Comparing Philips OLED810 to LG C5: an analysis of mid-range OLED TVs performance
The Philips OLED810 and LG C5 are both midrange OLED TVs competing in similar categories, but they differ significantly in size availability, price, and some features.
Price
The Philips OLED810 77-inch model is priced around £2,199 in the UK, targeting larger living rooms with a single large size offering. The LG C5, by contrast, comes in smaller sizes including 42, 48, and 55 inches, typically with pricing dependent on size but generally more accessible due to smaller options (Philips does not release smaller sizes of the OLED810 in the UK) [1][2].
Design
Philips has chosen to release the OLED810 only in a large 77-inch screen for the UK market, which suits bigger rooms but limits options for others; it retains the popular Ambilight feature that enhances immersive viewing. LG's C5 continues the tradition of offering sleek designs across multiple sizes, including the 48-inch variant, popular for smaller setups [1][3][4].
Features
Philips’ OLED810 targets midrange OLED with a capable processor and decent peak brightness, though reportedly less powerful than its entry-level OLED760 that Philips will also promote separately. LG C5 offers broad gaming features such as 4K at 120Hz, VRR (variable refresh rates), and Dolby Vision gaming support, which are especially attractive for gamers [1][3][4].
Picture Quality
Both deliver OLED-level picture quality with deep blacks and rich colors. Philips benefits from Ambilight adding to immersion, though it uses a less powerful processor in the OLED810 compared to its smaller OLED760 sibling. LG C5 is noted for superb picture quality, particularly in smaller sizes, maintaining excellent contrast and color accuracy [1][3][4].
Sound
Neither model’s sound specifics are deeply highlighted in the sources, but midrange OLEDs typically include solid built-in speakers; Philips often complements the viewing experience with Ambilight rather than sound innovations [1][4].
Early Verdict
The Philips OLED810’s UK market strategy focuses on a large 77-inch size, appealing mainly to viewers with spacious living rooms and who value Ambilight. The decision to drop smaller sizes is seen as limiting by some, considering the growing appreciation for 48-inch OLEDs from competitors, including LG's C5. LG's C5 is praised as a complete package with excellent picture, strong gaming features, and more versatile size options, making it better suited for a broader audience including gamers and those with smaller rooms [1][2][3][4].
In summary, Philips OLED810 offers a strong choice for large-room users who want Ambilight and a big screen but lacks smaller size options and gaming-specific features. LG C5 provides excellent picture and gaming capabilities with more size flexibility, making it a more versatile choice overall.
Additional Features
- The LG C5 demonstrates excellent image solidity and three-dimensionality, with subjects standing out against backgrounds with precise yet natural-looking edges.
- In 2021, the 65-inch LG C4 was priced at £2700 / $2699 / AU$4299, while the same-size Philips OLED809 cost £2099.
- The Philips OLED810 has an "ultra-thin, black metal bezel" and a metal 'pill' swivel stand in a satin chrome finish.
- The Philips OLED810 promises potentially higher peak brightness than the LG C5, thanks to its "higher output OLED_EX panel".
- The LG C5's comprehensive gaming features and intuitive AI enhancements strengthen its appeal.
- The Philips OLED810 includes the Ambilight technology for a more immersive viewing experience.
- The LG C5 has a similar design to the LG C4.
- Philips has announced a new range of OLED TVs, with the OLED810 being one of the headline sets.
- The LG C5 comes with a new Magic Remote, which is slimmer and longer than the previous version, but it's not available in the UK.
- The LG C5 maintains excellent shadow detail while preserving color integrity in dark scenes.
- The LG C5 is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K/120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM.
- The LG C5 delivers a rich, engaging picture with excellent contrast, natural yet vibrant colors, and improved brightness over its predecessor.
- The LG C5 and Philips OLED810 are both set to go on sale later this year.
- The LG C5's sound quality is determined to be adequate but unexceptional, while the Philips OLED810's audio performance is yet to be tested.
[1] TechRadar [2] What Hi-Fi? [3] Trusted Reviews [4] Rtings
- The Philips OLED810, with its high price point of around £2,199, targets larger living rooms and caters to those who value Ambilight.
- The LG C5 tends to be more accessible due to smaller size options and a generally lower price range.
- LG C5 offers 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and Dolby Vision gaming support, making it an attractive choice for gamers.
- In picture quality, both TVs deliver OLED-level depth and rich colors; LG C5's advantage in smaller sizes is noted.
- Neither model is particularly renowned for their sound specifics, but Philips' Ambilight feature enhances immersive viewing.
- In the tech news, the LG C5 comes with a new Magic Remote, though it is not available in the UK.
- The Lifestyle section has seen several articles comparing the performance and features of the Philips OLED810 and LG C5.
- The Food-and-Drink section has yet to publish any reviews or previews about the sound performance of the Philips OLED810.
