LG OLED evo AI 65-inch C4X (2024) Review: The Reigning Champion of Performance and Value
The LG OLED evo AI C4X represents the culmination of over a decade of OLED leadership, delivering a masterclass in television engineering that has been lauded by critics and consumers alike. As the world’s number one selling OLED for 11 years running, LG’s C-Series has consistently defined the sweet spot for premium performance and attainable excellence[30]. The C4X is powered by the intelligent α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7, which works in concert with Brightness Booster technology to deliver a picture that is both brilliantly bright and perfectly black[30]. Beyond its stunning visuals, the C4X is an elite gaming monitor, boasting an incredible 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and a full suite of gamer-centric features[30]. Its Ultra Slim Design, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and the award-winning webOS 24 smart platform round out a package that is as intelligent as it is beautiful. This review explores why the LG C4X remains a top contender and a powerhouse for cinema and gaming.
1. Visual Excellence: The Intelligent α9 Gen7 Processor
The C4X’s visual prowess stems from its powerful processor and advanced panel technology, creating an image with lifelike detail, color, and unparalleled contrast.
α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7:
The highly refined α9 Gen7 chip acts as the TV’s brain, using AI to realistically elevate scenes with AI Super Upscaling and fine-tuning resolution and clarity on a frame-by-frame basis[30].
Brightness Booster:
The improved Light Boosting Algorithm enhances brightness by up to 30% on select models, delivering a clearer, more luminous picture that excels in various lighting conditions[30].
Perfect Black & Endless Contrast:
Self-lit pixels turn off completely to create perfect black with no light bleed, enabling infinite contrast where the darkest shadows and brightest lights intertwine for breathtaking impact[30].
100% Color Fidelity & Volume:
Certified by Intertek, the panel preserves shades without distortion, while 100% Color Volume boosts rich hues, ensuring scenes shine with vibrant, lifelike colors[30].
2. Immersive Soundscape with AI
The C4X delivers a rich and impactful audio experience, enhanced by intelligent processing to create an expansive, room-filling sound.
Virtual 9.1.2 Surround Sound:
Experience immersive audio as the α9 Gen7 processor up-mixes the 2.2 channel audio into a virtual 9.1.2 channel soundscape, creating a dome of sound that supports Dolby Atmos[30].
Adaptive Sound Control:
The TV intelligently balances audio according to the content genre in real-time, ensuring rich clarity and appropriate impact whether you’re watching sports, movies, or news[30].
WOW Orchestra & Interface:
Achieve perfect synergy by pairing with an LG Soundbar. WOW Orchestra combines both speaker sets, and the WOW Interface allows for simple control directly from the TV[30].
3. The Ultimate Gaming Experience
The C4X is a certified gaming powerhouse, obliterating lag and stutter with a suite of features designed for competitive and immersive gameplay.
144Hz VRR & Sub-0.1ms Response Time:
A blisteringly fast 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate and a <0.1ms response time ensure buttery-smooth motion and near-instantaneous response to your inputs[30].
G-Sync & FreeSync Premium Certified:
Full certification for NVIDIA G-Sync and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium guarantees a tear-free, stutter-free gaming experience on both PC and consoles[30].
Game Optimizer & Dashboard:
The on-screen Game Optimizer and Game Dashboard provide instant access to critical settings without ever having to leave your game[30].
4. The Real-World Experience
Beyond the specifications, here’s how the C4X performs in everyday use and different viewing environments.
Performance in a Bright Room:
Thanks to Brightness Booster and a new anti-glare coating, the C4X is significantly better at handling reflections and retaining vibrant colors in well-lit rooms compared to previous models. While it doesn’t match the peak brightness of some LED TVs, it’s more than sufficient for most living room environments.
Performance in a Dark Room:
This is where the C4X truly shines. The perfect black levels and infinite contrast of OLED technology create a breathtaking cinematic experience. Shadows have incredible depth, and bright highlights pop against a completely dark background, giving movies and shows a truly premium look.
AI Picture & Upscaling:
The α9 AI processor excels at intelligently upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality. When watching older DVDs, broadcast TV, or streaming content in 1080p, the TV uses its AI to reduce noise, enhance sharpness, and improve the overall picture, making even non-4K content look fantastic.
5. Smart Platform & Remote: The WebOS 24 Experience
LG’s webOS smart platform is a highlight of the C4X, offering a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.
Intuitive Interface & Smart Hub:
The webOS 24 interface is quick and fluid, with apps and content organized into clear categories on the home screen. The new Multi View feature lets you watch two sources at once, perfect for watching a game and your social media feed simultaneously.
Magic Remote & Hands-Free Control:
The included Magic Remote is a standout feature, allowing for point-and-click navigation that feels natural and responsive. You can also use hands-free voice control to search for content, change settings, or control smart home devices without ever touching the remote.
6. C4 vs. The Competition: B4 and G4
Understanding where the C4 fits in the LG lineup is crucial. It’s the perfect balance between the entry-level B4 and the flagship G4.
LG B4
The B4 is LG’s entry-level OLED. It offers a great picture but uses the less powerful α8 AI Processor and lacks Brightness Booster. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who primarily watch content in a dark room.
LG C4
The C4 is the sweet spot. It features the powerful α9 AI Processor, Brightness Booster, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it a major step up in both picture quality and gaming performance. It’s the best value for enthusiasts.
LG G4
The G4 is LG’s flagship. It uses the new α11 AI Processor and features MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology for even higher brightness, making it the top choice for bright rooms. It is a premium TV designed for wall-mounting.
7. The Competitive Edge: A Masterclass in Balance
The LG C4X isn’t just about raw specs; it’s about the intelligent integration of technology to deliver a superior overall experience that few competitors can match at this price point.
Unmatched Gaming Performance for the Price:
While other brands offer 120Hz, the C4X pushes the envelope with a native 144Hz refresh rate on all four HDMI 2.1 ports. This, combined with G-Sync and FreeSync, makes it a true powerhouse for PC and console gamers, a feature often reserved for more expensive models.
The Best AI Processing in its Class:
LG’s α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7 is a significant upgrade that sets the C4X apart. Its intelligent upscaling, object recognition, and dynamic tone mapping create a picture that looks more realistic and refined than what many competing processors can achieve, even with similar panel technology.
Full Specifications: LG OLED evo AI 65-inch C4X (OLED65C4XLA)
Display & Picture
- Display Type: 4K OLED
- Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
- Picture Processor: α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz Native (Up to 144Hz)
- HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG
- Brightness Technology: Brightness Booster
- Color Gamut: OLED Color (100% Color Volume)
- Picture Enhancement: AI Picture Pro, AI Super Upscaling 4K, OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro
Audio
- Audio Output: 40W
- Speaker System: 2.2 Channel
- Audio Technology: Dolby Atmos
- AI Sound: AI Sound Pro (Virtual 9.1.2 Up-mix)
- Sound Features: AI Acoustic Tuning, Bluetooth Surround Ready, WOW Orchestra
Gaming
- VRR: Yes (Up to 144Hz)
- Sync Technologies: G-Sync Compatible (Nvidia), FreeSync Compatible (AMD)
- Response Time: Less than 0.1ms
- Gaming Features: Game Optimizer, ALLM, HGiG Mode
Smart TV & Connectivity
- Operating System: webOS 24 (Re:New Program)
- Remote: Magic Remote MR24
- Voice Control: Hands-free Voice Control
- Smart Platform: ThinQ, Multi View, Room to Room Share
- HDMI: 4 ports (supports 4K 120Hz, eARC, VRR, ALLM, QMS)
- USB: 3 ports (v 2.0)
- Wi-Fi: Yes (Wi-Fi 5)
- Bluetooth: Yes (v 5.1)
Who Is This TV For? Tailored Recommendations
The LG OLED C4X is an exceptional choice for the discerning buyer who values proven performance:
- High-Performance Gamers: With 144Hz VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync, and a lightning-fast response time, it offers an elite gaming experience that stands tall against any competitor[30].
- Cinema Enthusiasts: The combination of perfect black, Brightness Booster, Dolby Vision, and FILMMAKER MODE™ delivers a deeply accurate and immersive movie-watching experience[30].
- Smart Value Shoppers: For those who want 90-95% of the performance of the very latest model but at a significant discount, the C4X represents one of the best high-end deals on the market.
- Design-Focused Individuals: The Ultra Slim Design with its incredibly narrow bezels provides a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that enhances any modern living space[30].
Who Might Consider Other Options?
While the C4X is a fantastic TV, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. You might look elsewhere if:
- You Must Have the Latest Tech: If having the newest processor (α9 Gen8 or α11) and the absolute latest OS features is your top priority, you may want to consider the LG G4X or M4X for an even brighter, more advanced display.
- You Are on a Strict Budget: While the C4X offers excellent value in the premium space, it remains a high-end television. If you have a budget of under $1,000, you will likely need to explore other options.
7. The Competitive Edge: A Masterclass in Balance
The LG C4X isn’t just about raw specs; it’s about the intelligent integration of technology to deliver a superior overall experience that few competitors can match at this price point.
Unmatched Gaming Performance for the Price:
While other brands offer 120Hz, the C4X pushes the envelope with a native 144Hz refresh rate on all four HDMI 2.1 ports. This, combined with G-Sync and FreeSync, makes it a true powerhouse for PC and console gamers, a feature often reserved for more expensive models.
The Best AI Processing in its Class:
LG’s α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7 is a significant upgrade that sets the C4X apart. Its intelligent upscaling, object recognition, and dynamic tone mapping create a picture that looks more realistic and refined than what many competing processors can achieve, even with similar panel technology.
8. Final Verdict & Overall Rating
Overall Rating
The LG OLED evo AI 65-inch C4X is a near-perfect television that rightfully earns its place as the king of the “sweet spot” category. It delivers an uncompromisingly brilliant picture with perfect blacks and vibrant colors, an elite gaming experience that rivals dedicated monitors, and a smart platform that is both powerful and intuitive. While the G4 offers a bit more peak brightness, the C4X’s combination of performance, features, and value is unmatched for the vast majority of users. It is a TV that exceeds expectations and provides a true cinematic and gaming upgrade.
