By TechRadar, Smart TV Expert | Published: March 20, 2025

LG’s C-series OLED TVs have long been a benchmark for balancing high-end performance with approachable pricing, and the LG C5 OLED for 2025 is no exception. Positioned as the mid-range option in LG’s 2025 OLED lineup, the C5 delivers a feature-packed experience and stellar picture quality that rivals pricier models—though it’s not without competition from its predecessor, the LG C4. Available in sizes from 42 to 83 inches, starting at $1,399, the C5 is a premium yet accessible set that’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s standout TVs.

Overview: A Mid-Range Marvel

The LG C5 OLED slots between the entry-level B5 and flagship G5 in LG’s 2025 lineup, offering a compelling mix of advanced tech and value. It boasts an OLED Evo panel, a brighter display than its predecessor in key tests, and LG’s latest Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor. Gamers will love its robust feature set, while movie buffs will appreciate its vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, with the C4 still widely available at steep discounts, the C5 faces stiff in-house competition. Let’s break it down.

Pricing and Sizes

• 42-inch: $1,399 / £1,499
• 48-inch: $1,599 / £1,499
• 55-inch: $1,999 / £1,899
• 65-inch: $2,699 / £2,699
• 77-inch: $3,699 / £3,699
• 83-inch: $5,399 / £5,799

These prices are fair given the features, but the C4’s current discounts (e.g., $1,200 less for the 65-inch) make it a tempting alternative.

Key Features

Display and Performance

The LG C5 uses an OLED Evo panel, largely unchanged from the C4, but it’s brighter in most sizes—except the 42- and 48-inch models, which match their predecessors. Peak HDR brightness in Standard mode hits 1,190 nits (a 20% jump from the C4’s 929 nits), while Filmmaker mode sees a modest 10% boost. Full-screen HDR brightness, however, remains unchanged, leaving the C5 vulnerable to reflections in bright rooms.

• Color Accuracy: Out-of-the-box excellence, with vibrant, precise hues in Dolby Vision (e.g., Elemental on Disney+).
• Black Levels: Deep and detailed, shining in dark scenes like The Batman’s opening.
• Contrast: Stellar balance of bright highlights and dark tones, evident in Oppenheimer’s black-and-white sequences.
• Upscaling: The Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor enhances HD content (Fight Club on Disney+) to near-4K quality, though SD (480p) remains fuzzy on larger screens.

Gaming Features

The C5 is a gamer’s dream, retaining the C4’s robust suite:

• 4K at 144Hz: Smooth gameplay across all four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• VRR Support: AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and standard VRR.
• Dolby Vision Gaming: Enhanced visuals for compatible titles.
• Low Latency: 12.9ms in normal mode, 9.2ms in Boost mode—best-in-class responsiveness.
• Game Optimizer: Quick, in-depth adjustments and cloud gaming hubs (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce Now).

Playing Battlefield V at 4K/120Hz on Xbox Series X revealed seamless motion, vibrant colors, and no tearing—gaming TVs don’t get much better in 2025.

Smart Features: WebOS 25

LG’s WebOS 25 powers the C5 with a slew of AI enhancements:

• AI Search: Advanced content discovery based on user queries.
• AI Concierge: Personalized recommendations from viewing history.
• AI Picture & Sound Wizards: Custom profiles for visuals and audio.
• Voice ID: Switches user profiles automatically via voice recognition—great for families.
• Quick Cards: Streamlined hubs for sports, games, and more.

The AI chatbot, while improved, excels at basic troubleshooting (e.g., brightness tips) but falters with complex settings queries.

Audio

The C5’s 2.2-channel, 40W speakers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with AI Sound Pro upmixing to virtual 11.1.2 channels (up from 9.1.2 on the C4). The Movie Cinema preset delivers accurate sound placement (The Batman’s Batmobile rumbles nicely), but bass is restrained, and Atmos effects lack width compared to rivals like the Sony Bravia 8. The AI Sound Pro mode widens the soundstage and tightens bass, but a soundbar remains essential for true immersion—LG even bundles one with early orders.

Design

The C5’s slim, bezel-less frame and faux-marble rear panel exude understated elegance. Its sturdy pedestal stand is unchanged from prior models, and connections (including four HDMI 2.1 ports) are side-accessible. The new AI Magic Remote (US only) sports a sleeker, matte finish with AI Home Hub and accessibility buttons; UK users get an updated classic remote.

Performance Highlights

Picture Quality

The C5 shines with vivid colors (Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s red throne room pops), deep blacks, and refined textures (Top Gun: Maverick’s cockpit detail). Motion handling is solid—slow pans in Filmmaker mode show gentle judder, smoothed by the Cinematic Movement setting, while sports in Standard mode with Natural motion look clean and fluid. Reflections and limited full-screen brightness are the main drawbacks, making dim lighting ideal.

Sound Quality

While serviceable, the built-in audio lacks punch. The personalized Sound Wizard offers customization (e.g., Balanced, Natural, Vivid profiles), but it feels flat compared to AI Sound Pro or a soundbar setup.

Gaming

With best-in-class latency and stunning visuals, the C5 is a top-tier gaming TV for 2025, rivaling premium OLEDs at a lower price point.

LG C5 vs LG C4: Worth the Upgrade?

The C5’s upgrades—brighter HDR in Standard mode, new AI features, and virtual 11.1.2 audio—are incremental. The C4, now heavily discounted, matches the C5 in gaming, design, and core picture quality, making it the better value while it’s available. Once the C4 phases out, the C5’s refinements will shine brighter.

Final Verdict: A 2025 Contender

The LG C5 OLED is a phenomenal TV, excelling in picture quality, gaming, and smart features. Its $1,399 starting price is competitive for a mid-range OLED, though the C4’s discounts ($1,200 less for 65-inch) steal some thunder. For movies, gaming, and everyday use, the C5 is poised to be a 2025 standout—especially as prices drop later in the year. If you can wait, it’s a future king; if not, the C4 is the smarter buy today.

Pros:

• Stunning OLED picture quality
• Top-tier gaming features
• Robust WebOS 25 with AI enhancements

Cons:

• Full-screen brightness lags behind Mini LEDs
• Reflections in bright rooms
• C4 offers better value currently

What do you think—will the C5 be your 2025 pick? Share below!