LG’s 2023 4K HDR Smart OLED evo TV, hereafter referred to as LG’s OLED, is an impressive addition to the company’s range of smart TVs. With its high-end features, this model has left a significant mark on the TV market, and it’s worth exploring why.
What’s to Like about LG’s OLED?
There’s plenty to love about LG’s 2023 4K HDR Smart OLED evo TV. Here are some standout features:
- Outstanding Contrast and Off-Angle Image: The contrast is top-notch, and the off-angle image remains crisp and clear.
- Cutting-edge Gaming Features: The LG OLED is a gamer’s dream come true, with high-end gaming features that add to the overall experience.
- Elegant Design: With its ultrathin, lightweight panel and sleek design, this TV adds an element of elegance to any room.
A Head-to-Head Comparison
When pitted against other high-end TVs on the market, the LG OLED holds its own. It competes with Samsung’s OLED TVs and even LG’s more expensive G3 model.
In a comparison test featuring the C3, G3, and the previous year’s C2 model, along with Samsung’s S95C and Sony’s A80L OLED TVs, the C3 stood its ground. Although it appeared less bright than the G3 and Samsung models (which are pricier), it didn’t fall short in terms of performance.
Is the C2 still a Good Buy?
Interestingly, the C2 model from 2022 still holds strong. Compared to the new C3, they were nearly identical in terms of features, design, and image quality.
If you’re looking for a high-end TV and want to save a few hundred bucks, the C2 could be a great choice. But keep in mind, it will sell out over the summer, and as the TV buying season approaches this fall, the C3’s price is likely to drop.
Design and Aesthetics
Looking at the design, the C3 closely resembles the previous year’s C2 model. From the minimalist panels to the stands and the back, the two look identical. But that’s not necessarily a negative. Both smart TVs are sleek and appealing, and their near all-picture look is a definite plus.
The LG OLED is easily one of the most lightweight smart TVs that you can buy, and this is thanks to lighter carbon-fiber construction. What this means is that a 65-inch C3 is’t heavier than C2, and both weigh about 40 pounds even with the stand on.
The remote control, unfortunately, is the same as the previous model, which might dissuade some users from using the factory offered clicker.
Unique Features of the LG OLED
The LG OLED includes some unique features that debuted last year. One of these is a multiview mode that allows you to display two images side-by-side, although it cannot show two HDMI sources. Other options include things like art, clocks and various other widgets that can be displayed on demand or set to display as needed. It is worth noting that burn-in can still occur, but it’s less likely with this high res display.
Connections and Compatibility
Here’s a quick rundown of the connection options available on the LG OLED:
- Four HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.2
- Three USB ports
- Optical digital audio output
- RF (antenna) input
- RS-232 port (minijack, for service only)
- Ethernet (LAN) port
Picture Quality and Performance
The LG OLED delivers an amazing quality of picture, especially when compared to other high-end TVs, such as the LG G3 and Samsung S95C, the LG OLED performed admirably.
In a side-by-side comparison featuring both HDR and SDR content, the LG OLED demonstrated superior brightness, color, and shadow detail. And although it appeared less bright than the G3 and Samsung models, the difference was minimal.
A Gamer’s Dream
The LG OLED is a fantastic option for gamers, with high-end gaming features that enhance the overall experience. The Game Optimizer menu consolidates all gaming settings in one place, making it easy to adjust and customize your gaming experience.
The smart TV’s low input lag is another major selling point for gamers. With an impressive input lag result of just 13.5ms for both 1080p and 4K HDR sources, the LG OLED ensures smooth and responsive gameplay.
Bright Room Performance
While the LG OLED is bright enough for most viewing environments, it is not the brightest TV on the market. However, its anti-reflective screen does an excellent job of reducing glare, making it suitable for most rooms.
Geek Box
For those interested in the technical details, here are some key metrics for the LG OLED:
- Black luminance (0%): 0.000
- Peak white luminance (SDR): 501
- Average gamma (10-100%): 2.16
- Average grayscale error (10-100%): 0.93
- Dark gray error (30%): 0.50
- Bright gray error (80%): 0.56
- Average color checker error: 0.84
- Average saturation sweeps error: 0.80
- Average color error: 1.02
- 1080p/24 Cadence (IAL): Pass
- Input lag (Game mode): 13.33
- HDR10
- Black luminance (0%): 0.000
- Peak white luminance (10% win): 861
- Gamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976): 99.32
- ColorMatch HDR error: 4.55
- Average color checker error: 2.35
- Input lag (Game mode, 4K HDR): 14.03
Final Verdict
The LG 2023 4K HDR Smart OLED evo TV is a high-performing, feature-packed TV that offers excellent value for money, despite its high price tag. With amazing image quality, lots of built-in value and a screen that has resolution that simply can’t be beat, it’s a great buy if you have the means.
