly noticeable in movies and TV shows that are mastered in HDR, where the added dynamic range adds a sense of depth and realism to the picture.
As mentioned earlier, viewing angles are another key strength of the C4. The OLED technology allows for incredibly wide viewing angles without any significant degradation in picture quality. This means that you can sit almost anywhere in the room and still enjoy a consistent and accurate image. This is a major advantage over LED TVs, which often suffer from color shifting or dimming when viewed from off-axis angles. The wide viewing angles make the C4 an ideal choice for large living rooms or home theaters where viewers may be sitting at different angles from the screen. No one will be stuck with a washed-out or distorted image, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the same high-quality viewing experience. The combination of accurate colors, excellent HDR performance, and wide viewing angles makes the LG C4 a truly exceptional television for a wide range of viewing scenarios. It’s a TV that can deliver stunning picture quality in any room, regardless of the lighting conditions or the seating arrangement.
Gaming Nirvana: Low Input Lag, VRR, and Game Optimizer
For gamers, the LG C4 is a dream come true. It boasts an incredibly low input lag, meaning that the time it takes for your actions on the controller to appear on the screen is virtually imperceptible. This responsiveness is crucial for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The C4 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother and more fluid gaming experience. These technologies dynamically adjust the refresh rate of the TV to match the frame rate of the game, preventing visual artifacts that can disrupt the immersion. The result is a gaming experience that is incredibly responsive, fluid, and visually stunning.
LG’s Game Optimizer menu provides a centralized hub for all of your gaming settings. You can quickly adjust settings like input lag, VRR, and picture modes to optimize the picture quality for different types of games. The Game Optimizer also includes a Black Stabilizer feature, which allows you to adjust the brightness of dark areas in the game without washing out the bright areas. This is particularly useful in games with dark environments, where it can be difficult to see enemies or objects. The C4 also supports HDMI 2.1, which allows for 4K gaming at 120Hz with VRR. This is the highest level of performance currently available on gaming consoles and PCs, and the C4 is one of the few TVs that can take full advantage of it. The combination of low input lag, VRR support, HDMI 2.1, and the Game Optimizer menu makes the LG C4 an ideal choice for serious gamers who demand the best possible performance. Whether you’re playing fast-paced action games, immersive RPGs, or competitive esports titles, the C4 will deliver a gaming experience that is second to none. It’s a television that is truly designed with gamers in mind.
Beyond the Specs: Real-World Gaming Experience
The specifications and features are impressive on paper, but the real test of a gaming TV is how it performs in the real world. The LG C4 delivers a truly exceptional gaming experience. The low input lag makes the games feel incredibly responsive, and the VRR support eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, even in demanding titles. The picture quality is also outstanding, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent detail. This adds to the immersion, making games feel more realistic and engaging. Playing a fast-paced shooter like Call of Duty on the C4 is a revelation. The low input lag gives you a competitive edge, allowing you to react quickly and accurately. The VRR support ensures that the action remains smooth and fluid, even when the frame rate drops. The picture quality is also stunning, with realistic colors and excellent detail that make the game world come alive. Similarly, playing an immersive RPG like Elden Ring on the C4 is a transformative experience. The deep blacks and excellent contrast enhance the atmosphere of the game world, making dark areas feel truly ominous. The vibrant colors and excellent detail bring the landscapes and characters to life, drawing you deeper into the game. The LG OLED TV is a top-tier gaming device.
Even older games look better on the C4 thanks to the upscaling capabilities of the α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K. The processor enhances the details and reduces noise, making older games look sharper and more vibrant. This is a great benefit for gamers who have a large library of older games that they want to enjoy on a modern TV. The LG C4 isn’t just a great gaming TV; it’s also a great all-around TV. The excellent picture quality, wide viewing angles, and smart features make it a versatile choice for any home theater setup. But for gamers, the C4 is truly something special. It’s a TV that is designed to deliver the best possible gaming experience, and it succeeds in every way. If you’re a serious gamer, the LG C4 should be at the top of your list. No list of the best OLED TVs would be complete without the C4 series.
Smart Features and User Experience: webOS and Beyond
The LG C4 runs on LG’s webOS smart TV platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of apps. The webOS interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even for those who are not familiar with smart TVs. The home screen features a row of app icons that can be customized to your liking. You can easily add, remove, or rearrange apps to create a personalized home screen that suits your needs. The webOS platform also includes a built-in web browser, which allows you to surf the internet directly on your TV. The browser is surprisingly responsive and easy to use, making it a convenient way to access websites and online content. The C4 also supports voice control via the LG Magic Remote, which allows you to control the TV using your voice. You can use voice commands to change channels, adjust the volume, search for content, and launch apps. The voice control feature is accurate and responsive, making it a convenient way to interact with your TV.
Beyond the basic features, webOS also offers a number of advanced features that enhance the user experience. The AI Picture Pro feature uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and optimize the picture quality based on the content being displayed. This ensures that you’re always getting the best possible viewing experience, regardless of what you’re watching. The AI Sound Pro feature analyzes the audio content and optimizes the sound settings for different types of content, such as movies, music, or sports. This ensures that you’re always getting the best possible audio experience. The C4 also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream content from your Apple devices directly to the TV. This is a convenient way to share photos, videos, and music with friends and family on the big screen. The combination of user-friendly interface, wide range of apps, voice control, and advanced features makes the LG C4 a joy to use. The webOS platform is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to find and enjoy your favorite content. The smart features enhance the overall viewing experience, making the C4 a truly smart TV. The platform is one of the best reasons to choose an LG OLED TV.
The Magic Remote: A Powerful Controller
The LG Magic Remote is a key component of the webOS experience. It’s not just a regular remote control; it’s a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your TV in a variety of ways. The Magic Remote features a point-and-click interface, which allows you to navigate the webOS interface by simply pointing the remote at the screen. This is a much more intuitive way to navigate menus and select options than using traditional arrow buttons. The Magic Remote also includes a built-in microphone, which allows you to use voice commands to control the TV. You can use voice commands to change channels, adjust the volume, search for content, and launch apps. The voice control feature is accurate and responsive, making it a convenient way to interact with your TV. The remote is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the buttons are well-placed and easy to press. The Magic Remote is a well-designed and powerful tool that enhances the overall user experience of the LG C4.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
webOS | LG’s user-friendly smart TV platform. |
Magic Remote | Point-and-click remote with voice control. |
AI Picture Pro | Optimizes picture quality based on content. |
AI Sound Pro | Optimizes sound settings based on content. |
Apple AirPlay 2 | Streams content from Apple devices. |
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Before making a final decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the LG C4. Here’s a summary of the key advantages and disadvantages:
- Pros:
- Exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast.
- OLED evo panel for enhanced brightness.
- Low input lag and VRR support for gaming.
- User-friendly webOS smart TV platform.
- Wide viewing angles.
- Cons:
- OLED TVs can be more expensive than LED TVs.
- Potential for burn-in (though this is less of a concern with modern OLEDs).
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the LG C4 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a serious gamer or a cinephile who demands the best possible picture quality, then the C4 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or primarily watch content in a bright room, then a less expensive LED TV may be a better option. One of the best OLED TVs currently available, the LG C4 has a lot to offer.
FAQ
What are the main differences between OLED and LED TVs?
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs and LED (Light Emitting Diode) TVs differ primarily in how they produce light and therefore, their picture quality. OLED TVs have self-emissive pixels, meaning each pixel can turn on and off independently. This results in perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and exceptional color accuracy. LED TVs, on the other hand, use a backlight to illuminate the screen. Even with local dimming, LED TVs struggle to achieve the same level of black and contrast as OLED TVs, as light bleeds into darker areas. OLED TVs also generally offer wider viewing angles and faster response times, making them better for gaming and fast-paced content. While LED TVs can achieve higher peak brightness, OLED TVs provide a more nuanced and accurate picture quality overall, particularly in dark or mixed lighting environments. Ultimately, if picture quality is the top priority, OLED is generally the better choice. However, LED TVs are often more affordable and can be brighter, making them suitable for very bright rooms.
Is OLED burn-in a real concern with the LG C4?
OLED burn-in, which is the permanent discoloration or image retention on the screen, used to be a significant concern with early OLED TVs. However, advancements in OLED technology have significantly reduced the risk of burn-in. The LG C4 incorporates several features to mitigate burn-in, including pixel shifting, screen savers, and a pixel refresher. Pixel shifting subtly moves the image on the screen over time to prevent static elements from being displayed in the same location for extended periods. Screen savers automatically activate when the TV is idle to avoid displaying static images. The pixel refresher runs periodically to compensate for any potential unevenness in pixel brightness. While burn-in is still theoretically possible, it’s unlikely to occur with normal usage patterns. The risk is minimal if you vary the content you watch, avoid displaying static images for extended periods, and utilize the TV’s built-in burn-in mitigation features. The advancements in OLED technology mean it’s much less of a concern than it once was.
How does the LG C4 perform in bright rooms?
While OLED TVs are known for their exceptional contrast and black levels in dark rooms, they have traditionally been limited in terms of brightness compared to LED TVs. However, the LG C4 incorporates an OLED evo panel, which enhances brightness compared to standard OLED panels. The evo panel allows the C4 to deliver brighter and more vibrant images, even in well-lit rooms. While it may not get as bright as some high-end LED TVs, the C4 is still capable of producing a bright and watchable picture in most bright room scenarios. The excellent contrast and color accuracy of the OLED panel also help to maintain image quality in brighter environments. However, if you primarily watch TV in a very bright room with direct sunlight, an LED TV with higher peak brightness may be a better choice. For most users, the C4’s brightness will be sufficient for comfortable viewing in typical lighting conditions. The enhanced brightness of the evo panel makes it a versatile option for a variety of viewing environments.
What are the benefits of HDMI 2.1 for gaming?
HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI standard, and it offers several key benefits for gaming. The most significant benefit is its increased bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K gaming at 120Hz, as well as 8K gaming at 60Hz. This results in a smoother and more fluid gaming experience, especially in fast-paced action games. HDMI 2.1 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. VRR dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the TV to match the frame rate of the game, preventing visual artifacts that can disrupt the immersion. Other benefits of HDMI 2.1 include Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches the TV to its lowest input lag mode when a game is detected, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduces input lag even further. Overall, HDMI 2.1 provides a significant boost to gaming performance, making it an essential feature for serious gamers.
How does the LG C4 compare to other OLED TVs on the market?
The LG C4 is a strong contender in the OLED TV market, offering a compelling combination of picture quality, gaming features, and smart functionality. Compared to its predecessor, the C3, the C4 offers improvements in brightness and processing power. It also stacks up well against other OLED TVs from brands like Sony and Samsung. While some Sony OLED TVs may offer slightly better color accuracy out of the box, the LG C4 provides a more comprehensive suite of gaming features and a more user-friendly smart TV platform. Samsung’s QD-OLED TVs offer even higher brightness levels and wider color gamuts, but they are also typically more expensive. The LG C4 strikes a good balance between performance, features, and price, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the best OLED TV for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but the LG C4 is a worthy contender that should be on your shortlist.
What kind of warranty does the LG C4 come with?
The LG C4 typically comes with a one-year limited warranty from LG. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. If your TV experiences a covered defect within the warranty period, LG will either repair or replace the TV at its discretion. It’s important to note that the warranty typically does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. Extended warranties are also available from retailers or third-party providers. These extended warranties can provide additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, such as protection against accidental damage or power surges. When considering an extended warranty, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. The standard one-year warranty provides basic protection against manufacturing defects, but an extended warranty may offer peace of mind for those who are concerned about potential issues down the road.
Is the LG C4 worth the investment?
The question of whether the LG C4 is worth the investment ultimately depends on your individual priorities and budget. If you prioritize exceptional picture quality, gaming performance, and a user-friendly smart TV platform, then the C4 is definitely worth considering. The OLED technology delivers unparalleled contrast and black levels, resulting in a truly immersive viewing experience. The low input lag and VRR support make it an excellent choice for gamers, and the webOS smart TV platform is easy to use and offers a wide range of apps. However, the C4 is more expensive than LED TVs, and some users may not notice a significant difference in picture quality compared to high-end LED TVs, especially in very bright rooms. If you’re on a tight budget, a less expensive LED TV may be a better option. But if you’re willing to spend more for the best possible picture quality and gaming performance, the LG C4 is a worthwhile investment that will provide years of enjoyment. It is a premier OLED TV and stands out from the competition.