LG OLED48C5

€949

Recommended price: €1,390

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Delivery in 4 days (from €81.90)

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Advice

Warranty 2 years, Parts, labour and call-out

Specifications and features

Awards

What Hi-Fi? 5 stars

A global reference, What Hifi? is one of the most comprehensive magazines covering Home Cinema and Hifi. The "5 stars" award distinguishes the highest quality products, according to this British magazine.

Overview

The LG OLED48C5 continues the legacy of the C series, the benchmark for mid-range OLEDs, by introducing 2025 innovations without disrupting a proven formula. This 48-inch TV relies on pervasive artificial intelligence, unmatched gaming performance, and certified picture quality to win over movie lovers and demanding gamers alike. With its α9 AI Gen8 processor and OLED Evo panel, it aims to make premium display technology more accessible while maintaining the price-performance balance that has made the C series so successful.

Sleek Design and Meticulous Build

The C5 retains LG’s signature aesthetic DNA with an ultra-slim 46.9 mm profile (without stand), dressed in an elegant gray-black finish. The central stand ensures optimal stability while minimizing the footprint on your furniture. This design approach favors discretion, allowing the TV to blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors without imposing its technical presence.

The build reveals some deliberate technical choices: the absence of a heat sink, unlike some high-end competitors, reflects cost optimization while maintaining effective thermal management. The remarkable thinness conceals a 2.2-channel 40W audio system, an integration feat that avoids unnecessary bulk.

Large black wall-mounted TV with a slim plastic frame, front view, accompanied by a black soundbar beneath the screen, integrated into a contemporary living room featuring red metal shelves and a green armchair

Optimized OLED Evo Display Technologies

The OLED Evo EX panel represents the evolution of LG’s WOLED panels, with optimized materials to improve longevity and color accuracy. Each pixel lights up and turns off independently, creating the infinite contrast that OLED is known for. The “Perfect Black” certification by UL confirms its ability to reproduce absolute blacks according to IDMS 11.5 standards.

The α9 AI 4K Gen8 processor brings its computing power to optimize every image in real time. This chip analyzes content, recognizes faces, and automatically adjusts settings for optimal rendering. The Brightness Booster algorithm extracts maximum brightness from the panel, though improvements are more modest on this 48” size compared to larger models.

An important note: the C5 does not feature the RGB Tandem technology reserved for the high-end G5 model. This technical choice maintains a positioning gap while still delivering excellent performance, with the law of diminishing returns limiting the perceptible impact of this difference in most use cases.

Black square chip made of metal and plastic, seen from a slightly top-down perspective, with a glowing blue-green border, white text “LG α9 4K AI Processor Gen8” on top, placed on a blue-green circuit board with luminous traces

Next-Generation Gaming Performance

The C5 truly excels in gaming, thanks to its four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports—a configuration that puts it ahead of the 2025 competition, where Panasonic and Philips are limited to two ports. This connectivity enables 4K at 144 Hz with all accompanying technologies: VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility.

Sub-millisecond response time ensures exemplary responsiveness, crucial for competitive gaming. The built-in Game Optimizer offers a dedicated dashboard for fine-tuning settings according to game type. Support for Dolby Vision Gaming at 120 Hz enhances the visual experience for compatible titles.

This technical setup meets the demands of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, as well as high-performance gaming PCs. The 48” size is particularly well-suited for desktop gaming, offering a generous diagonal without requiring excessive viewing distance.

Rectangular comparative montage, three-quarter front view, showing a red sports car with a blurred metallic body on the left and sharp on the right, topped with a “NVIDIA G-SYNC 165 Hz” box and below, a beige strip illustrated with several technology logos

Integrated and Adaptive Artificial Intelligence

AI permeates every aspect of the C5’s operation, going beyond mere marketing to deliver real benefits. The α9 AI processor continuously analyzes displayed content, recognizes scene types, and automatically adjusts brightness, contrast, and sharpness. This intelligent adaptation works equally well for movies, games, or streaming content.

AI Picture Pro goes further by analyzing faces to optimize their rendering, creating greater depth and realism in portraits. The system learns user preferences and gradually refines its settings. This personalization extends to audio with AI Sound Pro, which virtualizes an 11.1.2 environment from the built-in 2.2 system.

Hands-free voice control allows for natural interaction with the TV, while intelligent voice recognition adapts responses to the context. These AI features do more than automate—they truly enrich everyday use.

WebOS 25 Ecosystem and Modern Connectivity

WebOS 25 introduces a redesigned interface with user profile personalization, allowing each family member to access their favorite apps and settings. Streaming service integration is enhanced with cloud gaming, turning the TV into a virtual console capable of running AAA games without dedicated hardware.

Extended compatibility includes AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and integration with Apple Home and Google Home ecosystems. The home dashboard centralizes control of connected devices, positioning the C5 as a smart home hub. The “Always Ready” feature maintains intelligent standby for instant voice interactions.

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure modern, stable connectivity. Three USB ports allow for local content playback or accessory connection. This technological openness future-proofs your investment against upcoming developments.

Black flat-screen TV with a glossy plastic finish, front view, displaying a colorful streaming interface, with a black plastic remote control in the foreground

Dolby Atmos Audio and Intelligent Processing

The 2.2-channel 40W audio system incorporates advanced acoustic engineering despite the slim profile. Dolby Atmos technology creates simulated vertical spatialization, enhanced by AI Sound Pro, which analyzes content to optimize output based on program type. This 11.1.2 virtualization is impressively convincing for such a compact chassis.

Clear Voice Pro uses AI to remaster dialogues in real time, improving intelligibility even in complex action scenes. AI Acoustic Tuning automatically adapts audio to the room’s acoustics after initial calibration. These technologies partially compensate for the physical limitations of an integrated system.

However, tests confirm that audio remains the C5’s area for improvement. For demanding home theater use, adding a soundbar or dedicated system will fully reveal the TV’s visual potential.

Perspective view of a living room with a large black flat-screen glass TV mounted on the wall and a black plastic soundbar underneath, translucent arcs simulating sound diffusion around the colorful furniture and the tiled coffee table

Professional Connectivity and Broad Compatibility

The C5’s connectivity meets professional standards with its four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 48 Gb/s bandwidth. HDMI port 2 features eARC for high-quality audio transmission to external systems. This setup allows simultaneous connection of multiple high-frequency 4K sources without compromise.

The two built-in tuners (terrestrial, satellite, cable) cover all reception modes. The CI+ slot provides access to pay channels. The S/PDIF optical output completes the audio options for integration into existing setups. This comprehensive approach avoids the need for multiple adapters and simplifies installation.

HDMI CEC (Simplink) certification enables unified control of connected devices via the Magic Remote. This interoperability extends to home protocols for centralized control of audiovisual equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the C5 and the C4 2024?

The C5 features the new α9 AI Gen8 processor (vs Gen7), WebOS 25 with personalized profiles and Microsoft Copilot, improved HDR brightness (1150 vs 960 cd/m²), and expanded AI optimizations. AI Voice ID enables individual voice recognition. The differences are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, making an upgrade worthwhile mainly for users seeking the latest software features.

Is the 42-inch C5 suitable as a primary PC monitor?

Absolutely. Its native 4K resolution, 0.1ms response time, 144Hz compatibility, and certified 100% color management make it an excellent monitor. The 42-inch diagonal remains comfortable at standard desk distances (80-100cm), offering superior visual comfort compared to traditional monitors. The four HDMI 2.1 ports allow simultaneous connection of PC and consoles.

Why did LG drop DTS audio support in 2025?

LG removed DTS support from its entire 2025 lineup for undisclosed commercial reasons. This decision mainly affects owners of DTS Blu-ray content. Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, AC4, EAC3, HE-AAC, AAC, MP2, MP3, PCM, WMA, and apt-X formats remain supported, covering the majority of current streaming uses.

How do personalized profiles work with AI?

AI Voice ID automatically recognizes each user by their voice and adapts the interface, picture/sound settings, and content recommendations. Each profile retains its favorite apps, channels, and personalized display settings. AI Concierge offers suggestions tailored to each user’s tastes.

What the press says

The 48-inch LG C5 upholds the Korean giant’s legacy as one of the best manufacturers of small-sized OLED TVs, largely because it sticks very closely to the model that made previous C series TVs great, rather than introducing clever innovations.

Automatically translated — Show original (French)

Le LG C5 de 48 pouces conserve l'héritage du géant coréen en tant que l'un des meilleurs fabricants de téléviseurs OLED de petite taille, mais en grande partie parce qu'il s'en tient très étroitement au modèle qui a fait la grandeur des anciens téléviseurs de la série C, plutôt qu'à une innovation intelligente.

Documentation

Technical data sheet
French User manual
European product sheet
Durability index
French

Technical Specifications

Picture and Display

Screen type: OLED 4K
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)
Refresh rate: 120 Hz native (VRR 144 Hz)
Color palette: OLED Color
Dimming technology: Pixel Dimming
Motion smoothness: OLED Motion

Image Processing

Image processor: α9 AI 4K Gen8 Processor
AI upscaling: α9 AI Super Upscaling 4K
Dynamic tone mapping: Yes (OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro)
AI genre selection: Yes (SDR / HDR)
AI brightness control: Yes
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
FILMMAKER MODE: Yes
HFR (High Frame Rate): 4K 120 fps (HDMI, RF, USB)
Picture modes: 10 modes
AI Picture Pro: Yes
Auto calibration: Yes
QMS (Quick Media Switching): Yes

Gaming

G-Sync Compatible (Nvidia): Yes
FreeSync Compatible (AMD): Yes
HGIG Mode: Yes
Game Optimizer: Yes (Gaming Dashboard)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Yes
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Yes (up to 144 Hz)
Dolby Vision for gaming (4K 120 Hz): Yes
Response time: Less than 0.1 ms

Smart TV

Operating system: webOS 25
Apple AirPlay 2 compatible: Yes
USB camera compatible: Yes
AI Chatbot: Yes
Always Ready: Yes
Web browser: Yes
Google Cast: Yes
Google Home / Hub: Yes
Hands-free voice control: Yes
Home Dashboard: Yes
Intelligent voice recognition: Yes
LG Channels: Yes
Magic Remote: Included
Multi-view: Yes
Remote control via mobile app: Yes (LG ThinQ)
Voice ID: Yes
Works with Apple Home: Yes

Audio

Dolby Atmos: Yes
AI Sound: α9 AI Sound Pro (11.1.2 virtual surround)
Clear Voice Pro: Yes (AI voice remastering)
LG Sound Sync: Yes
Sound sharing mode: Yes
Simultaneous audio output: Yes
Bluetooth Surround Ready: Yes (bidirectional playback)
Output power: 40 W
AI Acoustic Tuning: Yes
Audio codecs: AC4, AC3 (Dolby Digital), EAC3, HE-AAC, AAC, MP2, MP3, PCM, WMA, apt-X (see manual)
Speaker direction: Down-firing
Sound system: 2.2 channels
WOW Orchestra: Yes