Overview
With industry-leading contrast and brightness, LG‘s 2022 C2 OLED TV and Samsung‘s latest 2023 QN95C Neo QLED both deliver stunning 4K picture quality. But which model should you choose for movies, gaming, sports and beyond?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare these two premium displays across over 15 key performance metrics. You‘ll find detailed technical breakdowns, objective test results from professional reviewers, and my insight as an experienced home theater analyst.
By the end, you‘ll understand exactly how the LG C2 and Samsung QN95C differ and which is the better fit for your needs. Let‘s dive in!
Display Technology Fundamentals
Before directly comparing the C2 and QN95C, let‘s briefly cover how OLED and QLED panels work. This background will help you understand their inherent strengths and limitations.
OLED displays use independent pixels that can switch on and off individually. This pixel-level dimming precision enables effectively infinite contrast since pure blacks are achieved by deactivate pixels completely. Unlighted OLEDs don‘t suffer from LCD issues like blooming around bright objects. Meanwhile, they continue pushing peak brightness levels near ~800 nits.
QLED televisions pair high-performing quantum dot filters (delivering over a billion color shades) with either direct LED backlights or mini LED backlights. With dimming zones that deactivate locally on areas of the screen, QLED contrasts don’t achieve OLED levels but still reach 20,000:1 or better. And brightness can be boosted far beyond OLED up to nearly 2,000 nits.
Now let’s see how these underlying characteristics directly impact the Samsung QN95C QLED and LG C2 OLED.
Design and Build Quality
As two of the most premium television offerings from LG and Samsung, both models boast elegant minimalist designs that disappear when wall mounted.
The 2023 Samsung QN95C features an ultra-slim 15mm panel depth and bezel-less Infinity Screen design with a near-invisible metal frame. Compared to 2021 Neo QLED models, it manages to shave off an additional 20% thickness while retaining the textured composite backing. With tactile grooves and carbon silver finish, the QN95C generates excellent durability and heat dissipation.
Meanwhile, the LG C2 leverages LG’s Picture-on-Wall aesthetic with an equally slim 1.8” thickness and discreet metallic trim bezels. Around back, the composite rear casing provides smooth, understated elegance for a flush wall mount install. And weighing just recal 23 lbs more than the QN95C (in 65” size), it retains pleasing handling and installation.
Both models support gapless wall mounting and can easily be centered on a media console thanks to their compact, symmetric stands. However, the QN95C uses premium sheet metal in a curved two-footed design while the LG sticks with simple black plastic.
Verdict: The Samsung QN95C secures the narrow win for best-in-class slender proportions and noticeably higher-end materials throughout. But the LG C2 remains gorgeous in its own right.
Picture Quality Showdown
Now to the all-important image accuracy and motion clarity comparison that heavily sways most premium television decisions.
Based on extensive lab testing data from reviewers like Rtings.com, HDTVTest and CNET, the LG C2 consistently outperforms the Samsung QN95C in the following key areas:
- Black level & contrast ratio
- Dark room performance
- Native color gamut coverage
- Viewing angle stability
- Screen uniformity
- Motion clarity
However, the Samsung QN95C counterpunches effectively by delivering:
- Far higher peak brightness across all content types
- Better gradient handling without banding
- Less risk for permanent burn-in over time
Breaking this down section by section:
Contrast & Blacks
The LG C2’s per-pixel dimming yields effectively infinite contrast, able to display pure blacks without backlight limitations. This immediately gives it major pop during dark room movie watching. While still excellent by LED standards, the QN95C tops out around 29,000:1 native contrast since its zone dimming still allows slight backlight blooming.
Winner: LG C2
Peak Brightness
In measurable nits across various window sizes, the Samsung QN95C output dwarfs the LG C2 by over 50% at times:
| Model | 10% Peak Brightness | 25% Peak Brightness | 100% Peak Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN95C | 1,338 nits | 1,554 nits | 417 nits |
| LG C2 | 687 nits | 387 nits | 150 nits |
This allows the QN95C to deliver intense specular highlights in HDR that outshimmer the less luminant LG C2. During daytime viewing as well, Samsung’s higher luminance helps colors retain vibrancy.
Winner: Samsung QN95C
Color Accuracy
Both TVs provide extensive HDR color volume support:
- Samsung QN95C: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive
- LG C2: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
But in REC 2020 and other gamuts, color fidelity consistently remains more precise on the LG C2 both pre and post-calibration:
| Model | Pre-Calibration dE | Post-Calibration dE |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN95C | 3.51 | 1.28 |
| LG C2 | 1.27 | 0.63 |
This holds true off-angle too where OLED maintains color stability better than QLED panels.
Winner: LG C2
Viewing Angles
Thanks to pixel-level lighting control, OLED screens keep colors accurate with minimal shifting viewing 20-30+ degrees off-center. Meanwhile, even Samsung’s anti-reflective layer can’t prevent their QLED backlight from creating visible color degradation past 25 degrees or so. Big advantage LG here.
Winner: LG C2
Uniformity
In darker scenes, no backlight means no opportunities for inconsistencies with OLED. The QN95C’s mini LED backlight array creates minor vignetting and dirty screen effect that cheaper edge-lit QLEDs mostly avoid. Both achieve excellent sharpness and pixel response though.
Winner: LG C2
Motion Handling
LG’s OLED motion clarity outclasses Samsung with better blur reduction and visibility persistence. This makes fast panning shots and sports look crisper, especially when enabling the LG’s Black Frame Insertion at a cost of slightly more flicker.
Winner: LG C2
Burn-in Risk
All self-emitting OLED panels can develop permanent image retention under prolonged static content. For consumers streaming varied content, burn-in shouldn’t pose any real concern though during the LG C2’s expected lifespan. Under abusive conditions like all-day news tickers however, OLED will burn-in where LED/QLED alternatives won‘t.
Winner: Samsung QN95C
Verdict
While the Samsung QN95C‘s higher luminosity and reduced burn-in risk certainly have advantages for brightly-lit rooms and abuse resistance, the LG C2 prevails where it counts most for film lovers. With awe-inspiring blacks and contrast highly valued in dark home theaters, LG sweeps picture performance overall.
Gaming Experience
Given their next-generation HDMI 2.1 support, both the LG C2 and Samsung QN95C qualify as outstanding gaming TVs. Key gaming specifications matchup closely:
| Model | QN95C Gaming Features | C2 Gaming Features |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K at 120Hz | |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 144Hz at 1440p | Up to 120Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | Yes (4 ports) | |
| VRR Support | G-Sync, FreeSync and native | |
| Input Lag | 8.7ms @ 4K/60Hz | 5.5ms @ 4K/60Hz |
Where they differ is peak brightness changes with VRR enabled (which crushes QN95C luminance) and viewing angle color shift during multiplayer gaming. Ultimately, while both provide stellar big screen gaming visuals, the C2 grabs the win.
Winner: LG C2
Features & Smart Platforms
Both TVs run intuitive smart platforms—Samsung uses proprietary Tizen OS while LG ships webOS. Across voice controls, streaming service access, remote usability and more they trade blows, but webOS gains an edge thanks to:
- Easier account setup
- Slightly faster menu navigation
- Better integration controlling other LG smart home devices
- More frequent and longer-term firmware update support
If already embedded in Samsung‘s mobile ecosystem though, the QN95C provides better crossover features.
Winner: LG C2
Audio Soundscape
While neither TV can rival a dedicated surround sound system, they actually produce some of the best integrated audio in their class.
The Samsung QN95C pumps out rich 60W Dolby Atmos sound through object tracking speakers scattering overhead effects. Auto volume leveling and built-in EQ presets optimize output across content types. Dialogue clarity stands out as a weak point however.
The LG C2 counterpunches with an equal 60 watts of power channeled through a premium 4.2-channel setup. Self-calibrating AI Acoustic Tuning means it custom tailors frequencies to your room layout and content as well. The end result remains well-balanced if still midrange forward. For the cleanest vocals and breathing room during action sequences though, LG has an edge.
Winner: LG C2
Price & Value Comparison
As flagship models carrying the latest display innovations from their manufacturers, both the QN95C and C2 demanded premium price tags at launch. However, with the C2 releasing almost a full year earlier than the QN95C, you can find it significantly discounted today:
| Model | 65-inch Launch MSRP | 65-inch Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN95C | $3,499 | $2,799 |
| LG C2 | $2,499 | $1,596 |
Considering its close performance, richer feature set and substantially lower cost, the LG C2 brings far more value today making it our 2023 recommendation as well. But if you want the latest Neo QLED display technology in the QN95C and money is no object, Samsung won‘t disappoint either.
Winner: LG C2
Verdict: The LG C2 Is the Superior Overall TV Pick
For shoppers focused on truly dark, cinematic picture quality the LG C2 reigns supreme. Its self-illuminating OLED pixels enable effectively infinite contrast that LCD panels like the Samsung QN95C simply can’t match without haloing or elevated black levels.
The QN95C fights back with higher peak brightness, fuller HDR sparkle, better anti burn-in and a gorgeous premium design. However, the LG C2 stays compellingly priced while offering better color accuracy, viewing angles and integrated sound as well.
As long as your room doesn‘t flood with daylight, the LG C2 brings the complete package. Stunning OLED contrast melds with Dolby Vision IQ adjusting picture settings dynamically based on ambient light levels. Meanwhile, HDMI 2.1 future proofs for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz gaming already supported on latest consoles.
For the ultimate balance of deep blacks and beautiful color under $2,000 even at 77 inches, the LG C2 satisfies enthusiasts and everyday viewers alike. As a 2023 model releasing at significantly higher MSRPs, the QN95C fails to justify its price premium for most. LG sweeps this premium TV showdown.
