I have personally never thought about an OLED television until I owned my first phone with an OLED panel in 2019. That was when my journey began with this technology, and I am now thinking of buying an OLED TV as well. Prices are lower now and, finally, manufacturers are offering OLED TVs in smaller sizes (42" & 48") as well.
People usually say, "Once you've experienced the world of OLED, you just simply don't want to go back to a LCD." This is 100% true.
The questions here are why should we buy an OLED TV and which one to buy.
To get close to the best answer (depending on your needs, of course), we need to understand a few things:
What is OLED technology and why is it so different from LCD?
OLED Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
OLED is an LED composed of organic material that emits light in response to an electric current. They do not require an external light source, since they are able to produce their own light.
This means an OLED TV can light each pixel individually and this is the key feature.
Pros and Cons of OLED screens
Pros of OLED screens
Cons of OLED screens
If you would like to compare LCDs and OLEDs, check out this video from JerryRigEverything.
The magic starts at 3:30
Product numbers and what they mean at LG.
Understanding the product number at LG isn't difficult if you take a look at this picture:
OLED product code has five parts:
The first letter of an OLED’s model number indicates the series:
A / B - Entry-level - less advanced α7 Gen5 AI Processor
G - Gallery Edition
C - 'Connectivity' α9 Gen5 AI processor
Z - The most expensive OLEDs - premium range
Do we want to play games on that? (YES! )
When we compare LG TVs, you can see different models of the same size, like A1 or C1.
Because of the connectivity and processing power, when speaking about gaming, I would definitely choose a C2 or G2 model. Those models will have HDMI 2.1 with an α9 Gen5 AI processor. This would be the range for the best value in a "Gaming TV."
What's new at LG OLED TVs in 2022 and how are they priced?
Most important, the new 42" OLED panel is the world's first OLED TV in a 42".
It would appear that this first 42" OLED TV will have the same price as their 48" model because of the 42-inch panel's storage.
LG is introducing the new A2, B2, C2, G2, and Z2 OLED models and you can see the differences below:
New fifth-generation processors:
A little bit more about each series and if you would like to check the actual deals/prices for any of the models below, simply just click on the model number below:
LG A2 (A26)
Models:
48" OLED48A2
55" OLED55A2
65" OLED65A2
77" OLED77A2
LG B2 (B26)
Models:
55" OLED55B2
65" OLED65B2
77" OLED77B2
LG A2 and LG B2:
LG C2 (C26, C25, C24)
Models:
42" OLED42C2
48" OLED48C2
55" OLED55C2
65" OLED65C2
77" OLED77C2
83" OLED83C2
LG C2 OLED Evo:
New 42in screen size in addition to 48in, 55in, 65in, 77in and 83in options. Four HDMI 2.1 ports that support all the key gaming features such as ALLM, VRR and 4K@120Hz.
The smallest models.
LG G2 (G26)
Models:
55" OLED55G2
65" OLED65G2
77" OLED77G2
83" OLED83G2
97" OLED97G2
LG G2 OLED Evo Gallery Edition:
LG’s flagship 4K OLED
α9 Gen5 chip
A wider range of sizes: 55in, 65in, 77in, 83in and 97in models available, all of which will be optimised for wall mounting.
LG’s Brightness Booster AI algorithm and promises to be the company's brightest OLED yet.
LG Z2
Models:
77" OLED77Z2
88" OLED88Z2
LG Z2 OLED:
This is a premium 8K OLED powered by LG’s α9 Gen5 AI Processor 8K.Only in 77in and 88in screen sizes. If you can afford it you could think about it but definitely, these are not the best value for the money you can get.
As a final thought
If you would like to go ahead with buying an OLED TV, buy it with at least a 5-year warrantyas the image burn-in is still an issue (even though it is much less of a problem than before).Update on this, the warranty doesn't cover the burn-in issue in the UK (the warranty is different in the EU), however, LG UK is willing to fix it as a gesture in the first year.
Only buy the C2 or G2 model if you will take advantage of its connectivity/processing power and/or you would like to get something that is more "future-proof".
Recent new deals/vouchers/discussions about the LG OLED TV's 2022:
People usually say, "Once you've experienced the world of OLED, you just simply don't want to go back to a LCD." This is 100% true.
The questions here are why should we buy an OLED TV and which one to buy.
To get close to the best answer (depending on your needs, of course), we need to understand a few things:
- What is OLED technology and why is that so different from LCD?
- Product numbers and what they mean at LG.
- Do we want to play games on that? (YES! )
- What's new at LG OLED TVs in 2022 and how are they priced?
What is OLED technology and why is it so different from LCD?
OLED Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
OLED is an LED composed of organic material that emits light in response to an electric current. They do not require an external light source, since they are able to produce their own light.
This means an OLED TV can light each pixel individually and this is the key feature.
Pros and Cons of OLED screens
Pros of OLED screens
- Thinner than IPS LCD
- Very POWER EFFICIENT
- Excellent viewing angles
- EXCELLENT BLACK levels
Cons of OLED screens
- Possibility of image BURN-IN
- EXPENSIVE to manufacture
If you would like to compare LCDs and OLEDs, check out this video from JerryRigEverything.
The magic starts at 3:30
Product numbers and what they mean at LG.
Understanding the product number at LG isn't difficult if you take a look at this picture:
OLED product code has five parts:
- Display type
- Size of the TV (measured diagonally)
- Series
- Year
- Three letter code
The first letter of an OLED’s model number indicates the series:
A / B - Entry-level - less advanced α7 Gen5 AI Processor
G - Gallery Edition
C - 'Connectivity' α9 Gen5 AI processor
Z - The most expensive OLEDs - premium range
Do we want to play games on that? (YES! )
When we compare LG TVs, you can see different models of the same size, like A1 or C1.
Because of the connectivity and processing power, when speaking about gaming, I would definitely choose a C2 or G2 model. Those models will have HDMI 2.1 with an α9 Gen5 AI processor. This would be the range for the best value in a "Gaming TV."
What's new at LG OLED TVs in 2022 and how are they priced?
Most important, the new 42" OLED panel is the world's first OLED TV in a 42".
It would appear that this first 42" OLED TV will have the same price as their 48" model because of the 42-inch panel's storage.
LG is introducing the new A2, B2, C2, G2, and Z2 OLED models and you can see the differences below:
- C2 and G2 with be 'OLED Evo', which is a combination of panel, video processing, and algorithms.
- C2 will be brighter than last year's C1 due to 'OLED Evo' and a 'Brightness Booster' system.
- G2 will get 'Brightness Booster Max', which should get even brighter enabled by a new heat dissipation solution.
New fifth-generation processors:
- Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor 8K or 4K,
- Alpha 7 or Alpha 5 AI in the entry models
A little bit more about each series and if you would like to check the actual deals/prices for any of the models below, simply just click on the model number below:
LG A2 (A26)
Models:48" OLED48A2
55" OLED55A2
65" OLED65A2
77" OLED77A2
LG B2 (B26)
Models:55" OLED55B2
65" OLED65B2
77" OLED77B2
LG A2 and LG B2:
- LG’s less advanced α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K.
- Affordable entry points
- Cuts a few picture and audio enhancements found on more premium models.
LG C2 (C26, C25, C24)
Models:42" OLED42C2
48" OLED48C2
55" OLED55C2
65" OLED65C2
77" OLED77C2
83" OLED83C2
LG C2 OLED Evo:
New 42in screen size in addition to 48in, 55in, 65in, 77in and 83in options. Four HDMI 2.1 ports that support all the key gaming features such as ALLM, VRR and 4K@120Hz.
The smallest models.
LG G2 (G26)
Models:55" OLED55G2
65" OLED65G2
77" OLED77G2
83" OLED83G2
97" OLED97G2
LG G2 OLED Evo Gallery Edition:
LG’s flagship 4K OLED
α9 Gen5 chip
A wider range of sizes: 55in, 65in, 77in, 83in and 97in models available, all of which will be optimised for wall mounting.
LG’s Brightness Booster AI algorithm and promises to be the company's brightest OLED yet.
LG Z2
Models:77" OLED77Z2
88" OLED88Z2
LG Z2 OLED:
This is a premium 8K OLED powered by LG’s α9 Gen5 AI Processor 8K.Only in 77in and 88in screen sizes. If you can afford it you could think about it but definitely, these are not the best value for the money you can get.
As a final thought
If you would like to go ahead with buying an OLED TV, buy it with at least a 5-year warranty
Only buy the C2 or G2 model if you will take advantage of its connectivity/processing power and/or you would like to get something that is more "future-proof".
Recent new deals/vouchers/discussions about the LG OLED TV's 2022:
- LG OLED48C24LA (2022) OLED HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 48" Freeview HD/Freesat HD & Dolby Atmos, Black + Free Soundbar £1399 @ John Lewis
- Best Value 43” and Under TV
188 Comments
sorted byProceed with caution, the original post should not be used as anything more than a casual reference when buying your next tv!
Other than that I found that very useful, mostly because I now understand the other letters on my C1 product code.
A quick google seems to suggest OLED tv's use more power than LED? My Samsung 50" LED uses 100w, interested to hear from users of similar OLED TV's
Any difference between the new model and last or in some cases 2 generations old model.
OLED is amazing in a very dark room and if you watch TV predominantly at night.
QLED is amazing, especially with mini-led, when you’re watching in a sun soaked room. This is more common if you’re a big sports fan, when games can take place in the middle of the day.
This is something no guide can make a definitive call on. You need to weigh up what you are willing to compromise on.
Just wait til the QD-OLEDs come out, Brighter and blacks are as good!
Whilst I agree that OLED is very nice, it does have more than 2 cons. For example if you watch a lot of TV, movies or play games during the day in a well lit room you're better off with a QLED simply because OLED lacks brightness. Also black crush can be seen more easily on an OLED so if you like to 'acquire' your movies from various online sources you'll need to be sure the encode has been done properly and not rushed out/shrunk to a small size. Black crush can also be seen more often in streaming media as well, especially if you sometimes suffer bandwidth problems causing Amazon/Netfilx to reduce the bitrate.
I definitely agree OLED is better hands down in a dark room. Tech such as QD-OLED is currently the way forward due to allowing higher brightness, but please don't act like everything else is inferior. QLED is still the better choice for the majority of people because most people aren't hardcore movie fans and gamers making sure the lights are off and curtains closed. More people watch their TVs in well lit rooms where brightness plays a bigger factor than perfect blacks and this is where QLED takes the crown.
Be wary of the 48. Many pc users have had headaches and eye strain as they are too close to it. I’m going to wait to see if the 42 lowers in price and go for that I think! (edited)
I would agree with you and take this quote further.... When purchasing my OLED I found that ALL retailers with the exception of Costco had exclusion clauses for burn in (screen Burn) on OLEDs.
John Lewis now have an insurance that does cover it, but not sure if it is free or a paid for item...
Having said the above, I love my OLED. Looking at other TVs when visiting friends and family, I can really see the difference.....
If you need convincing, check out this video of a 4K OLED vs 8K QLED..... Check out at about 10 minutes 40 seconds
You will notice a lot of blooming around bright objects on dark objects. I love the mini-LED display of the new MacBooks but that is the big downside. White text on black have this white cloud bloom surrounding the text.
Yeah micro-LED is the future. That being said I’ve had a C9 from release and no signs of screen burn yet. I have been playing games, watching TV and all sorts. (edited)
Personally I'd say no. The C2 is a better TV,, no doubt, but the improvements over the C1 are only incremental. You'd essentially be buying a slightly improved version of the TV you already own.
They flicker more which causes eye fatigue.
I think the newer OLED panels are better in this regard though.
Having a TV with a higher peak brightness is only really useful for situations where the roll-off techniques all TVs have to use when the content has higher peak white than it can handle crush highlights.
Plasma technology is considered to be superior to OLED when it comes to motion resolution. OLED is a non-impulsed display just like LCD. The image stays on the screen until the next image appears resulting in a terrible image for low frame rate content (unless you use some interpolation enhancement). This is why much higher refresh rates are needed to solve this problem. Your average phone is now moving to 120hz instead of 60hz. At 60hz the text on the screen looks like a blur when scrolling quickly (at that instant when the screen is moving quickly it looks worse than low definition). 4K & 8K don't really mean anything if manufacturers can't solve the problem of motion resolution. Blurbusters has a lot of useful info on this.
Its similar, 52 watts on SD material and 94 watts with HDR content. This is with the 42" LG C2:
check product specs here:
johnlewis.com/lg-…666
You might be able to shave some more energy off if you get an 2022 OLED but with a confirmed WBE type panel, this is LGs latest generation panel but its not easy to find out which TVs have it and don't at the moment. You might get 10-15 watts saved off the top of my head with the newer panel.
I cant confirm this but id guess majority if not all OLEDs from say LG in 2023 will use that new WBE panel, might be by this fall even.
I was tempted to go OLED.. but after some extensive research on the differences, I ended my mental anguish of trying to find something as close to without losing too much clarity and came across the Sony FALD.
Things like QLED/ULED/NANO all have bells and whistles and nice sounding features.. but they don't quite seem to cut it overall. Price Vs comparability on what the TVs can actually do, I ended my journey buying one of the Sony XH90 range (the KD65XH9296 in particular) which itself had the surrounding speakers built in to give that Atmos sound without having to spend a further £300 (at the time) on a soundbar that wouldn't really give anything comparable beyond a little extra bass.
Yep.. I was annoyed for a good year and a bit whilst Sony jigged around the VRR and kept extending the rollout for the update on both the TV and the PlayStation, but they got there in the end and I must say.. that was the smallest drawback.
Even on the streaming apps, watching 4K is immense. The full 10bit panel gives a level of depth that really adds to the content and the colours are just that little bit better indeed. Some claim the blacks aren't black enough, but it's been proven the way in which they measure the black-white doesn't give a true read since indeed the panel is FALD so constantly shifts where the focus is etc.
Overall, the TV worked out half the price of comparable OLED models at the time and was barely more expensive than those 10bit (8+2FRC) panels which claim to make up the rest of the colours by blinking rapidly between ¼ to ½ of two colours.. and for most that's not noticeable.. but side by side there's enough of a difference to justify spending perhaps an extra quarter of the price.. eg the closest LG NANO and Samsung QLED panels were around £750-800 and the LG C1 was roughly £1800-2000, whilst the Sony cost me £949.
Just food for thought. OLED has the edge.. but personally I know I'd suffer burn in and I'm not up for that headache with such an expensive TV.
Everyone's got a different opinion.. but as an owner of the Sony, I promise the blacks are black, the whites are white and there's definitely no competition on the colour range.. the best you'll find is like for like on the vivid colour range ️
I don’t need to wait I own the C2 42”. I don’t even care for brighter tv’s I watch and play my content in either a dark room or with a side lamp on. more than enough bright! 700 nits the 42 reaches. I don’t want a sun tan with QD
whathifi.com/new…ype
TBH I've always been a fan on Sony TV's. Still got a Bravia 3 42" LED TV Full HD, wish it would die so I am forced to upgrade
Interesting. But at £800 most will consider it to be overpriced for such a small screen.
I’ve got a CX that cost £2k, it’s wonderful, and as a home AV nerd it’s perfect when I want the best visual quality possible in a dark room. I’ve also got a Hisense 65U8QFT that cost £650. The differences in picture quality when side by side are honestly considerably less than you might expect. Point being, if you’re on a budget, there are alternatives and most people will never be able to tell the difference.
And lastly, if you’re doing a home theatre setup, get a bloody projector!
£1200 RS. fits my desk perfect!
I actually don’t own a series x any longer! I got a pc instead with an 3070 ti! been playing destiny 2 at 1440p @ 120fps! such a good experience! the tv is incredible the 48 will also be incredible. I’ve got a 48” C1 downstairs
Agreed. Made the jump from a Sony 55" LED to a C1 65" OLED and the difference is crazy. Literally zero drawbacks.
Oh, that's a shame. Burn-in should be included in warranty.
LG are pretty good considering several things ( HDMI 2.1 support and frequent updates) .
Panasonic and Sony get the cherry picked panels, factory calibration and other enchancements. They will cost more but IMO are good value for money with less worries/maintanence. The 1400 nit HDR LG panel Sony models arent cheap. They will also be using QD OLED panel's alongside LG's.Will be fun to see how far Sony take the QD OLED TV. (edited)
Exactly this, ratings and other YouTube reviews all slate my 55 inch Q80A saying it's really bad and has ads panel but it is actually very good and has a VA panel.
I almost cancelled my order until I found out on AV forums that the UK get a different model and Samsung don't advertise this fact for some strange reason
I'm currently rocking an older Sony LED and it's been a superb set. It's been nearly five years since I bought it and seeing all the deals for the 48" LG C1 OLED I'm pretty damn close to pulling the trigger on one.
The one thing that kinda holds me back is how OLED handles motion. I've read stories about people who are sensitive to judder finding OLED isn't for them. Has anyone here been in a similar situation?
I'd love to have those amazing black levels and 2.1 HDMI features for my PS5 going forward (edited)