LG OLED evo AI 65-inch C5X (2025) Review: A Masterclass in Intelligent Performance
Building on a 12-year legacy as the world’s number one OLED brand, LG introduces the OLED evo C5X for 2025, a television that elevates its award-winning formula with a profound new layer of intelligence. The star is the next-generation α9 AI Processor 4K Gen8, which goes beyond mere picture enhancement to create a truly personalized and interactive user experience. It drives advanced features like AI Picture Pro, which recognizes faces for enhanced depth, and an AI Chatbot that redefines user interaction[32]. Praised by top reviewers as “the best TV for most people” and a “no-brainer” for performance enthusiasts, the C5X delivers across the board[32]. It maintains its status as a gaming powerhouse with an elite 144Hz VRR, immerses you with Virtual 11.1.2 Surround Sound, and future-proofs your investment with the webOS Re:New Program. This review breaks down why the C5X is a significant leap forward in making the smart TV genuinely intelligent.
1. The Brains: α9 AI Processor Gen8
At the heart of the C5X is its most powerful processor yet, using deep learning to transform both the picture and the way you interact with your TV.
AI Picture Pro:
The Gen8 processor analyzes every frame in detail. By recognizing faces and objects, it enhances resolution, depth, and clarity, creating a more three-dimensional and lifelike image[32].
AI Super Upscaling & Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro:
Lower-resolution content is intelligently scaled to near-4K quality. Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro analyzes each frame’s elements to enhance brightness, contrast, and clarity for a perfect picture every time[32].
2. Visual Excellence: A New Standard in OLED
The C5X pairs its new processor with LG’s industry-leading OLED technology to deliver true-to-life color, perfect contrast, and enhanced brightness.
Brightness Booster:
An advanced light-boosting algorithm works with the Gen8 processor to deliver brighter, more vibrant visuals, with reviewers noting a measurable increase in peak luminance over previous models[42].
Perfect Black & Infinite Contrast:
With self-lit pixels that turn off completely, the C5X achieves UL-verified Perfect Black, resulting in infinite contrast that brings incredible depth and detail to every scene[32].
Cinematic Vision:
Full support for Dolby Vision and FILMMAKER MODE™ with Ambient Light Compensation ensures you experience movies exactly as the director intended, with visuals that adapt to your room[32].
3. Immersive Audio: Intelligent and Clear
AI deep learning algorithms create an expansive and impactful soundstage that puts you in the center of the action.
Virtual 11.1.2 Surround Sound:
The α9 Gen8 processor up-mixes the 40W 2.2 channel speakers into a vast virtual 11.1.2 channel soundscape, creating an immersive surround sound experience that supports Dolby Atmos[32].
AI Voice Remastering:
Never miss a line of dialogue again. This new feature intelligently extracts and enhances voices from the audio mix, ensuring every conversation is heard with crystal clarity, even during loud action scenes[32].
WOW Orchestra & Interface:
Achieve perfect audio synergy by pairing with an LG Soundbar. WOW Orchestra combines the TV and soundbar speakers, controlled easily through the WOW Interface on your screen[32].
4. The Smart Hub: A Truly Interactive TV
LG’s webOS platform evolves into a deeply personal and interactive smart hub, driven by new AI functionalities that understand and adapt to you.
AI Chatbot & AI Search:
Interact with your TV conversationally. The built-in AI Chatbot helps with settings and troubleshooting, while AI Search with Microsoft Copilot provides intelligent recommendations[32].
AI Voice ID & Concierge:
Using AI Voice ID, the TV recognizes individual users’ voices to offer personalized content. The AI Concierge provides customized keywords based on your unique viewing history[32].
webOS Re:New Program:
This CES Innovation Award-winning program guarantees you receive four major webOS upgrades over five years, ensuring your smart TV experience stays fresh, secure, and up-to-date[32].
5. The Gaming Powerhouse: Uncompromised Performance
The C5X continues the C-Series’ legacy as a gaming monitor in a TV’s body, featuring a full suite of technologies for fluid, responsive, and competitive gameplay.
144Hz VRR & <0.1ms Response Time:
Experience peak fluidity with a native 120Hz panel that supports a 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate and a pixel response time of less than 0.1ms for maximum clarity in motion[32].
G-Sync & FreeSync Premium:
Full compatibility with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium eliminates screen tearing and provides a smooth, stutter-free gaming experience on both PC and consoles[32].
Game Optimizer & Dashboard:
The dedicated on-screen Game Optimizer and Game Dashboard provide instant access to critical settings without ever leaving your game, ensuring you can fine-tune your experience on the fly.
Full Specifications: LG OLED evo AI 65-inch C5X (OLED65C5XLA)
Picture (Display & Processing)
- Display Type: 4K OLED
- Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
- Picture Processor: α9 AI Processor 4K Gen8
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz Native (VRR up to 144Hz)
- HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG
- Brightness Tech: Brightness Booster
- Color: OLED Color (100% Color Volume & Fidelity)
- Picture AI: AI Picture Pro, α9 AI Super Upscaling 4K
Audio
- Audio Output: 40W
- Speaker System: 2.2 Channel
- Sound Technology: Dolby Atmos
- AI Sound: α9 AI Sound Pro (Virtual 11.1.2 Up-mix)
- Features: AI Voice Remastering, WOW Orchestra, Bluetooth 5.3
Gaming
- VRR: Yes (Up to 144Hz)
- Sync: G-Sync Compatible (Nvidia), FreeSync Compatible (AMD)
- Response Time: Less than 0.1ms
- Features: Game Optimizer, ALLM, HGiG Mode, Dolby Vision for Gaming
Smart TV & Connectivity
- OS: webOS 25 (with Re:New Program)
- Remote: Magic Remote MR25
- AI Features: AI Chatbot, AI Concierge, Voice ID
- HDMI: 4 ports (supports 4K 120Hz, eARC, VRR, ALLM, QMS)
- USB: 3 ports (v 2.0)
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
- Casting: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Pros
- Incredible Picture Quality: The α9 Gen8 processor and Brightness Booster deliver a stunningly realistic, bright, and high-contrast image with perfect black levels[32].
- Next-Generation AI Features: Truly useful AI enhancements like Voice ID, AI Chatbot, and AI Voice Remastering create a more personal and user-friendly experience[32].
- Elite Gaming Performance: A full suite of top-tier gaming features, including 144Hz VRR and G-Sync/FreeSync, makes it a no-compromise choice for gamers[32].
- Superior Sound Processing: The virtual 11.1.2 channel up-mixing provides a surprisingly immersive and room-filling soundscape from the internal speakers[32].
- Future-Proofed Platform: The webOS Re:New Program guarantees OS upgrades for 5 years, protecting your investment and keeping the TV feeling fresh[32].
- Critically Acclaimed: Praised by numerous tech publications as the best all-around performer and a top TV of 2025[32].
Cons
- Incremental Brightness Gains: While brighter than its predecessor, it can’t match the extreme peak brightness of flagship MLA-based OLEDs or high-end Mini-LEDs[37].
- Relies on Virtual Surround Sound: The AI-powered sound is impressive, but audiophiles will still want a dedicated soundbar or AV system for true Dolby Atmos immersion.
- Color Volume vs. QD-OLED: While excellent, its color volume may not be quite as vibrant as the latest generation of QD-OLED panels from competitors[37].
- No DTS Audio Support: The lack of onboard DTS audio decoding could be a drawback for home theater enthusiasts with large physical media collections[41].
Who Is This TV For? Tailored Recommendations
The LG OLED C5X is the ideal television for a wide range of demanding users:
- The Quality-Conscious All-Rounder: This is the perfect TV for users who do a bit of everything—movies, gaming, and streaming—and want a premium, no-compromise experience in all areas[35].
- Hardcore Gamers: With its complete suite of high-end gaming features, it is a top-tier choice for competitive gamers on PC and the latest consoles[32].
- Cinephiles and Streaming Fans: The combination of Dolby Vision, FILMMAKER MODE, perfect black levels, and AI-enhanced picture processing delivers a truly cinematic experience[32].
- Users Seeking a Truly Smart TV: Anyone who values a personalized, voice-driven, and intelligent user interface will appreciate the new AI features powered by the Gen8 processor.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
While the C5X is an outstanding TV, a few specific users might look elsewhere:
- The Bright-Room Viewer: If your TV is placed in a room with a lot of direct, uncontrolled sunlight, a flagship Mini-LED TV or a brighter OLED with MLA technology (like LG’s G-series) might be a better fit.
- The Ultimate Bargain Hunter: Users on a tighter budget who still want fantastic OLED performance should consider last year’s C4 model, which offers many of the same core benefits at a lower price[37].
- The Home Theater Purist: While the AI sound is great, those with high-end dedicated surround sound systems may not need the advanced virtual up-mixing and might prioritize TVs with DTS audio support.
Competitive Edge: Smarter, Not Just Better
The LG C5X solidifies its position by smartly evolving its winning formula:
- Truly Useful AI Integration: While other brands tout AI, LG’s Gen8 processor delivers tangible benefits like AI Voice Remastering and the AI Chatbot, which genuinely improve the user experience[32].
- Unrivaled Gaming Credentials: The C-Series continues to be the benchmark for gaming, offering a complete and uncompromising suite of features that competitors often charge a premium for or fail to fully implement.
- Cinematic Authenticity: LG’s commitment to Dolby Vision and an advanced FILMMAKER MODE that compensates for ambient light ensures a picture that is both spectacular and true to the creator’s intent[32].
- The Perfect All-Rounder: The C5X doesn’t hyper-focus on one area. It delivers an A-grade performance in picture quality, gaming, sound, and smart features, making it the most versatile and safest bet in the premium TV market[35].
Final Verdict: The Reigning Champion Gets a Genius Upgrade
The LG OLED evo C5X is a brilliant and masterful television that takes an already winning formula and makes it significantly smarter. The new α9 AI Processor Gen8 is the star of the show, delivering not just a brighter and more refined picture, but a suite of genuinely useful AI features that make the TV more personal and intuitive to use. From the cinematic prowess of its Dolby Vision and perfect black display to its flawless, top-tier gaming performance, the C5X excels in every area that matters[32]. It strikes the perfect balance between cutting-edge innovation and proven performance, making it the undeniable benchmark for premium, all-around excellence in 2025. For anyone seeking a TV that delivers a spectacular experience for movies, gaming, and everything in between, the LG C5X isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the definitive choice.
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)
