The LG C5 OLED Falls Short Of My Expectations

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Introducing the LG C5 OLED TV

The LG C5 OLED TV is being hailed as one of the most promising OLED TVs set to launch this year. As a mid-range model in LG’s 2025 TV lineup, it aims to balance features and price. However, to keep it affordable, LG has omitted several advanced features like ATSC 3.0, HDMI 2.2 with a 165Hz refresh rate, and the latest four-stack OLED panel.

Despite these missing features, LG is focusing heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements aimed at improving picture quality, including better color accuracy and brightness. These improvements are primarily powered by webOS 25, LG’s upgraded operating system. However, this emphasis on AI raises the question: do consumers really need these upgrades when investing such a significant amount of money in a new television?

Understanding the 4K Upscaling Capabilities

To explore the features of the LG C5 OLED TV, I attended a press event at LG’s North American headquarters in New Jersey. The event showcased the upscaling capabilities of the C5. Two side-by-side 65-inch C5 units demonstrated how well the TV could upscale content; one played a baseball game in 720p (upscaled to 4K), while the other displayed the same game in native 4K resolution.

Results of the Upscaling Test:

The 720p broadcast looked almost identical to the 4K version, with many spectators, including myself, struggling to identify which was which.
This impressive performance reflects LG’s advanced a9 gen8 AI processor, which excels at making lower-resolution content look vibrant and detailed.

This capability is especially significant given that most programs we watch, particularly live broadcasts, are at a lower 1080p resolution. The C5 OLED’s efficient upscaling offers a bright spot amidst the absence of an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which would provide access to NextGen TV and true 4K broadcasts.

h3>Impressive Performance Features

Another highlight of the LG C5 OLED is its motion processing. I switched off motion smoothing during the baseball demo and was pleased to find there was no noticeable blurring or stuttering, a common issue on less capable TVs.

However, one downside I noticed was the TV’s struggle with glare mitigation. Depending on the lighting setup in your room, you may need to position your lights strategically to avoid reflections.

In terms of brightness, early assessments suggest the C5 may be as bright, if not slightly brighter, than the LG C4 OLED, which we previously tested at over 1,100 nits in both standard and HDR content.

Questioning the AI Upscaling’s Value

While AI upscaling is a feature that many brands now offer, some tech experts wonder if it’s worth the hype. In 2025, companies like Samsung are also leaning heavily on AI enhancements, yet many users may not utilize these features to their full potential.

Reflection on AI Integration:

The AI upgrades being promoted might not be necessary for a significant portion of users.”
LG could have invested more in hardware advancements to add standout features that genuinely enhance the viewing experience.

For instance, only the LG G5 OLED model is equipped with an anti-glare coating, leaving the C5 without this useful feature. Additionally, the absence of a 165Hz refresh rate is a disappointment for serious gamers who seek out TVs that maximize gaming performance.

What to Expect from the LG C5 OLED

I’m not dismissing the LG C5 OLED—despite its drawbacks, it seems poised to be one of the best OLED TVs of 2025. However, the compromises made in feature set might suggest that LG is intentionally holding back to keep the price competitive.

After spending over two hours testing the C5, I noticed that some of the critiques aimed at the C4 model might still apply to the C5. As the launch date approaches, there is still hope that LG could refine the specifications and features based on user feedback.

If US pricing mirrors the already-announced European prices, we could see the C5 debut at a similar price point to the C4 OLED. With plenty of anticipation surrounding this launch, we look forward to conducting thorough testing and delivering comprehensive feedback once the TV hits the market later in the year.

Stay Updated

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