LG C4 vs LG C1 OLED TV – how much has improved?

It has been quite a few years since we first saw the LG C1 – way back in 2021. Fast forward now to 2024 and we see the introduction of the LG C4, so it’s time to compare the C4 vs C1 to see how much the C-series has improved over the years. We’ve also compared C3 vs C4 and C4 vs C2 if you’re interested.

The C4 uses the LG OLED evo panel. Simply put, the ‘evo’ tells us that these panels are brighter than conventional OLED panels, all thanks to improved processing and a new panel that is optimized to make the display brighter. As a result, the C4 is one of the best OLED TVs you can get in 2024.

On the other hand, the LG C1 uses the older OLED display. That’s because OLED evo was introduced to the C-series with the LG C2. Regardless, having an OLED panel means the LG C1 has an infinite color contrast with the deepest blacks possible. So, as far as picture quality goes, the C1 has always been quite beautiful.

Both TVs offer a variety of gaming features, but the C4 is a significantly better option as a gaming TV because it offers way more features and a faster response time than the C1. In this guide, we will see how the two compare against each other in a series of aspects, and if you already have an LG C1, should you upgrade to the C4 or wait for the C5?

LG C4 OLED Series

Pros

Now up to 144Hz refresh rate at 4K

Native Chromecast support

Cons

Still no MLA like the G-series

Not a massive upgrade over the LG C3

LG C1 OLED Series

Pros

Alexa & Google Assistant Integration

Almost Instantaneous Pixel Response Time

Stunning OLED Color Accuracy

Cons

Peak brightness can be lacking

Today’s best TV deals

LG C4 vs C1 specs

The biggest upgrade in the C4 has to be its new Alpha 9 AI chip. It is not only powerful but also quite efficient. As a result, the TV is able to reach a higher peak brightness, improve its content scaling, and offer a more responsive UI – all while maintaining beautiful and vibrant colors.

Sure, the C4 has improvements over the C1 across all areas, but the primary reason behind all of these changes is the processor itself. That’s why the TV can achieve a near-instant <0.1ms response time, offer a gorgeous picture quality, and even support wireless and lossless Dolby Atmos for immersive sound with a compatible soundbar.

Basically, all C-series TVs are known for their pretty basic audio quality, and that was the biggest let-down in the C3 as well. This year, while the overall sound quality of the C4 has improved a lot, its speakers are still not as good as those of the G4. That’s why LG recommends pairing it with a good soundbar, and this is where its ability to support Dolby Atmos wirelessly without a dip in sound quality comes in, and it is exceptional.

You get Dolby Vision for HDR content in both TVs, but the C4 wins again, as its brightness is significantly better than the C1 in HDR. In fact, the difference in brightness is most notable in HDR content because the newer Alpha 9 AI CPU boosts the highlights the most.

LG C4 vs C1 price

Given that the C1 has been out for some years and has been replaced by three successors, it is hard to find all of its sizes in stock at all times. However, of the three sizes that are currently available at the time of writing, all three cost a lot less than the C4.

This makes sense because the C4 was more recently announced at CES 2024, so its prices are going to stay the same for several months. On the other hand, the C1 gets massive discounts at different sales seasons and clearance periods. That’s also why the price difference between the 83” model of the two is a huge $2100.

Basically, if you’re low on cash and want a big display for a small price, you should go with the C1. However, if you want to invest a bit more money for the latest and greatest features, the C4 is totally worth it. Additionally, we’d recommend either the C3 or C2 over the C1.

LG C4 vs C1 for gaming

There is no doubt that the C4 is miles ahead of the C1 in terms of display and sound. But it also performs impressively better in all gaming scenarios. First up, the improved brightness means HDR gaming looks a lot better in the C4.

Plus, the TV supports a 144Hz refresh rate if you are into fast-paced PC gaming. That’s 24Hz more than the C1, and for PC gamers, is a nice bonus. On that topic, the C4 also has a small 42” option available, which again makes it a more versatile choice for gaming than the C1.

Along with that, the LG C4 completely leaves the C1 in the dust with its super-fast response time of just <0.1ms. Coupled with the already high refresh rate and low input lag, it is the ideal option for gaming on a more modest budget, though the entry-level B4 also has something to say about that.

The LG C1 is not bad for gaming; it can still rock console gaming without any hiccups. After all, the TV has 4x HDMI 2.1 ports, and plenty of VRR features like AMD FreeSync, HDMI VRR, and G-Sync compatibility. It’s a great cheap HDMI 2.1 TV, especially if you find one on clearance.

LG C4 OLED Series

42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″

48″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 83″

Should I upgrade from LG C1 to C4?

After comparing the LG C4 vs C1, we would highly recommend upgrading to the C4 if you have the funds to do so. It is a true beast and offers exceptional value for money. It can get brighter than ever with its latest Gen-7 A9 chip, deliver plenty of gaming features, and with the right soundbar for your TV, offer an immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

On the flip side, the C1 still performs well in a darker environment, and if it does everything you ask of it, there’s no real reason for us to try and convince you to upgrade. The 2021 C1 is no longer getting webOS updates like the 2022 and newer TVs though (for 5 years), which is something to consider.

Is the C1 still relevant in 2024?

If you’re planning to get a new TV, the only reason we would suggest the LG C1 is if you have a really tight budget and want a relatively big OLED display for less. Otherwise, the C4 is a clear winner. We think that the C1 is losing its relevancy, especially as it’s harder to justify buying one when you can get the C2 or even C3 for a bargain price nowadays, sometimes even cheaper.

Anyone that is still rocking the LG C1 can feel free to continue using it until they feel like its time to upgrade, but we wouldn’t buy one for new today. This TV is already pretty outdated and not so relevant, though we’d argue that the LG C2 is still relevant in 2024.

Final word

That just about wraps up our comparison of the LG C4 vs C1. With three generations of difference and some sizeable upgrades to separate them, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that the C4 is the much better television.

Now may be a good time to upgrade if you want a brighter display which works well in a wider range of lighting. If you’re interested in the 2024 model, see our where to buy LG C4 OLED TV guide. If you are working with a tight budget, then the C2 or C3 will offer best value for money.