The two versions of the LG OLED C3 cost 1,699 euros (42 inches) and 1,799 euros (48 inches) at their launch in March, respectively. The smaller model is currently included 1,382.39 euros at Amazon*. The 48-incher costs 1,467.13 euros and is therefore cheaper than ever before. You save more than 300 euros on both models.
LG OLED C3: Is it worth upgrading from the C2?
Compared to the previous model, the C2, LG has given the C3 an even better display. This means that the 4K TV from LG reaches new peak values in terms of brightness for this model series. That also confirms Hifi.de in the test. New and more efficient pixels have been installed in the OLED Evo display, which, in combination with the new sixth-generation Alpha processor, ensures less power consumption – a not insignificant advantage in times of rising energy prices.
It should be noted, however, that according to LG, the 42- and 48-inch variants do not have the so-called Brightness Booster, which means that they cannot quite keep up with the larger models in terms of brightness. But – and this is emphasized on Hifi.de – there are hardly any good OLED TVs in these “small” sizes. So if you want to equip a small home cinema or your bedroom with an OLED TV, the C3 can be an option.
LG’s personal picture mode is new and exciting. Here you choose the photo you like best from six alternatives in several rounds. The artificial intelligence of the C3 learns from this and adjusts the image settings accordingly. If you don’t like the result, it’s worth choosing the “Filmmaker” option from the preset picture modes.
Even more clarity in HDR mode thanks to the OLED Evo display
In HDR mode, the LG OLED C3’s Evo display comes into its own. Naturally, the 4K TV supports the HDR formats HDR10 and HLG. In addition, there is the dynamic HDR format Dolby Vision, which is standard with most streaming services. Only the Amazon Prime video standard HDR10+ is not supported.
As usual, the connection options of the LG OLED C3 are extensive. Four HDMI 2.1 ports, in combination with the 120 Hz panel and various game modes, provide the best conditions for smooth gaming with NextGen consoles such as the Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series X. Unlike their big brothers and sisters, the 42 and 48-inch versions also have a headphone jack.
The best alternatives to the LG OLED C3
A good alternative to the LG OLED C3 is the previous model. The C2 costs 55 inches (140 centimeters) 1,199 euros at Amazon* and is therefore cheaper than the smaller models of the C3. Another alternative is the LG OLED CS9 with 55 inches in front 999 euros at Amazon*.
The C2 isn’t quite as bright as the new C3 in comparison, which is especially noticeable when used in daylight. Otherwise, the two models are very similar. However, the C3 is slightly ahead when it comes to the better structured smart TV system and voice control operation. But it is also almost 300 euros more expensive than the C2.
The even cheaper LG OLED CS9 is in fact a slightly slimmed down version of the C2. This model does not have an OLED Evo panel, but ‘only’ an OLED display with a slightly lower brightness. In addition, there is less efficiency, ie a slightly higher power consumption of the CS9.