Image source: Future/TechRadar
The next-gen LG C2 dials it up a notch.
After several months at the top of our best 4K TV ranking, the LG C2 OLED was nominated for best TV of the Year in the 2022 TechRadar Choice Awards. Our decision was based on the C2’s performance, features, and pricing, so we confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a high-performing TV without breaking the bank.
After the success of the C2, I was looking forward to reviewing the 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV. You’ll have to keep reading to find out how the new model performed, but I don’t believe it will spoil anything to state that it’s just as impressive—if not more so—than its predecessor.
C3 series prices are comparable to C2 series prices. Although I had anticipated (or hoped?) lower prices, the C3 series is still a reasonable choice, with screen sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, making it an excellent bargain for all its features.
The C3 is perfect for movie buffs and gamers because of its comprehensive feature set. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs allow using technologies such as Nvidia G-Sync, FreeSync Premium Pro, VRR, ALLM, and 4K 120Hz. Among the cloud gaming choices are Utomik and Nvidia GeForce Now.
OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro and Expression Enhancer are two new HDR-improving capabilities that affect picture quality and are part of LG’s Alpha9 Gen6 picture processing technology. The C3’s contrast, clarity, and definition are noticeably better than the C2’s, even though the two display about the same brightness.
Additionally, compared to last year’s LG models, the C3’s webOS 23 smart TV interface is an improvement. New features include an editable Quick Menu for accessing pictures, sound, and other modifications, a more streamlined and attractive appearance, and Quick Cards for grouping apps by theme. It has LG’s signature Magic Remote, like all their televisions do.
Although the C3’s audio performance isn’t noticeably different from the C2 series, the new Wow Orchestra function allows you to sync the TV’s internal speakers with certain LG Dolby Atmos soundbars for even more immersive sound.
Similarly, the C3 OLED from LG boasts a sleek design with an aluminum-faced center support and a narrow bezel. While the connectivity possibilities are top-notch, the built-in ATSC 3.0 digital TV tuner is needed in LG’s higher-end G3 series models. This feature is crucial for American viewers. Even though the C3 OLED isn’t a massive upgrade from last year’s C2, LG managed to pull off another successful product.
Regarding 4K OLED TVs, the LG C3 series falls somewhere in the middle, between the more expensive G3 models and the more affordable B3 models. Only the United States and the United Kingdom have revealed prices thus far; Australia has been left out.
Specifications
An excellent choice for those who enjoy both films and video games, the C3 series is jam-packed with features. Streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Go, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock, YouTube TV, Spotify, and HBO Max are all part of LG’s webOS 23 smart TV interface.
For hands-free voice control, the LG C3 has Alexa built in and is compatible with Siri, Hey Google, and AirPlay 2, allowing you to cast videos from an iOS smartphone.
The picture processing power of LG’s new Alpha9 Gen6 CPU is seen in their 120Hz C3 series televisions. Only HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision (Dolby Vision IQ) are supported by HDR, not HDR10+.
C3 series TVs have four HDMI 2.1 connections that can handle 4K 120Hz input, VRR, ALLM, and an improved audio return channel (on Input 2). LG’s 2023 OLED models also introduce a new Quick Media Switching (QMS) HDMI capability. By utilizing a QMS-supporting source, like an Apple TV 4K streamer, the C3 can effortlessly adapt to variations in video frame rates, eliminating brief screen blackouts caused by program changes.
Quality
Peak light output with the LG C3 in Filmmaker HDR mode was 830 nits, whereas in Standard mode, it was 670 nits. That’s a little better than last year’s C2, but it pales compared to the purported 70% brightness boost of LG’s new top G3 series compared to its more basic OLEDs, such as the B3 series. (The high light output of the G3 series is achieved, in part, by using an optical component called Micro Lens Array and a new algorithm dubbed META, which contribute to the series’ comparatively higher price tag compared to the C3 versions.)
Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s seen on-screen) of 3 or less for much of its brightness range indicate that the LG’s color balancing in its default Filmmaker mode is entirely accurate. The coverage of BT.2020 was 74.7 percent, whereas that of DCI-P3 was 98.9 percent. DCI-P3 is the color space utilized for mastering 4K Blu-rays and digital cinema releases. As one would expect from the finest OLED TVs, these are outstanding results.
Although the C3 did experience some screen glare from nearby overhead lights, it was not a significant issue. Color stayed completely saturated even when viewed from very off-center, and screen uniformity with white full-field test patterns was outstanding. Even during the day, the set’s brightness was more than enough, and when the lights were turned down low, the contrast was striking.
The ship’s boiler chamber sequences 1899, a Netflix series, displayed intense blacks with plenty of detail in the shadows when seen on a TV set in a Dolby Vision Cinema Home picture setting. Excellent skin tone delineation and a clean, noise-free image were shown in the above-deck sequences depicting the passengers searching the ship for the youngster.
Next, I viewed a clip from Elvis’s 1974 Christmas special with more Dolby Vision HDR punch. Thanks to the dramatic background lighting, everything in Elvis’s all-black ensemble was crystal clear. The King’s face had the appropriate artificial orange tint that TV studio makeup generates, but the yellows and reds worn by admirers appeared bright without being excessive.
The visuals stayed rock solid as I raced through the city streets of Grand Theft Auto 5 on Xbox Series X. In Michael’s house, the vibrant colors were tastefully showcased, while the textures and patterns were neatly organized.
While viewing the montage portion of the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR test disc on the TV, pictures set against a black backdrop appeared almost three-dimensional due to the strong contrast. The highlights were still somewhat sharp when watching the 4,000 Nits masters, thanks to HDR tone mapping, but the 1,000 Nits version looked stunning. Even though I didn’t have a C2 OLED handy to compare it to, the C3 lived up to my expectations when it came to the Alpha9 Gen6 processor’s OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, which dynamically optimizes each of the picture’s 20,000 blocks.
I tried out the HDR Expression Enhancer function here, and although it did what it said it would—dynamically boosting brightness and detail—I was relatively content to leave it disabled. You don’t need to adjust much because the LG C3’s essential picture performance is fantastic.
Sound Quality
The C3 can decode immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS and also comes with an integrated 2.2-channel speaker system. Upgrading stereo audio for Atmos output is another capability of the AI sound mixer.
There are a lot of different sound modes to choose from, like Music, Cinema, Sports, etc., but AI Sound Pro is the most versatile and practical for most media. For television, the C3’s audio is about par; voices sound thin, and bass is lacking. On the other hand, the sound is audible at high volumes, and the dialogue is obvious.
Wow, Orchestra is a brand new LG function that allows you to sync the sound from your TV with your Dolby Atmos soundbar. I had the opportunity to try out Wow Orchestra when the company sent me their new SC9 soundbar, which was made especially for the C3 TV, to review. In addition to the stand, the SC9 from LG comes with a bracket that allows you to attach it directly to C3 series TVs (55-, 65-, and 77-inch models) and C2 series models with the same screen size. I also utilized this with my review.
I quickly learned that the Wow Orchestra feature wasn’t plug-and-play after choosing it from the TV’s shortcut menu; an echo effect was caused by the audio delay between the soundbar and the TV’s internal speakers. But, after making the necessary adjustment in the Advanced Settings tab, the echo disappeared. Additionally, when I used Wow Orchestra on the TV with AI Sound Pro mode, the built-in speakers sounded faint. The solution was to go to the Standard sound setting, which I kept on for the rest of the test.
After the dust settled, Wow Orchestra did a fantastic job of enhancing the soundstage with Dolby Atmos music. Combining the TV’s built-in audio with the 3.1.3-channel SC9 soundbar made for an even more immersive and considerably louder viewing experience. The SC9-looking levitating on top of the C3 was another appealing feature, as was the LG bracket that raised it just enough from my TV stand to give the impression that it wasn’t attached to the surface.
The Bottom Line
Our favorite TV of 2022 was the C2 series from LG, so the C3 series will have its work cut out for it. However, it comes with a plethora of features that gamers and movie buffs will love:
✔ An attractive design
✔ An improved smart TV interface
✔ Enhanced picture processing that improves HDR
The C3 series is reasonably priced for a high-performance TV and comes in various screen sizes, from 42 inches to 83 inches, so it can fit into many different living rooms. It’s already a strong candidate for best television show of 2023 and a great continuation of the C2 series.
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