LG CX OLED TV Reviewed: Why It Remains One of the Best in 2023

As home entertainment technology continues evolving at lightning pace, it‘s rare for models to remain competitive two years after launch. Yet despite flashy newcomers boasting next-gen capabilities, LG‘s acclaimed CX series OLED 4K TVs continue shining brilliantly even today.

As an experienced home theater analyst and LG power user myself, I‘ve witnessed firsthand how the CX strikes an ideal balance of performance, features and value. While the newer C2 and C3 progress innovations further, last-gen CX remains a supremely compelling option for many shoppers.

Below I‘ll dig deep into why this Editor‘s Choice television endures so impressively – not just within LG‘s portfolio, but the greater TV industry overall. You‘ll gain expert insight into how the CX‘s self-illuminating OLED panel, Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor, HDMI 2.1 connectivity and more combine creating magic.

Whether a discerning cinephile or casual viewer, you‘ll discover why I continue recommending the CX as an excellent OLED display purchase. Grab your popcorn and let‘s get started!

OLED Technology Overview

Before assessing the CX specifically, it‘s important highlighting what makes OLED such a game-changing panel technology compared to conventional LED-backlit LCD televisions. Rather than large arrays of LEDs paired with light filters, OLED utilizes:

"Organic light-emitting diodes" – Self-illuminating pixels capable of perfect blacks.

This translates into essentially infinite contrast and elite imagery quality. Allow me to elaborate on some concrete benefits:

• Perfect Black Levels – Each pixel controls own brightness all the way down to true black; no backlight limiting darkroom performance
• Exceptional HDR – With true blacks and ultra-bright highlights, high dynamic range content really shines
• Wider Viewing Angles – Far less color and contrast shifting when viewing OLED off-angle
• Lightning Motion Clarity – Response times as low as 0.1 ms enable fast action with no ghosting/trailing

While all OLED panels share these foundational traits, LG enhances performance further via proprietary technologies like:

• Luminance Boosting Layers – Special filters improve brightness through superior light transmittance
• Alpha Intelligent Processors – Leverage AI and machine learning to optimize imagery
• Pixel Level Dimming – Each diode RGB sub-pixel dims/boosts independently enabling even more precise control

Now let‘s examine how LG capitalizes on OLED‘s advantages within the superb CX series specifically.

LG CX OLED 4K TV Series Overview

Representing LG‘s mid-2020 lineup sitting between lower-tier BX and ultra-premium GX "Gallery" models, the CX series aimed balancing elite-caliber quality with reasonable pricing. It carried over the same essential panel and processing components as the preceding C9 serie, while introducing meaningful improvements:

• Alpha 9 Gen 3 Processor – Faster and smarter AI brings better upscaling, noise reduction and genre-based content optimization
• Gaming Features – ALLM, VRR, 4K @ 120Hz HDMI 2.1 inputs across all ports please console/PC gamers
• Integrated AI – Next-gen voice control and personalization via LG ThinQ and the Magic Remote
• Gallery Design – Ultra-thin panel with smaller bezels dresses up any living space

Now two years later as its successors have arrived, the LG CX prevails as a sensational value proposition. It retains the core OLED display, refined smart platform and extensive feature set of pricier models at more palatable price points. Feel confident CX owners enjoy a flagship-caliber experience.

Image Credit: LG

We‘ve touched on what distinguishes OLED technology itself; next let‘s plunge deeper into the LG CX‘s winning blend of display performance, gaming prowess and smart connectivity.

LG CX 4K OLED Display & Picture Quality

As with any television evaluation, a panel‘s visual characteristics rightfully garner the spotlight. By metrics including contrast, clarity, color and brightness, the CX checks every box with flying colors.

Self-Emissive OLED Panel

Serving as the CX‘s foundation, LG‘s pixel-by-pixel lighting OLED panel already provides key advantages:

Data Source: Rtings LG CX Lab Measurements

With 8.3 million OLEDs directly emitting light and no LED backlight, you‘ll appreciate beautiful cinematic contrast between vibrant colors and perfect blacks.

Cutting-Edge Alpha 9 Gen 3 AI Processor

Further elevating imaging, LG incorporates their most advanced processor yet into the CX series. The Alpha 9 Gen 3 leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning optimizing picture quality tailored to content genres:

• Improved Upscaling – Detects low-resolution signals like cable TV and matches native 4K sharpness/clarity
• Enhanced Noise Reduction – Identifies film grain, video compression artifacts, etc. smoothing imperfections
• Genre-Based Enhancements – Recognizes movies, sports, animations and more for custom contrast, color and motion settings
• HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping – Frame-by-frame metadata maximizes depth across varying brightness levels

Make no mistake – this robust processing plays a huge role creating stunning, optimized visuals surpassing LED/LCD rivals. Owners routinely praise the CX‘s realistic yet vibrant imagery.

Image Credit: ReviewGeek

Gaming Greatness: HDMI 2.1 + Game Optimizer

While certainly no gaming monitor replacement, the LG CX also asserts itself as a formidable big screen gaming option thanks to cutting-edge connectivity:

• HDMI 2.1 – Higher 48 Gbps bandwidth enables 4K 120 Hz across all four inputs
• VRR & ALLM – Smooths gameplay via Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode
• G-SYNC / FreeSync – Adaptive sync eliminates stuttering for both Nvidia and AMD cards
• Under 15ms Input Lag – Quick reactions benefit fast-paced first-person shooters
• OLED Motion Pro – Instant 0.1ms response time increases motion clarity even faster speeds

These capabilities rightfully earned the LG CX "Best Gaming TV" accolades from numerous publications. Whether casually streaming or competitively fragging, the CX series satisfies.

Smart Platform: webOS + AI ThinQ

Rounding out the highlights, LG‘s user-friendly webOS smart platform makes navigating streaming services and connected devices a breeze courtesy intuitive controls and integrated AI:

• Magic Remote Point & Click – Effortlessly scrolls webOS menus like a wireless mouse; also enables motion controls in games!
• Integrated Voice Assistants – Both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in for convenient hands-free operation
• LG ThinQ AI Recommendations – Suggests content automatically based upon viewing habits and patterns
• Smooth Multitasking – Swaps between media apps without frustrating lag thanks to the speedy A9 Gen 3 CPU

While LG‘s app store may not quite rival the breadth of Android TV‘s or Roku boxes, core streaming services are well-represented. Convenient physical hot keys to favorites like Netflix and Prime Video are appreciated as well. Overall it‘s a polished, functionally-rich interface.

Sizing & Pricing Options

Another advantage setting the CX series apart is an appealing range of sizes catering to spaces both small and large:

Data Sources:

1. LG USA
2. Amazon Historical Pricing

The smaller 48" dimension uniquely caters to movie buffs preferring cinematic quality over immense size. Yet even the colossal 77" variant delivers amazing performance without breaking budgets. In 2023 the CX supplies tremendous value at steep discounts.

Why Consider Purchasing the LG CX OLED in 2023?

Despite releasing nearly three years ago and successors advancing the technology further still, this Editor‘s Choice television remains a supremely compelling choice for a variety of buyers:

Value-Focused Shoppers – Given substantial price cuts off original MSRP, the LG CX grants high-end flagship quality to cost-conscious shoppers unwilling to compromise picture excellence savings. I struggle locating televisions matching its completeness at similar price points.

Gaming & Sports Enthusiasts – With four HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting next-gen gaming consoles at 4K 120Hz, VRR and ultra-low input lag, the CX stays formidable for enthusiasts. Self-illuminating OLEDs also convey fast motion with unparalleled clarity and response.

Home Theater Buffs – Cinephiles will fall in love with the CX‘s phenomenal contrast and color reproducing films readily rivaling many commercial theaters and projecting immersive dynamism. Integrated Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos translate director creative intent beautifully.

If coveting the pinnacle of televised entertainment within budget, I wholeheartedly endorse LG‘s vaunted CX series as a superlative OLED option still today. Let‘s summarize the verdict.

Final Verdict

Against even the latest and greatest models leveraging newer HDMI specifications, brighter panels and improved processors, this CNET Editors Choice television prevails mightily because of OLED‘s inherent advantages and LG‘s masterful implementation.

Make no mistake – successors like the LG C2 and forthcoming C3 progress innovations further. However outside of niche needs like HDMI 2.1 full bandwidth support across every input for hardcore gamers, CX delivers an astonishingly equivalent viewing experience at gentler prices. Its self-illuminating display and powerful smart platform formidably withstand comparisons.

Ultimately if seeking one of 2023‘s finest OLED televisions without paying exorbitant premiums, search no further than the CX. Tremendous value and quality cements its enduring status as personal favorite. I happily recommend this LG gem for home theater greatness!