LG 55" OLED C4 vs LG 55" OLED C5: Which Is Better in 2026?
Same brand. Same panel technology. Different generations. The C4 is at closeout pricing while the C5 is LG's current flagship. The C4 is similarly priced — the question is whether the C5's improvements justify paying more for the latest model.
Verdict: The LG 55" OLED C4 is the smarter buy for most people. At closeout pricing, you get 90% of the C5's picture quality for noticeably less money. The C5 is the better TV on paper, but the C4 is the better deal — while stock lasts.
LG 55" OLED C4
LG 55" OLED C5
At a Glance
| Feature | Editor's Pick LG 55" OLED evo C4 Smart TV (2024) | LG 55" OLED evo C5 Smart TV (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $800–$1,200 | $800–$1,200 |
| Screen Size | 55" | 55" |
| Panel Type | WOLED evo | WOLED evo |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG |
| Smart Platform | webOS | webOS |
| Check Price | Check Price |
What Changed Between Generations
Brightness & HDR Peak C5 Wins
The C5's a11 Gen2 processor drives the WOLED evo panel to roughly 1000 nits peak brightness versus the C4's approximately 800 nits. That 25% brightness gain shows up in HDR highlights — specular reflections on water, glinting metal, direct sunlight. The C5 renders these moments with more intensity and sustained brightness.
For SDR content — most Netflix shows, cable TV, YouTube — the difference is nearly invisible. Both panels produce the same infinite contrast and perfect blacks. The brightness gap only matters during HDR highlights in a well-lit room.
AI Processing & Upscaling C5 Wins
LG's a11 Gen2 chip in the C5 has improved AI upscaling that handles lower-resolution content better. Old 1080p Blu-rays, compressed streaming feeds, and cable broadcasts look slightly sharper on the C5. The a9 Gen7 in the C4 is still excellent — the improvement is incremental, not generational.
Where the newer processor makes a bigger difference is in object-based tone mapping. The C5 detects foreground subjects more accurately and applies HDR adjustments per-object instead of per-frame. Faces in dark scenes retain more detail on the C5.
Perfect Blacks & Contrast Tie
Both use WOLED evo panels with self-emissive pixels that turn off completely for black. The contrast ratio is infinite on both. A completely dark pixel is a completely dark pixel — there's no generation-over-generation improvement possible here. The C4 and C5 produce identical black levels and shadow detail in dark scenes.
Gaming Performance Tie
Both have four HDMI 2.1 ports with sub-1ms response time, 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. The gaming experience is functionally identical. Input lag measurements are within the margin of error between the two models. If gaming drove your OLED purchase, the C4 at its lower price delivers the same experience.
Price & Availability C4 Wins
The C4 at closeout pricing is upper mid-range — OLED picture quality below the psychological four-figure threshold. The C5 at $800–$1,200 is the standard OLED price. The savings from choosing the C4 could fund a quality soundbar, which would improve your overall experience more than the C5's incremental picture gains.
The catch: C4 stock is finite. Once retailers sell through their 2024 inventory, the C4 disappears. If you're reading this and the C4 is still available at closeout pricing, that window is closing.
Software Longevity C5 Wins
The C5 (2025 model) will receive webOS updates and app support longer than the C4 (2024 model). LG typically supports two years of updates from release. The C4's app support window extends through 2026; the C5's extends through 2027. For most users, this means the C5 ages one year more gracefully in terms of software.
Who Should Get Which?
Get the LG 55" OLED C4 if...
- You want OLED picture quality at the lowest possible price — closeout pricing is a genuine value
- You'd rather spend the savings on a quality soundbar or second device
- You mainly watch in a dark room where the brightness gap is least noticeable
- You game — the four HDMI 2.1 ports and sub-1ms response are identical
Get the LG 55" OLED C5 if...
- You want the latest processor and best possible HDR brightness
- You watch in a room with some ambient light where extra brightness helps
- Software longevity matters — the C5 will receive updates a year longer
- You want the peace of mind of buying the current-generation model
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the LG C4 and C5?
The C5 has LG's newer a11 Gen2 processor with improved brightness (roughly 1000 nits vs 800 nits) and better AI upscaling. The panel technology is the same WOLED evo. For most people, the C4 delivers 90% of the experience at a lower closeout price.
Is the C4 still available new or only refurbished?
The C4 is available new at closeout pricing as retailers clear 2024 stock. Availability is declining — once current stock sells, the C4 won't be restocked. If you want it, buy sooner rather than later.
Will LG update the C4's webOS software?
LG typically provides webOS updates for two years after a model's release. The C4 (2024 model) should receive app updates through 2026. After that, apps may stop updating, though core functionality remains unchanged.
Is the C5 brighter enough to notice?
The C5 hits roughly 200 nits more peak brightness than the C4. In HDR highlights — sun reflections, neon signs, fire — the C5 renders with more punch. In SDR content and everyday streaming, the brightness difference is subtle.
Do both the C4 and C5 have four HDMI 2.1 ports?
Yes. Both have four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM support. The gaming connectivity is identical between generations.