2026 vs 2025 — LG MID-OLED
LG C6 vs LG C5 — Worth the 2026 Upgrade?
By Rick Baron · SWAT A/V · 28 years of installs · Updated 2026-05-29
★ Rick's bottom line
C5 for budget · C6 for AI features + brightness
C6 got the FLAGSHIP Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor (same as G6). That's the headline. Plus 22% brightness bump (1,438 vs 1,180 nits). For new shoppers in 2026, the C6 is worth the bump for the processor alone. For shoppers who can find a C5 at clearance ($1,800-$2,000), the C5 still hits 95% of the experience for the lower price.
LG C6 OLED 65"
MSRP $2,699
VS
LG C5 OLED 65" (2025)
MSRP $2,699
Live street prices — refreshed daily
| Spec | LG C6 OLED 65" | LG C5 OLED 65" (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 (flagship) | Alpha 11 AI Gen 2 |
| Peak HDR brightness | 1,438 nits | 1,180 nits |
| Refresh | 165Hz | 144Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 4× | 4× |
| Smart OS | webOS 26 (Gemini + Copilot) | webOS 25 (AI Concierge) |
| GeForce Now 4K@120 | ✅ exclusive | — |
| Sizes | 42/48/55/65/77/83 | 42/48/55/65/77/83 |
| Price (65" street) | $2,499 MSRP | ~$1,800-2,000 |
| Rick's score | 9.2 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
★ Buy this one if
LG C6 OLED 65"
Buy the LG C6 if you're shopping new in 2026, you want the Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, or you'll use GeForce Now cloud gaming at 4K@120.
Read full review →★ Buy this one if
LG C5 OLED 65" (2025)
Buy the LG C5 at clearance if you can find it $1,800-$2,000 and want to save $500-700. Same 4× HDMI 2.1, same VRR stack, slightly less brightness.
Read full review →