The LG C5 (2025) replaced the C4 (2024) in LG's mid-range OLED lineup. Both are flagship-tier OLEDs minus the brightness boosters of the G-series. With the C4 now selling at ~50% off launch, the question isn't "which is better" — it's "is the C5 enough better to justify the premium?"
Quick answer
- Buy the C4 if you can find it for $400+ less than the C5. The picture-quality difference is small.
- Buy the C5 if the gap is under $300, you game at high frame rates (144Hz native), or you watch a lot of upscaled 1080p/720p content where the new α9 Gen8 processor genuinely helps.
- Don't upgrade from a C4 to a C5. The generational jump isn't worth the cost if you already own a current-gen OLED.
What's different
| Feature | C4 (2024) | C5 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | α9 Gen7 AI | α9 Gen8 AI |
| Native refresh | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Peak brightness | ~1,000 nits | ~1,150 nits |
| HDMI ports | 4× HDMI 2.1 | 4× HDMI 2.1 |
| 4K/120Hz/VRR/ALLM | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes (with refined tone mapping) |
| webOS version | webOS 24 | webOS 25 |
| Game Optimizer | Yes | Yes (slightly redesigned UI) |
| Sizes | 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" | 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" |
| Launch MSRP (65") | $2,699 | $2,599 |
| Current street (65") | ~$1,299 (clearance) | ~$1,799-$2,099 |
Where the C5 is genuinely better
144Hz native refresh. PC gamers running RTX 4080+ cards or Xbox Series X with the right titles can get a real benefit. Console-only users on PS5 or Series X (capped at 120Hz) won't notice.
α9 Gen8 processor — better with low-resolution sources. The new processor's AI upscaling is meaningfully better on 480p and 720p content. If you watch a lot of older shows, classic films, or low-bitrate cable, this matters. For 4K streaming and 1080p Blu-rays, the difference is invisible.
Slightly higher peak brightness (~15%). Real but small. In a controlled-light room you won't see it. In bright daylight you might.
webOS 25 is faster. Snappier menus, less app-launch lag. Quality-of-life improvement, not a reason to buy.
Refined Dolby Vision tone mapping. Better handling of HDR highlights in mixed scenes (bright sky behind dark foreground). Visible on demanding content; invisible on most.
Where the C4 wins right now
Price. A 65" C4 at $1,299 vs a 65" C5 at $1,799 is a $500 gap. That's a soundbar, a console, or a year of streaming subscriptions saved. The picture-quality jump on the C5 doesn't justify $500 for most buyers.
Same gaming features. Four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming, and Game Optimizer — all identical between C4 and C5. Console gamers get zero meaningful upgrade from the C5.
Same panel manufacturer and build. Both use LG Display's WOLED panel. The C5 has minor processing tweaks; the underlying display hardware is the same generation. Long-term reliability should be identical.
Mature firmware. The C4 has 18 months of firmware updates and bug fixes. Quirks are documented; fixes are out. The C5 is still on early-cycle firmware as of mid-2026.
Real-world picture quality difference
In side-by-side viewing of mixed content — gaming, 4K Blu-ray, streaming, sports — most viewers cannot reliably tell a C4 and C5 apart. The differences exist in benchmark testing but require careful comparison and specific content (low-resolution upscaling, peak HDR highlights) to be visible.
If you're upgrading from a C2/C3 or any LCD, you'll be thrilled with either the C4 or C5. If you're choosing between them as your next TV, optimize for price.
Gaming-specific notes
Both TVs:
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports at full 48 Gbps
- 4K/120Hz with VRR (40-120Hz range)
- Dolby Vision Gaming on PS5 (yes — both via firmware updates)
- Game Optimizer dashboard
C5 only:
- 4K/144Hz on HDMI inputs (PC gaming benefit only — consoles cap at 120Hz)
- Slightly tighter input lag at 4K/60Hz (12.4ms vs 13.1ms — invisible to humans)
If you're a console gamer, this is a complete wash. If you're a PC gamer with a card that can drive 4K/144Hz, the C5 is the right pick.
Don't be fooled by these specs
- "Brightness Booster Max" / "Brightness Booster" — marketing terms. Neither C4 nor C5 has the brightness-boosting heatsink layer of the G-series.
- "Faster than 4K/120Hz" on the C5 spec sheet — refers to the 4K/144Hz mode, only relevant for PC gaming.
- "Up to 5x faster AI processing" — comparing α9 Gen8 to Gen7 in synthetic benchmarks. Real-world impact is the upscaling improvement noted above; not 5x more enjoyable.
Buying notes
C4 best deals: $1,299 for 65" at Best Buy and Amazon — has been at this price consistently for 2+ months. Black Friday could push to $1,199 but availability tightens. 55" C4 at $999, 77" C4 at $2,299.
C5 sale prices: Around $1,799 on sale (vs $2,599 MSRP) for 65". Largest discounts during Super Bowl, Memorial Day, and Black Friday windows.
Watch for: Confused listings calling the C4 "C5" or pre-2024 panels (C3, C2) misrepresented as C4. Always verify the exact model number before buying — LG's model code is on the back panel sticker.
FAQ
How much longer will LG support the C4 with firmware updates? LG typically supports OLED TVs for 5+ years. Expect C4 firmware updates through at least 2029.
Is the C5's MLA panel better than the C4's WOLED? Neither C4 nor C5 has MLA (Micro Lens Array). MLA is exclusive to the G-series (G4, G5). C-series uses standard WOLED both years.
Should I wait for the C6? The C6 was announced at CES 2026 and ships mid-year at a $200-300 launch premium over the C5. Early reviews suggest 5-10% improvements. If you need a TV now, don't wait. If you can wait 3+ months, the C6 will be worth considering — and the C5 will be on clearance.
Do both support Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit? Yes, both C4 and C5 support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Bottom line
For 95% of buyers, the C4 at clearance is the smart purchase. Same Atmos and Dolby Vision, same gaming features, same panel generation, $400-500 less. Spend the difference on a soundbar.
The C5 is the right pick only if the price gap closes to $300 or less, you're a PC gamer using 4K/144Hz, or you really want the latest webOS version. Console-only gamers and casual streamers should buy the C4.
Related guides
- Best 65-inch OLED TV 2026 — full OLED comparison
- Best gaming TV for PS5/Xbox — gaming-specific picks
- LG C5 Game Optimizer not working — troubleshooting