LG OLED C1 Series 65-Inch Smart TV review exploring gaming, cinematic, and AI features

Description

Design and Build Quality: A Slim Marvel

The LG OLED C1 Series 65” Alexa Built-in 4k Smart TV (OLED65C1PUB) immediately catches your eye with its ultra-slim design. I was honestly taken aback by how sleek and modern it looked as soon as it was out of the box. The TV feels as much like a piece of art as it does a tech product. It’s incredibly thin, making it perfect for wall mounting or placing on a Gallery Stand (sold separately, unfortunately). With minimal bezels, it offers a truly immersive experience. While the build is solid, the TV is relatively lightweight for its size, which made installation easier than I expected.

However, I did notice that the plastic back panel doesn’t feel as premium as the rest of the unit. It’s not a dealbreaker, but for a TV at this level, I expected a slightly more robust finish. Still, the slim profile and attention to design ensure that it enhances any living room’s aesthetic.

Picture Quality: A Feast for the Eyes

This TV is all about its self-lit OLED pixels, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. The perfect blacks and infinite contrast set a standard that’s hard to beat. Watching movies like “Blade Runner 2049” felt like a cinematic experience—those deep, perfect blacks create an insane depth to the image. The 4K resolution, powered by the α9 Gen 4 AI Processor, ensures every detail is sharp, and the AI Picture Pro does an excellent job of enhancing content. I tested it on older HD content, and the 4K upscaling was impressive, making even my old sitcoms look crisp.

Colors are another highlight, with intense hues and over a billion rich shades. The Dolby Vision IQ feature is particularly useful, as it adjusts the picture settings based on the room’s lighting conditions. Even during the middle of the day with sunlight pouring in, the TV maintained its vibrancy without any glare issues. That said, the brightness might not quite match some high-end LED TVs, especially in very bright rooms, but the overall color accuracy and contrast more than make up for it.

Audio Performance: A Surprising Powerhouse

Audio is often overlooked in slim TVs, but this one is surprisingly good. The 2.2 channel speakers with 40W output deliver clear and rich sound. The Dolby Atmos support creates an enveloping soundstage, especially when paired with compatible content. I watched a few action scenes, and the sound effects truly filled the room. The AI Sound Pro feature adjusts the audio based on what you’re watching—dialogues in dramas are clear, while explosions in action movies have a satisfying punch.

Still, if you’re serious about your audio, you might want to pair it with a soundbar or surround system. While the built-in audio is great for casual watching, a dedicated sound setup would elevate the overall experience, especially for bass enthusiasts.

Gaming Features: A Gamer’s Dream

As someone who enjoys casual gaming, I was blown away by the gaming features on this TV. The 120Hz refresh rate, combined with G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, ensures buttery-smooth gameplay. I tried out fast-paced games like “Forza Horizon” and noticed no tearing or stuttering. The Game Optimizer is a handy addition, letting me tweak settings like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) effortlessly.

Moreover, the 1ms response time is a godsend for competitive gaming. The TV also supports HGiG, which optimizes HDR for gaming, making every scene look stunning. Whether you’re into FPS games or story-driven RPGs, this TV enhances every genre. However, I did find navigating the Game Optimizer menu a bit clunky at first—it’s something you get used to, but a more intuitive layout would have been appreciated.

Smart Features and Usability: Seamless and Intuitive

The webOS platform with ThinQ AI is one of the best smart TV systems I’ve used. It’s snappy, intuitive, and offers personalized content suggestions right on the home screen. Whether you prefer Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube, the integration is seamless. The included Magic Remote makes navigation effortless with its point-and-click functionality. I also loved that it has dedicated buttons for popular apps, reducing the time spent scrolling.

Voice control is another standout feature. With Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, I could control the TV, search for content, and even manage my smart home devices using just my voice. That said, the voice recognition occasionally faltered with longer commands, which was mildly frustrating.

Key Benefits

• Stunning OLED display with perfect blacks and vibrant colors.
• Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for an immersive cinematic experience.
• 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smooth gaming.
• webOS platform with an intuitive interface and Magic Remote.
• Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Areas for Improvement

• Plastic back panel feels less premium compared to competitors.
• Brightness levels might not satisfy users in extremely bright rooms.
• Navigation in the Game Optimizer menu could be more user-friendly.

Competing Products

When comparing this TV to competitors like the Sony A80J or Samsung QN90A, there are noticeable differences. The Sony model also uses OLED technology and is renowned for its color accuracy, but it comes at a slightly higher price point. On the other hand, the Samsung QN90A, with its mini-LED tech, offers superior brightness, making it ideal for well-lit rooms. However, the infinite contrast of OLED on this TV is unmatched, giving it a clear edge for movie enthusiasts.

Another rival is the Vizio OLED, which is more affordable but lacks some of the advanced gaming features and the refined software experience of LG’s webOS. If you’re a gamer, the LG OLED C1 Series is hard to beat thanks to its HDMI 2.1 compatibility and low input lag.

Value for Money

This TV strikes a fantastic balance between quality and price. While it’s not cheap, what you’re paying for is a premium experience in every department—whether it’s visuals, audio, or smart features. The cost-effectiveness becomes evident when you consider the advanced technology, including the self-lit OLED pixels, AI-powered processor, and gaming-specific features. It’s a solid investment for those looking to elevate their home entertainment setup without going into overkill territory.

Additional information