Two of the most popular series compared – LG C4 vs LG G4 OLED TV
Updated: Feb 23, 2024 4:35 pm
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2024 brings a new set of LG OLED TVs and now’s the time to compare LG C4 vs LG G4 OLED TV to see how much difference there is between them. No matter how you cut it, these are some of the best OLED TVs to date. If you’re familiar with the LG line-up, you’ll know that the G-Series is a premium alternative to the more mid-range C-Series. However, with improvements made in each and every generation, which one should you pick? We answer in time for the LG C4 release date and LG G4 release date.
Deciding between these two gaming TVs depends on a whole lot of factors, including your budget. For most people, the C-Series strikes the perfect balance, but the high-end quality of the LG G4 OLED definitely shouldn’t be ignored if you have the opportunity to make the upgrade.
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 G4 OLED Series
Pros
Bright second-gen MLA OLED panel
Up to 144Hz, ideal for gaming PCs
Upgraded Alpha 11 AI Chip
MLA now available in 83″ model too
Cons
Still no MLA in 97″ model
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LG C4 vs LG G4 specs & features
| Specification | LG C4 | LG G4 |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | 65″, 77″, 83″, 97″ |
| Processor | Alpha 9 Gen 7 | Alpha 11 AI Chip |
| MLA (Micro Lens Array) | No | Yes (excluding 97″ model) |
| Screen technology | OLED evo | OLED evo with heatsink |
| Screen resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Max refresh rate | 144Hz | 144Hz |
| Response time | 0.1ms | 0.1ms |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1 (x4), USB, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | HDMI 2.1 (x4), USB, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| VRR | HDMI 2.1 VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync | HDMI 2.1 VRR, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync |
| Audio | AI Sound Pro, wireless lossless Dolby Atmos | AI Sound Pro, wireless lossless Dolby Atmos |
Looking at the specs we know about so far, we can see that both of these are relatively similar, but there are some key differences to discuss. First off, the LG C-Series is known for featuring a wider range of screen sizes, including the smallest 42″ size that many PC gamers have found space for in a desktop setup. That’s about the only thing that LG C4 has going for it over the G4, as well as its more budget-friendly price of course.
The LG G4 features a second-generation MLA (Micro Lens Array) OLED panel on most sizes which improves brightness by a massive amount, boasting a peak brightness of 3000 nits. MLA is a physical layer of microscopic lenses on top of the OLED panel to redirect more light towards the viewer. It also features an upgraded Alpha 11 AI chip for improved AI operations, again with brightness boosts over last gen. The reason this is important is due to OLEDs naturally having less luminance than traditional backlit-LED or Samsung’s QD-OLED tech. Additionally, the G4 has a heatsink to keep the temperature under control.
The pair of these TVs feature a 144Hz refresh rate – 24Hz higher than last gen. Many other details such as the usual gaming & smart TV features are expected to be the same, though the G4 will likely have a slightly better set of speakers.
LG C4 vs LG G4 price per size
Time to compare price now and we can already tell you that the LG G4 OLED will certainly cost more than the LG C4. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with these two series. That being said, LG are yet to reveal the exact pricing of these models, but we expect something very similar to last year. We can use last year’s launch prices for the C3 & G3 as guidance.
Both these TVs will come in 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch models, but the C4 has some smaller sizes whereas the G4 is due to bring back 97″.
| Size | LG C3 price | LG G3 price |
|---|---|---|
| 97″ | N/A | N/A |
| 83″ | $5,299 | $6,499 |
| 77″ | $3,599 | $4,499 |
| 65″ | $2,599 | $3,299 |
| 55″ | $1,899 | $2,499 |
| 48″ | $1,499 | N/A |
| 42″ | $1,399 | N/A |
As for the 97″ model, this wasn’t available for the G3 in the US – but the G2 does actually still feature this size and it retails for just under $25,000 at the time of publishing. That’s a large jump up and places it well outside most consumer’s price ranges. Considering the 97″ model still won’t feature MLA technology, it is a bit of an outsider.
LG C4 vs LG G4 for gaming
Gaming performance for both the LG C4 OLED and LG G4 OLED are some of the best out there. No doubt that they’ll make either the best TV for PS5 or best TV for Xbox Series X due to having full -bandwidth HDMI 2.1 support for 4K gaming at 120 FPS. If you instead want to use a gaming PC, you’ll be able to fully utilize the higher 144Hz refresh rate this latest generation offers. The C4 will be particularly good for this, as the smallest 42-inch model can work well for desktop use.
Ever since the C1 and G1, (and CX & GX before that) this OLED series has been fantastic for gaming and that hasn’t changed one bit. LG’s WOLED panel is highly responsive and smooth with a quick 0.1ms response time and the refresh rate improvements are more than welcome. With the MLA tech now implemented in the G-Series, it’s even suitable in a well-lit environment. That being said, the LG C4 is more than bright enough for most settings due to the OLED evo panel.
Other gaming features you get in the LG C4 & LG G4 include FreeSync & G-Sync to combat screen tearing, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and LG’s Game Optimizer to customize additional settings.
LG C4 vs LG G4 OLED TV – which should you buy?
After comparing these two, we can see that both of them offer many of the same pros – LG’s OLED evo panel looks fantastic for both gaming and content consumption. The LG G4 has the edge in terms of peak luminance due to MLA, but the added cost will likely turn away many customers. If you plan to use your TV throughout the day with plenty of daylight or in a bright environment, then the G4 is preferable. However, in a dimly-lit room with a latest blockbuster movie blasting, the C4 is just as good.
We expect the LG G4 to have the better audio, though we’d always recommend picking up the best soundbar for TV if you want a more immersive experience either way. Both are just as good for gaming and the larger range of screen sizes for the LG C4 make it a real winner for a larger audience.
Should I get LG OLED or QD-OLED?
First thing’s first, this pair of TVs are LG OLEDs – featuring the brand’s own WOLED panel. You may have come across OLED vs QLED TVs, but QD-OLED tries to offer the best of both worlds and is featured on some Samsung and Sony TVs. Be sure to check out our best QD-OLED TV guide if you want to see more.
As for which you should go for, it’s a close call. QD-OLED displays can offer superior luminance due to Quantum-Dot tech, but MLA in the LG G3 offers higher brightness than QD-OLEDs like Samsung’s S95C, though it still outperforms the C3 in this regard. Since they’re all OLEDs, you still get a visual treat with high responsiveness, excellent color accuracy, and high contrast with perfect blacks. Tests do suggest that QD-OLED can more easily fall prey to burn-in however.
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Final word
Coming to the end of our comprehensive guide to the LG C4 OLED TV vs LG G4 OLED TV and hopefully can you walk away with the knowledge you need to make an informed choice between them.
Whether or not you’re in the market for a new OLED TV, comparing this generation of televisions helps understand what the next step up in the hierarchy offers you. It’s a real shame that the C-Series still doesn’t get MLA tech, but it remains the main separator between these two.
