LG C5 48-Inch OLED TV Review: A Solid Performer with Minor Upgrades

In July 2025, LG unveiled its latest offering in the OLED television market, the 48-inch LG C5. This model, part of LG's sixth-generation OLED lineup, retains the core features that have made its predecessors successful while introducing only a handful of minor upgrades. The C5 is positioned as a premium option for consumers seeking a compact OLED television without compromising on key specifications.

Historically, LG has been a leader in OLED technology, with previous models such as the C2 and C4 receiving high praise from industry reviewers. The new C5 aims to build on this legacy, targeting consumers who may be hesitant to transition to OLED technology due to size or price constraints.

The 48-inch LG C5 was launched at a retail price of £1,500 (approximately $1,599), entering a competitive market dominated by similar offerings such as Samsung's S90F. Both models utilize OLED panel technology and are priced comparably, making them direct competitors in the small OLED category (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

In terms of design, the C5 does not deviate significantly from its predecessors. With a sleek profile and central stand, it fits comfortably on standard TV cabinets. However, some critics have noted that the stand lacks a swivel mechanism, which could limit viewing flexibility (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

The technical specifications of the LG C5 include a 4K resolution and support for various HDR formats, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Despite the expectations for enhanced features, the C5 retains the WOLED panel technology without the newly introduced Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology seen in LG's G4 model, which some reviewers argue could have improved brightness performance (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

One notable improvement is the inclusion of the LG Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor, designed to enhance picture quality through advanced upscaling and AI-driven optimizations. This processor aims to refine color accuracy and HDR tone mapping, catering to the growing demand for high-quality visual experiences (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

The sound quality, however, remains a point of contention. The C5 features a 2.2-channel 40W audio system, which has been described as flat and lacking in directional quality. Many users may find that a dedicated soundbar is necessary to complement the viewing experience (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

Critics have praised the C5's gaming capabilities, highlighting its four HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120Hz and various gaming features, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features make the C5 an attractive option for gamers seeking a compact yet powerful display (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).

In conclusion, while the LG C5 48-inch OLED TV maintains the brand’s reputation for quality, it faces challenges from competitors and may not represent a significant advancement over its predecessors. However, it remains a strong choice for consumers looking to enter the OLED market with a reliable and feature-rich television. Moving forward, LG may need to consider more substantial innovations to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive OLED landscape (What Hi-Fi?, 2025).