LG C4 vs LG M4 OLED TV – is wireless worth it?

LG unveiled its latest TV line-ups during CES 2024, and that’s when we saw both the LG C4 and M4. So, if we compare the LG C4 vs M4, how much better is the M4? And is it worth the big bucks?

The two TVs target two completely different audiences. The M4, just like the rest of the M-series, is a premium option that packs cutting-edge tech to deliver the best experience. On the other hand, the C4 is a mid-range option that offers excellent picture quality at a more affordable price point. Both TVs, packed with gaming features, are some of the best OLED TVs to come out in 2024, but to find out which one’s more worth it, we will compare the two across all aspects.

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 M4 OLED Series

Pros

Wireless design for easier cable management

Bright MLA panel for most models

Same crisp visuals as LG G3 OLED

Upgraded Alpha 11 AI processor

Cons

No 55″ model, no MLA on 97″ model

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LG C4 vs M4 specs

This is going to be no surprise that the LG M4 stays miles ahead of the C4 in terms of nearly every aspect. The M4 has three key areas that make it significantly better: LG Zero Connect Box, MLA OLED panel, and Alpha 11 AI CPU.

First of all, what makes the M4 stand out from the G4 and every other premium TV is its Zero Connect Box. Basically, the Zero Connect Box means you can connect your console, PC, or receiver to the TV wirelessly. This means instead of plugging your console or any other device into the TV directly; you plug them into the Zero Connect Box, which can stay up to 30ft away from your TV. After that, the box will transmit the video and audio to the TV wirelessly, all while offering exceptional performance and no audio lag.

As such, the only wire that goes into the TV itself is the power cord, making the M4 a dream come true for those who prefer a clean, cable-free look. One downside to the box is just three HDMI 2.1 ports, compared to the C4’s standard four.

Moving forward, the M4 uses a Micro Lens Array (MLA) OLED panel instead of the OLED evo used in the C4. The MLA panel cranks up the peak brightness to the next level, making the M4 a significantly brighter TV in both SDR and HDR content. The C4 is also a bright TV, especially when compared to its predecessor, the C3, but it cannot compete with the M4’s MLA technology. The M4 also has better color accuracy and an overall improved picture quality, not that the C4 is lacking in this department.

The third major upgrade in the M4 is its processor, the Alpha 11 AI chip. It is the main reason why the M4 looks and sounds so much better than the C4. It also brings a suite of AI-backed features that further improve the viewing experience, like AI Sound Pro to up-mix 11.1.2-channel audio virtually (the C4 can only up-mix 9.1.2-channel audio).

Overall, no matter how you look at it, the M4 knocks the C4 out of the park. Its AI upscaling, Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, UI, and everything else simply outperforms the C4, though just three HDMI ports is a peculiar design choice.

LG C4 vs M4 price

The pricing makes it very clear just how far apart the two TVs are. Even though LG has introduced a new 65” option with the M4 (it wasn’t available in M3), the TV is still quite expensive.

For instance, the 65” and the 77” models are expected to cost $1,300 more, and the 83” model will likely be a whopping $2,600 more pricey than its C4 equivalent. Of course, the 97” M4 is in a league of its own, with an expected price tag of $29,999. It should also be noted that the 97” model will not feature an MLA OLED panel, so it won’t be as bright as the other LG M4 models.

Regardless, if we talk about pricing, the LG C4 takes the lead. After all, it is meant to be an affordable TV with all the latest features, making it pretty close to the best cheap HDMI 2.1 TVs at the moment.

LG C4 vs M4 for gaming

Going over the gaming features, the two TVs have a lot of similarities. They both are capable of refreshing at up to 144Hz while maintaining an impressively low response time. Plus, you also get AMD FreeSync support, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and HDMI 2.1 VRR for a variable refresh rate.

However, since the M4’s main selling point is wireless connectivity, it may introduce a bit more input lag than the C4’s wired connection. Along with that, if you are into PC gaming, you will probably go for a smaller TV, and this is where the C4’s 42” and even 48” models come into play. The one extra HDMI port on the C4 also gives you some extra connectivity if you have more than one console plugged in.

Other than that, the M4 still takes the crown based on the quality of its display. Its peak brightness means HDR gaming looks significantly better than in the C4, which also makes it the better choice for a well-lit room. All things considered though, both of them are some of the best gaming TVs we’ve seen this year, so you won’t be disappointed with either for gaming.

LG C4 OLED Series

42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″

65″, 77″, 83″, 97″

Is LG C4 bright enough compared to M4?

Even though the C4 doesn’t benefit from the same MLA tech featured on the more premium G4 or M4, it still offers some brightness boosts over the previous-gen C3. This is mostly due to the better processing to help raise the peak brightness via highlights. It is still using an OLED evo panel, which is better than standard OLED panels like you’ll find on the budget B-series. We’d say that it is bright enough for most scenarios, though it of course performs best in a dimly-lit room to avoid screen glare or reflections.

If you were compare something such as the C4 vs C1, the latter is not using the evo panel, so the lack of brightness could be a problem during the day. But, like we say, the improved panel and processing of the C4 is makes it bright enough for most settings. The M4 of course outperforms both of these thanks to MLA – a thin layer of microscopic lenses on top of the OLED panel to bounce more light the viewer’s way.

The added luxury of the wireless design does indeed impact the cost. Comparing the LG G4 vs M4 demonstrates this well, as those TVs are the very same, minus the wireless connectivity. Whether the extra cost is worth it is up to you, how much do you value improved cable management? If you want the versatility of placing your peripherals on the opposite side of the room away from the TV itself, then the Zero Connect Box can definitely be worth it for you.

We’re slightly disappointed in just three HDMI ports compared to the usual four that the rest of the 2024 line-up feature, but this is one compromise that may not affect your use.

Final word

Now that we have compared the LG C4 against its high-end sibling, the M4, we have a clear idea of which TV you should go for. The only reason to buy the LG M4 is if you prioritize the wireless connection. Its Zero Connect Box makes the overall cable management a lot easier and cleaner.

However, if you don’t care about the wireless connectivity but still want top-notch features, we would suggest you go with the LG G4. It also features the same MLA OLED panel paired with the Alpha 11 AI chip, so the TV looks pretty much the same, with equally impressive brightness and color accuracy. On the plus side, you save a few bucks as the G4 costs less than the M4.

On the other hand, you should go with the LG C4 if you want the most value for your money. It is a very affordable TV that still delivers excellent picture quality, along with plenty of gaming features. You may even want to compare LG B4 vs C4 if budget is a big focus for you.

If you’re interested in either of these models, see our where to buy LG M4 OLED TV and where to buy LG C4 OLED TV guides.