Tested: LG OLED C1 | Dream TV … and game

LG OLED TVs have been critics’ darlings for years, and the C1 model launched in 2021 is no exception. To the remarkable image quality, we added a few improvements this year that will delight fans of video games, a smarter processor and a new screen size of 83 inches. But it’s still just as tedious to plug in Bluetooth headphones.

Karim Benessaieh
Press

WE love

The quality of the image produced by the C1 OLED TV, of which we tested the 55-inch model, is as striking as ever. This technology uses only one panel of so-called “organic” light-emitting diodes, hence the acronym DELO, in French. These diodes emit their own light instead of filtering white light like in the case of LED televisions, which include two panels.

The result, with OLED technology, is the possibility of having deep and complete blacks, a wide screen of barely 5 mm in its upper part, an almost infinite contrast and a greater richness of colors. The OLED C1 does a wonderful job in this regard, as does its predecessor, the CX, which we had on hand at the same time. In fact, we don’t really see a difference between the two when we alternately display the same film.

We won’t blame LG for keeping the same recipe, it works. Even in a brightly lit room, in broad daylight, the contrast and solid colors make it possible to appreciate the nuances of a film.

This year, on the other hand, we are entitled to a new sub-menu when we plug in a video game console or a computer: a “game optimizer”. This is where you can control several parameters, the type of image and the sound. This television is compatible with the rate of 120 Hz and is the only one to integrate Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies, which avoid having jerky images.

With its ability to reproduce video content at 120 frames per second, its Dolby Vision capabilities at 4K, and its advertised 6ms latency, the OLED C1 actually blurs the line between a television and a computer monitor designed for gaming. video.

The remote control, called Magic Remote, has been redesigned and fits better in the hand. It still includes the cursor that moves around the screen like a laser pointer, and raised buttons for volume and channels that can be spotted even in dim light.

This TV is compatible with the two main voice assistants, Alexa and the Google Assistant, and allows you to stream content from Apple devices with AirPlay. The availability of apps in LG’s in-house store is impressive, given the fact that its operating system, WebOS 6, is independent from Google and Apple. The most popular applications are there, with the exception of Tou.tv, still very rare.

We are entitled to a new version of the processor, the fourth generation “4K IA α 9”, which is touted as having the ability to recognize content on the screen to better distinguish them. A face, therefore, will not be treated like a tropical landscape. Same nuances for sound, which distinguishes between vocals and music, for example.

Honestly, it’s hard to confirm that the processor is doing a better job than before. It’s obviously more agile, and the TV seemed to respond faster, though.

For connections, we are entitled to four HDMI 2.1 inputs, each detecting the connected device and being able to become eARC, and three USB sockets. Ethernet and a / v inputs, as well as a 3.5mm jack, complete the picture.

Finally, prices continue to come down, at least for smaller screens, with the 48 ” model for example at $ 1,799.99. For the all-new 83-inch, on the other hand, you have to shell out $ 10,081.

We like less

Contrary to what much less powerful televisions do, the OLED C1 does not automatically reconnect to the last Bluetooth headphones used. You have to constantly go to the settings to reconnect them except, once in five, when they are detected upon ignition.

The interface of WebOS 6 is honest, nothing more. You end up finding all the parameters, but you have to dig.

One buys ?

For any movie buff or video gamer who wants quality, and who is willing to pay a hefty price tag without breaking the bank, the OLED C1 is the best choice. You can of course find much cheaper 4K TVs even in supermarkets, but none have an image quality that comes close to that of OLED technology.

King LG keeps his crown in this area.