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LG is one of the world’s largest technology and consumer electronics companies. As a result, the company has leveraged its financial muscle to develop some of the best appliances in the world, most notable being its televisions. LG released its first organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV in 2013. Ten years later, the company claims to have sold more OLED TVs than any other brand in the world. The LG OLED TV lineup currently consists of the entry-level B Series, the mid-level C Series, and the premium-level G Series. This article will focus on the LG C Series, often the company’s best-selling series. The article will compare the LG C2, released in 2022, and the LG C3, launched at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The comparison will highlight the significant improvements LG made to the C3 and make a final determination on whether it is worth upgrading to the new LG C3 or sticking to the LG C2.
LG C3 vs. LG C2: Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | LG C3 | LG C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Year of launch | 2023 | 2022 |
| Screen Sizes (inches) | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 |
| Display Technology | OLED with Brightness Booster | OLED |
| Display Resolution | 4K (3840*2160) | 4K (3840*2160) |
| HDMI Standard | HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.1a Compatible | HDMI 2.1 |
| Quick Media Switching | Yes | No |
| Operating System | WebOS 23 | WebOS 22 |
| Picture Processor | Alpha 9 Gen 6 | Alpha 9 Gen 5 |
- LG ThinQ AI voice assistant included
- Features Dolby Atmos technology
- Superb contrast
- Comes in a variety of sizes from 48 inches to 83 inches
LG C3 vs. LG C2: What’s the Difference?
With LG releasing a new version of their TVs every year, it can be challenging for most people to keep up with the fresh additions. Thus, they may not be aware of the similarities and differences between successive models. We provide a technical review of the LG C3 and LG C2 OLEDs, below.
Design
There is not much difference between the design of the LG C3 and LG C2. Both TVs have sleek designs and thin bezels. However, consumers can expect the LG C3 to be slightly lighter than the LG C2. That is because the manufacturer used a new composite fiber material to make the LG C3, which cuts the product’s overall weight.
Given the LG C3 and C2 will be available in the same size, here are the dimensions of the different LG C2 TVs for comparison (in inches):
- 83 – 72.9 x 41.8 x 2.2
- 77 – 67.4 x 38.7 x 1.9
- 65 – 56.7 x 32.5 x 1.8
- 55 – 48.1 x 27.7 x 1.8
- 48 – 42.2 x 24.3 x 1.8
- 42 – 36.7 x 21.3 x 1.6
Operating System
The LG C3 has an upgraded version of the LG operating system, the WebOS 23, compared to the LG C2, which has 2022’s WebOS 22. WebOS 23 spots several differences from WebOS 22. They include:
Scrolling
Upgrading to the LG C3 will guarantee less scrolling because it only has two screens of app content. The main screen has ads and recommendations from LG’s partners, a row of Quick Cards, and another consisting of installed applications. The second page has a streaming section with tabs for various streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Quick Cards
The quick cards in WebOS 23 generalize the categorization of the LG C3 applications, thus guaranteeing fewer categories. Users will see cards like Music, Sports, and Games. Moreover, the cards are customizable to suit each user’s preferences.
Customizable Profiles
The WebOS 23 operating system allows users to personalize their profiles. For instance, each user can include an avatar in their profile. In addition, each user gets to set preferences like color saturation, brightness, and contrast by selecting images with different settings and then allowing the operating system to create custom picture modes based on their image selections.
Picture Processor
The processor on the LG C3 may be the most significant difference between it and the LG C2. The LG C2 has an Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor, while the LG C3 has LG’s latest and most advanced processor, the Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor.
The Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor guarantees AI upscaling to boost audio processing and improve picture quality. The LG C3 has a 3.1.2 channel speaker with an output of 40W. With the help of the Alpha 9 Gen 6 processors, the AI Sound Pro feature in the LG C3 TVs can deliver virtual 9.1.2 channel surround sound.
Performance
We cannot review the LG C3 and LG C2 without comparing their performance. The launch of a new product should signify a performance improvement compared to its predecessor. The same applies to the LG C3, though it does not have significant upgrades over the LG C2. Some of the performance improvements to expect include:
Screen Quality
LG are known to improve their TVs’ screen quality every year. For example, the screen brightness of the LG C2 was around 20% better than that of the LG C1. Unfortunately, the LG C3 does not have the Brightness Booster Max, like other models introduced at the 2023 CES. However, like the LG G3, it has the standard LG brightness booster. This means you will find the LG C3 slightly brighter than the LG C2. In addition, the upgraded operating system and processor help the device boost the brightness where necessary by differentiating between an image’s background and foreground.
Audio Performance
As noted, the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor helps boost the audio output on the LG C3. The TV also has a WOW Orchestra sound feature to improve sound output, especially bass sounds and loud bangs like explosions. The feature helps synchronize the sound from the TV’s speaker with that produced by a connected LG soundbar. However, users must buy a compatible 2023 LG soundbar to enjoy the improved sound effects.
Media Switching
The LG C2 has the standard variable refresh rate (VRR) feature, meaning whenever you switch between HDMI inputs with different refresh rates, your screen momentarily goes black. For some, that can be inconvenient, as they expect seamless switching between media inputs.
In contrast, the LG C3 has the new quick media switching variable refresh rate (QMS-VRR) feature that ensures no black screen when you switch between media inputs. Unfortunately, the Apple TV 4K is the only device in the market currently supporting the feature. However, consumers can expect more consoles and devices to incorporate the feature as it becomes more prevalent in other TVs.
Price
When the LG C3 made its debut at the 2023 CES, the company did not provide a release date or launch price. However, consumers can expect the launch price of the LG C3 to be slightly higher than that of the LG C2 in 2022. That may be because of factors like upgrades made to the appliance.
The launch prices for the LG C2 based on size were as follows:
- 42 inches – $1,399
- 48 inches – $1,499
- 55 inches – $1,799
- 65 inches – $2,499
- 77 inches – $3,499
- 83 inches – $5,499
- LG's fifth generation α9 Processor automatically adjusts your TV's settings depending on what you're watching.
- Filmmaker Mode shows movies the way the movie director originally intended.
- Game Optimizer from LG ensures that that you have your most exciting gaming experience ever
- Wall mountable (VESA 300 x 200) - sold separately
LG C3 vs. LG C2: 6 Must-Know Facts
- WebOS is a Linux-based operating system used in LG smart devices like their smart TVs and smart refrigerators. LG has used it since 2014, when it replaced the previous platform, LG Netcast.
- LG made the world’s first large-screen OLED TV in 2013, which was 55 inches large. They followed it up with an OLED 4K TV in 2014 and an OLED 8K TV in 2019.
- LG OLED TVs have won the CES Innovation Award for eleven straight years, making the brand the most reliable when looking for consistent technological improvements.
- LG OLED TVs help the company’s drive to protect the environment and encourage sustainable consumption than LCD TVs because they do not have a backlight, meaning they require fewer production materials.
- Both the LG C3 and C2 have four HDMI 2.1 ports, with one supporting enhanced audio return channel (eARC).
- Neither the LG C3 nor the C2 has the ATSC 3.0 tuner, which is necessary to receive NextGen TV broadcasts.
LG C3 vs. LG C2: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
LG usually adds multiple upgrades to its new releases. For instance, the LG C2 had significantly more features than the LG C1. However, that is not the case for the 2023 C-Series TVs. The company introduced a few upgrades to the LG C3 and instead focused on improving the specifications of the premium LG G3.
Regardless, you cannot ignore the upgrades LG made to the C3. For instance, the new operating system, WebOS 23, guarantees smoother transitions between applications and profiles. In addition, the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor helps improve picture and sound quality. The LG C3 is the better device as it offers more functionality at a reasonable price.
However, when it comes to upgrading from the C2 to the C3, that is a matter of preference. For the avid tech consumer excited about technological improvements, making the upgrade may be worth it. On the other hand, for the casual consumer, sticking with the LG C2 may be sufficient as they wait for a product with more significant upgrades. Ultimately, both are award-winning TVs that combine affordability without compromising on premium features.
- LG C3 Series 65-Inch Class OLED evo Gallery Edition Smart TV
- LG ThinQ AI voice assistant included
- Features Dolby Atmos technology
- Superb contrast
- Comes in a variety of sizes from 48 inches to 83 inches
- LG C2 Series 55-Inch OLED evo Smart TV OLED55C2PUA, 2022
- LG's fifth generation α9 Processor automatically adjusts your TV's settings depending on what you're watching.
- Filmmaker Mode shows movies the way the movie director originally intended.
- Game Optimizer from LG ensures that that you have your most exciting gaming experience ever
- Wall mountable (VESA 300 x 200) - sold separately
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