Best LG C1 OLED TV vs LG C2 OLED TV: Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for a premium OLED TV with stunning picture quality, excellent gaming features, and smart functionality, you might be wondering which model to choose between the LG C2 OLED TV and the LG C1 OLED TV. Both TVs are part of LG’s lineup and offer very similar performance and features, but there are some differences that might make one a better fit for your needs. In this article, we will compare the LG C2 and the LG C1 in terms of design, picture quality, sound quality, gaming, smart features, and price, and help you decide which one is the best option for you.

LG C1 vs LG C2 OLED TV Design: Winner (TIED)

The LG C2 and the LG C1 have almost identical designs, with a sleek and minimalist look that will fit in any decor. Both TVs have very thin bezels around the screen and a slim profile that makes them ideal for wall-mounting. The only difference is that the LG C2 has a slightly curved stand that gives it a more futuristic appearance, while the LG C1 has a straight stand that is more conventional. Both stands are sturdy and support the TVs well, but they also have a large footprint that might require a wide table. Alternatively, you can use a VESA mount to hang the TVs on the wall and save some space.

LG C1 vs LG C2 Picture Quality: Winner (LG C2 OLED TV)

The LG C2 OLED TV and the LG C1 OLED TV have outstanding picture quality, thanks to their OLED panels that can produce perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. Both TVs also support HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG formats, and can display a wide color gamut with accurate colors. However, the LG C2 has a slight edge over the LG C1 in terms of brightness and motion handling.

The LG C2 can get brighter in both SDR and HDR modes, which makes it more suitable for bright rooms or for watching HDR content with high peak brightness. The LG C2 also has a wee bit faster response time and a lower input lag than the LG C1, which means it can display fast-moving scenes with less blur and more responsiveness.

LG C1 vs LG C2 Sound Quality: Winner (TIED)

The LG C2 OLED TV and the LG C1 OLED TV have decent sound quality, but they are not very impressive compared to their picture quality. Both TVs have a 40-watt 2.2 Channel speaker system that can deliver clear dialogue and balanced sound, but they lack in bass and depth. They also support Dolby Atmos, which can create a more immersive soundstage by adding height effects. However, if you want to enjoy a more cinematic sound experience, you might want to invest in a dedicated sound bar or a home theater system that can complement the TVs’ performance.

LG C1 vs LG C2 Gaming: Winner (TIED/LG C2 OLED TV by small margin)

The LG C2 OLED TV and the LG C1 OLED TV are excellent choices for gamers, as they have many features that can enhance your gaming experience. Both TVs have four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K@120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC.

They also have low input lag, fast response time, and black frame insertion (BFI) that can reduce motion blur. Additionally, both TVs have a Game Optimizer mode that can automatically adjust the picture settings according to the game genre, such as FPS, RPG, or RTS. The only difference is that the LG C2 has slightly lower input lag and faster response time than the LG C1, which might give you a slight advantage in competitive gaming.  

For PC users, it is important to note, none of the LG OLED TVs come with a DisplayPort.  Most of the latest graphic cards (GPUs) come with 3 x DisplayPorts and 1 (or 2) X HDMI 2.1 ports.  Using an adapter won’t help you either, since using adapters may affect support for HDR, refresh rate and/or VRR.  Things get complicated when it comes to HDMI/DisplayPort adapters.  It is best to just steer clear of them when using them for your main monitor.  

LG C1 vs LG C2 Smart Features: Winner (TIED)

The LG C2 OLED TV and the LG C1 OLED TV run on LG’s webOS 6.0 platform, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Both TVs have a home screen that displays your favorite apps, channels, and content recommendations based on your viewing habits. They also have access to a large library of apps via the LG Content Store, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, and more.

Moreover, both TVs have built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa that can control the TVs with your voice commands or integrate with your smart home devices. They also come with a Magic Remote that has a microphone button, a scroll wheel, and dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, LG Channels, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

LG C1 vs LG C2 Price: Winner (LG C1 OLED TV)

The LG C2 and the LG C1 are both premium OLED TVs that come with a premium price tag. However, the LG C2 is slightly more expensive than the LG C1 across all sizes (48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, and 83″). The price difference varies depending on the market and the availability of discounts or deals, but it is usually around 15-30% Off. Therefore, you might want to consider whether the extra features of the LG C2 are worth the extra cost or not. Check out our Price Guide to learn how to get the best price for the LG C1 OLED TV and the LG C2 OLED TV.

Conclusion: Winner (LG C2 OLED TV OVERALL for Picture and Brightness)

The LG C2 and the LG C1 are both amazing OLED TVs that can deliver stunning picture quality, excellent gaming features, and smart functionality. However, they have some minor differences that might make one a better choice for you. The LG C2 has a slightly curved stand, higher brightness, faster response time, and lower input lag than the LG C1, which might appeal to you if you watch a lot of HDR content, play fast-paced games, or prefer a more futuristic design.

On the other hand, the LG C1 has a straight stand, lower price, and very similar performance to the LG C2, which might suit you if you want to save some money, watch mostly SDR content, play casual games, or like a more conventional design.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your personal preferences and budget. We feel since an OLED’s brightness is paramount to picture quality, it is worth it to spend the extra 15-20% more. Afterall, the picture is what we will spend many hours looking at. To get more information on pricing for either of these LG OLED TVs, checkout our Price Guide to get the best bang for your buck.

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