LG C5 OLED TV Review: 3 Upgrades for Next Year’s Model

LG’s C-series OLED TVs dominate mid-range recommendations, earning spots in What Hi-Fi?’s best OLED TV guide and winning multiple awards. The company credits these models for its 12-year OLED sales lead, confirmed in recent statements. But after rigorous testing of 2024’s 48-inch and 55-inch LG C5 models, What Hi-Fi? identified three critical areas needing improvement to maintain their competitive edge against rivals like Sony’s Bravia 8.

1. Overdue Design Refresh Required

The C-series’ functional but dated design hampers user experience. Its central stand creates practical issues for soundbar integration. Testing revealed the angled design prevents flush placement, and the fixed height risks screen obstruction with larger soundbars like the Sennheiser Ambeo Max. Unlike Panasonic’s swivel-enabled models, LG’s lack of adjustable viewing angles complicates port access and room configuration. The chunky Magic Remote also feels outdated, lacking backlighting for dark viewing environments and rechargeable batteries—features now standard on Samsung remotes. What Hi-Fi?’s review noted these ergonomic shortcomings impact daily usability, especially in home cinema setups.

2. Heatsink Technology for Enhanced Brightness

While LG’s annual chipset upgrades deliver incremental improvements, the absence of a heatsink limits performance—especially in smaller sizes. The 48-inch LG C5 showed minimal brightness gains over 2023 models during testing, with What Hi-Fi? noting “loss of colour volume in dark scenes.” Smaller panels heat faster due to denser pixels, forcing conservative tuning. Heatsinks—used in LG’s premium G-series and competitors like Sony—would provide thermal headroom for sustained peak brightness. Industry data shows heatsink-equipped OLEDs maintain up to 20% higher brightness during HDR content. Without this hardware upgrade, C-series models risk falling behind in key picture quality metrics.

3. Audio Performance Lagging Rivals

Audio remains the C-series’ weakest aspect. What Hi-Fi?’s 2024 reviews state the 55-inch C5 sounds “merely fine,” while the 48-inch model’s audio is a “compromise.” Comparative testing highlighted Sony’s Bravia 8 superiority in detail reproduction and soundstage directionality. Though dedicated soundbars are recommended for any OLED, the gap is widening. LG’s acoustic technology hasn’t evolved significantly despite competitors incorporating advanced actuators and subwoofers. For a series positioned as premium, this audio deficit undermines its home cinema credentials.

LG’s C-series OLED TV remains a top choice for value-focused buyers, but design limitations, thermal constraints, and lackluster audio threaten its dominance. As Sony and Samsung innovate, LG must address these gaps to retain its crown. For now, audition alternatives like the Sony Bravia 8 before purchasing your next OLED.

Must Know

Q: What are the main design flaws in LG C-series TVs?
A: The fixed-height stand obstructs screens with large soundbars and lacks swivel functionality. The remote needs backlighting and rechargeable batteries, features competitors already offer.

Q: Why does the LG C-series need a heatsink?
A: Heatsinks prevent brightness throttling by dissipating heat. Without one, smaller models (42″/48″) show minimal year-on-year improvements and reduced color volume in dark scenes, as noted in What Hi-Fi?’s LG C5 review.

Q: How does LG’s audio compare to Sony’s?
A: Sony Bravia 8 TVs outperform LG in clarity and directional effects. What Hi-Fi? found LG’s audio “merely fine,” lagging in detail reproduction crucial for films and sports.

Q: Are LG C-series TVs still worth buying?
A: Yes—they offer excellent picture quality at competitive prices. However, compare them with Sony’s models and budget for a soundbar if audio matters.

Q: When will LG address these issues?
A: LG typically announces TV upgrades each January. Industry analysts suggest design and audio improvements could debut in 2025’s C6 series.

Q: What are the best alternatives to the LG C-series?
A: Consider Sony’s Bravia 8 for superior audio or Samsung’s S90D for brighter highlights. Both compete closely on price and performance.