© Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock.com
The race for the most advanced display technology has been heating up over the years with each company in the industry vying to outdo the others. At CES 2023, both LG and Samsung unveiled their newest lineups of OLED TVs, showcasing their latest advancements in technology.
While LG’s newest OLED LG C3 has made quite a splash with its sleek design and impressive features, Samsung’s latest OLEDs (QD-OLEDs) have caught everyone’s attention due to their superior brightness and wider color gamut.
So, how does the C3 stack up against models like the Samsung S95C? Let’s take a closer look at what each has to offer to determine which is better suited to your needs.
LG C3 vs. Samsung OLEDs: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG C3 | Samsung S95C | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2023 | 2022 |
| Technology | Self-lit OLED | Self-emissive QD-OLED |
| Picture Processor | Alpha 9 Gen 6 AI processor | Neural Quantum Processor |
| Software | webOS 23 platform | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1 ports | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Brightness | 2,000 nits | Up to 2,100 nits |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160p | 3840 x 2160p |
| Image Retention (Burn-in) | No burn-in issue | Low risk of burn-in |
| Cost | $3,499 | $4,499 |
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K can effectively manage color and contrast
- 1374 nits of peak brightness ideal for darker rooms
- Watch your favorite TV shows and movies in HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG
- Offers smart features for gamers like GameBar 3.0, Minimap Sharing 3, and Virtual Aim Point
- Available in 55-inch and 77-inch models
LG C3 vs. Samsung OLEDs: What’s the Difference?
Both the LG C3 and Samsung’s latest lineup of OLEDs were unveiled in January at CES 2023, all touting a range of features that most TV and display tech fans love. While LG’s newest entrant to the C series, the C3, is impressive in its own right, Samsung’s QD-OLEDs, like the S90C and S95C, are turning heads as well. But how do each of them achieve these feats?
Let’s examine what sets these premium LG and Samsung displays apart in more detail.
Technology
The LG C3 features a slim, sleek, and slender design that closely resembles that of its predecessor, the C2. It comes with a composite back panel as well as thin bezels surrounding the 4K OLED panel on both 55-inch and 65-inch models.
As for hardware specs, it also includes 3840 x 2160 pixels resolution, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos audio support, HDR10 Pro support, along with Filmmaker Mode and Alpha 9 Gen 6 AI processor for image processing technologies like AI Super Upscaling Pro and OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro technologies. Plus, it offers compatibility with 4K 120 FPS gaming graphics.
On the other hand, a Samsung QD-OLED TV such as the Samsung S95B is composed of several layers including TFT (Thin Film Transistor) layer which acts as an electronic circuit controlling the quantum dot light-emitting layer. The QD layer expresses colors using the emitted light from the source without any filters, altogether resulting in brighter luminance.
This enables a simpler structure since no backlight is necessary while maintaining a thinner build than conventional OLED TVs due to the efficient utilization of available space.
- Great contrast, deep blacks, and over a billion colors
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels
- α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K, exclusive to LG, intuitively adapts to what you're watching
- Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, and Dolby Atmos
- LG Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Picture Quality
Both TV models offer exceptional picture quality although there are certain differences between them that are worthy of close consideration. For starters, the LG C3 takes advantage of self-lit pixels which eliminate the need for backlight. This enables true blacks on the screen and an infinite contrast ratio of up to 100,000,000:1, allowing for bright colors and more vibrant picture quality. Plus, it supports all major HDR formats like HDR 10 & 10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision and Atmos, making it a suitable choice for all types of content available today without worrying about compatibility issues like with some older OLEDs.
QD-OLED utilizes Quantum Dot technology, enabling a much wider color range and higher overall brightness levels while still retaining the same level of contrast ratios and true blacks associated with traditional OLED panels.
This makes it the ideal choice especially if you are looking for an immersive cinematic experience or plan to do a lot of gaming on your TV without worrying about color accuracy or image retention caused by prolonged usage.QD-OLEDs also have wider viewing angles from any position thanks to in-plane switching (IPS) technology employed by Samsung Display panels used in their latest OLED lineup.
Software
Software is where these two TVs start to diverge significantly when it comes to overall user experience.
The C3 runs on a WebOS based platform, allowing access to various streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video directly from the home screen. It also comes with a built-in voice assistant that’s capable of performing tasks like searching for content, playing music, or checking the weather.
Samsung OLEDs offers a Bixby-powered SmartThings platform designed primarily to allow users to connect compatible IoT devices around the house via a single unified interface. This allows you access to smart home devices directly from the TV itself. The integration of Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants alongside Bixby itself provides more flexibility when comes to controlling your house from a single centralized interface.
Connectivity
Both come packed with a plethora of connection options ranging from HDMI to USB and LAN ports as far as physical interfaces are concerned. However, where they differ most is in wireless connectivity, since both employ different Wi-Fi standards (namely 802.11ac/ac2 in the case of the LG C3 whereas Samsung’s units offer connection through 802.11ac/ax/abgn+ac/ax2).
The latter ensures faster data transfer rates and more stable connections despite similar range coverage across rooms irrespective of the model chosen. Plus, they come equipped with Bluetooth 5 connectivity options, enabling wireless connection to peripherals such as controllers, headphones, and speakers, reducing cable clutter around your living room or workstation.
Brightness
When comparing the brightness levels of both of these panels, Samsung’s QD-OLED emerges as the winner thanks to its Quantum Dots, albeit by a small margin.
The LG C3 series offers an impressive 2,000 nits of brightness, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy the most vibrant colors possible. On the other hand, Samsung’s OLED lineup features self-emissive QD-OLED technology which provides even greater luminance, light efficiency, and peak brightness at 2,100 nits.
That said, both brands offer excellent display technologies that will provide you with a stunning viewing experience in which you can enjoy content even in brightly lit environments without having to worry about ambient lighting affecting picture quality, resulting in washed-out images.
©8th.creator/Shutterstock.com
Image Retention
Image retention, or “burn-in,” issues generally arise after prolonged usage of certain types of displays such as OLEDs, wherein static images displayed for a longer period of time tend to get imprinted onto the screen causing faint traces to remain visible after the original image fades away. This usually happens during gaming sessions or when watching recorded footage, even after the original image disappears, leaving behind a ghosting effect.
It is mostly seen in cheap, lower-end models. Neither the C3 series nor the QD-OLEDs have been reported to suffer from such issues thus far — at least not in the current generation. Hence, it should be safe to invest in either one of them without worrying about this problem cropping up anytime in the near future, unless some manufacturing defect is present (which happens in rare cases only but is highly unlikely to occur amongst the flagship-grade models discussed here).
Cost
The 77-inch variant of Samsung QD-OLED is priced at $4,499, while the same size model LG C3 retails at around $3,499, which is $2,000 cheaper. This makes the Samsung display a not-so-viable choice for anyone with budget restrictions unless money doesn’t matter much. In that case, one can definitely opt for it; otherwise, you’re better off sticking to the C3 instead since it provides better value for money when cost-related factors are taken into account.
LG C3 vs. Samsung OLEDs: 5 Must-Know Facts
- QD-OLED is a new technology used by Samsung in its OLED TVs that delivers impressive picture quality and performance compared to traditional OLED displays.
- Buyers of any of these TVs will enjoy the boost in lighting and luminance thanks to QD-OLED tech in Samsung’s models, and the Brightness Booster Max feature in LG’s TVs.
- OLED displays have a reputation for providing excellent viewing angles, allowing viewers to see the picture clearly from almost any angle. However, Samsung’s QD-OLED displays take this to the next level, providing even wider viewing angles and maintaining the picture quality even when viewed from off-center.
- Both the LG C3 and Samsung’s latest OLEDs have sleek and modern designs that will complement any home theater setup. Samsung’s OLEDs have a slightly slimmer profile and a more premium look and feel, while the LG C3 has a slightly more traditional design.
- QD-LED technology was premiered by Samsung and they’re currently the biggest manufacturer of QD-OLEDs by far. On the other hand, conventional OLED technology is used by multiple manufacturers including LG, the maker of the C3.
- Samsung’s OLEDs have a more advanced interface and a wider range of compatibility with smart home devices, but the LG C3 still offers many of the same features.
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K can effectively manage color and contrast
- 1374 nits of peak brightness ideal for darker rooms
- Watch your favorite TV shows and movies in HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG
- Offers smart features for gamers like GameBar 3.0, Minimap Sharing 3, and Virtual Aim Point
- Available in 55-inch and 77-inch models
LG C3 vs. Samsung OLEDs: Which One is Better for You?
Both TVs offer excellent picture quality, but the differences lie in the details.
If you’re looking for a TV with true blacks, vibrant colors, and superior contrast ratios, then the LG C3 is probably your best bet.
If you’re looking for a brighter display and more color hues, then Samsung QD-OLED is the way to go.
If you plan on gaming or watching dynamic content such as sports in 4K quality, then any of the Samsung QD-OLEDs would be a top choice due to their higher peak brightness levels and 4K resolution support.
In the end, it will come down to what features are important to you and which model offers better value for money when taking into consideration all factors discussed above.
