Looking for a new TV but need to know which one to choose? OLED technology has become increasingly popular for its stunning picture quality and vibrant colors, and LG is one of the leading manufacturers in this space.
But with multiple models on the market, how do you know which is right for you?
LG’s OLED TV lineup includes several models, each with its features and specifications.
While the LG C1 has been a go-to choice for many, the company released a new budget-friendly model, the LG A1, which has sparked some interest. With this new entry, many wonder how it stacks up against its more expensive counterpart.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for a sleek and stylish TV, understanding the differences between the LG A1 and LG C1 is essential to making an informed purchase.
In this article, we’ll break down the key distinctions between the two models to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Head-to-head comparison between 2 LG OLED TVs.’
Picture Quality
When it comes to picture quality, both the LG A1 and C1 deliver stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
The LG C1 provides an enhanced viewing experience with its advanced OLED panel with a higher contrast ratio than the A1 model.
This means images will appear sharper and more detailed on the C1 than on the A1. Additionally, the LG C1 comes with a wider color space, which allows for more vibrant and accurate colors.
Refresh rate
The LG C1 offers a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the LG A1’s 60Hz. The LG A1 can be alright since it can’t cope with the elevated frame rates that gamers prefer.
Movies will still look fantastic on the LG A1, but if you want a steady refresh rate for Xbox Series X, you should spend the extra money on the LG C1.
Contrast and pixel
Both displays feature the deep contrast and fine pixel detail that OLED is renowned for, but the LG C1 also benefits from a significant CPU improvement.
The most considerable improvements in picture quality over the past four years can be observed here as manufacturers enhance motion handling and detail. While the LG C1 boasts the A9 Gen 4 CPU, the LG A1 has the LG A7 Gen 4 Processor.
Features
In terms of features, the LG A1 has fewer to offer than the C1. The A1 model does not come with Dolby Vision IQ or support for HDMI 2.1, both of which are included in the C1 model.
The LG C1 has better motion-handling capabilities and a wider viewing angle than the A1.
Motion handling is particularly impressive, thanks to some ingenious new image interpolation techniques.
Particularly successful in virtually eliminating the awful soap opera effect is the Cinematic Movement option, which regulates the degree of frame merging.
Moreover, photo handling has had several ostensibly small but essential enhancements.
If you’re a fanatic for detail, the processing technology might sway you towards the LG C1 – especially if you’re aiming for a larger size, where any flaws would be more visible, especially from non-4K sources.
The LG A1 has all the colour vibrancy you’d want from an OLED set.
Pros and Cons
The LG C1 also has several advantages when it comes to audio. It supports Dolby Atmos and comes with a built-in soundbar for powerful sound.
The A1 model does not have these features and does not support external speakers, making it less suitable for an immersive audio experience.
Price
Finally, the price is a significant factor when deciding between the LG A1 and C1. The LG A1 is more affordable than the C1, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
However, if you want a more advanced experience with better features, the LG C1 is the way to go.
Sound quality
The unfortunate reality of modern TV purchases is that most of them will require the finest soundbars for the audio experience to match the one on the screen.
With ultra-thin displays ready to install on walls and rear- and downward-firing speakers, the audio experience is typically less spectacular than the picture quality.
Unfortunately, this is true of both the LG A1 and the LG C1, although the LG C1’s 40W output does deliver on volume, and the results are sometimes unexpectedly fantastic.
Design
You’ll invest in a gorgeously smooth screen no matter which LG model you choose. Regardless of your preference, these are incredibly thin panels of elegant perfection.
But, there is a significant variation with regard to the stand, and depending on your furnishings, this can determine your choice.
If your existing stand has the screen greatly overhanging the edges, you may want something with a central point of support instead of the LG A1’s feet at either end and C1’s central stand.
In either case, nothing about the remaining nearly bezel-free panels will turn you off visually.
The Bottom Line
If you own a new-generation console, the LG C1 offers everything you could need, so making this decision is obvious.
Even if you don’t require these capabilities right away, you should carefully consider the LG C1 as the future-proof alternative if you don’t already have one but intend to do so in the future.
The LG C1 offers the two models’ most quietly better visual quality outside gameplay.
The LG A1 will still provide the vibrant contrast and colour you want from your investment, though, if you’re searching for the best LG OLED for your money and are okay with the slower refresh rate and processor difference.
