LG OLED42C5 review highlights

A review of LGs OLED42C5 assesses image quality, features and value for compact living spaces.

LG OLED42C5 Sets a High Bar for Small OLED TVs

LGs OLED42C5 stands out among compact OLEDs with bright, detailed pictures for a 42 inch panel. It supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, offers four HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC and a responsive webOS, and it performs well for both movies and games. In gaming, input lag sits around 12.9 ms in standard mode and drops to 9.4 ms in boost, with wide VRR support and cloud gaming apps like the Xbox app.

Image quality remains strong for its size, with vivid highlights and sharp upscaling. Some reviewers note darker scenes can appear slightly flat and black levels miss a touch of subtlety. The built in speakers are modest, but Dolby Atmos support helps, and a small soundbar can lift the overall experience. The model also marks a price premium and drops DTS audio for 2025. Still, for a bedroom or small living space, the OLED42C5 offers a compelling mix of picture, features and long term software support.

Smaller OLEDs are increasingly able to replace larger sets in tight spaces. LG keeps pushing the idea that quality can come in a sensible size but price remains a factor. The five year OS update promise and strong gaming features suggest LG wants buyers who value longevity and versatility, not just a pretty picture.

Market impact hinges on balance between space saved and cost. The absence of DTS and a brightness ceiling compared with bigger models are trade offs buyers will weigh. Still, the combination of color accuracy, HDR support and flexible smart features points to a growing niche for premium compact TVs and a shift in what consumers expect from a small screen.

Highlights

Compact screens are here to stay and the OLED42C5 shows premium performance in a small frame.