What's great
- 5-star TechRadar + What Hi-Fi value pick
- 1,180 nits peak HDR brightness · 199 nits full-screen
- 4× HDMI 2.1 + 144Hz + VRR/G-Sync/FreeSync/ALLM
- webOS 25 — still excellent smart TV OS, 5+ years of updates
- All major streamers + AirPlay 2 + Chromecast
- $500-700 below 2026 C6 at street pricing
What's not
- Alpha 11 AI Gen 2 (not the Gen 3 in C6)
- No Glare-Free improvements (less of an LG concern than Samsung)
- No GeForce Now 4K@120 (that's a 2026 C6 exclusive)
What's new for 2026
The C5 was the 2025 LG mid-OLED — direct predecessor to the C6. 5-star pick from TechRadar and What Hi-Fi. 1,180 nits peak, 4× HDMI 2.1, webOS 25 with AI Concierge + AI Search.
The 2026 C6 got the flagship Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor — that's a real upgrade. But at street pricing, the C5 saves $500-700 vs the C6, and the picture quality difference is marginal in most rooms.
Smart TV experience & OS
webOS 25 with AI Concierge + AI Search. LG continues updates 5+ years. Magic Remote. All major apps + AirPlay 2 + Chromecast.
Picture quality & panel tech
Standard WOLED panel. 1,180 nits peak HDR (10% window). 199 nits full-screen. 144Hz refresh.
Gaming performance
4× HDMI 2.1 + 144Hz + VRR + G-Sync + FreeSync + ALLM.
Audio & soundbar pairing
40W 2.2 built-in with Dolby Atmos passthrough.
Mount & install notes
Standard VESA. Optional LG OLW480B EZ Slim mount ($150).
Who should buy this TV
Buy if: Budget OLED shopper · non-direct-sun room · don't need flagship-tier processing.
Skip if: Want GeForce Now 4K@120 (C6-only) · direct-sun room (need C6's extra brightness).
Rick's final verdict
Rick's verdict: the smartest OLED clearance buy of 2026. Save $500-700 vs the C6, get a 5-star TV that does 95% of what the new model does.
Final score: 8.6 / 10 — Rick's 2025 LG Value Pick.