LG G5 vs C5: what's new with these 2025 OLED TVs?

LG has announced what will surely be two of the biggest TVs of the year. The C5 and G5 are the latest entrants in the long-running (and multi-Award-winning) C and G series of OLED TVs. The former is the more affordable of the two, while the latter offers a more premium spec and panel technology.

Wondering which is right for you? You've come to the right place. While we haven't reviewed the G5 yet, we have put the C5 through our rigorous testing process in our in-depth LG C5 review, and can now provide detailed insights on its performance. So let's see how the two compare.

LG G5 vs C5: price

LG hasn't revealed pricing for either model just yet, but going on past models, we can get a rough idea of how much you'll have to pay.

Here's how much last year's models cost.

As you can see, the G4 was the pricier of the two, and that will also be the case with the G5. The C4 and G4 actually launched slightly cheaper than the C3 and G3 – while we're hoping this trend will continue with the 2025 models, it's doubtful. The best we can expect is pricing in line with their predecessors.

Even if this year's models are more expensive, there is still hope. LG's OLED TVs always see significant discounts later in the year, so if you can hold out, you could save a fortune.

LG G5 vs C5: design

Place these models side by side with their predecessors, and you might struggle to spot the difference. While there might not be much change between the 2024 and 2025 models, the G5 and C5 do have their differences.

The G5 has a 'Gallery' design, which means it looks a bit like a picture frame, and it no longer comes with a stand – last year's G4 came in a G4S variant at 55- and 65-inch sizes, both of which came with a stand. You will be able to buy a stand for the G5 separately though.

The C5 retains the supremely slender side profile across much of the chassis, with a modest boxout that houses the connections and processing components near the bottom of the rear panel. On the front of the TV, we're treated to slender bezels around the display and a narrow, central pedestal-style stand that is both stylish and slightly obstructive to those who wish to position soundbars below their TV, due to the fact it tapers outwards.

For the first time, the G series model comes in a 48-inch size, though it doesn't go quite as small as the C5, which comes in a 42-inch model. The tabletop stand is swapped out for dual blade-style feet on the smallest model, while the largest version is bundled with a wider stand to accommodate the broader frame.

LG G5 vs C5: features

The G5 has a couple of new tricks up its sleeve. First up, it looks like the TV has moved on from the MLA screen technology of the G4. We say 'looks like', because LG hasn't confirmed it (but then it never confirmed the use of MLA in the first place). MLA is a brightness boosting tech, but that's been jettisoned in favour of ‘Four Stack’ OLED panel tech (that's according to multiple industry reports and is borne out in pre-release performance tests).

This results in even more brightness with more vibrant colours – LG refers to it as Brightness Booster Ultimate.

According to LG, the G5 is three times brighter than the B5, which should give it a peak brightness of around 1800 nits. It's also 40 per cent brighter than the G4 using another metric, which should mean much punchier highlights. But note that the Four Stack OLED panel won't be found on the 48-inch or 97-inch variants of G5.

The C5, meanwhile, sticks to a WOLED display without the fancy new four-stack brightness-boosting panel architecture. LG claims that the C5 is brighter than its predecessor, though it won't share exact numbers relating to nits. We do know that its Brightness Booster engine is helping to squeeze every bit of luminance out of the OLED panel. As was the case with the C4, there is no heatsink in the C5. It's worth noting that not all sizes of the C5 are made equal, as the brightness upgrades won't be felt quite so greatly at the smaller 42- and 48-inch sizes.

Elsewhere, the G5 supports refresh rates up to 165Hz – higher than the 144Hz of the G4 and C5. That will only benefit hardcore PC gamers with a rig capable of such refresh rates, but given the C- and G-series' flawless gaming specs, this is likely a large part of LG's target market.

Rather than a new processor, both models feature an upgraded version of last year's. The G5 has the Alpha 11 Gen 2, while the C5 has the Alpha 9 Gen 8. LG hasn't been clear on what improvements these will bring, but it did say that the AI Picture Pro feature (which automatically improves the picture quality) has been enhanced.

The G4's Virtual 11.1.2-channel upmixing has also come to the C5, while the AI Sound Pro mode now has a Voice Remastering feature that intelligently boosts dialogue clarity without sacrificing the other elements of a soundtrack.

Both TVs will have three new features courtesy of LG's AI TV system: ‘Recognise You’, ‘Customise to You’ and ‘Care Around You’.

'Recognise You' uses voice recognition to detect which user is barking commands at it or asking it questions so it can respond correctly. 'Customise to You' lets the individual users customise the TV's picture and sound settings to their preference, and load them up each time they watch, while 'Care Around You' helps you solve common issues using an AI chatbot.

Both models are also getting a new remote control – gone is the old Magic Remote in favour of a new model, which is slimmer and longer. However, the UK is one of the few countries not to get this new remote – at first, at least. So we might have to wait a while.

Other than that, the G5 and C5 should have all the same features as their predecessors, including four HDMI 2.1 ports (enabling gaming features like ALLM, VRR and 4K/120Hz), supports for the HDR10, Dolby Vision HDR and HLG formats of HDR, and Dolby Atmos sound.

LG G5 vs C5: picture

Until we've tested the G5, we can't comment on its picture quality. What we can say though, is that the G5 makes some impressive claims, and offers some cutting-edge screen technologies that look like they will build on the G4's excellent foundation.

As for the reviewed C5, we found that it offers a rich, dynamic, and detailed picture that impresses at every turn. When watching movies in Filmmaker Mode (now imbued with the power of Dolby Vision HDR for the relevant content), the C5 delivers an accurate and balanced picture. For HDR10 content, we highly recommend switching on dynamic tone mapping to experience the full brightness upgrade that the C5 offers.

The C5's colors are rich and punchy too, and yet never look overdone or unnatural. Low-light color volume is a particular strength, allowing dimly lit scenes to appear atmospherically dingy while still maintaining rich hues and color variation. This extends to skin tones, which are presented with lively-looking warmth that makes all the difference. The picture's solidity and three-dimensionality is also exceptional, with subjects standing out against backgrounds to striking effect. Edges are sharp yet never over-etched or artificial-looking.

The extra brightness is most noticeable in high-nit content like Pan, where the C5 presents scenes with stunning brightness and lavish colors. While it may not rival the highs of QD-OLED or Micro Lens Array OLED sets, it's evident that LG has pushed the limits of 'traditional' OLED even further than before.

Motion handling is also excellent, with the C5 handling fast movement with ease. It strikes a fine balance between looking natural and effectively combating any noticeable judder or stutter.

For Dolby Vision content, the C5 excels at low-light scenes. Colors remain punchy, and subtle lighting looks natural and effective. Dark details are well presented, allowing viewers to differentiate between different shades of black even in shadowy portions of scenes.

The C5's upscaling capabilities are equally impressive. When displaying HD and SDR content, the TV retains remarkable detail without introducing fuzziness or blockiness. The enhanced brightness is even apparent here, with intense light sources being replicated with the necessary impact.

Overall, the C5 won't disappoint Again, we'll have to wait until we've tested both models before we can pass judgement, but given that the G5 will be running the newer four-stack OLED panel, we have even higher performance hopes. Stay tuned.

LG G5 vs C5: sound

Again, without having tested the G5, we can't comment on how it sounds. But we can now provide a detailed assessment of the C5's audio performance. – while it delivers dialogue with enough clarity for day-to-day use, the overall sound quality is merely adequate rather than exceptional.

Voices have some warmth and presence to them, and are outwardly projected enough to make them audible. There is a semblance of atmospheric effects, with background sounds coming across with decent detail, though upward-firing projection is limited, as height effects seem to stick to the top edge of the TV's chassis.

What's really missing though, is a sense of low-end heft, as bass-heavy content feels lightweight. Increasing the volume can add some impact, but also introduces unwanted crackling.

The AI Sound mode is not recommended either, as it introduces an aggressively harsh quality with an unpleasantly abrasive edge that makes dialogue and effects sound forced.

Ultimately, you'll want to pair the C5 with a decent Dolby Atmos soundbar to match its impressive picture quality.

As for the G5, based on previous G-series models and the shared Virtual 11.1.2-channel upmixing with the C5, we can expect similar performance with perhaps slightly better overall quality.

LG G5 vs C5: early verdict

The C5 has proven to be another excellent TV from LG, with a rich, dynamic and detailed picture that impresses at every turn. Its practically flawless feature set continues to set the benchmark in the world of OLED TVs, making it a strong contender for the go-to recommendation for most people.

The G5, in contrast, promises to deliver even more with its new four-stack OLED panel technology and higher refresh rate, but until we can test it, we can't definitively say whether the premium price will be justified over the already impressive C5.

What we can say is that the C5 is shaping up to be one of the best TVs of the year at its price point, continuing the C-series' reputation for delivering exceptional value. If the G5 can implement its new technologies as effectively as promised, it too should be a standout performer.

As to which TV is best for you, final pricing and a full review of the G5 will be key to making that determination. Stay tuned for our full review of the G5 and final pricing information on both models.

MORE:

Read our LG C5 hands-on review

LG 2025 OLED TV lineup: everything you need to know

LG C4 vs G4: which 2024 OLED TV should you buy?