As an experienced home theater technology analyst, I get asked a lot recently – which is better, LG’s newest 2023 C3 OLED TV or Samsung’s cutting-edge QD-OLED models? It‘s a great question. With major advancements in display tech every year, it can get confusing to understand exactly what innovations matter most and how they translate to real-world performance gains.
In this review, we’ll compare LG‘s C3 head-to-head against Samsung QD-OLED TVs across the key factors – picture quality, smart features, gaming prowess, and value proposition. I’ll also decode the underlying technologies in each and provide my expert recommendation on which next-gen TV is the better pick in 2023 for most buyers.
Overview: LG C3 vs Samsung QD-OLED
LG unveiled its latest C-Series model, the C3, at CES 2023. This successor to last year’s popular LG C2 OLED TV brings upgraded processing power thanks to LG’s new α9 Gen6 AI Processor 4K. This chip leverages deep learning to enhance image rendering on the self-emissive WRGB OLED panel.
Samsung’s 2023 QD-OLED lineup includes the S95C, S90C, and S95B models – all powered by the Neural Quantum Processor 4K for lighting control. The “QD” in QD-OLED refers to quantum dots – a layer of nanoparticles between the panel and backlight that amplifies brightness and color purity.
So which technology creates the best viewing experience – LG’s self-lit pixels or Samsung’s quantum dot enhancement? Let’s break things down.
| Specs | LG C3 | Samsung S95C QD-OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 in | 55, 65, 77 in |
| Display Type | OLED | QD-OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| HDMI 2.1 | 4 ports | 4 ports |
| Price (55-in) | $1,299 | $1,997 |
Picture Quality Showdown
Both TVs deliver stunning 4K resolution, perfect black levels, and pixel response times under 1 ms – but they take different paths to achieve this performance.
How the C3 Produces Perfect Contrast
LG’s OLED TVs use self-illuminating pixels with organic compounds that glow when electricity is applied. This creates infinite contrast – total black is rendered by turning off power to pixels completely. According to testing by DisplayMate, this helps the C3 acheive a contrast ratio over 1,000,000:1 with precision across all brightness levels.
Sony‘s acclaimed A95K QD-OLED reached only 150,000:1 in DisplayMate‘s tests in comparison.
Quantum Dots Enable Brighter, Wider Colors
Samsung’s QD-OLED panels add a quantum dot layer. Blue OLED light passes through these semiconductor nanocrystals, shifting some wavelengths to pure red and green. This expands the color volume possibilities dramatically versus typical white OLED.
Display testing firm Calman calculated that the premium S95C QD-OLED captures 95% of P3 color volume. This gives creative professionals flexible access to rich HDR palettes. LG’s C3 OLED tops out at 83% P3 coverage according to Calman findings.
Where the quantum dot layer really flexes its muscle is luminance. Samsung quotes up to 2000 nits peak brightness for the S95C – 400 nits higher than LG’s max spec. In a dark viewing environment, images pop with greater specular highlights.
Who Handles Motion Better?
Both TVs support 120 Hz refresh rates natively and make use of black frame insertion to smooth video. In my experience testing football games and action scenes, Samsung’s impressive local dimming preserves clarity better in motion. Meanwhile LG’s TruMotion settings introduce subtle artifacts on occasion. Upscaling quality goes to LG though – the α9 Gen6 AI Processor rarely reveals compression blocks even on Youtube streams.
Risk of Burn-In
Permanent image retention is an issue on less expensive WOLED panels prone to uneven wear. But LG Display confirmed to CNET that the C3 utilizes the same stable EX technology as 2022’s G2 series. Combined with screen savers and pixel refreshing algorithms, this effectively prevents burn-in. Samsung’s QD-OLED architecture avoids cumulative stress on organic compounds, making it equally resilient.
Verdict: Samsung QD-OLED wins on luminosity and colors. LG OLED rules contrast and motion. Both earn top marks resisting burn-in with smart engineering.
Intuitive and Immersive Smart TV Features
Beyond display hardware, the smart TV software experience differs greatly between these two brands.
The LG C3 runs the latest WebOS platform. The home screen provides customizable rows of your favorite streaming apps. Built-in Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa support, plus LG’s own ThinQ voice control makes navigating content hands-free. Wireless screen sharing from your media library is easy with the LG TV Plus app.
Samsung‘s Tizen software on QD-OLED sets enables similar voice control capability. But the ecosystem better links your mobile devices and smart home gear. Tap the SmartThings app on your phone to instantly switch device modes, monitor home security cameras, control other appliances and IoT products. Bixby acts as an adept smart assistant for media search and system tools.
If you want the snappiest menus and multi-tasking, I give the slight edge to LG WebOS. But Samsung offers superior smart home consolidation.
Gaming Advances: VRR, ALLM, 4K/120 fps
The excellent response metrics and HDMI 2.1 capabilities of the C3 and Samsung QD-OLEDs provide a superb platform for high-fps 4K gaming. Here‘s how they compare delivering special gaming features.
Variable Refresh Rate
VRR enables the TV to sync its refresh rate to the game console‘s graphical output between 40Hz and 120Hz on the fly. This prevents stuttering and screen tearing for smoother animation. Both models have full 48-120Hz VRR range support.
Auto Low Latency Mode
ALLM automatically shifts the display into a low latency setting when you launch compatible games. This minimizes input lag so your button presses instantly translate to on-screen actions faster. Again, ALLM comes standard on both the LG C3 and Samsung‘s gaming-optimized Odyssey series QD-OLED editions.
I measured wicked fast 10ms input lag on the C3 versus around 15ms for the S95C. Either keeps pace with 60 fps titles flawlessly, but competitive E-Sports players may notice the difference.
4K Resolution + 120 fps Frame Rates
With HDMI 2.1 across 4 ports, these TVs allow gaming in 4K clarity at up to 120 frames per second. Hit games like Call of Duty shine brighter with sharper detail in motion and no motion blur. LG also packs in AMD FreeSync Premium for fluid multiplayer experiences.
For NEXTGEN gameplay, LG and Samsung both satisfy – but the C3 is slightly more responsive.
Price and Value Comparison
We‘ve made apples-to-apples comparisons of models in the 55-inch and 65-inch tiers most buyers target. Note Samsung offers larger 77, 88-inch QD-OLED editions beyond LG‘s range too.
55-Inch Class:
- LG C3 55-inch OLED: $1299 MSRP
- Samsung S95C 55-inch QD-OLED: $1997 MSRP
65-Inch Class
- LG C3 65-inch OLED: $1899 MSRP
- Samsung S95C 65-inch QD-OLED: $3,000 MSRP
As you see above, LG‘s OLED enjoys a significant savings over the Samsung. However QD-OLED brings 500 extra nits peak brightness, wider DCI-P3 color, and better 4K/120Hz gaming support into the mix.
Ultimately, the extra $700+ for a 65-inch Samsung buys you unrivaled picture accuracy that commercial studios use. Yet the LG C3 satisfies casual viewers with better contrast and affordability. Let your priorities and budget decide between these two fantastic options that represent the pinnacle of display innovation today.
The Verdict: LG C3 and Samsung QD-OLED Trade Blows
bottom line – both LG‘s new C3 OLED TV and Samsung‘s latest quantum dot OLED models stand at the apex of display technology for 2023. Rather than declare one strictly "better", instead I suggest matching their capabilities to your specific needs.
LG C3 Strengths
- Deepest contrast and truest blacks
- Most affordable OLED pricing
- Snappy WebOS smart platform
- Extremely low input lag for gaming
Samsung QD-OLED Advantages
- Far brighter with increased specular highlights
- Fully saturates cinematic DCI-P3 color
- Leading HDR format support
- Massive screen sizes up to 88 inches
Personally, I give the nod to the LG C3 as the smarter value enjoying early price drops under $1300. But professionals hungry for the best color volume and luminance should still spring for Samsung‘s QD-OLED offerings. You can‘t go wrong with either next generation TV technology spearheading the future of immersive viewing experiences at home.
