LG C2 OLED TV: Everything we know so far

LG C2 OLED TV: Everything we know so far LG has introduced its new C2 OLED TVs, a continuation of its incredible 1 CXNUMX OLED lineup. Given that the LG C1 OLED TV today ranks first in our guide to the best OLED TVs, it's safe to say that we are very excited to see how LG plans to progress its already incredible design.

Features OLED C2 OLED

From what we have seen so far,The new C2 OLEDs will offer superior image quality thanks to the OLED EVO panels, enhanced performance with the Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor, and incredible audio performance thanks to high-quality built-in speakers that can create 7.1 surround sound. Besides, LG also plans to introduce a 42-inch OLED screen for the first time as part of its C2 series lineup., which could bring its high-end display technology to its lowest pre-sale price of all time. While this smaller size is going to lose out on OLED Evo panels, just like the 48-inch size offering. Below is everything LG announced about the new C2 OLED displays at its CES 2022 press conference, as well as what to expect from the TVs when they launch later this year.

LG C2 OLED TV: What you need to know

LG C2 OLED TV priceQ: Cost is yet to be confirmed, but a listing on John Lewis's store page for the LG C2 OLED suggests it's going to be a bit more expensive than last year's LG C1. LG C2 OLED TV Release Date: LG has not confirmed a launch date either, however, we expect the new line to launch in April or May 2022. LG C2 OLED TV Design: The biggest design change is the addition of a new, smaller 42-inch model to the range – the smallest OLED TV LG has ever made. You can always select an alternative of up to 83 inches if you prefer a larger screen. Image quality of LG C2 OLED TV: TVs 55 inches and larger will benefit from brighter and more durable OLED EVO panels, while the entire C2 range will benefit from picture improvements thanks to the new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor. LG C2 OLED TV Audio Performance: With the extended capabilities of LG's AI Sound Pro feature, the TV's built-in speakers will deliver virtual 7.1 surround sound for incredible audio performance. LG C2 OLED TV Set: With support for Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and HDMI 2.1 (which lets you game at 4Hz in 1K), such as XNUMXms response time, gamers can't expect anything from this display.

LG C2 OLED TV price

Right now, the cost of the LG C2 OLED TV continues to rise, but UK retailer John Lewis may have given us an idea of ​​what to expect when the new panels launch later this year. A family looks at their new LG TV in their living room (Image credit: LG) The online store today has the 48-inch version for €1399 (around $1900 / AU$2,650), which is €100 more than the launch cost of the OLED C1 2021. We're going to have to take this John Lewis with a grain of salt. While we think that cost makes a lot of sense, there's no guarantee it's the official RRP: John Lewis might guess €1399 with a location marker value. That being said, a €100 price increase seems more than likely based on the improved specs of the new models. We expected the LG C2 OLEDs to launch in less than €1000 / $1000 / AU$1500, and that's not impossible for UK buyers, as a 42-inch version is going to be available and it's going to be more affordable than the 48-inch model. US and Australian buyers expect higher cost, but not as much as the direct cost conversions initially suggest. If you apply the current exchange rate to this John Lewis price, you'll pay roughly €1900 / AU$2500 for the LG C2, but we know that direct conversions rarely apply to TV brands that sell their products globally. . Using last year's model and the cost of John Lewis as an indicator of what's to come, we expect that the cost of the new C2 models looks more like this: We'll have to wait and see what LG has planned for us.

LG C2 OLED TV Release Date

LG has not yet confirmed the launch date of the C2But this John Lewis store listing claims that pre-orders come with "expected delivery within 5 weeks," which could suggest that the C2 (or at least the 48-inch model) will be releasing late, either , in February or March 2022. Of course, that's "awaited delivery": there is no guarantee that the C2 will be released in the next 5 weeksAnd over the past year, launch dates have moved everywhere in response to chip shortages and the Covid-19 pandemic. If the C2's release date were indeed imminent, we'd expect to see a lot more hype and pre-order pages on sites in all regions where it's sold. Instead, we think the C2 is more likely to follow its predecessor's release schedule, again opting for a release around April or May. LG's new 2022 TV lineup (Image credit: LG)

LG C2 OLED TV: Picture Quality

One of the biggest announcements from LG's CES 2022 conference was that some OLED C2 displays will use LG's OLED Evo technology., which was previously reserved for its ultra-premium G1 and will soon be released in the G2 ranges. OLED Evo uses deuterium and more optimized processing to create panels that are much brighter and more durable than standard OLED displays. This means that image quality, especially color brilliance, will be significantly improved on LG's latest C-series displays. Unfortunately, as you've probably gathered from LG's use of 'select', not all LG C2 TVs will have OLED Evo panels. 42-inch and 48-inch screens (that is, the smallest and cheapest) will not get these new improved panels; they'll stick with the regular, slightly less impressive OLED screens. Fortunately, we can expect their C2 OLED lineup to be full of amazing spaces, whether they have an Evo display or not. For a start, will incorporate a new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor. This chip will improve the magnification capabilities of the TV compared to what came before, and will supposedly make images on the screen appear three-dimensional by making foreground and background elements more distinct. each. We'll have to test the C2 OLED ourselves to find out just how efficient this chip really is, but we're excited to see it in action. For now, it is also not clear if the new televisions LG will continue to support Dolby Vision and HDR10 like its predecessor; however, we suspect they will, in part because John Lewis's listing mentions Dolby Vision HDR integration. We're also hoping that HDR10+ will finally get some support after its disappointing absence on the LG C1.

LG C2 OLED TV: Design and functions of Smart TV

The biggest design change for the LG C2 OLED TV range is the inclusion of the new 2-inch C42 model. This (hopefully) cheaper option could be the perfect entry point for those looking for an affordable yet premium OLED experience. LG C1 OLED TV in a living room showing the image of a tree The LG C1 OLED TV (Image credit: LG) If you want something a little bigger, don't worry, as the C2 range also comes in 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch variants. Just keep in mind that if you go for the smaller sizes, you won't get some higher-tier features like OLED Evo panels; you'll be sticking with the regular OLED screens on the 42-inch and 48-inch models. As for the functions of smart TVs, LG will once again include its excellent WebOS interface with these new screens. What makes WebOS a staple of LG TVs is its flexibility to add new channels as they come along. With no allegiance to Google, Amazon, or Apple, WebOS supports all of the above simultaneously with a fast user interface and robust customization system. The LG C1 introduced us to the ThinQ AI Home Screen, a home page that makes our most-used apps easily accessible. We expect this feature to return and we're excited to see what LG updates with the C2.

LG C2 OLED TV: Audio Performance

While we still recommend pairing a TV with one of our picks for the best soundbars of 2022 for a premium home theater experience, the LG C2 OLED will be able to produce pretty good audio performance on its own. Audiophiles will appreciate the expanded capabilities of LG's AI Sound Pro feature, which is designed to deliver more realistic sound. Allows the TV's built-in speakers to produce virtual 7.1.2 surround sound. We don't yet know how powerful the new speakers will be, but considering that the LG C1 is packed in a 40W sound system, we expect at least as much power, if not a bit more. Our estimate would be 60W. It is also not confirmed if the new TV will still support Dolby Atmos.However, John Lewis' listing for the LG C2 OLED once again suggests that it will.

LG C2 OLED TV: Gaming

Gamers will be pleased to know that LG's ongoing premium support for the latest and greatest consoles will continue with the LG C2 OLED TV. LG's Game Optimizer will be back so you can quickly adjust White Stabilizer, Black Stabilizer, and VRR to meet your needs, and includes support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. With the TV's HDMI 2.1 compatibilityr, you'll also be able to take full advantage of the power of your PS5 and Xbox Series X when gaming at 120Hz in 4K. With a response time of 1 ms, PC gamers can also consider using this TV instead of a traditional monitor.