LG OLED C3 is the latest model in LG’s C series of OLED TVs, which have been praised for their outstanding picture quality, smart features and gaming performance. The C3 is available in six screen sizes, ranging from 42 inches to 83 inches, and offers some improvements over its predecessor, the LG C2 OLED. However, it also faces some strong competition from other OLED TVs, such as the LG G3 OLED and the Sony A90J OLED. Is the C3 worth the upgrade or the extra cost? Here’s a summary of what the reviewers have to say.
Picture Quality
The main attraction of the LG OLED C3 is its stunning picture quality, which benefits from the self-emissive nature of OLED technology. This means that each pixel can turn on and off individually, resulting in perfect blacks, infinite contrast and wide viewing angles. The C3 also supports various HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG, and can display a wide color gamut with accurate colors.
The C3 has a new feature called Brightness Booster, which enhances the peak brightness of the TV in bright scenes or environments. However, this feature is only available on the 55-inch and larger models, and it doesn’t make a huge difference compared to the C2. The C3 also lacks the MLA focusing layer that the LG G3 OLED has, which allows the G3 to get extremely bright and reduce blooming. The C3 still suffers from some common OLED drawbacks, such as low brightness in large bright areas, risk of permanent burn-in and color banding in dark scenes.
Overall, the LG OLED C3 delivers a superb picture quality that is ideal for watching movies or shows in a dark or dim room. It can also handle well-lit rooms thanks to its good reflection handling and Brightness Booster feature. However, it may not be bright enough for some HDR enthusiasts or for very bright rooms.
Smart Features
The LG OLED C3 runs on webOS 23, which is an updated version of LG’s smart TV platform. WebOS 23 has a new home screen that is more customizable and user-friendly than before. It also has a new Magic Explorer feature that provides contextual information about the content you’re watching, such as actors, locations or trivia. WebOS 23 also supports voice control via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, as well as Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
The C3 comes with LG’s Magic Remote, which is a polarizing device that some people love and some people hate. The Magic Remote has a built-in microphone for voice commands, a scroll wheel for navigation and a motion sensor that allows you to point and click on the screen like a mouse. Some reviewers find it intuitive and convenient, while others find it annoying and inaccurate.
The C3 has a decent selection of apps available on its app store, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube and Spotify. However, it doesn’t have some popular apps like HBO Max or Peacock. The C3 also lacks an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which means it can’t receive over-the-air 4K broadcasts in the US.
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Gaming Performance
The LG OLED C3 is an excellent TV for gaming, thanks to its low input lag, high refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support. The C3 has four HDMI 2.1 ports that can handle 4K at 120Hz signals with variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), eARC and HDCP 2.3. The C3 also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for tear-free gaming with compatible devices.
The C3 has a Game Optimizer feature that lets you adjust various settings for different game genres, such as FPS, RPG or RTS. It also has a new Game Dashboard that shows you information such as input lag, refresh rate and VRR status on the screen. The C3 can also display two sources side by side with its Dual Play mode.
The C3 also supports cloud gaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now and Utomik via its web browser or dedicated apps. However, these services may not offer the same quality or performance as local gaming devices.
The main downside of gaming on the LG OLED C3 is the risk of permanent burn-in caused by static elements on the screen, such as HUDs or logos. This can be mitigated by using features such as Pixel Refresher or Logo Luminance Adjustment, but it may not completely prevent it.
Sound Quality
The LG OLED C3 has a 40W audio system with two speakers and two subwoofers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X via its HDMI eARC port or its built-in apps. It also has an AI Sound Pro feature that analyzes the content and adjusts the sound accordingly.
The C3’s sound quality is decent, but not exceptional. It can produce clear dialogue and a balanced sound profile, but it lacks bass and volume. It may be fine for casual viewing, but it won’t deliver a cinematic or immersive sound experience. Most reviewers recommend getting a soundbar or a speaker system to enhance the sound quality of the C3.
Design
The LG OLED C3 has a sleek and minimalist design that looks good in any setting. It has a thin bezel around the screen and a slim profile that makes it look like a picture frame. It has a sturdy metal stand that supports the TV well and allows for some cable management. It can also be wall-mounted with a VESA 300×200 bracket.
The C3’s ports are located on the back of the TV, on the right side as you face it. They are divided into two groups: one facing sideways and one facing downwards. The sideways-facing ports are easier to access, especially if the TV is wall-mounted. The downwards-facing ports may require more space or right-angle adapters.
The C3’s build quality is good, but not great. It has a plastic back that feels cheap and may flex or creak when moved. It also has some gaps between the panel and the frame that may collect dust or debris.
Value
The LG OLED C3 is an expensive TV, but it offers a lot of value for its price. It delivers an exceptional picture quality, a smooth and smart interface, and a top-notch gaming performance. It also has some improvements over its predecessor, the LG C2 OLED, such as Brightness Booster, webOS 23 and Game Optimizer.
However, the C3 is not a huge upgrade over the C2, which is much cheaper now. Unless you find the C3 with a big discount, it may not be worth paying the extra for the C3. The C3 also faces some strong competition from other OLED TVs, such as the LG G3 OLED and the Sony A90J OLED, which may offer better brightness, contrast or color accuracy.
The LG OLED C3 is a fantastic TV that will satisfy most viewers and gamers. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone, depending on their preferences, budget and viewing conditions.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you want:
- A stunning picture quality with perfect blacks, infinite contrast and wide viewing angles
- A smooth and smart interface with voice control and contextual information
- A top-notch gaming performance with low input lag, high refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support
No, if you want:
- A very bright TV for HDR or bright rooms
- A risk-free TV for permanent burn-in or color banding
- A cinematic or immersive sound experience
Also Consider…
- LG G3 OLED: A brighter and sharper OLED TV with MLA focusing layer
- Sony A90J OLED: A more accurate and natural OLED TV with Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR
- Samsung QN90A QLED: A non-OLED alternative with high brightness, wide viewing angles and mini LED backlight
