LG C2 vs B2: Which OLED TV Is the Better Value?

LG C2 vs B2: Which OLED TV Is the Better Value?

LG has long been the dominant force in OLED TV technology. In 2022 the company is offering two excellent mid-range options: the B2 and C2 OLED series.

These TVs have a lot in common, with stunning self-illuminating OLED panels, AI-powered processors, LG’s webOS smart platform, and gaming features galore. But with the LG C2’s higher pricing this year, which model offers the best bang for your buck?

According to CNET, “LG makes the best OLED TVs you can buy right now.” That said, the company’s own B2 OLED offers fantastic image quality at a compelling price, leading some to call it one of the best value TVs this year.

To help you decide, in this 2000+ word guide we’ll compare the B2 and C2 model by model, feature by feature—from design and gaming chops to picture upgrades. We‘ll also give tailored buying recommendations based on room lighting, budgets, and usage.

LG B2 vs C2 OLED: At a Glance

Before jumping into the details, here’s a high-level feature overview:

Note: Only 48-inch and up C2 models include the Evo panel upgrade detailed below.

Design and Build Quality

These two TV lines feature similar minimalist designs with slim panels, thin bezels, integrated stands, and a focus on wall mounting. They share the same ports for inputs/outputs as well.

However, the C2 stand lifts the screen a bit higher off the table (4.7 in vs 2.75 in on the B2). This helps with soundbar clearance. The C2 stand also feels study compared to slight wobble issues on the B2 stand at larger sizes.

Overall available sizes differ as well, with the C2 featuring 42- and 83-inch models beyond the core 55- 77-inch options.

Winner: LG C2 for the improved stand and size flexibility.

Picture Quality: LG’s Evo Panel Pays Dividends

The biggest distinction comes down to the display panel itself. The 2022 C2 series moves to LG’s brighter, more color accurate “OLED Evo” panel.

What is OLED Evo?

LG’s OLED Evo panel, first introduced on 2021’s G1 model, includes a few key upgrades:

1. Deuterium Stabilization – Replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium, which is more stable at higher temperatures, boosts maximum brightness by up to 30% without impacting the screen‘s lifespan

2. More Green Emitting Layers – Adding an extra green OLED layer significantly boosts peak brightness and color volume

3. Efficiency Improvements – LG continues to enhance blue OLED materials for better power efficiency and peak luminance

LG quotes a 20% boost in peak brightness for its Evo sets. While measured improvements appear a bit more modest, reviews confirm a noticeable bump.

Tom’s Guide measured over 460 nits peak brightness on the C2 compared to just under 410 nits for the B2 with sustained 25% white window tests showing an even wider gap.

Reviewers universally praise the lifelike vibrancy of colors on the brighter C2 models as a result of these panel advancements. The TV also renders subtle gradients and skin tones with more precision.

Meanwhile the B2 sticks with LG’s conventional RGB OLED panel, albeit with some minor tweaks. You still get the inky blacks and near infinite contrast ratio OLED is known for. But spec for spec, the C2’s panel is clearly superior on paper and performs as such.

Winner: LG C2 for noticeably better real-world brightness and HDR performance

Smart TV & Processor

The latest version of LG’s webOS platform comes installed on both models. This slick, intuitive smart TV software gives you access to all major streaming platforms and voice assistants. New for 2022 is the ability to create personalized user profiles.

Under the hood, processing power gets a bump up on the C2 series with LG’s α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K doing the heavy lifting. This brain attempts to optimize everything from upscaling to color, contrast, and sound rendering.

LG’s α7 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K does an admirable job on the B2 as well, just with a bit less number crunching capability. Ultimately most users would struggle to spot a difference, although the C2 may have a slight edge for gaming.

Winner: The LG C2’s faster α9 Gen 5 processor looks better on paper but real-world smart TV and app performance should be similar

Gaming

The LG C2 and B2 are two of the best gaming TVs out there. With HDMI 2.1 ports, ALLM auto low latency mode, VRR variable refresh rate support down to 13ms at 4K 120Hz on both models.

While the C2 meets Nvidia G-Sync certification and AMD FreeSync Premium standards, the B2 only qualifies for FreeSync Premium. In practice, VRR performance should be quite similar.

Input lag is equally snappy, with under 5ms lag measured on both TVs. Their fast-switching OLED panels keep motion blur to a minimum as well.

For features and format support, both check all the boxes wanted by serious gamers. The B2 gives you nearly identical real-world gaming performance for hundreds less.

Winner: The LG B2 and C2 trade blows as two of the best gaming TVs money can buy. The B2 gets you there for less.

Audio Quality

One area where the C2 pulls ahead is audio. The TV incorporates larger speaker drivers with more amplifier power compared to the B2 – 60W vs 40W.

Reviewers found the C2 to produce significantly better sound quality as a result, with louder, fuller audio and stronger bass. That said, we still recommend pairing either OLED TV with a quality sound system for the best experience.

Winner: LG C2 offers markedly better integrated audio performance

TV Settings for the Perfect Picture

To get the most accurate picture from your new OLED TV, be sure to adjust these key settings during setup and calibration:

Picture Mode: Set to Cinema Home to best approximate studio mastering standards for SDR and HDR content
Contrast: 100
Brightness: Lower to around 48-50 for ideal black level calibration in a dark room
Color: 50-55 depending on room lighting
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 0
Color Temperature: Warm2 for the most neutral, natural white balance
OLED Light: Lower between 60-80 for SDR depending on preference. Max 100 for HDR. Higher increases peak brightness but can lose shadow detail. Avoid using in very bright rooms since permanent burn-in is a risk with excessively high OLED Light settings.
Peak Brightness: High for best HDR effect
Gamma: BT1886 for accurate color rendering – appear flat but normal to the eye
Black Level: Lower to “Low” for full RGB-level output
Noise Reduction: Off
TruMotion: User Selection De-Blur set to 10, and optionally enable De-Judder up to 1-3 for motion smoothing

LG C2 vs B2: Which Is the Better Buy?

Now for the million dollar question: with rising prices on the C2 models in 2022, do the upgrades justify spending over 20% more than the B2 OLED TVs in many cases? Or is the B2 now the smarter buy?

The answer depends a lot on your budget, room lighting, and types of content viewed. Here is our take:

Get the LG C2 OLED if:

You View Critical HDR Content: The brighter, more vibrant colors make the best use of Dolby Vision and HDR10 content

You Game in a Dark-ish Room: Higher peak brightness and inky blacks provide stunning visual immersion. Avoid near full-screen brightness levels for long periods though to prevent burn-in risk.

You Have a Flexible Budget: The LG C2 is one of the best high-end TVs money can buy if you want an uncompromised cinematic experience with impressive future-proofing.

Choose the LG B2 OLED if:

You Want Great Picture Quality for Less: While a step below the C2 in some lighting conditions, the B2 retains the stellar black levels, contrast, and viewing angles OLED is known for at a great price.

Your Room Gets Very Bright: The brighter C2 still can’t get extremely bright, so the more affordable B2 is less money wasted in untreated living rooms and sun rooms. Consider a high-brightness QLED TV instead for fully bright environments.

You Game in Brighter Lighting: Slightly lower peak brightness matters less here while you still get incredible contrast and all the same great gaming features.

You’re on a Tighter Budget: The LG B2 provides tremendous value, giving up only some brightness and gaming extras for potentially $500+ less. This varies depending on deals and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between the LG C2 and B2 OLED TVs? Here are answers some of the most common questions for those on the fence.

Is the LG C2 worth the extra cost over the B2?
If your budget allows, yes. The LG C2 provides the best balance of price and performance thanks to a brighter, more advanced “Evo” OLED panel and best-in-class gaming support. But the cheaper B2 still offers an outstanding viewing experience in most lighting for over $500 less in common sizes.

Which is better for gaming: LG C2 or B2?
The C2 and B2 are two of the best gaming TVs available, packed with features like 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and ultra fast response times. The C2 adds official Nvidia G-Sync certification for variable refresh rate support. But expect excellent real-world results on the cheaper B2 as well.

Is the LG B2 good for bright rooms?
The B2 can get reasonably bright reaching nearly 400 nits, but OLED is still best suited for dark to moderately lit rooms. Light coming directly on the screen causes distracting reflections on any OLED TV. For fully bright environments, a high luminosity LED/QLED TV works better.

How long will the LG B2 or C2 OLED TVs last?
LG quotes a lifespan of around 30,000 hours to 50% original brightness when used normally. If you watch 5 hours daily, that equals over 16 years before any noticeable dimming occurs. The more advanced C2 panel materials should prolong its lifespan a bit longer as well. Be sure to vary content and avoid static areas at peak brightness to prevent permanent burn in.

Which has better built-in audio: C2 or B2?
The LG C2 provides significantly better sound quality than the B2 thanks to larger speaker drivers and greater power. But we still recommend pairing either TV with a quality soundbar or home theater system for an immersive experience.

Conclusion

The LG C2 OLED TV continues its predecessor’s legacy as one of the finest displays money can buy with performance enhancements across the board. But LG’s own B2 series comes tantalizingly close in most viewing scenarios for less.

Consider stepping up to the C2 if you want that ultimate OLED experience with enhanced gaming specs and the headroom to take advantage of future content formats. Still, the cheaper B2 retains the stunning blacks, excellent processing, and gorgeous picture OLED is revered for. Making it the best value LG OLED ever for more mainstream buyers.

You really can‘t go wrong with either 2022 LG OLED TV. But deciding whether that higher price tag is justified means taking a hard look at your room, viewing habits, and budget trade offs. Hopefully breaking down their differences above steers you in the right direction.