The LG OLED42C2 is a small-sized OLED TV that offers impressive performance and features. It excels in gaming capabilities with HDMI 2.1 VRR, ALLM, and 4K/120Hz support, as well as AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The TV has a sleek design with blade feet for stands and an elegant bezel/metal casing that puts the screen in focus. Setting up the TV is easy with simple slotting and screwing in of the feet. The webOS interface is user-friendly and offers a wide range of apps, including cloud gaming options like Blacknut and Utomik Cloud. The Magic Remote has improved sensitivity and ergonomics.
The OLED42C2 has four HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1 support, fast latency, and three USB ports. It also has an eARC port for lossless audio pass-through to a compatible soundbar like Dolby Atmos. The TV offers natural color performance, effective upscaling, and impressive Dolby Vision performance. It delivers a brighter image than other 42-inch TVs and handles HDR content with plenty of detail and clarity. The sound quality is clean and clear with punchy bass and Dolby Atmos support. Overall, the LG OLED42C2 is a high-quality 42-inch TV with impressive picture quality, gaming features, and a wide selection of apps.
A deep dive into the technical details
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | LG OLED42C2 |
| Screen Size | 42 inches |
| Display Technology | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| HDR Support | Yes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| HDMI Inputs | 4 |
| HDMI 2.1 Support | Yes |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | Yes |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Yes |
| AMD FreeSync Support | Yes |
| Nvidia G-Sync Support | Yes |
| USB Ports | 3 |
| eARC Support | Yes |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| AirPlay 2 Support | Yes |
| Chromecast Support | Yes |
| Picture Quality | Natural, Impressive |
| Dolby Vision Gaming Support | Yes |
| Brightness | 704 nits (Standard mode) |
| Contrast | Wide |
| Sound Quality | Clear, Punchy Bass |
| AI Sound Pro Mode | Yes |
| Smart Options | Superior |
| Recommended Use | Gaming |
| Competitors | Panasonic, Sony |
Why you should be excited about LG OLED42C2
The most important key feature of the LG OLED42C2 TV is its impressive gaming capabilities, making it an ideal choice for gamers.
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HDMI 2.1 VRR, ALLM, and 4K/120Hz support: The TV offers advanced gaming features like HDMI 2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and support for 4K resolution at 120Hz, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
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AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support: The TV supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring tear-free and stutter-free gaming on compatible devices.
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Wide range of apps and cloud gaming: The webOS interface provides access to a wide range of apps, including popular cloud gaming apps like Blacknut and Utomik Cloud, allowing users to enjoy a variety of gaming experiences.
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Impressive picture quality: The OLED display technology delivers natural-looking SDR and HDR images, providing a visually stunning and immersive viewing experience for TV shows, movies, and games.
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Convenient connectivity options: The TV offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ports, USB ports, eARC port, LAN port, and wireless connections like Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi, allowing users to easily connect their devices and enjoy seamless streaming and audio options.
Limitations to keep in mind for this model
The main downside of purchasing the LG OLED42C2 TV is that it may not have as advanced picture quality as some other models in its size category. However, there are a few other cons to consider:
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Limited screen size options: The LG OLED42C2 is only available in a 42-inch size, which may not be suitable for those looking for a larger TV viewing experience.
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Limited connectivity options: While the TV offers a range of connectivity options, it does not support the WiSA audio standard. This may be a drawback for those who want to use wireless speakers or audio systems.
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Limited detail in dark areas: While the OLED42C2 delivers solid black levels, it may not have as much detail in the darkest areas of an image compared to some other models. This could impact the overall viewing experience, especially in scenes with low lighting.
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Lack of advanced features: The LG OLED42C2 may lack some advanced features that are available in other models, such as HDMI 2.1 support on all HDMI inputs. This could limit the TV's compatibility with future gaming consoles or devices that require the latest HDMI standard.
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Potential blooming issues: While the OLED42C2 handles highlights well without blooming issues, there is a possibility of slight blooming in certain scenes. This could affect the overall picture quality, particularly in high contrast scenes.
Overall, while the LG OLED42C2 offers impressive performance and features, it may not have the most advanced picture quality and may lack some advanced features found in other models.
To TV or Not to TV: Making an Informed Decision
The LG OLED42C2 is a small-sized OLED TV that offers impressive performance and features, making it a great choice for those looking for a high-quality TV. It excels in gaming capabilities with HDMI 2.1 support and gaming-specific features like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The TV also has a wide range of apps available through its webOS interface, including cloud gaming apps. The design of the OLED42C2 is sleek and elegant, with a focus on the screen. It is easy to set up and has conveniently located connections. While it may lack some advanced features like WiSA audio support, it still provides excellent performance for its size. Overall, the LG OLED42C2 is a well-rounded TV that offers impressive picture quality, gaming features, and a range of apps, making it a worthwhile purchase.
