LG C5 OLED TV Review A Visual Masterpiece

When it comes to buying a new television, what matters most? While smart features, brand prestige, and high refresh rates are important, the most crucial aspect for most people is picture quality. That initial visual impact is what captivates you in a store, with rows of TVs showcasing their 4K beauty in dazzling "Retail Mode."

By this standard, LG's 2025 C5 OLED stands out as one of the best OLED TVs available today. From the moment you turn it on, its visual prowess is undeniable. Retailers are currently offering the latest C5 OLED TV with discounts up to $1,000, making it an even more tempting offer.

Design and Unboxing: First Impressions

The C5 boasts a futuristic aesthetic and a unique construction. The screen is one of the thinnest ever seen, measuring a mere 0.25 inches thick. Handling it feels delicate, a testament to LG's engineering goal of "more screen, less panel." It's almost four times thinner than popular Frame TVs, though this applies to the upper two-thirds of the screen, with the lower section being more substantial to house the components.

LG also deserves credit for its thoughtful packaging. The remote control is immediately accessible in its own sleeve with batteries preinstalled. The stand and its components are neatly packed, simplifying the setup process—a small detail that makes a big difference when unboxing large TVs. Other fine touches include a black marble pattern on the back and small silicone pads on the base to prevent slipping.

Under the Hood: AI Smarts and Hardware Upgrades

As a pioneer in OLED technology, LG consistently improves with each new model. The C5 is powered by the Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor, which enables a suite of useful AI features. These include AI Super Upscaling, which enhances lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, and AI-assisted Deep Learning, which optimizes picture and sound settings based on your viewing habits. The TV also features an AI Concierge that suggests content based on your preferences.

Setting up the TV is straightforward, with options to use the remote or your phone via the LG ThinQ app. The app personalizes the experience by asking if the TV is on a stand or wall-mounted. One of the initial setup steps demonstrates the AI Picture Pro feature with a real-time upscaling clip, which is impressive enough to make you want to keep it enabled.

Visual Performance: A Cinematic Experience

While technically a step down from LG's flagship G5, the C5 delivers a visual experience that ranks high on our performance list. Beyond standardized lab tests, viewing demanding movie scenes, such as those in "Avengers: Endgame," reveals the TV's true capabilities. From the darkest, moodiest moments to explosive, CGI-heavy battles, the LG C5 produces an image quality that surpasses expectations. Colors are stunningly vibrant, the contrast is sharp and precise, and details are exceptionally clear.

Even in standby mode, the C5 impresses. The "Always Ready" function uses a motion sensor to display wallpaper or motion graphics when it detects activity in the room. This is where the true-black capabilities of OLED shine, creating a sense of depth that feels almost three-dimensional, as if you could reach into the screen.

Sound, Settings, and The Magic Remote

While the visuals are top-notch, the audio could be better. The AI Sound Pro feature makes the audio louder but also tinnier and heavy on the treble. For the best experience, an external soundbar is recommended. It's also advisable to turn off any Energy Saver modes, as they can dim the picture in bright rooms, and the ISF Expert Bright Room setting generally provides the best results across various lighting conditions.

LG's Magic Remote is still the primary navigation tool. While the point-and-click cursor (like a Wii remote) is now optional and can be replaced by the standard directional pad, the remote has some quirks. Most notably, it lacks a dedicated Mute button; you must hold the volume rocker down for two seconds to silence the TV. A backlit remote would also be a welcome addition for easier use in the dark.

Final Verdict: Is the LG C5 OLED Worth It?

The LG C5 OLED is an exceptional TV with a stunning design, whether it's on or off. At its current sale price of around $1,797 for the 65-inch model, it offers solid upgrades over its predecessor, though they may not be game-changing for everyone. Performance measurements show only marginal improvements over the 2024 C4 series, such as a slight increase in brightness. The refresh rate remains capped at 144Hz, while some competitors are moving to 165Hz.

Because of this, you might be just as happy with a C4 series unit, which can often be found for nearly half the price of the new C5. The C5 is a fantastic television, but the C4 may represent a better value until the price of the latest model drops further.