ZDNET’s in-depth review highlights several key conclusions about the LG C5 OLED, a television that pushes the limits of image quality and design refinement. First and foremost, this model distinguishes itself through its dazzling brightness and remarkably vivid color representation, both of which have been significantly elevated compared with previous iterations. The display radiates a luminous intensity and color accuracy that captures the viewer’s attention the moment the screen comes to life. Additionally, LG has refined the physical design into a strikingly slim form factor, sculpted from premium materials that exude sophistication and a sense of craftsmanship often found in high-end electronics. However, these upgrades come at a considerable cost: despite only modest technical improvements over last year’s model, the C5 remains positioned at a relatively high price point, prompting prospective buyers to weigh performance gains against budget considerations.
Underlying the analysis is a fundamental principle often overlooked by consumers—the single most decisive attribute of any television is its picture quality. Smart operating systems, brand heritage, or headline refresh rates may enhance the experience, but the visceral impact of a display’s visual performance ultimately governs first impressions. When one enters a warehouse retailer like Costco, for instance, rows of shimmering screens in “Retail Mode” immediately draw customers in with hyper-saturated landscapes and cinematic vibrancy. Human perception is inherently drawn to light, color, and movement; long before we assess specifications, our eyes judge quality instinctively.
By that measure, LG’s 2025 C5 OLED confidently claims its place among the industry’s finest performers. The reviewer’s conviction is absolute—right after powering on the evaluation unit, the superiority of its visual output was self-evident. Year after year, LG continues to refine its OLED technology, and this season’s implementation feels particularly assured. For those considering a purchase, notable discounts exceeding $1,300 off make this potential investment even more appealing during peak sales events.
A closer look at the construction reveals the C5’s aesthetic distinctiveness and structural ingenuity. The screen’s extraordinary thinness—approximately one-quarter of an inch—creates an almost impossibly sleek silhouette, reminiscent of futuristic industrial design. So slender are the upper edges that unpacking the television requires caution; it feels fragile yet precise, like a finely engineered instrument. Fortunately, the lower chassis section offers a sturdier grip for setup and positioning. This minimalist approach aligns perfectly with LG’s design philosophy: maximize visible screen area while minimizing extraneous bulk. Compared with fashionable “Frame” televisions, the C5 is nearly four times thinner across much of its surface, underscoring LG’s mastery of streamlined innovation.
Even the packaging reflects thoughtful engineering. Inside the box, the organization feels deliberate and almost ceremonial. The remote control rests neatly in its own sleeve, batteries already installed for immediate use, while the base plate and hardware components are stored separately in fitted compartments—details seasoned unboxers truly appreciate. Subtle design flourishes continue throughout the device, from the black marble texture on the rear panel to the discreet rubberized pads beneath the stand that prevent unintended movement. Each detail expresses LG’s commitment to merging functionality with aesthetic poise.
Technological advancements within the panel reinforce why LG remains synonymous with OLED innovation. Anchoring the C5’s performance is the Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor—an intelligent chipset capable of real-time optimization powered by artificial intelligence. This engine drives sophisticated systems such as AI Super Upscaling, designed to transform lower-resolution content into near-4K fidelity, and Deep Learning enhancements that adapt picture and sound parameters according to individual viewing preferences. AI Concierge extends this personalization even further by analyzing habits and suggesting custom-tailored entertainment options. While none of these features alone justify an upgrade from earlier models, they collectively point toward a future where televisions learn from their users and intuitively adjust for optimal performance.
Connectivity is equally generous: four HDMI 2.1 ports ensure compatibility with the most demanding gaming consoles and next-generation devices, while three USB ports provide ample options for external media connections. Setting up the C5 proves refreshingly user-friendly, thanks to LG’s ThinQ mobile integration. Through the companion app, users can specify installation details—such as whether the TV is wall-mounted or placed on a stand—to fine-tune initial calibration. Some minor quirks exist, like the assistant’s overly rapid speech cadence, but overall the onboarding process feels efficient and modern.
Once initialized, the television encourages users to enable advanced AI features like Picture Pro mode. This setting vividly demonstrates real-time upscaling using short video segments, clearly illustrating the panel’s superior processing power. In testing, the LG C5 consistently delivered exceptional picture clarity and tonal precision across a broad range of visual content. Whether showcasing the shadowed introspection of Tony Stark’s monologue in *Avengers: Endgame* or capturing the blinding surge of light during Thanos’s climactic snap, the display rendered each frame with astonishing fidelity—deep blacks, luminous highlights, and breathtaking color distinction.
Even in standby mode, the C5 retains its polished demeanor. Enabled through its “Always Ready” function, the screen can act as a motion-activated art display, projecting gentle animations or wallpapers that respond to presence in the room. It’s here the OLED’s perfect black levels become most apparent, creating a sense of dimensionality as though one could reach into the image itself. Yet, not all aspects impress equally. The AI Sound Pro algorithm, for example, amplifies volume but simultaneously emphasizes treble ranges, diminishing acoustic warmth. While a soundbar easily compensates for this limitation, discerning listeners may prefer leaving that feature disabled. Likewise, energy-saving modes—ostensibly designed to conserve power—tend to compromise brightness and high dynamic range performance; disabling them reveals the panel’s true visual brilliance, particularly under bright ambient lighting.
LG’s trademark Magic Remote continues to serve as the primary interface for navigating the operating system. Although reminiscent of a motion-based game controller, it now allows users to disable the once-mandatory on-screen cursor and instead rely on familiar directional keys—a welcome convenience. However, the remote still omits a few essential design elements: notably, the absence of a dedicated mute button feels counterintuitive. Instead, pressing the volume rocker downward for two seconds initiates silence, a design decision that favors sleekness over immediacy. The lack of backlit keys further detracts from usability in dark environments, an oversight in an otherwise premium ecosystem.
Ultimately, ZDNET concludes that the LG C5 OLED exemplifies contemporary television excellence. Visually elegant whether powered on or off, it radiates refinement while delivering near-reference-level performance. Nevertheless, its improvements over the previous C4 series—such as a slight increase in peak brightness and similarly capped refresh rate at 144Hz—represent incremental progress rather than transformative leaps. Given that the C4 remains available for nearly half the cost, pragmatic consumers may find the earlier model a more rational purchase unless aspirational design or subtle boosts in picture precision justify the higher expense.
When compared with LG’s own flagship G5 OLED, the C5’s differences become clearer. The G5 boasts the more powerful Alpha 11 processor, a tandem RGB panel delivering enhanced luminance uniformity, and superior multi-channel audio output. Pricing reflects these upgrades, with the G5 starting significantly higher. Yet the C5 retains most of the essential connectivity and gaming-oriented technologies—HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rate support, and adaptive sync—which together preserve its appeal as a high-performance yet comparatively affordable alternative.
In summary, ZDNET’s evaluation portrays the LG C5 OLED as a sophisticated convergence of design, intelligence, and display mastery. While it may not redefine OLED performance, it solidifies LG’s reputation as a leader in the field and demonstrates the company’s continual refinement of both hardware engineering and user experience. Initially published on April 29, 2025, and later updated in January 2026 with verified pricing and comparative specifications, this comprehensive review reaffirms that the C5 remains one of the most visually gratifying televisions currently available, especially when discounted to half its original cost.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/lg-c5-oled-review/
