And for those who prefer televisions that do not occupy most of the table or the wall, the OLED C1 2021 starts at 48 inches —the one I tested for this review—a size that is optimal if placed in a large room. The other models are 55, 65, and 77 inches.
For the assembly of the screen, the intervention of two people is necessary, especially when removing the panel and mounting it on the base, which at the same time requires some screws to be firm.
To make the initial configuration process faster, the recommendation is first to download the LG ThinQ application, a kind of hub that also allows control and management options for the brand’s linked devices.
Once set up and configured, I downloaded my favorite entertainment apps, from newcomer HBO Max to Apple TV Plus, Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney Plus. I did not find another app-enabled that I pay for: Paramount Plus; It is not a serious fault, but those who like productions such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Yellowstone, Your Honor, Dexter, and Californication in Mexico, may have to connect their Roku to the television, a multimedia player in which the service is available.
I also decided to set Alexa as the primary assistant, especially for searching and playing content from the remote.
Interface
The LG OLED C1 2021 represents my premiere with the webOS operating system. Still, the real question is, does it provide what is necessary for the screen owner to have everything he needs to entertain himself?
The first caveat is that you shouldn’t expect the seamless experience media players offer in their interface, from Roku to Fire TV.
Some notifications, weather information, trending content —mainly from live channels— and the list of applications are highlighted on the TV’s home screen. This last section shows the different streaming video platforms and apps that allow everything from activating the art gallery to running the web browser that is included in the television.
The following section highlights the Home Panel, which allows you to link different intelligent devices, whether they are LG brands or from other manufacturers, and configure Apple’s AirPlay and HomeKit.
In the following sections, it is possible to find recently viewed channels offered by LG, featured content from platforms such as YouTube and Prime Video, and new releases.
It takes time to get used to the webOS operating system and the different sections that its interface displays, but nothing cannot be overcome with the daily use of the screen.
The remote control, Magic Remote, also makes learning faster. It incorporates shortcuts to Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, buttons that allow you to activate the Google Assistant, Alexa, or LG’s artificial intelligence, and an element to display a kind of pointer for a faster selection.
In general, the interface of the LG OLED C1 2021 feels complete, ready for moviegoers and streaming content lovers to find their favorite movie or series or order it to the assistant of their choice.
Connections and design
To connect the different entertainment devices, from consoles to media players, the screen mainly has four HDMI inputs (2.1) and three USB ports. But it also uses the wireless Bluetooth connection (5.0) to link state-of-the-art speakers to the smartphone.
In this sense, the possibility of the user having to disconnect and connect cables, as perhaps they did with their previous device, is reduced.
The various audio and video ports are placed on the left side of the TV, on the broad base behind the OLED panel. At the same time, the power cable is located on the right side.
In more of the design, on the front, just below the screen, the elegant metal base stands out, where an “LG OLED” can be read on the far right.
Image and sound
It is almost certain that a next-generation screen from a recognized manufacturer will not disappoint, such as the LG OLED C1 2021. Inside, the device stores millions of self-illuminating pixels to achieve perfect black, “infinite contrast,” and color accuracy.
It also supports Dolby Vision IQ standards—intelligently modifies picture settings based on content and environment—and HDR 10 Pro, LG’s proprietary technology that adjusts brightness to enhance color and intensifies standard HDR material.
Already in practice, compatible productions look of a superior level and quality. Details are well defined, even in graphics where dark tones predominate.
In the movie Mad Max: Fury Road, one of my favorites is to check the response offered by the screens, especially since it transitions from bright colors to dark ones; the experience is truly immersive. The television “unveils” new content, a more vivid one, even if it has already been seen.
Along with the image, the sound is just as powerful. The LG OLED C1 2021 is also compatible with Dolby Atmos, a standard that offers multidimensional surround sound. Plus, the new Automatic Volume Leveling feature keeps voice levels consistent no matter what’s on the screen. This produces powerful and clear sound, even with high volume.
Intelligent image and audio adjustment are thanks to the α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K, “an innovative chip that uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and optimize content,” says the manufacturer.
For greater personalization, LG includes nine image modes on television, among which Cinema and Sport stand out. These can be activated from the remote control.
Regarding the gaming experience, the most exciting thing is that the screen has a refresh rate of 120 Hz for a smoother gaming session, as well as G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium certifications. These features are intended for gamers also to have. Games are more precise and without delays.