Each year, a new line of LG OLED TVs is released. And each year, we are tasked with comparing and contrasting these sets in order to determine the finest options at various price points.
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Traditionally, LG’s B-series models have been the most cost-effective way to enter the world of high-end OLED displays (with support for 120Hz) without selling an organ. But, the situation has become more complicated in 2022, as increased prices now result in the LG B2 being much more expensive than its successors.
The LG C2, which we consider one of the best TVs for the vast majority of consumers right now, still has a lot going for it, but it can’t compete with the LG E7. The price increase for the C2 is more understandable, given the significant improvement in image quality over the B2.
The only real distinction between them is in the quality of the output image. But be prepared to expect the unexpected this year, as the LG G2 employs the same cutting-edge OLED screen technology—the Evo OLED Panel—shown in the LG G1 last year.
Know that LG has asserted that the Evo OLED panel can provide brighter peak brightness. In contrast, the LG B2 employs the same old-fashioned OLED panel seen on the LG A2 and most models from years past.
Nonetheless, the LG B2 and LG C2 are two of 2022’s top OLED TVs, and you may be wondering how they compare in terms of features and price. Well, let’s find out now!
LG C2 vs B2: Side-by-Side Comparison
LG C2 vs B2: What’s the Difference?
On paper, the LG C2 OLED is likely to outperform the LG B2 OLED since it is a more expensive model. While both share similar peak brightness in SDR, the C2 really shines when seen in HDR. Its brightness increases and its highlights stand out more. Banding is also reduced in HDR content when using the C2 due to its improved gradient handling.
It is also clear that the LG C2 OLED is the brighter screen overall, but only within narrow brightness ranges. Both TVs have similar peak brightness in extremely bright conditions. The input latency is also very similar, and there is not much difference in color saturation (typically less than 1% of the DCI-P3 color space).
So, how do you decide between the two? Well, you have to dig a bit deeper into the detail to spot the differences.
Design and Build
LG C2
The LG C2 TV is a cutting-edge electronic device that looks great in any room. From a regular viewing distance, the silver border and ultra-narrow bezels are virtually undetectable. When compared to last year’s LG C1 OLED, the TV’s back panel features a more modern style.
The back is constructed of textured, polished metal, which is awesome even though no one will ever see it. There is a plastic plate covering the inputs, but it is not a problem. You can use the clips located on the rear to organize the cables.
The stand looks sturdy too, but it does not offer enough support, as it wobbles about a lot because of its diminutive size. The stand raises the bottom of the screen by only a few inches, making it impossible to use a larger soundbar on the same table without blocking the display.
LG B2
On the other hand, the LG B2 also continues LG’s tradition of stylish OLED televisions. It is predominantly grey and features a thin panel positioned in the middle of a center stand. The tiny footprint and stability of the TV’s stand mean that it will eliminate most wobble, but not all.
Unfortunately, the screen is only lifted a couple of inches off the table at the bottom. So, a speaker placed in front of it will obscure the display. The LG B2’s back panel is made of metal, while the section that houses the jacks is made of plastic that looks like brushed aluminum.
If you mount your TV on the wall, it is easier to access the inputs on your TV, but using the inputs you find on the side is a bit awkward. However, you will not be able to get the TV to sit flush against the wall if cables are plugged into the rear. A cable management clip is also included to assist you in maintaining tidiness in your workspace.
Low Light Performance
The high pixel dimming level, infinite contrast ratio, and practically perfect black uniformity of OLED TVs make them ideal for use in a low-light situation. And they simply rock in a completely dark room.
The LG C2 and B2 both excel in low-light conditions. Thanks to self-illuminating pixels, an OLED panel does not require a backlight, unlike LED televisions. The amazing thing about these displays is that each pixel may function independently, turning on and off or adjusting brightness independently of the other pixels.
When displaying black, all of the pixels in that area are turned off, and the screen gives off zero lux. Because of this, OLED TVs like the LG C2 and B2 OLED can create an almost perfect black level. So, even in a completely dark room, the black-generated remnants will still look completely black.
The obvious corollary to this is that it improves the visibility of dark hues. So, you are not going to face a lot of issues in terms of low-light or dark-room performance irrespective of which model you choose.
Bright Light Performance
The LG C2 and B2 might not quite measure up to the performance of high-end LED TVs in bright rooms, but they nevertheless deliver satisfactory results. And if you dig deeper, this is where their OLED panel technology differences come into play.
The LG C2’s brightness increases to roughly 425 nits when playing SDR content, but the LG B2’s maximum brightness is just around 375 nits. If you can look past their differences, you will see that their peak SRDR brightness is rather respectable. Their maximum brightness is sufficient for glare reduction, so long as you do not use them in a room full of windows or lamps.
Picture Quality
Although the LG C2’s picture processor is superior to that of the LG B2, both TVs are capable of excellent image processing. Both the upscaling engine and the deep learning machine are based on artificial intelligence. The integration of these techniques permits them to successfully up-scale low resolution to 4K quality.
So, you can watch 480p DVDs or 1080p HD movies in 4K resolution with a quality close to that of native 4K content and without a ton of artifacts. Also, the visuals displayed on their screen will look much smoother and have more fine details if the source has a higher quality, such as Blu-ray movies with 1080p resolution or native 4K content.
They both offer excellent grayscale consistency in addition to a top-notch upscaling engine. For this reason, there is not a lot of dirty screen impact when showing content with wide areas of constant brightness and color.
This works well with content that features extensive areas of the same hue, such as a sports field. The LG C2 is marginally superior to the LG B2, but the gap between them is not particularly wide.
Viewing Angles
Both variants share the same wide viewing angle as other models of OLED televisions. As a result, black levels in photos stay consistently impressive even when seen from a very wide angle. However, color shifts may still occur at certain angles. Specifically, 30 degrees off-center for the LG C2 and 50 degrees off-center for the LG B2.
The accuracy of the images persists even from a wide angle. Anyone who often watches major sporting events with a large gathering of friends or family would find this an ideal solution.
Motion Handling
OLED televisions, such as the LG C2 and B2, also have the advantage of a practically instantaneous pixel response time. The fast motion looks exceptionally sharp and feels better with no blur trail, which is due to its 2.5 ms pixel response time.
That being said, content with a low frame rate, such as 24p movies, may appear to stutter. That’s because of the nearly instantaneous pixel reaction time. The good news is that you may lower the impact of this by either interpolating them to a higher frame rate or switching on their BFI mode.
Movie Performance
If you are investing that much money to buy a good quality OLED TV, it’s obvious you’ll be watching lots of movies and sports. How do they both perform in this regard?
- With LG’s 8 million self-lit OLED pixels, you’ll get a vivid viewing experience with infinite contrast, deep black, and over a billion colors that add depth and bring out the best in whatever you’re…Engineered especially for LG, the advanced α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K algorithmically adapts and adjusts picture and sound quality for a lifelike viewing experience with depth and rich colorGet in the action with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate that keeps up with the fast movement in sports, video games, and movies for a sharp picture with smooth motion from start to finishLG Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) improve your gaming experience with fluid on-screen motion. Game Optimizer manages your game settings all…Mount it on the wall with a 300 x 200 VESA mount (sold separately). Magic Remote, remote control batteries (AA), power cable, and quick start guide are included. TV stand sold separately
The LG C2 is an excellent television for watching films in a dimly lit room. Its OLED screen has an almost perfect contrast ratio. It displays pitch-black backgrounds in a completely dark room without any annoying haloing around bright objects.
The LG B2 is equally good when watching movies in darker environments. In fact, you can easily view a small brilliant object quite accurately, with no blooming around it. Both have excellent picture quality overall and work well in a dark setting, giving you the theatrical experience at home.
Their performance is also excellent in terms of color reproduction, especially for the vast majority of modern HDR material, such as HDR10. Their DCI P3 color coverage is practically flawless. They look exceptionally bright and lifelike because most modern HDR content, such as HDR10, is mastered in DCI P3 color space.
But keep in mind that neither can accurately display highly saturated colors, thus scenes with a lot of light may look washed out. Also, the only color space where either is adequately represented is Rec.2020, the standard in which the next generation of HDR formats, such as Dolby Vision, is calibrated. Thus, some colors in Dolby Vision content may look incorrect, in addition to being exceedingly bright.
The LG C2’s upgraded pictures processor makes for noticeably smoother color transitions compared to the LG B2. The LG B2’s color gradient is merely passable. Hence, the banding is still rather apparent even when showing HDR material. However, the LG C2’s screen may still exhibit slight banding, but it is less pronounced than on the LG B2.
Sporting Action
Even when utilized for viewing sports, they function admirably. Both offer high SDR peak brightness and excellent reflection control. It means you can enjoy your favorite sporting events in the brightest of environments without getting distracted by the glare.
Even when utilized for viewing sports, they function admirably. Both offer high SDR peak brightness and excellent reflection control, so you can enjoy your favorite sporting events in the brightest environments without worrying about any distracting glare.
Not only that, but their BFI mode and great motion handling make rapid sports look very fluid. Whenever you watch a game involving a broad, uniform area of play, such as baseball, the field looks great.
But, it is worth mentioning that both TVs have strong SDR peak brightness, their aggressive ABL means that bright scenes, in general, may appear duller. So expect sudden changes in contrast throughout certain games, even though it is usually not that distracting.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the LG C2 holds its own. Like other televisions, its low-frequency extension is adequate but not great. At its loudest, it suffers from some pumping and compression glitches. However, the sound profile is reasonably well-balanced at moderate listening settings. This results in audible speech.
The LG B2 is not that different, either. You can expect a good frequency response, which means you will notice good clarity when listening to dialogue. However, you can make it work even better by investing in a dedicated subwoofer, which helps boost bass and gives you a much-improved experience.
LG C2 vs B2: 5 Must-Know Facts
LG B2 vs C2: Which One Should You Choose?
LG C2 and B2 look quite the same, but deep down, they perform a bit differently in certain situations. So, which OLED offers the better value? Well, you have to consider the differences and compare them with your unique circumstances to decide.
The Evo panel found in the LG G1 from last year is what sets the C2 apart from its predecessor, as it provides greater peak brightness and more accurate color rendering. The Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI 4K processor is present here, and it provides a significant improvement to Dolby Vision.
The B2 sports a little less spectacular panel and an Alpha 7 Gen 5 processor. So, the C2 is obviously a better choice here. While the LG B2 is a top-notch OLED set, if you’re going to spend close to $2,000 on the 55-inch model, you might as well spring for the C2.
This way, you can benefit from its superior panel, brightness, and CPU. Although LG is trying to keep the B2’s price as low as possible, the B2 does not seem like a good deal in comparison. If that is the case, you might want to hold out until some better OLED TV offers eventually drive down the price of the LG C2.
It is worth mentioning that if you are going to spend a lot of time in front of the TV, it is probably worth it to splurge on the best model you can afford. It is mainly because ultimately, the difference in quality will be negligible after a short time. And in this case, it makes a lot more sense to put your money on the LG C2.
Overall, it would not be wrong to say that the LG C2 has achieved the status of a status symbol for those who truly appreciate having the best of the best. It certainly gives you a piece of something special straight from the realm of audiovisual technology.
