As an avid follower of the latest advancements in television technology, I‘ve been closely watching the evolution of OLED TVs in recent years. When LG released their C2 model in March 2022, it generated a lot of buzz as the newest addition to their highly regarded OLED lineup. However, after thoroughly researching the LG C2‘s features, analyzing professional reviews, and gathering feedback from actual owners, I‘ve come to the conclusion that despite the hype, the C2 falls short in several key areas. In this article, I‘ll delve into the top 9 reasons why the LG C2 might not be the OLED TV for you, even if you‘re in the market for a premium viewing experience.
Brightness That Doesn‘t Measure Up
One of the most glaring issues with the LG C2 is its underwhelming brightness, especially when compared to other high-end OLED TVs. While OLED technology is known for delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors, the C2 struggles to achieve the same level of brightness as its competitors.
According to rtings.com, a trusted source for TV reviews, the LG C2 achieves a peak brightness of around 800 nits for a 10% window in HDR. In comparison, the Sony A95K, another premium OLED TV released in 2022, hits a much higher peak brightness of approximately 1300 nits under the same conditions. This means that the A95K can display HDR content with significantly more pop and intensity.
The brightness issues are especially noticeable when viewing the LG C2 in well-lit rooms with lots of ambient light. The TV simply doesn‘t get bright enough to overcome glare and reflections, leading to a washed-out and dim picture. As Tom‘s Guide notes in their review, "The C2‘s brightness limitations became apparent in daytime viewing. In a room with windows, the picture looked a little flat."
Dubious Uniformity
Another problematic area for the LG C2 is its lackluster uniformity. Several owners have reported seeing splotches of uneven lighting, particularly in darker scenes, that can be distracting and pull you out of the viewing experience.
On the AVS Forum, a popular destination for home theater enthusiasts, one user shared their frustration with the C2‘s uniformity: "I‘m on my second LG C2 and the dirty screen effect is still pretty bad. It‘s most noticeable on panning shots of football fields or ice rinks. For a TV at this price point, I expected better."
This issue seems to be hit-or-miss, with some units exhibiting more severe uniformity problems than others. However, when spending upwards of $2000 on a premium OLED TV, you should feel confident that you‘re getting a pristine, consistent image from corner to corner.
Risk of Burn-In Looms Large
Burn-in has long been a concern for OLED TV owners, and unfortunately, the LG C2 is not immune to this issue. Burn-in occurs when static elements, such as a channel logo or video game HUD, remain on-screen for an extended period, leading to a permanent ghost image burned into the display.
While LG has implemented various technologies to mitigate the risk of burn-in, such as pixel shifting and screen savers, it‘s still a real possibility with the C2. Some owners have reported seeing signs of burn-in after just a few months of normal use.
On Reddit, a user shared their experience with burn-in on the LG C2: "After about 6 months of moderate usage, I started noticing a faint ESPN logo in the corner of my screen. I‘m pretty careful about varying content and using the TV‘s built-in protection features, but it still happened. It‘s not severe, but it‘s definitely noticeable during darker scenes."
Given the high cost of OLED TVs, the potential for burn-in is a serious consideration. If you frequently watch content with static elements or plan to use your TV for hours-long gaming sessions, you may want to think twice about the C2.
Unimpressive HDR Performance
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a key selling point for modern 4K TVs, promising a wider range of brightness and color for a more lifelike and impactful picture. However, the LG C2‘s HDR performance leaves much to be desired.
In their review, RTINGS found that the C2‘s HDR brightness and contrast were notably inferior to other high-end OLED TVs: "The LG C2‘s HDR peak brightness is okay, but it‘s a bit of a disappointment compared to some other OLEDs. It doesn‘t deliver the same impact or ‘wow factor‘ during bright HDR scenes."
This sentiment is echoed by Vincent Teoh of HDTVTest, a respected YouTube channel for TV reviews: "The C2‘s HDR performance is a bit of a letdown. It doesn‘t have the same dynamic range or punch as some of the other OLED TVs I‘ve tested this year. HDR content just looks a bit flat and unsatisfying on this set."
Mediocre Upscaling and Stuttering
With the abundance of 4K content available today, it‘s easy to forget that many of our favorite movies, TV shows, and video games are still in lower resolutions like 1080p or even 720p. A good 4K TV should be able to upscale this content to look better on the higher-resolution screen. Sadly, the LG C2 struggles in this area.
When playing lower-resolution content, the C2‘s upscaling can result in a soft, blurry picture that lacks detail and clarity. This is especially noticeable with 720p content, which can look quite rough on the 4K display.
Additionally, some owners have noticed stuttering and judder when watching 24fps content, such as movies or TV shows. This can be distracting and take away from the immersion of the viewing experience.
As one user on the LG Forums reported, "I‘ve been watching a lot of my old DVD collection on the C2, and the upscaling is pretty poor. The picture looks really soft and sometimes even blocky. I‘ve also noticed some stuttering during panning shots in movies. It‘s not unwatchable, but it‘s definitely not the ‘cinematic‘ experience I was hoping for."
Wobbly Stand Woes
If you prefer to use the included stand rather than mounting your TV on the wall, you might be disappointed by the LG C2‘s flimsy and unstable stand. Several owners have complained that the stand feels cheap and wobbly, leading to concerns about the TV‘s safety.
A review from T3 highlights this issue: "The C2‘s stand is a real letdown. It‘s made of lightweight plastic and feels very flimsy. When assembled, the TV wobbles and shakes at the slightest touch. It doesn‘t inspire confidence in the longevity or stability of the set."
For a premium TV at this price point, you‘d expect a sturdy, well-built stand that provides a secure base for the display. The fact that LG skimped in this area is a big disappointment.
Inescapable Ads
Like many smart TVs these days, the LG C2 comes with a built-in operating system (webOS) for streaming apps and other online features. However, LG has gone overboard with the inclusion of ads and sponsored content in the webOS interface.
From the moment you turn on the TV, you‘re bombarded with large banner ads for streaming services, promoted shows, and other products. These ads take up valuable screen real estate and clutter up the user experience.
As a reviewer for CNet pointed out, "The sheer volume and intrusiveness of ads on the C2 is staggering. It feels like every menu and screen is an opportunity for LG to push sponsored content. It‘s a constant annoyance that detracts from the premium feel of the TV."
In addition to being visually distracting, the pervasive ads also raise concerns about data privacy. LG is clearly collecting information about your viewing habits and using it to target advertising. For those who value their privacy, this is a big red flag.
The Price Isn‘t Right
All of the above issues might be easier to overlook if the LG C2 was a budget-friendly option. However, this TV is firmly in the premium price range, with the 55-inch model retailing for around $1800 and larger sizes climbing well above $2000.
When comparing the C2‘s price to other high-end OLED TVs with superior performance, it becomes hard to justify the cost. For example, the Sony A95K, which boasts significantly better brightness, HDR, and overall picture quality, can often be found for just a few hundred dollars more than the C2.
Ultimately, it feels like you‘re paying a premium for the LG brand name rather than the actual features and performance of the TV. As a savvy shopper, you want to make sure you‘re getting the best value for your money, and the C2 simply doesn‘t deliver in that regard.
Better OLED Alternatives
If you‘re in the market for a top-of-the-line OLED TV, there are several alternatives to the LG C2 that offer better performance, features, and value. Two standout options are the Sony A95K and the Samsung S95B.
The Sony A95K is a true flagship OLED TV that excels in every category. It delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, with some of the best HDR performance on the market. The A95K‘s upscaling and motion handling are also top-notch, making it a great choice for watching lower-resolution content or fast-paced sports and action scenes.
As reviewer Vincent Teoh raved, "The A95K is simply the best OLED TV I‘ve ever tested. The picture quality is stunning, with incredible brightness, color accuracy, and detail. HDR content looks absolutely breathtaking on this set. It‘s worth every penny."
Another strong contender is the Samsung S95B, which uses an advanced QD-OLED panel for even better color accuracy and brightness than traditional OLED TVs. The S95B‘s sleek design and minimalist stand also give it a premium look and feel.
According to RTINGS, "The Samsung S95B is an excellent all-around TV. Its QD-OLED panel delivers outstanding picture quality, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness. It‘s a great choice for watching movies, gaming, or simply admiring its stylish design."
Both the Sony A95K and Samsung S95B offer superior performance and value compared to the LG C2. If you‘re willing to invest in a high-end OLED TV, these are the models you should be considering.
Conclusion
After taking a deep dive into the LG C2‘s features, performance, and user experiences, it‘s clear that this TV fails to live up to the hype. From its lackluster brightness and uniformity to its risk of burn-in and ad-infested interface, the C2 has too many drawbacks to justify its premium price tag.
While OLED technology is still the gold standard for picture quality, there are better options on the market that deliver a superior viewing experience without the compromises of the LG C2. Whether you opt for the Sony A95K, Samsung S95B, or another high-end OLED TV, you‘ll be getting a better value for your money and a more satisfying long-term investment.
As an informed consumer, it‘s important to look beyond the marketing buzz and carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of any TV before making a purchase. By understanding the specific issues with the LG C2 and exploring alternative options, you can make a smart decision and enjoy the best possible OLED TV experience for your home theater setup.
