The OLED TV market is more competitive than ever before, and LG’s new lineup has a lot of bang to offer customers—and perhaps a bit of bewilderment, as well. If you’ve been shopping for a new screen, you’ve likely heard of the C4, C3, and B4 models. So what’s the actual difference among them, and which one should you take home? Let’s dissect it all so you can make the best decision for your configuration—be it a movie night destination, a gaming paradise, or an all-out home theater.
LG’s 2024 OLED Lineup: What’s New?
LG’s C-Series has been the gold standard for OLED TVs, and the C4 continues that tradition with some welcome enhancements. Last year’s C3 is still one of the best—and with its price reduction, it’s a better value than ever. And then there’s the B4, which is a budget-friendly entry to OLED without sacrificing too much quality.
C4 vs. C3: Incremental Upgrades or Game-Changing Differences
Side by side, the C4 and C3 look almost identical. Both use LG’s excellent OLED panels, so you’re not going to see a massive jump in brightness or contrast just by upgrading. The design language is practically unchanged, which means LG is sticking with what works.
The differences come from what’s inside. The C4 brings in LG’s latest processor, which helps with sharper upscaling and smoother motion during fast-paced scenes. It also raises the refresh rate to 144Hz, compared to the C3’s 120Hz. That higher refresh rate is great news for gamers, especially if you’re pairing your TV with a powerful gaming PC or next-gen console.
Nevertheless, the new technology incurs a price. A 65-inch C4 will cost you about a thousand dollars more than the C3. So, unless you require the new processor or will take full advantage of the additional frame rate, the C3 does just about everything the C4 does, without costing you nearly as much.
They both use LG’s webOS smart platform. The C4 has the most recent version installed out of the box, and the C3 will receive an update. LG promises its OLED TVs five years of software support, so either way, you’re safe.
C4 vs. B4: Performance vs. Cost
The B4 is a good choice if you desire the quality of OLED at a lower cost, but you should be aware of where compromises are made.
The biggest compromise is in the processor. The C4 has a more advanced processor than the one found in the B4, and that is more important than you might realize. A television’s processor affects everything from picture quality and color accuracy to how seamless the interface is and how well it can handle rapid-motion material.
As a result, the C4 is brighter, more color-accurate, and generally more polished, especially when you’re watching sports or playing fast-action games. It also supports higher refresh rates and advanced gaming features like AMD FreeSync Pro, which the B4 doesn’t have.
Sound is also one place where the C4 has the edge. It has a 40W 2.2-channel sound system, and the B4 has a 20W 2.0-channel setup. Both are Dolby Atmos-capable, but if you’re not going to add a soundbar or speaker system, the C4’s onboard audio will provide you with a more immersive experience.
Nevertheless, the B4’s price is difficult to top. If the primary purpose is to watch movies, TV shows, and casual gaming, the B4 provides stunning OLED graphics and a good experience overall. And with the savings you get, you can always spend it on a good soundbar and still be better off.
Shopping Smart: Deals and Discounts
If you don’t need it right away, waiting for a sale might save you a ton. Sale seasons usually have big price reductions, particularly on slightly outdated models such as the C3. There have already been offers where prices fell by as much as $1,000, and the 48-inch model of the B4 has been spotted for as little as $599.
The C4, being the newest model, still carries a premium price tag—but that could change as sales roll in. And while you’re shopping, keep an eye out for deals on accessories too, like headphones or sound systems, which often see major discounts during big sales events.
Matching the TV to Your Needs
If you’re someone who wants top-tier performance, especially for gaming or future-proofing, the C4 is the standout. But for most people, the C3 strikes a great balance between high-end quality and price, delivering nearly everything the C4 does at a serious discount. And if you’re more focused on watching content than playing games, the B4 is a solid entry point into the OLED world without breaking the bank.
At the end of the day, it is what matters most to you—state-of-the-art performance, fantastic value, or just an exquisite picture for the best price. Whatever direction you go in, LG’s 2024 OLED range has something for everyone. And with a bit of patience and good timing, you could well get your dream screen for considerably less than you anticipated.