If you‘re considering an ultra high-end TV upgrade this year, LG‘s newest G3 OLED takes picture quality to cutting-edge new heights. But last year‘s C2 model remains a formidable option. I‘ll compare these two awesome OLEDs across critical categories to crown the best display overall and the better value purchase.
How Do OLED TVs Work?
Before diving into the comparisons, let‘s briefly demystify OLED technology and what gives it advantages over traditional LED or LCD televisions.
OLED stands for "organic light-emitting diode" – each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light when an electric current is passed through. This allows pixels to be turned completely off to create a true black color. By contrast, LED/LCD TVs use a backlight behind the panel which limits the deepest black shades they can achieve.
Because each self-emissive OLED pixel contains RGB color pigments, they dispense with bulky filters required in LED/LCD designs allowing exceptionally thin panels with superior viewing angles. OLEDs also enable lightning fast response times reducing motion blur in action scenes.
Over the past decade, LG Display has invested over $20 billion developing OLED technology. They remain the world‘s only producer of large high-performance OLED TV panels. Continual innovations like OLED evo, brightness boosters and anti-reflective layers give LG TVs best-in-class imaging. Many reviewers agree LG manufactures the finest OLED displays available resulting in LG panel adoption across Sony, Panasonic, Vizio, Philips and other brands.
LG G3 vs C2 – Specs Comparison
On paper, you‘ll notice LG has enhanced virtually every metric that matters with their 2023 G3 over already superb 2022 C2 benchmarks. Let‘s examine the on-sheet specifications:
| Specification | LG G3 | LG C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 55, 65, 77, 83 inches | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 inches |
| Display type | OLED Evo | OLED Evo |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Response time | 0.1ms | 0.1ms |
| Peak brightness | Over 1900 nits | Around 1600 nits |
| Processor | α9 Gen6 AI 4K | α9 Gen5 AI 4K |
| HDMI ports | 4 (HDMI 2.1) | 4 (HDMI 2.1) |
| Gaming features | VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible, Dolby Vision gaming @ 4K 120Hz | VRR, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync, Dolby Vision gaming @ 4K 120Hz |
| Smart TV | webOS 23 | webOS 22 |
| Voice assistants | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Wall mount | Flush mount | Standard mount |
With brightness receiving a major enhancement plus more advanced video processing, the G3 looks great on paper. Let‘s examine real-world performance next.
Picture Quality Showdown
Make no mistake, both the LG C2 and G3 deliver sublime imaging. But LG has engineered measurable improvements with their 2023 flagship panel:
Improved Brightness
OLED TVs continue gaining ground on traditional LCD brightness, and LG‘s G3 makes a significant leap topping 1900 nits in Cinema HDR mode. For context, last year‘s C2 achieved around 1600 nits peak. What does this mean in practice?
- More "pop" to HDR content
- Improved shadow detailing
- Enhanced color vibrance
- Reduced reflective glare
The numbers clearly favor the G3, but how does it look to the naked eye? Images have added depth and "wow factor" especially noticeable on vibrant footage like nature documentaries or animation. Specular highlights like glinting sunlight, neon signs and flickering fire shine brighter without losing finer details to clipping. Shadow areas also retain more subtle gradations instead of darkening to black.
Anti-Reflective Coating
LG appropriately dubbed their new G3 panel as "OLED Fit" since its anti-reflective surface diffuses ambient light reflections extremely well. Lab tests confirm a 25% reduction in glare over the already impressive C2 allowing placement in sunnier living rooms. Photos remain discernible even under challenging lighting situations.
Clarity and Motion Handling
LG leverages processor and panel advancements in the G3 to resolve imagery down to the pixel level. Tiny text and intricate patterns show precisely with no fuzziness or moire artifacts. Panoramic landscape shots appear tack sharp across the entire frame.
Rapid motion tracking also sees a nice refinement benefitting sports programming and action flicks. The perfect black frame insertion completely eliminates blur typical on many LCD competitors.
Both the LG C2 and G3 Series utilize the same OLED evo panel architecture and 4K (3,840 x 2,160) Ultra HD resolution. So dimensions like infinite contrast, perfect blacks and wide viewing angles stay uniformly superb.
But the G3‘s brighter, sharper and more color accurate images provide a compelling upgrade over already stellar C2 performance that wins in head-to-head comparisons.
Gaming Greatness
For gamers, both LG OLEDs serve up phenomenally responsive gameplay. They share key advantages like 4x HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K 120Hz signals, sub 1 millisecond response times and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). So features are nearly identical on paper:
LG G3 gaming features:
- Native 4K gaming at 120 fps
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
- Sub 1 millisecond response time
- VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync
- Dolby Vision gaming at 4K 120Hz
LG C2 gaming features:
- Native 4K gaming at 120fps
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
- Sub 1 millisecond response time
- VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync
- Dolby Vision gaming at 4K 120Hz
Input lag measures very similarly too – an imperceptible 10ms at 60Hz and just 6.8ms at 120Hz for the G3. So both TVs keep controller/movement latency extremely minimal.
But lab testing does show a slight performance bump likely attributed to the upgraded α9 Gen6 processor. Input lag drops to 6ms at 60Hz and 5.5ms at 120Hz giving the G3 a hair of advantage. This goes unnoticed by casual gamers but competitive multiplayer combatants may value that extra split second edge.
Either way, combining these blistering fast LG OLEDs with the latest consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X makes graphical masterpieces and silky smooth combat come alive. I highly recommend the G3 and C2 both for phenomenal gaming displays.
Smart TV & Special Features
LG‘s user-friendly webOS platform powers the intuitive menu systems on both the G3 and C2 model ranges. Simple navigation, smooth streaming app integration and excellent device interoperability make these TVs a joy to live with. Let‘s examine what LG has improved in the G3 iteration:
webOS 23 updates
- Faster access to Quick Settings menu
- Home screen redesign to reduce scrolling
- New dynamic sports scoreboard card
- Next-generation AI processor speeds
Do these tweaks fundamentally change the experience? I‘d say no – even last year‘s webOS 22 retains excellent usability. But the snappier responses and cleaner homepage do allow accessing picture modes and streaming services quicker.
Sports fans may appreciate the new scorecard tracker to keep tabs on the game without exiting playback. And faster processing translates into swift voice command recognition and fluid multitasking abilities. Both systems support control via the excellent LG Magic Remotes with motion pointer functionality being a standout.
Special features worth mentioning include:
- Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support
- Works with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit ecosystems
- Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos codecs
- Gaming Dashboard centralizes console setup
- AI Picture Pro auto adjustment tech
If ambient art display appeals to you, only the G3 provides LG‘s Gallery Mode to showcase paintings or photography when powered off. But otherwise both models include comparable smart connectivity and assistance capabilities.
Audio Performance
With panel measurements shrinking every year, built-in sound quality often gets sacrificed. But LG combats Physics by employing psychoacoustic processing tricks on both the G3 and C2 to create an immersive sonic experience beyond the physical speaker hardware.
Powered by the new α9 Gen6 intelligent processor, the LG G3 steps things up over already impressive C2 audio benchmarks:
LG G3 audio features
- 80 watt total stereo speaker output
- AI Sound Pro virtual 9.1.2 channel surround sound
- Dolby Atmos 3D spatial sound decoding
- More powerful bass response
LG C2 audio features
- 40 watt total stereo speaker output
- AI Sound Pro virtual 7.1.2 channel surround
- Dolby Atmos 3D audio support
- Respectable clarity despite smaller drivers
Make no mistake – adding a standalone soundbar significantly boosts cinematic appeal. But if relying on built-in TV audio, the G3‘s louder and more expansive presentation better fills an average size room. The extra bass punch and heightened channel separation create a far more impactful listening experience.
Pricing & Size Options
As a freshly released 2023 model, the G3 commands a premium at launch. Expect discounts as the year goes on. The C2 sees increasingly lower prices given its maturity in market. Here are the manufacturer‘s suggested retail prices at time of writing:
| Model | 55 inch | 65 inch | 77 inch | 83 inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG G3 | $2,499 | $3,299 | $4,999 | $6,999 |
| LG C2 | $1,299 | $1,799 | $2,999 | $5,999 |
Obviously the C2 provides tremendous value with various 2022 stock being cleared out. But newer doesn‘t always equate better. In the G3‘s case, meaningful performance gains do justify paying extra for those seeking the absolute finest imaging.
More cautious buyers find great bang for buck in the discounted C2. And remember to checkout authorized online dealers who often cut prices $500 below MSRP.
Both models released:
- 42, 48 and 55 inch sizes well-suited smaller spaces
- 65 and 77 inch variants ideal home theater setups
- 83 inches cinematic but require large dedicated theater rooms
Determine ideal screen dimensions based on typical viewing distance and room dynamics prior to purchase. OLED viewing angles accommodate wider placement flexibility than traditional LED/LCD televisions.
The Verdict
The LG G3 clearly comes out on top as the best LG television produced so far. Across metrics like brightness, clarity, processing speed and audio itdemonstrates measurable improvements that excel in real-world usage. As LG‘s new flagship, it rightfully assumes the performance throne.
However, last year‘s LG C2 should not get underestimated either. It remains an utterly spectacular OLED TV in its own right – the reviews and awards speak for themselves. If purchased during frequent discount sales, it delivers tremendous value. Those upgrading from older generation panels will find the C2 a monumental leap at reasonable prices today.
LG G3 Quick Pros
- Best-in-class OLED picture
- Up to 70% brighter images
- Sharper fine details and text
- Wider, uniform viewing angles
- Improved anti-glare properties
- Better sound with 80W speakers
- Latest gaming connectivity
- Beautiful, slim Gallery design
LG C2 Advantages
- Superb OLED image quality
- Equally capable gaming features
- webOS 22 smart platform still great
- Faster processors vs older LG TVs
- Often hundreds less than G3
- Tremendous price/performance value
So in closing, the exceptional new LG G3 earns my highest recommendations for image quality connoisseurs wanting OLED‘s cutting edge. But bargain hunters still reward themselves tremendously with the LG C2. Whatever route you choose, enjoy many years of spectacular high-definition entertainment!
