LG c1 vs g1 – is the oled evo panel worth it?

Are you looking for an excellent OLED TV with an elegant design? Then, you have landed on the right page since we compare the LG C1 vs G1! To understand their features better, read the entire article and decide which model best suits your needs. We will highlight all of the key features so you can spot the differences between these two models.

LG C1 vs G1 – Quick Comparison 

In general, LG produces TVs with lots of smart features and cutting-edge technologies, all packed in a beautiful, elegant design. What differentiates LG from other exclusive brands is that they tend to be more affordable than other high-end TV brands.

LG C1 and G1 are similar in many ways. However,  they also have some differences. But these models are among the best OLED TV models on the market. Both of them are an excellent choice for gaming but also for watching movies. They are also an excellent choice for watching sports in large groups because of their wide viewing angles. 

FeaturesLG C1LG G1
Screen sizes48, 55, 65, 77, 83 inches55, 65, 77 inches
Screen PanelOLEDOLED (Evo)
Processorα9 Gen4 AI Processor 4Kα9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K
Operating systemwebOS 6.0 Smart TVwebOS 6.0 Smart TV
Refresh rate120 Hz120 Hz
Variable refresh rateYesYes
Resolution 3840×21603840×2160
Contrast ratio infinite :1infinite :1
HDMI ports4 (HDMI 2.1)4 (HDMI 2.1)
USB ports3 (USB 2.0)3 (USB 2.0)
WiFi and Bluetooth YesYes
Speakers40 Watts60 Watts
HDR 10 YesYes
HDR 10+ NoNo

LG C1

LG C1 OLED TV
LG C1 OLED TV

Pros:

  • More affordable than the G1 model
  • Plenty of HDMI ports
  • Fantastic WebOS smart TV
  • Great 4K picture quality

Cons:

  • Brightness is not so great
  • Not as thin as the G1 model

LG G1

LG G1 OLED Evo TV
LG G1 OLED Evo TV

Pros:

  • OLED Evo panel with better brightness
  • A great choice for gaming
  • Stunning thin design
  • Great new remote

Cons:

  • Stand sold separately 
  • Pricey 

Features Face to Face

Panel Technology

The LG C1 and G1 both use OLED technology. OLED displays have individual pixels that produce their own light. As a result, these screens are very thin because they don’t have backlights. But they also provide deep blacks and handle motion very well. However, they don’t excel at brightness, and they might appear a little pale

OLED Evo vs OLED
OLED Evo vs OLED

LG worked on this problem and enhanced their OLED screens in the form of an OLED Evo screen. In other words, this is an improved OLED screen with enhanced brightness. The increased brightness will not increase the risk of burn-in, which can occur on OLED screens. However, the LG G1 has an OLED Evo, while the LG G1 does not have this type of screen.

Winner: LG G1

Image Processor

Both models use the same processor – α9 Gen 4 AI Processor. It provides sharp images and does the image upscaling from HD or lower to 4K quality. But these processors are really not exceptional when it comes to face handling since they can be grainy and leave a reddish hue

Winner: Draw

Motion Technology

Refresh rate is extremely important when it comes to choosing a new TV. It shows how many pictures a TV can show per second. The higher the number, the better motion handling. Meaning there will be no blurring or ghosting when there are fast motions on the TV. 

In this LG C1 vs G1 comparison, both models have a native refresh rate of 120 Hz and variable refresh rates. So, they are very good at handling motion, which is extremely important for those who love playing games. If you are one of them, these TVs might be the best choice for you!  

Winner: Draw

Picture Quality

Contrast Ratio/Black Level

As both TVs use OLED technology, you can expect an excellent contrast ratio. Whether you choose to watch one of these models in a bright or dark environment, you won’t be disappointed. Moreover, you will get the perfect black which is essential when watching TV in dark rooms. 

So, if you want a great picture in both dark and bright environments, you won’t make a mistake if you opt for either of these two

Winner: Draw

Local Dimming

Since they are both OLED TVs, these models don’t have backlighting and don’t have local dimming. OLED TVs have emissive technology so that you won’t have dimming-related issues. Their individual pixels can provide deep, perfect blacks and no visible blooming

Winner: Draw

Peak Brightness

The LG C1 has a maximum brightness of 760 Nits. On the other hand, the LG G1 has a maximum brightness of 850 Nits. Both of these models have decent peak brightness but nothing spectacular. Since the LG G1 has the LG OLED Evo panel, which is excellent in producing enhanced brightness, it stands out in this segment. 

Winner: LG G1

Color

The OLED technology provides perfect, vivid, realistic colors. It also allows a wide color gamut. Since both TV models have self-illuminating pixels, they provide the perfect blacks and dark colors. They might have some trouble with the brighter colors.

The LG C1 is slightly better for a color gradient, even though it has some banding in green and grey colors. The LG G1 has some banding in darker colors. You can smooth these out by turning on the feature Smooth Gradation in both of these models. However, you might lose the fine details with this feature turned on. 

Winner: LG C1

Viewing Angle

Viewing angles are extremely important when it comes to watching TV with a lot of people. The best viewing angle is right in front of the TV. OLED panels are known for having fantastic viewing angles, appropriate for wider viewing arrangements. 

So, the image quality doesn’t decrease if you sit at a wider angle. Since both of these models have an OLED screen, they both have wide viewing angles. 

Winner: Draw

Reflections / Anti-glare

The LG C1 has fairly good reflection handling. But, it has a glossy finish. So, it might not be the best idea to put a screen opposite to the light source like a window or other bright lights. The LG G1, on the other hand, has an OLED Evo screen which handles reflections slightly better

Winner: LG G1

Sound Quality

Neither of these models has an integrated soundbar. But there are differences between their internal speakers. The LG C1 has 40 Watt speakers with 2.2 audio channels. But, the LG G1 has 60 Watt speakers with 4.2 channels. Keep in mind that the G1 model has a matching Gallery Soundbar if you want to get a soundbar. 

Winner: LG G1

Smart TV Platform (Operating System)

These models use the WebOS 6.0 operating system. It is easy to use and it has a nice-looking interface. Contrary to the previous version, now the menu is all over the screen. It runs smoothly and has plenty of apps available like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Spotify, etc. They also support HomeKit and AirPlay 2.

Winner: Draw

Connectivity

Inputs

Each of these models has four HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1), three USB ports (USB 2.0), an ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm jack. The downside is that none of them have a 3.0 USB port.  

However, the HDMI 2.1 ports have low input lag, which is really important for people who love to play games. If you are a game lover and want a high-end gaming experience, these TVs might be the perfect solution for you.  

Winner: Draw

Voice Assistants

Both models support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can access them through the Magic Remote since it has dedicated buttons for these voice assistants. You can use voice commands to open apps and content search with the remote, but you can’t change settings. 

The new Magic Remote has hotkeys for services like Netflix, Disney +, and Prime Video. It has a scroll wheel which makes navigation that much easier. The remote also has a built-in microphone. Since there are no differences between these two TV models, it is a draw in this category. 

Winner: Draw

Wireless Technologies

There is not much difference between the two when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. They both support Wi-Fi connection, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Both of these TVs also support Bluetooth 5.0

Winner: Draw

Standout Features

The LG G1 has a stunning gallery design. Since there is no backlighting, LG has managed to make this TV’s screen extremely thin. It is so thin that when mounted on the wall, it sits flush against the wall. 

This model is intended for those people who want to keep the TV mounted on the wall. Unfortunately, it does not come with a stand. If you want to keep your TV on the ground, you would have to get a tripod Gallery Stand. The stand is a little pricey, in addition to the TV, so the overall price could be too much for some. 

LG G1 Gallery Design
The LG G1 mounted on the wall (the gallery design)

This TV also has an exceptional build quality. It’s mostly made from metal and a little plastic. It also has a cable management solution on the back. So if you want to get rid of cables and enjoy a unique TV environment, the LG G1 might be the right choice for you.

Conclusion

Besides the stunningly thin design and the slightly brighter EVO panel, there are no significant differences in this LG C1 vs G1 comparison. The picture quality, motion technology, connectivity, and operating systems are either similar or equal. 

The main deciding factor seems to be the place you will keep the TV – mounted on the wall or not. If you are not willing to pay extra for having the higher-end OLED Evo TV, the LG C1 will do just fine. 

This model’s specs are just as good as the LG G1’s specs. With the same processor, refresh rates, and technologies, it will run just as smoothly and deliver almost the same quality. 

Choose LG C1 if you:

  • Want a TV with a stand
  • Intend to watch TV with a lot of people
  • Expect a fantastic picture quality 
  • Want to play games  
  • Need a great Smart TV operating system

Choose LG G1 if you:

  • Want to mount the TV on the wall
  • Don’t mind spending a little extra money
  • Want stronger speakers
  • Want to own LG’s best OLED TV
  • Think stunning design is important
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About Jon

Hey, I'm Jon. I'm an engineer by trade, so it makes sense that I'm obsessed with anything technology related! On the weekends, you can find me playing around with my computers or fixing something around the house. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to get in touch.

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