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LG is one of the leading brands in OLED technology. The company has produced several high-end OLED models, including the latest LG C3 and G3, which were introduced during CES 2023. Both of these models offer exceptional picture quality, impressive features, and stunning designs.
LG has made some generational upgrades to the G3 OLED, and at the same time, made some moderate upgrades to the C3. The G3 and C3 are a replacement for the LG C2 and the LG G2 and they offer better and stronger performance, however, the G3 has made much bigger strides than the C3. From their look, G3 differs from the C3 in both size and brightness. The LG G3 also starts at 55 inches, while the LG C3 starts at 42 inches.
The G3 comes with the latest-gen Brightness Booster Max and Light Control Architecture technology, which makes it much brighter and more adaptive to outside light, especially in a room with windows. The C3 is less bright and has low HDR performance. However, this model is more convenient for people with less space and a lower budget. In this article, we will closely examine the LG C3 and G3 to determine which high-end OLED wins.
LG C3 vs. G3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG C3 OLED | LG G3 OLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Available sizes | 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch | 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch, and 97-inch |
| Screen Tech | OLED Evo | OLED Evo with Light Control Architecture |
| Outputs | four HDMI (2.1) ports | four HDMI (2.1) ports and ATSC 3.0 tuner |
| Price | $1,799 for the 55-inch model | $2,199 for the 55-inch model |
| Design | Can be mounted or placed on AV furniture | For mounting only |
| Brightness | Uses Brightness Booster technology only | Uses Micro Lens Array (MLA) Panel and Brightness Booster Max technology |
| Space Convenience | Convenient for people with small space | Best suited in large spaces |
| HDR support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
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LG C3 vs. G3: What’s The Difference
There are several differences between the LG C3 and G3 OLEDs. These differences may be internal or external. Though some differences are not really noticeable to the naked eye, the LG G3 OLED has some major differences, such as the price, screen sizes, design, performance, and processor. With that in mind, let’s examine their key differences.
Price and Screen Sizes
The G-series is currently the most expensive of the LG TV series since its inception about two years ago. LG released the 55-inch LG C2 OLED last year at a cost of $1,799 after its launch, while the 55-inch LG G2 OLED sold at $2,199. Unless there is a difference in the production cost, the prices will be close to the same for this year’s 2023 releases, with the same differences in price for all models that are expected.
The lower price gives the LG C3 OLED an advantage over the G3. In addition, the C-series comes with more sizes as compared to the G-Series. The LG G2 came in 5 sizes last year: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch, and 97-inch models.
Design
Despite coming with fewer screen sizes and a higher price tag, the LG G3 OLED’s design is its strong suit. The LG G3 OLED is accompanied by a no-gap wall mount that fits flush with the wall. In previous years, there was a gap between the wall and the screen. However, LG did not include the G3’s wall mount accessory but chose to sell it as a separate item instead. In contrast, the LG C3 OLED has a wall mount included, though it’s not a Sleek design.
The two TV sets offer the same outputs and inputs, four HDMI (2.1) ports. In addition, the LG G3 OLED has an ATSC 3.0 tuner that’s not available with the LG C3. This means one can’t watch NextGen TV with the LG C3.
Another difference is mounting. You can mount both the LG G3 and C3, but LG has specifically designed the G3 for mounting. The G3’s super thin design comes with a special wall mount bracket that is flush with the wall. However, you can place the stand that the LG C3 comes with on any AV furniture. This makes it more convenient for most buyers, as they won’t have to spend any extra cash.
Performance
With its brightness, the LG G3’s colors will pop more and its extra brightness reduces the screen glare from the room’s ambient light. This will create the “wow” factor of the G3. This is another reason to consider owning the LG G3 as opposed to the LG C3 OLED. Glare is an issue, especially for those who love watching TV during the day in a room with windows.
The difference in the image quality is the OLED panel LG is using. The C3 is still using the OLED Evo technology that was used by the C2 last year. In contrast, the LG G3 OLED uses a new-gen version that’s called Light Control Architecture. In addition, it has Light-boosting algorithms. These algorithms are also known as Micro Lens Arrays (MLAs) and they have the potential to increase the HDR brightness up to 2,100 nits. The C3 won’t change much, as its brightness will be 800 nits.
Both TVs have the same performance in matters concerning up-scaling and motion processing. This is because both TVs share the same processor. In addition, there are no blooming problems expected since each pixel produces its own light. The LG G3 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor, the G2, while the LG C3 is just a minor upgrade from the previous C2.
Processor
There will be a slight change in the software, but the hardware inside both the LG G3 and C3 OLED is a better version compared to the previous generation’s processor. The Alpha a9 Gen 6 processor, which is used by both the G3 and C3, can upscale and process motion much better. It also converts the TV’s 40W sound into virtual 9.1.2 surround sound.
- Voice control enabled (HomeKit, Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
- Self-lit OLED pixels, 4K resolution
- Includes Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and LG Game Optimizer
- LG's fifth-generation a9 AI processor
- Uses LG's a9 5th gen AI Processor
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision included
- LG's Game Optimizer ensures you the ultimate gaming experience
- Able to be wall mounted using a VESA type mount (unfortunately sold separately)
LG C3 vs. G3: 5 Must-Know Facts
- LG built the new LG G3 OLED to be mounted on the wall. It has no traditional stand that you can put on the AV furniture but has a wall bracket to attach it to the wall.
- The introduction of new technology and software to LG’s OLED TVs has improved the quality and performance of their TVs. The G3 OLED has a Micro Lens Array (MLA) Panel that redirects light that was to reflect backward toward the viewer. This produces a high peak brightness of up to 2100 nits and a wider angle.
- Both the G3 and C3 will have new Orchestra sound features which will enable the TV speakers to work in harmony with the connected LG soundbar.
- The G3 has a Brightness Booster Max technology and software algorithm that can control the intensity of the brightness in the panel to have maximum impact.
- Both TVs have the same performance in matters concerning up-scaling and motion processing. This is because both TVs share the same processor and there are no blooming problems expected since each pixel produces its own light.
LG C3 vs. G3: Which One is Better? Which Should You Buy?
There are various factors you need to consider before buying a TV. These factors will determine what to get based on your needs. They fall under price, quality, and installation space size.
Price
Go only for the TV that is within your budget. As much as one would love to watch quality and experience performance, TVs are an investment that can put a strain on your budget. For a cost-effective upgrade, the LG C3 OLED will be of better service. However, if money is not a factor under consideration and you don’t mind spending an extra dollar for an outstanding picture experience, the LG G3 OLED is worth investing in.
Quality
Concerning buying a TV, quality is one of the most important factors to consider. LG has made the G3 feel like it’s a premium model compared to the rest. At the moment, the LG G3 OLED beats the LG C3 OLED in everything except the price and the smaller size models available.
Space
The LG G3’s smallest size is the 55-inch model, which may not be ideal for a bedroom or a small living room. Therefore, having this model will require you to have extra space available for the optimal experience. The LG C3, in contrast, comes with smaller models like the 42 inch that are more convenient for small spaces like the bedroom.
In addition, when buying the G-series, you need to buy the wall mount as a separate accessory, as it’s only designed for mounting. The LG C3 has a stand that one can use if they don’t want to spend extra cash on the mounting accessory.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want quality, the LG G3 is the best option. Apart from the processor, the screen has more reflectivity and much more brightness that will give you better quality and images that appear more real. The G3 beats C3 on all sides apart from the number of sizes available and the price.
In terms of quality, the MLAs will enhance the viewing experience, especially when in a room with windows and outside light. The LG C3 hasn’t done much upgrading and therefore it barely feels like an improvement from its predecessor, the LG C2.
- LG 97-Inch OLED G2 Smart TV
- Voice control enabled (HomeKit, Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
- Self-lit OLED pixels, 4K resolution
- Includes Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and LG Game Optimizer
- LG's fifth-generation a9 AI processor
- LG C2 83-Inch OLED Smart TV 2022
- Uses LG's a9 5th gen AI Processor
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision included
- LG's Game Optimizer ensures you the ultimate gaming experience
- Able to be wall mounted using a VESA type mount (unfortunately sold separately)
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