LG's here with the new C2 OLED, or, as the box declares, an OLED EVO – in this case, a 55-inch model. If you thought this was an update on the one reviewed last year, you'd be right. But here's the kicker - the previous model was an amazing piece of technology, and this one's even better. Straight away what stands out is the awesome Magic remote, the stunning slim screen and crisp bright detail, and ease of use.
These days, 'unboxing' is part of the customer experience. Pulling the OLED EVO from its packaging is a fairly standard process. Seeing the Magic remote immediately reminded us that this the one item you'll engage with most intimately in any TV. And the Magic really is that; non-directional, with a pleasant heft and packed with voice control and shortcut buttons for your favourites, the remote sets the LG apart from any other TV we've experienced. It's ergonomics where it matters. And this is 2022, is pointing really necessary to change the channel?
Setup is simple; lay the screen flat on a blanket-covered coffee table and attach the (slimmed down from last year's model) base. Then hook 'er up; the LG ThinQ smartphone app makes connecting to Wifi and adding accounts as easy as pie; just follow the onscreen instructions. And the TV detects your soundbar and game console automagically - just the way we like it.
Design, build, software, and apps
Yes, the LG C2 OLED EVO is beautiful. And super slim. It's also surprisingly solid, with a decent heft even in the 55-inch version.
A standout design feature is the simple but elegant cable management; a few simple plastic clips and decent routing through the back of the TV (with a snap in plastic cover) takes care of the cluttery conundrum.
The software is built around LG's webOS 22 and is one of the best in the business. Intuitive, easy to use and completely unobtrusive, the TV starts fast and 'just works'. That's a defining advantage for a great customer experience: barely noticeable software, so you get on with watching TV, rather than hassling with tech issues. Features built into the software (and hardware) include Dolby Vision IQ, FILMMAKER MODE, APS, Cinema, Cricket, Game Optimiser, ISF Bright Room, ISF Dark Room and a ton more. Special mention for intelligence: the AI signal processor (LG calls it the 'α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K Intelligent') dynamically upscales images on the screen, so even older movies and other content in classic 3:2 ratio looks amazing.
A full range of apps is available; for most, it's the essentials which matter most and they are all present. YouTube, Disney+, Alexa, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, TVNZ+, ThreeNow and Spark Sport. There's very little you won't find; the TV is smart, too, and makes suggestions helping you get the most from it.
This is what the LG C2 OLED is really all about. It's also difficult translating a picture into words; apparently, a thousand is roughly what it takes. The tech details include 3840 x 2160 resolution, 10-bit depth, Dolby Vision (High Dynamic Range). A 1-millisecond response rate (important to gamers), High Frame Rate, AI picture processing, and more. OLED stands for organic light-emitting diodes, the basic building block for the screen. OLEDs are self-lit and the secret of LG's bright colours and black blacks.
That's the long of it. The short of it is simply this: an LG OLED TV is noticeably better than 'budget' 4K TVs. Just look at one in store, because seeing really is believing. Even better is a direct comparison to the TVs of yesteryear if you are considering an upgrade. There is no contest.
We've already mentioned the crucial 1ms response time, but the LG C2 OLED has plenty more for gamers. Understanding the popularity of console gaming and the role most TVs are now expected to play, LG built in a host of features making this as good as a precision PC monitor. Better, actually, because it's bigger and prettier. If features like NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate support matter through its Game Optimiser feature, the LG is the screen for you.
In our case, we used an Xbox Series X; every game is noticeably better, from looks, to performance. But, honestly, mostly in looks – spectacular. Sound is amazing too, not just for games, but for everything, thanks to Dolby Atmos processing. With 40 watt speakers, the 'standard' sound is better than most, but in our case, the LG operated through a Sonos Arc.
The more ports the better, quite frankly, because that means options. The LG OLED EVO offers plenty, including 4 HDMI, 3 USB, LAN, IR Blaster (not tested), Digital Optical and an old style RF input (not used) & Satellite tuner. Smart Share features include a Network File Browser for accessing content on your computer or other devices, Miracast for easily sending stuff from your phone, with ThinQ serving as the smartphone remote. Of course, the TV works with Apple Airplay, too.
There's a bottom line here, and it's this. The last time LG sent an OLED for review, at least two visitors who saw the test unit ended up buying one for their families; that unit was a 48-inch, the folks in question went for 65 and 75-inch models. These TVs are at the top of their game, so if you are in the market, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not checking them out.
Sadly, we'll have to send it back to LG NZ after the review. Real shame.
For more, visit https://www.lg.com/nz/oled-evo or check out LG TV in your nearest appliance store.