LG C1 (OLED65C1) OLED TV review | ultimate gaming TV

The LG C1 is a premium 4k OLED TV that combines cutting-edge picture processing with an advanced set of features, making it particularly appealing to serious console gamers.

It is smarter than a regular flat screen, thanks to features such as ThinQ AI and Deep Learning, which are trained to improve its AV performance and usability. In short, if you are looking for a new TV with all the toys, this model is in the short list.

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LG C1 (OLED65C1) review: summary

The LG C1 is an exclusive 4k OLED flat screen, offering excellent picture performance, an advanced smart platform and best-in-class connectivity for next-generation gamers. But plan to add a soundtrack, as its sound is invisible.

Price: The RRP of the 65-inch C1 is £ 1899, but you can buy the TV from Curry for £ 1799.

Basic functions:

  • 4k HDR with Dolby Vision IQ
  • Smart platform for Web OS
  • Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support
  • HDMI v2.1 connectivity

Professionals:

  • Excellent 4K picture quality
  • Plenty of options for streaming applications
  • Game optimizer mode
  • Support 4K 120fps with high frame rate

cons:

  • Medium onboard audio
  • There is no support for HDR10 +
  • Smart Platform can handle customization options

What is the LG C1?

LG C1 65-inch TV Review

The LG C1 is a well-equipped 4k OLED TV available in screen sizes of 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches (OLED485C1, OLED55C1, OLED65C1, OLED77C1 and OILED83C1 respectively). The sample of our test bench is the 65-inch model.

What does the LG C1 TV do?

  • The LG C1 is a Freeview Play OLED TV with a sophisticated webOS 6.0 smart platform.
  • Its Freeview Play tuner offers all the major players to catch up on TV
  • The OLED screen offers perfect black and excellent details in the shade when viewed in a dark room
  • It boasts Dolby Vision IQ, designed to make HDR programs look better when viewed in bright rooms
  • It will output Dolby Atmos cinematic audio to a Dolby Atmos soundtrack or home theater system
  • There is a game optimization mode to set up the kit for a better console experience
  • It can display high-speed games at 4k 120 frames per second from the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X
  • Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

How much does the LG OLED65C1 TV cost?

The 65-inch C1 sells for around £ 1899. The 48-, 55-, 77- and 83-inch models are listed at £ 1,299, £ 1,399, £ 3,499 and £ 5,499, respectively.

Buy the 83-inch LG C1 from John Lewis for £ 5499

Buy the 77-inch LG C1 from Currys for £ 3499

Buy the 65-inch LG C1 from Currys for £ 1799

Buy the 55-inch LG C1 from Currys for £ 1299

Buy the 48-inch LG C1 from Currys for £ 1099

Is the LG OLED65C1 TV good value for money?

The LG C1 is not cheap, but it is competitively priced when it comes to premium OLED screens. It may not be the type of kit you’ll pick up for a song at bargain stores, but in the thinner air of the big screen, 4k HDR OLED can be considered good value.

To put our price in context, competing models such as the Sony XR65A8 and Panasonic TX-55JZ1500 sell for around £ 2199 and £ 1999, respectively.

Features of the LG OLED65C1 TV

C1 bristles with intelligent functionality. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, uses ThinQ AI’s own smart machine for voice control and search, and has a streaming platform, a web operating system, with comprehensive application support. If you want a very catchy TV, you’ve come to the right place.

Manual control is performed through the latest version of LG’s Magic Remote. This stopper differs from competing pointers in that it presents a cursor on the screen to click and drag things.

The remote also has special buttons for Netflix,, Basic video,, Disney + and Rakuten TV, along with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Remote for LG C1 TV

LG has made some major changes to its smart webOS platform this year. The all-new webOS v6.0 offers a full-screen menu with streaming and curated content, replacing last year’s launch bar.

One annoyance of the new look is the lack of customization. The TV runs services and programs that you are not subscribed to, which quickly becomes annoying.

However, support for streaming applications is comprehensive. Netflix, Prime Video, Disney +, NOW and AppleTV +, join all the usual Freeview Play UK catch-up apps (BBC iPlayer, ITVHub, All4, UKTV Play and My5). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

New for 2021 is the Game Optimizer. This brings the game parameters together in one place for quick setup: you can optimize the screen for the genre of game you’re playing, select different types of VRR (variable refresh rate), and watch the input delay.

We measured the screen latency at 12.6 ms (with 1080/60 source), with game mode on, which can be considered very good. Of course, if you’re just having fun with Animal Crossing, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

Design and setup of the LG OLED65C1 TV

LG C1 TV panel

The LG C1 is a super slim OLED display, with electronics and inputs filling its lower third. The quality of workmanship and the overall coverage is high.

The center-weighted stand has an almost full width front, so the screen is almost flush with your furniture. There is no space to place a soundtrack underneath.

The connectivity is excellent. There are four HDMI inputs, all of which have the latest v2.1 specification. They support 4k @ 120Hz sources, good news for discerning gamers.

There is also a digital optical audio output, three USB and Ethernet. The wireless connection comes via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi.

Initial setup and setup are easy, guided by on-screen prompts. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password nearby.

Picture quality of the LG OLED65C1 TV

Straight out of the box, the LG C1 offers great image quality. The photos are superbly sharp, with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Like all OLED screens, the kit’s self-luminous pixels provide deep black with very fine detail in the shadows.

When it comes to HDR performance, the kit shines. We measured the peak HDR brightness at about 750 nits. That’s enough for bright light accents with HDR content, which add extra depth and texture to images and make sporting events look more three-dimensional.

The C1’s Alpha 9 image engine uses AI techniques, including deep learning, to optimize real-time images. AI Picture Pro mode applies noise and sharpness reduction, while AI Brightness gives a boost in HDR style to regular SDR programs. The kit looks best with natural 4k programs from Netflix, Prime Video and Disney +, but also improves HD material.

HDR support covers regular HDR, HLG and Dolby Vision IQ, but not HDR10 +. Prime Video prefers the latest standard and it is a pity that LG does not offer compatibility.

Sound quality of the LG OLED65C1 TV

In terms of audio, the C1 is largely invisible. It has a 40W sound system, so it will certainly play loud and is compatible with Dolby Atmos, but the downward array of speakers is not good enough to give true justice to the soundtracks in the cinema. It will work and is good for uncritical listening, but it’s best to budget for a soundtrack or home theater system if you plan to make the most of your movie nights.

Our verdict: do you have to buy the LG OLED65C1 TV?

If you’re shopping for a premium 4K TV with premium picture quality and advanced connectivity, the LG C1 should be close to the top of your list. In terms of performance and value, this is a winner.

But there are (small) warnings. We like the latest smart platform for webOS, but it could be a little more user-friendly and offer more customization. At least there is no shortage of streaming services and catch-up TV applications.

For next-generation gamers, we rate it as a great model for partnering with PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. It also makes a superb home theater display, thanks to the power of LG’s new Alpha 9 picture processor. Connect it to an external Dolby Atmos sound system for a truly immersive viewing experience.

Our rating:

  • Feature: 4/5
  • Design: 3.5 / 5
  • Picture quality: 5/5
  • Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
  • Value for money: 4/5
  • Overall ranking: 4/5

Where to buy LG OLED65C1 TV

LG OLED65C1 is available at Curry and John Lewis.

For more product guides and reviews, refer to technology section. Looking for more tips on how to choose a new TV? Focus on our guide which tv to buy or head straight for ours smart TV deals and TV offers for Black Friday page.