LG C5 or LG C6: which to choose?
The C6 succeeds the C5, LG's best-selling OLED TV. Independent lab measurements show two very similar TVs: the C6 gains in gradation, HDR brightness and reflection handling, while the C5 keeps a much gentler price. Here's our verdict.
- Same perfect blacks, same design, same overall score
- The C6 : much cleaner gradients, slightly brighter HDR, 165 Hz
- The C5 : more accurate HDR out of the box and end-of-series price
- Our advice: the C5 for most living rooms
The LG C6 replaces the C5, LG's best-selling OLED. Is it worth paying more for the new one, or should you take advantage of the C5 while it's still available? We looked at the measurements published by the independent laboratory RTINGS, who bought and tested both models. Their conclusion matches ours: the two TVs are very alike, and the C6 improves mainly in small steps.
What doesn't change
Both use a panel OLED from LG, with perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Same design (5 mm bezels, 4.4 cm thick, VESA mount 300 x 200), same system webOS, four HDMI ports HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gb/s, Dolby Vision but no HDR10+, and the same built-in sound, decent but nothing more. The burn-in risk is judged identical.
What the C6 does better
Cleaner gradients
On a sky or a plain wall, the C6 shows far less ‘banding' between shades. This is the clearest measured improvement: 9.8 out of 10 against 8.5 for the C5.
A little brighter
On small, very bright areas, the C6 peaks considerably higher (around 1,860 cd/m² against 1,300 on 2% of the screen). In real film scenes, the gap is smaller, around 5 to 15%.
A little richer
Slightly brighter colours and more accurate factory settings in Filmmaker mode for standard films (SDR).
Up to 165 Hz
The C6 goes up to 165 Hz against 144 Hz for the C5. That makes no difference for a PS5 or Xbox (120 Hz maximum), only for a gaming PC.
Fewer reflections
The C6 reflects slightly less light from lamps and windows, without becoming a matte screen.
More frugal
The C6 tested uses around 67 W in normal use against 80 W for the C5.
Where the C5 keeps the advantage
- Faithful HDR out of the box : in Filmmaker mode, the C5 reproduces HDR more faithfully without calibration.
- Uniformity on flat greys, slightly better on the unit tested.
- The price : at the end of the range, the C5 costs considerably less for an almost identical picture.
| LG C5 | LG C6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | OLED evo | OLED evo |
| Maximum refresh rate | 144 Hz | 165 Hz |
| HDR peak (2% of screen) | ~1,300 cd/m² | ~1,860 cd/m² |
| HDR gradients (RTINGS score) | 8,5 / 10 | 9,8 / 10 |
| Mixed usage score (RTINGS) | 8,7 / 10 | 8,7 / 10 |
| HDMI 2.1 | 4 | 4 |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
RTINGS lab measurements on the US 65-inch versions (updated October 2026). The European versions (OLED55C54LA, OLED55C64LA…) use the same panel and electronics; small differences may still occur from one unit to another.
Our advice
For most living rooms, the C5 is the best deal: same overall score, same perfect blacks, end-of-range pricing. Choose the C6 if you watch a lot of HDR, if your living room is bright, if you game on PC, or if you want a TV supported for as long as possible.
Both are on display side by side in store: come and judge for yourself with the same film.
LG C5 and C6 in store
OLED TV LG OLED55C54LA€799.00
OLED TV LG OLED55C64LA€1,438.00
OLED TV LG OLED65C64LA€1,919.00
TV OLED LG OLED42C64LA€1,120.00
TV OLED LG OLED48C64LA€1,312.00
TV OLED LG OLED77C64LA€2,625.00Frequently asked questions
Is the C6 brighter than the C5?
Yes, mainly on small, very bright areas in HDR. In real scenes the difference exists but remains modest.
Is the C5 enough for a PS5?
Yes. The PS5 is limited to 120 Hz and both TVs have VRR, ALLM and four HDMI 2.1 ports.
Does the C6 support HDR10+?
No, like the C5, it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, but not HDR10+.
Come and compare the screens in person
At our Temploux shop, we switch on TVs side by side with your content. Or ask our expert salesperson online, right now.
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