LG C5 OLED 65-Inch Review: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?

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Review status: Research-based. Smart Gear Select has not hands-on tested this LG C5 unit. This assessment uses current LG documentation, independent instrumented testing and reputable expert reviews. See our review methodology.

📌 The Bottom Line

The LG C5 OLED 65-inch remains one of the most complete premium televisions worth considering in 2026—provided you find it at the right price.

The C5 combines OLED’s pixel-level black control with strong HDR performance, Dolby Vision, four HDMI 2.1 inputs and gaming support up to 4K at 144Hz with a compatible PC.

The important buying context is that the C5 is a 2025 model, while the newer LG C6 now occupies the current C-series position. That does not automatically make the C5 obsolete. Clearance pricing can make it the better-value purchase when the discount is substantial.

Its strongest qualities are cinematic contrast, wide viewing angles, strong gaming connectivity and mature smart-TV functionality. Its main limitations are modest built-in audio, reflections from direct light sources, lower sustained brightness than the brightest Mini-LED televisions and the normal OLED considerations associated with prolonged static content.

Smart Gear Select verdict: The LG C5 remains an excellent all-purpose OLED for movies, streaming and gaming when its discounted price creates meaningful savings over the newer C6.

🛒 Check the LG C5 OLED 65-Inch Price on Amazon →

LG C5 OLED 65-Inch Review Summary

Rating basis: The 9.1/10 score is an editorial assessment based on verified specifications, independent display measurements, gaming capability, picture-quality evidence, software support, buyer fit, value and known limitations. It is not a laboratory score or a hands-on measurement performed by Smart Gear Select. How our ratings are decided →

Design and Build Quality

The LG C5 continues the restrained design associated with LG’s C-series OLED televisions. The screen has very slim borders, while the upper section of the television remains noticeably thinner than the electronics housing at the lower rear.

The thicker lower section contains the processing hardware, connections, power components and speakers. From a normal viewing position, it does not substantially affect the television’s clean front appearance.

The included stand provides conventional desktop placement. Buyers planning to install a soundbar should confirm the soundbar’s height and positioning so it does not obscure the lower edge of the screen or interfere with controls.

The 65-inch model can also be wall-mounted using a compatible bracket. Because a 65-inch OLED television is large and relatively delicate, installation is safer with two people or an experienced installer.

OLED Picture Quality

The central advantage of the LG C5 is still its OLED panel. Individual pixels produce their own light and can switch off independently, allowing dark areas to sit directly beside bright objects without the blooming associated with conventional local-dimming LCD systems.

That pixel-level control gives the television particularly strong contrast in dark scenes and allows highlights such as stars, lamps and subtitles to remain sharply separated from surrounding black areas.

OLED also provides wide viewing angles, which makes the C5 particularly suitable for living rooms where viewers may be seated away from the center of the screen.

The C5 does not use the more advanced four-stack OLED technology found in LG’s higher-end G5 generation. Instead, it uses an OLED evo panel with LG’s Brightness Booster system.

How Bright Is the LG C5?

The C5 is brighter than many older C-series OLED televisions, particularly when displaying smaller HDR highlights.

Independent instrumented measurements place the 65-inch C5 broadly in the 1,000-nit-plus class for small HDR highlights. Different reviewers have measured results around the 1,000–1,200 nit range depending on picture mode, test window, firmware, tone-mapping configuration and methodology.

This is enough to give bright HDR elements such as reflections, sunlight and explosions strong visual impact, particularly because OLED’s black level increases perceived contrast around those highlights.

The C5 still cannot sustain the very high full-screen brightness available from some flagship Mini-LED televisions. Buyers with rooms exposed to intense uncontrolled daylight should consider that trade-off.

The glossy panel can also show direct reflections from windows and exposed light sources. Curtains, blinds and sensible positioning can therefore improve perceived picture quality more effectively than simply increasing brightness settings.

HDR and Dolby Vision Performance

The LG C5 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.

Dolby Vision support remains a meaningful advantage for buyers who use streaming services, UHD Blu-ray discs and other sources containing Dolby Vision content.

OLED’s black-level performance helps HDR highlights appear dramatic even when absolute peak brightness is below that of high-output Mini-LED televisions.

Filmmaker Mode is a sensible starting point for viewers seeking a relatively natural picture with limited artificial processing. Cinema modes are also suitable for movies and premium streaming content.

LG’s Dynamic Tone Mapping can make some difficult HDR scenes appear brighter, but it can also alter the original luminance presentation. Buyers prioritizing creator intent may prefer comparing it with tone mapping disabled before deciding which presentation they prefer.

Color Accuracy and Image Processing

The C5 uses LG’s α9 AI Processor 4K Gen8 for upscaling, noise reduction, tone mapping, motion processing and other image-processing tasks.

Independent hands-on reviews consistently report strong detail, contrast and upscaling from the C5, particularly when the television receives high-quality 4K material.

Lower-resolution broadcasts and compressed streaming sources can benefit from LG’s processing, although no processor can restore detail that is completely absent from the source.

Independent measurements and reviews also indicate strong out-of-box color performance when an appropriate picture mode is selected. Filmmaker Mode and Cinema modes provide a more defensible starting point for buyers seeking a natural presentation than heavily processed modes such as Vivid.

LG’s Smooth Gradation feature can reduce visible color banding in compressed material. Lower settings are generally more conservative because aggressive processing can remove fine detail.

Motion Handling for Movies and Sports

OLED pixels transition extremely quickly, which reduces conventional LCD-style motion smearing during sports, action scenes and gaming.

The same fast pixel response can make slow camera pans in 24-frame-per-second films appear slightly choppy. This phenomenon is commonly described as OLED stutter and is distinct from motion blur.

LG provides motion-processing controls for buyers who want to reduce that effect. Viewers who prefer the original film cadence can leave motion interpolation disabled, while those who find slow pans uncomfortable can experiment with conservative settings such as Cinematic Movement.

Gaming Performance

The LG C5 is particularly well equipped for modern console and PC gaming.

All four HDMI inputs support HDMI 2.1-class gaming features, making it possible to connect several consoles, a gaming PC and an eARC audio system without constantly changing cables.

The panel has a 120Hz native refresh rate and supports variable refresh rates up to 144Hz when connected to a compatible gaming PC.

Current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles operate at up to 4K/120Hz because 120Hz is the maximum output supported by those consoles.

Gaming features include:

• 4K gaming at up to 144Hz from a compatible PC
• 4K gaming at up to 120Hz from supported consoles
• Variable Refresh Rate
• Auto Low Latency Mode
• NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility
• AMD FreeSync Premium
• HGiG support for HDR gaming
• LG Game Optimizer dashboard

LG advertises an OLED pixel response time as low as 0.1 milliseconds. This is a manufacturer specification describing pixel-response behavior; it is not the same measurement as controller-to-screen input lag.

Independent testing nevertheless consistently finds the C-series highly responsive for gaming.

Game Optimizer provides quick access to refresh-rate information, VRR status, black-level adjustment and game-specific picture controls.

Four HDMI 2.1 Ports

The C5 provides four HDMI 2.1 inputs, giving it an advantage over televisions that reserve high-bandwidth functionality for only two ports.

One HDMI connection supports eARC for a compatible soundbar or AV receiver. Even after assigning one port to eARC, three high-bandwidth connections remain available for consoles, gaming PCs and media devices.

The television also provides USB connectivity, Ethernet, optical digital audio output and wireless networking. Port placement and regional tuner configurations can vary between model suffixes.

webOS 25 and Smart TV Features

The LG C5 launched with webOS 25.

The platform supports major streaming services, user profiles, voice functions, screen casting and smart-home integrations, subject to regional availability.

LG’s Magic Remote combines conventional directional controls with the company’s pointer-based navigation system.

WebOS is feature-rich, although its home interface can contain recommendations and promotional content. Buyers who care about privacy should review advertising, personalization and data-sharing options during setup.

The C5 also participates in LG’s webOS Re:New program. LG states that supported televisions can receive four major webOS upgrades across five years, although individual features, schedules and regional availability can vary.

Built-In Sound Quality

The C5’s built-in audio is sufficient for news, casual streaming and normal television viewing, but the thin cabinet limits bass depth and stereo scale compared with a dedicated audio system.

Independent reviews generally treat the television’s sound as functional rather than one of its premium strengths.

Buyers investing in a 65-inch OLED for movies and gaming may therefore benefit from adding a soundbar, subwoofer or AV receiver.

For a premium wireless audio option, see our Sonos Era 300 Review.

OLED Burn-In: Should You Be Concerned?

Permanent image retention remains a consideration with OLED technology when the same static elements are displayed repeatedly for very long periods.

Potentially challenging use cases include continuous news tickers, fixed gaming interfaces, permanent desktop taskbars and static information dashboards.

LG includes several panel-protection systems designed to reduce risk during normal operation.

For mixed everyday viewing, the risk profile is substantially different from repeatedly displaying the same static interface for extended periods. Buyers expecting prolonged static dashboards, news tickers or desktop elements should nevertheless consider image-retention risk as part of the purchase decision and follow LG’s panel-protection guidance.

LG C5 vs LG C4

The C5 is an evolutionary successor to the LG C4 rather than a complete redesign.

It uses LG’s newer α9 Gen8 processor and offers some picture-performance improvements, while retaining the broad C-series strengths of OLED contrast, gaming support and four HDMI 2.1 inputs.

The C4 can therefore remain the better-value purchase when retailers discount it substantially below the C5.

Buyers should compare actual checkout prices rather than assuming the newer model automatically represents better value.

LG C5 vs LG C6

The LG C6 is the newer 2026 successor to the C5.

The two generations remain closely related, while the C6 introduces newer processing and increases maximum PC gaming refresh support beyond the C5’s 144Hz ceiling.

That does not automatically make the C5 obsolete. Clearance pricing can make the C5 particularly attractive when retailers reduce remaining 2025 inventory.

If the C5 is substantially cheaper, its OLED picture quality, four HDMI 2.1 inputs and 144Hz PC gaming support remain highly competitive.

If the price difference is small, however, the newer C6 becomes the more logical long-term purchase because buyers receive the newer model generation and a longer remaining product-support window.

⚖️ Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the LG C5?

The LG C5 makes the most sense for:

• Movie fans who value OLED black levels and Dolby Vision
• PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series owners
• PC gamers targeting 4K refresh rates above 120Hz
• Homes with wide seating arrangements
• Buyers who need several HDMI 2.1 inputs
• Anyone finding the C5 at a meaningful clearance discount

Who Should Skip It?

Consider another television if:

• Your room receives intense uncontrolled sunlight for much of the day
• You display the same static content for many hours every day
• You expect premium home-theater audio without adding external speakers
• The newer LG C6 costs only slightly more
• A heavily discounted LG C4 provides the features you need for considerably less

🎯 Research-Based Final Verdict

The LG C5 OLED 65-inch remains a highly capable premium television built around OLED’s strongest characteristics: pixel-level black control, high contrast, wide viewing angles and very fast response behavior.

LG’s α9 Gen8 processor, Brightness Booster implementation and four HDMI 2.1 inputs make the C5 particularly versatile for mixed movie, streaming and gaming use.

Independent instrumented testing supports strong HDR performance, picture accuracy and gaming responsiveness, while the feature set is unusually complete for buyers connecting several modern devices.

The trade-offs are equally important. The C5 does not reach the sustained brightness of the strongest Mini-LED televisions, its built-in audio is relatively modest, the glossy panel can reflect direct light and OLED technology still requires sensible treatment of prolonged static content.

The arrival of the newer C6 also changes the value calculation.

For buyers finding a meaningful C5 clearance discount, however, the television remains a compelling premium OLED rather than an obsolete model.

Smart Gear Select editorial rating: 9.1/10

Rating basis: This editorial assessment considers verified specifications, independent display measurements, gaming capability, picture-quality evidence, software support, buyer fit, value and known limitations. It is not a laboratory score or a hands-on measurement performed by Smart Gear Select. How our ratings are decided →

🛒 Where to Buy

🛒 Check the LG C5 OLED 65-Inch Price on Amazon →

Prices and availability change frequently. Confirm the seller, product condition and that the listing shows the 65-inch LG C5 model—OLED65C5PUA or the appropriate regional equivalent—before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the LG C5 a 2025 or 2026 television?

The LG C5 is a 2025 model. This review is maintained for buyers considering it in 2026, particularly where remaining inventory is being sold at clearance prices.

How bright does the LG C5 get?

Independent instrumented reviews broadly place the 65-inch C5 in the 1,000-nit-plus class for small HDR highlights, with measurements varying according to test methodology, picture mode, firmware and tone-mapping configuration.

Is the LG C5 natively 144Hz?

No. Its panel has a 120Hz native refresh rate and supports variable refresh rates up to 144Hz when connected to a compatible gaming PC.

Does the LG C5 support 4K at 144Hz?

Yes. Compatible PCs can output 4K at up to 144Hz. Current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles are limited to a maximum of 4K at 120Hz.

How many HDMI 2.1 ports does it have?

The LG C5 has four HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting modern high-bandwidth gaming features. One port also supports eARC audio.

Does the LG C5 support Dolby Vision?

Yes. The C5 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG.

Is the LG C5 suitable for a bright room?

It can work well in moderately bright rooms, but direct sunlight and exposed lamps can remain visible on the glossy screen. A powerful Mini-LED television may be a better choice for rooms with intense uncontrolled daylight.

Is OLED burn-in likely?

Permanent image retention is possible with OLED technology, particularly when the same static content is displayed for prolonged periods. Mixed everyday television, movie, streaming and gaming use presents a different risk profile from continuous static dashboards or repeated fixed interfaces.

Should I buy the LG C5 or LG C6?

Price should be a major factor. A significantly discounted C5 can offer excellent value. If the C5 and newer C6 are priced closely, the C6 is generally the more future-facing purchase.

About the Author

Arif Bukera is the Tech Lead at Smart Gear Select, where he researches consumer electronics, wearable technology and smart-home products to help readers make informed buying decisions.

This LG C5 review is research-based. Smart Gear Select has not claimed hands-on testing of this television. The assessment combines manufacturer documentation, independent instrumented testing and reputable expert analysis while keeping affiliate relationships separate from editorial conclusions.

📧 Contact: arif@smartgearselect.com

“We research so you don’t have to.”

Sources

• LG OLED65C5PUA official product page and specifications
• LG East Africa television information and regional support
• TechRadar LG C5 independent instrumented review
• AVForums LG C5 65-inch independent measurements
• What Hi-Fi? LG C5 independent hands-on review

ny hours every day.

Is the LG C5 better than the LG C4?

The C5 offers a newer processor, a modest brightness improvement and a newer software-support window. The C4 may provide better value when heavily discounted.

Should I buy the LG C5 or LG C6?

Choose the C5 when it is significantly cheaper. Choose the newer C6 when the price difference is small.

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👨‍💻 About the Author

Arif Bukera is the Founder and Tech Lead at Smart Gear Select, where he oversees consumer-technology research, editorial strategy and buying-guide development.

This review combines official product specifications, independent technical measurements and published consumer feedback. Manufacturers and retailers do not control our scores, verdicts or product recommendations.

Arif has covered consumer technology for more than eight years, focusing on practical information that helps readers choose products suited to their needs and budgets.

📧 Contact: info@smartgearselect.com

“We research so you don’t have to.”

Sources

• LG OLED65C5PUA official product information
• RTINGS LG C5 OLED independent test results
• FlatpanelsHD LG C5 technical review