LG C5 vs. LG C4: Which OLED to Buy in 2025?

A new lineup, a new C-Series OLED TV. But is the LG C5 worth upgrading for?

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 11th July 2025

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Which OLED to Buy in 2025?

Written By

Elliott Peeters-Vanstone

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Which OLED TV Is Right for You?

LG’s C-series TVs have always sat in the sweet spot in their OLED line when it comes to performance and value, and 2025’s LG C5 looks to continue that trend. But how much has really changed from last year’s award-winning LG C4? And more importantly, is it worth paying extra for the newest model?

We’ve been hands-on with both models to help you decide. Whether you’re upgrading from an older OLED, buying your first premium TV, or just curious about what’s new, this comparison will walk you through the key differences and who each model is best suited for. Let’s get into it.

LG C4 (2024)

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See Latest LG C4 Offers

LG C4 Pros:
✓ Heavily Discounted
✓ Award-Winning Performance
✓ Proven Track Record

LG C4 Cons:
✖ Limited Stock Availability
✖ Lower Peak Brightness

LG C5 (2025)

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See Latest LG C5 Offers

LG C5 Pros:
✓ Better Overall Picture Quality
✓ Latest Model in the C-Series
✓ Plenty Available

LG C5 Cons:
✖ Higher Price Tag
✖ Near-Identical Design

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LG C5 vs. LG C4: What's New?

While the LG C5 might look familiar on the surface, there are a few key upgrades tucked inside that set it apart from the C4. Most of the changes focus on refining the viewing experience rather than reinventing it. Here's a quick rundown of what's new:

Alpha 9 Gen 8 Processor: This is the most significant internal update. It brings better upscaling, better dynamic tone mapping, and new AI-powered picture and sound adjustments based on scene context and user profiles
Higher Peak Brightness: The C5 gets a real brightness boost compared to the C4, especially in HDR. In technical terms, the C5 can hit a reported 1,174 nits at peak brightness, while the C4 maxes out closer to 998 nits.
Improved HDR Handling: The C5 still uses LG's WOLED panel with Brightness Booster, but the way it processes HDR content has improved. You’ll notice slightly better contrast in darker scenes, with more detail in shadows and more natural colours
webOS 25 Smart Features: The newest version of LG’s smart TV platform improves usability, introducing a raft of new features like AI-based voice recognition and more.

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Price, Sizes & Availability

The LG C5 officially landed in spring 2025 and launched at identical RRPs to last year’s C4, with prices ranging from £1,399 to £5,999. But with the C4 having dropped massively in price across all sizes, in some cases by over 50%, the choice of which to go for is a little more complex than it first seems.

Both models span the same size range, from 42" all the way up to 83", but it’s worth keeping in mind that the 42" and 48" variants generally offer lower brightness performance due to panel limitations. For the best visual experience, the 55" and up models are where the improvements really come through.

The thing to remember is TV prices shift constantly throughout the year, and it’s already happening with the C5. While it’s still a new model, we’re already seeing promotional pricing on various screen size options. To see the latest offers on every size of both the LG C5 and LG C4, check out our current pricing and availability here:

LG C4 Pricing:

42-inch - See Latest Offers
48-inch - See Latest Offers
55-inch - See Latest Offers
65-inch - See Latest Offers
77-inch - See Latest Offers
83-inch - See Latest Offers

LG C5 Pricing:

42-inch - See Latest Offers
48-inch - See Latest Offers
55-inch - See Latest Offers
65-inch - See Latest Offers
77-inch - See Latest Offers
83-inch - See Latest Offers

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Design & Build

Side by side, the C5 and C4 look nearly identical. And why change a winning formula, right? Both feature LG's signature thin profile and centre-mounted pedestal stand, which works well for tighter media units and keeps the footprint minimal. The chassis is sleek and slim, measuring under 5cm at its deepest point, and it’ll look great whether wall-mounted or freestanding.

LG has introduced a new-look Magic Remote with the C5 in some countries, featuring a sleeker body and simplified button layout. But for UK buyers, that redesign isn’t on the cards. The version of the C5 sold in the UK still comes with the exact same Magic Remote as the C4. So, if you were hoping for a fresh hardware feel with your new telly, you might be a little underwhelmed here.

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Picture Quality

While both the LG C5 and C4 use a WOLED panel with Brightness Booster, having spent time with both side by side, it’s clear there are some subtle differences once you sit down and start watching them.

Most notably, the C5 is a touch brighter, especially when watching HDR content. While we haven’t had the chance to measure the peak brightness ourselves, from the reported figures online, it's clear that the added headroom does give the C5 the edge in brighter viewing environments. So, if you’ve got lots of windows or a well-lit space, this could be a good option.

Darker scenes are handled with just as much confidence on the newer model. The C5’s improved tone mapping and enhanced picture processing help to make shadow details more refined. Plus, the improved AI upscaling works well and is a welcome addition, especially with older content.

Neither model includes the MLA (Micro Lens Array) panel tech that featured in last year’s LG G4; that’s still reserved for the more premium LG G5 and M5 models this year. But even without it, the C5 feels like a small but meaningful step forward.

Sure, it’s not a must-have upgrade if you already own a C4 based on picture quality alone. But for anyone buying fresh, it offers one of the most well-rounded performances we’ve seen in the mid-range OLED category.

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Gaming Performance

LG’s C-series has always been one of our favourite picks for gaming, and the C5 sticks closely to that winning formula.

Just like the C4, it supports 4K at 144Hz, which is more than enough for most people, and there’s support for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all four of the HDMI ports. It’s also loaded with all the features you’d expect, like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, along with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and Dolby Vision gaming.

Yes, there is an argument that LG could have pushed the refresh rate even further to 165Hz like some other brands have done this year, but honestly? For console and most PC gamers, it’s not going to be a deal-breaker. In day-to-day use, the C5 feels quick, responsive and easy to game on. The Game Optimiser menu is clean and intuitive too, which makes switching modes or adjusting settings mid-match super simple.

LG C5 vs. LG C4: Sound Performance

At SHS, we don't tend to spend too much time dwelling on built-in TV speakers, and the C5 is a good example of why.

While it shares the same core audio hardware as the C4 with support for virtual 11.1.2 surround processing and benefits from some added extras like AI Sound Pro with better voice remastering for dialogue clarity, unfortunately, neither set will blow you away.

They're both totally fine for day-to-day viewing, but when you're watching a blockbuster or something with a bit of scale, the audio doesn't quite match up to the visuals, in our opinion.

With that in mind, our advice would be: if you really want the best experience with either of these models, pairing them with a soundbar or some kind of external speaker setup is probably the way to go.

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LG C5 vs LG C4: Our Verdict

For us, the LG C5 is exactly what we think most people are looking for in a 2025 OLED. You’re getting better processing, a boost in brightness, and some clever AI-powered features that make the whole experience feel that bit slicker. It’s not a dramatic leap forward, but a refinement of an already winning formula.

For most people, especially if you’re buying new, the C5 is the sweet spot. It nails that balance of performance, futureproofing and price, and it’s hard to imagine many people walking away disappointed.

Whether you love gaming, are big on streaming HDR movies, or just want a TV that looks great and works brilliantly straight out of the box, the C5 delivers.

That said, if you already own a C4, the jump to the C5 might not feel essential. The improvements are there but unless you’re chasing the very best picture quality, it’s probably not a must-do. Either way, both models still hold up brilliantly. It really comes down to what you’re after: the cutting edge, or a great deal on a still-excellent OLED that’s now dropping in price.

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