As two of LG‘s most popular OLED television models in recent years, the LG B2 and C1 continue to capture the imagination of home theater enthusiasts. With outstanding contrast ratios, perfect blacks, and vivid colors made possible thanks to OLED technology, these televisions deliver a mesmerizing viewing experience whether you‘re catching the big game or binging your favorite shows.
But with some key differences across size options, price points, features sets, and even the years they were released, you may be wondering—which is the better buy between the LG B2 and the LG C1? I‘ve cross-examined both models across the metrics that matter most to help you decide.
Brief OLED Refresher
Before diving into the details, let‘s quickly recap what makes OLED such a revolutionary TV technology. Rather than relying on a backlight system like traditional LED/LCD televisions, OLED displays use organic light-emitting diodes that generate their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This translates to perfect blacks since individual pixels can turn completely off. You also get an essentially infinite contrast ratio and tremendously vivid images.
LG has established itself as the dominant force in large-screen OLED manufacturing. While the potential for burn-in and questions around the OLED materials‘ longevity remain, LG has engineered effective preventative measures over the past decade to make these non-factors for most buyers. Keeping all of this context around OLED‘s advantages and tradeoffs in mind, let‘s see how the B2 and C1 compare.
LG B2 vs C1: Key Specs and Features
| Specification | LG B2 OLED | LG C1 OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 55", 65", 77" | 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) | |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | |
| Processing chip | α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K | α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K |
| Gaming features | Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, VRR | |
| Speakers and sound | 2.0 channel, 20W, Dolby Atmos | 2.2 channel, 40W, Dolby Atmos |
| Launch year | 2022 | 2021 |
Beyond the specifications above, both TVs come loaded with LG‘s acclaimed webOS smart platform. This gives you access to all your favorite streaming apps and services in a slick, intuitive interface. They also boast HDMI 2.1 inputs, low input lag for responsive gaming, and dedicated Game Optimizer modes.
Screen Size Variety
One obvious difference is that the LG C1 offers greater flexibility for fitting different room sizes and budgets. With five sizes ranging from 48 to 83 inches diagonally, you can find a C1 for nearly any environment. The B2 limits your options to 55, 65 or 77 inches. For those seeking a compact OLED or an extra-large display exceeding 77 inches, the C1 has you covered while the B2 does not.
Audio Capabilities
While neither model will fully replace your soundbar or surround system for critical listening and home theater use, the LG C1 does deliver noticeably better built-in audio performance. The upgraded 2.2 channel speakers produce fuller, more powerful sound compared to the B2‘s 2.0 channel offering. Both TVs support Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio with compatible content.
Processing and Performance
The LG B2‘s α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K represents a nice step up over the C1‘s preceding α9 Gen4 chip. Leveraging LG‘s latest deep learning enhancements, the improved processor can better optimize picture and sound quality across various types of content. So while their core display specs are very comparable, the B2 holds a slight processing advantage.
Pricing Showdown
Due to being a year newer, the LG B2 demands a pricing premium at launch for equivalent screen sizes. However, with the passage of time, deals on the LG C1 have made it considerably more affordable at the moment. For a 65" model, you could spend upwards of $2,500 for a 2022 B2, while 2021 C1 units routinely sell for under $1,500. Value seekers may prefer scooping up a discounted C1.
LG B2 vs C1: The Better Choice?
Declaring one model definitively "better" than the other proves tricky. As we‘ve explored, each OLED TV brings its own pros and cons to the table. But focusing on the factors that matter most to everyday viewing enjoyment, the LG C1 generally prevails as the more compelling option.
The C1 gives you more flexibility on size, still provides gorgeous picture quality thanks to OLED tech, and now sells at steep discounts that undercut the newer B2 series in many cases. While the B2 touts a boosted processor and incremental improvements, the experience gain appears marginal for most compared to scoring the C1 at hundreds below budget.
Between these two impressive models, buy the LG B2 if you:
- Strongly prefer a newer 2022 model with the latest internal tech
- Want a more future-proof purchase expected to receive software support for a longer duration
On the other hand, choose the LG C1 if you:
- Want to save money while retaining stellar performance
- Need a smaller 48" screen or extra-large 83" option the B2 lacks
- Prioritize audio quality from the TV‘s built-in speakers
No matter which one fits best into your entertainment setup and spending range, you can look forward to many years of beautiful OLED goodness enhancing whatever you watch.
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