Mis à jour le 10 March 2023.
The LG OLED42C2 television introduces a new 4K UHD Evo OLED panel, available for the very first time in 42 inches (107cm). Ideal for 4K HDR movies, the LG OLED42C2 is HDR-10, HLG and Dolby Vision IQ compatible. It can also display 4K 120Hz video games with a PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox X Series. The webOS 22 interface now provides simpler access to Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV+. Designed for gamers and cinephiles alike, does the LG OLED42C2 push OLED technology even further to surpass the former LG OLED C1 range?
LG OLED42C2: packaging & accessories
The LG OLED42C2 TV comes with two feet as well as the various screws and instructions needed to mount them. The manufacturer includes a Magic Remote with two batteries and two cable ties to attach to the back of the screen. There is also an infrared repeater and a cover to hide the connectors.
LG OLED42C2: presentation
The LG OLED42C2 television is equipped with a 42” (107cm) Ultra High Definition 4K Evo OLED panel. The manufacturer announces a 20% increase in brightness compared to the previous generation of standard OLED panels. As a result, HDR content should be displayed with more nuanced highlights. Especially since the very effective HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro technology is used.
Also featured is the exclusive Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail technology, developed in collaboration with Dolby. It adjusts the HDR display depending on the ambient lighting to preserve contrast and legibility. This TV also features the Filmmaker picture mode, which delivers a very accurate cinematographic result with movies. However, IMAX Enhanced isn’t included, nor are the accompanying DTS audio formats.
It’s the LG α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K that optimizes both the image quality and the sound. The audio section of the LG OLED42C2 is Dolby Atmos compatible (decoding and virtual spatialization). It only has an output power of 20 watts (2 x 10W), and doesn’t feature the woofer present on the other models in the range. This is probably because of its smaller size, which leaves less space for a dedicated driver. Note that there is a Bluetooth controller so that you can listen to the TV with one or two pairs of Bluetooth headphones.
The webOS 22 Smart TV interface has been redesigned to make it more user-friendly. It offers easy access to Netflix, Rakuten TV, Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV. This 2022 LG OLED television also features Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Consequently, it can be controlled vocally using the integrated microphone (which can be deactivated).
As usual, LG keeps gamers in mind with four 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1 ports. Moreover, this TV supports ALLM and VRR technologies (Nvidia G-sync and AMD Freesync). It also has a video game settings menu and it is still possible to access the GeForce Now and Stadia cloud gaming services. The television also supports 120Hz Dolby Vision Gaming 4K.
LG OLED42C2: key specifications
- Screen size: 42” (107cm)
- Evo OLED panel (high brightness)
- HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ compatibility
- G-Sync/FreeSync
- 120Hz 4K HFR
- webOS 22 Smart TV
- Dolby Atmos compatible audio system
- 4 HDMI 2.1 ports
LG OLED42C2: configuration
After unboxing the accessories and screen, we placed the latter on a flat surface to mount the feet. We then placed the LG OLED42C2 on an AV cabinet. It is also possible to install it on a 300×200 VESA TV mount, such as the NorStone Skye F3770-GC.
Once the television was installed, we connected a TV antenna to receive DTT channels. We used the Netgear Orbi RBK852 pack to connect the television to the local network and to the internet. We also connected a 4K UHD Blu-ray player using an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to play 4K Blu-rays.
We then plugged the TV into one of the Taga Harmony PF-2000’s filtered power sockets before starting the installation process. Once the television channels had been saved and the terms and conditions accepted, the LG OLED42C2 was operational. This only took a few minutes.
LG OLED42C2: our impressions
Design and build quality
The LG OLED42C2 looks slightly different to the other models in the LG OLED C2 range: it has two L-shaped feet instead of the central base. The space between the two feet (73cm) can’t be adjusted. Moreover, they only raise the screen by 4.3cm. So if you want to use the TV with a soundbar, you’ll have to make sure it’s a model that won’t hide the bottom of the screen.
Because the screen is small, the chassis that holds the electronics and connectors covers the rear panel almost entirely. It is made of a high quality cream colored plastic.
It is possible to guide the various cables through these feet, using two removable clips to hold them in place.
The panel itself is very thin, measuring only 6mm thick. Its flat, metallic frame gives it a premium look. By itself, the screen is just over 4cm thick, but with the feet the television has a depth of 17cm.
Like the previous generations, the LG OLED42C2 isn’t free of reflections in bright rooms. The placement of the TV is therefore very important.
Image settings
The LG OLED42C2’s image presets are very well calibrated by default, particularly the Cinema and Filmmaker modes. There are also ISF modes (Bright room, daytime Expert / Dark room, night Expert). The contrast and brightness in these modes were well calibrated and the colors were accurate and realistic. However, it is important to note that the Filmmaker and ISF modes are not available with Dolby Vision programs.
In our opinion, the standard mode should only be used for TV programs. At a stretch, it can be used to watch movies and series during the day in a bright room.
Naturally, it is possible to adjust the image settings yourself for the dedicated menus of this LG TV.
The video game optimization menu provides access to settings designed specifically for gaming. They are displayed in a single menu in the bottom center of the screen. You can choose an image mode adapted to the type of game and customize it. It is also possible to activate the various VRR modes as well as the low latency mode. It is possible to reduce the blue light and adjust the brightness in the dark areas in the image.
Very responsive, the LG OLED42C2’s panel allowed us to enjoy games in 4K 120Hz without any latency. The gameplay was always smooth, the picture clear and detailed.
4K HDR Dolby Vision films
We were able to test the LG OLED42C2’s image quality with some recent movies on 4K Blu-ray, notably Moonfall by Roland Emmerich and The Batman by Matt Reeves, both in Dolby Vision.
This LG OLED television was incredible with highly contrasted space scenes. Thanks to the extremely deep blacks of OLED and the increased brightness of this next-gen panel, the picture was superb. The very bright zones of the image (stars, the Earth’s atmosphere, the controls in the shuttle’s cockpit) were excellently reproduced. Although it didn’t reach the brightness of a QLED panel, the OLED panel of this LG television offered very intense and nuanced highlights. They were further enhanced by the very effective dark areas of the image.
The images were also very detailed and sharp, with incredibly accurate colors. We were impressed by the natural look of the picture, particularly during close-ups of the hero. The textures of the skin and fabric, the details in the hair… Everything was very realistic. We only had one regret: to have chosen the smallest screen size for this review!
The LG TV honored the photography of the movie The Batman, offering a remarkably dense and rich picture despite the omnipresent shadows. It excelled in extracting many details and revealed subtle nuances in the dimmest areas of the image.
HD DTT, Blu-ray and DVD upscaling
The LG OLED42C2 offered good upscaling with HD television programs. The α9 Gen5 video processor managed to enhance the definition without distorting the image or generating artifacts.
The upscaling was also excellent with 1080p HD Blu-ray discs. With The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, we were thoroughly impressed by the extreme precision of the image.
The upscaling of standard definition sources was also satisfactory, notably with the Batman Forever DVD. The LG OLED42C2 managed to improve the overall image quality. It offered a little more detail while maintaining a certain softness. It was nowhere near high definition, but good quality DVDs were perfectly legible.
Virtual Dolby Atmos
LG announces Dolby Atmos compatibility with a virtual audio reproduction over 7.1.2 channels. In practice, the 2 x 10 watt stereo audio section was good, but simply broadened the soundstage. Spatialization remained quite frontal and the effects never really managed to envelop the viewers.
That said, the Cinema mode managed to extract the dialogue from the torrent of sound effects in Moonfall with relative ease. The actors’ voices were always clear. To enjoy a truly immersive sound experience, however, you’ll have to pair this TV with a soundbar. The latter can be connected to the TV’s optical output or, even better, the HDMI eARC port to enjoy Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
It is a shame that DTS audio compatibility is still missing from LG’s arsenal. Even if Dolby is predominant in movies and series, the DTS format remains a reference for movie lovers.
Magic Remote
The TV’s control interface is identical to that of the previous generation, with a single button underneath the front panel. Pressing it once activates the context menu, then a quick press allows you to switch from one command to another. A long press confirms your choice.
The LG OLED42C2 also comes with the Magic Remote, renewed last year, with its pointer and clickable wheel. Still very practical, the only drawback is its lack of backlighting. Especially since the Magic Remotes included with LG projectors have this feature!
webOS 22
The LG OLED42C2 television features the latest version of the brand’s proprietary operating system: webOS 22. We didn’t notice any big changes from the previous version. It was just as smooth and responsive and the banner that displays the various streaming services and apps was still in place.
LG OLED42C2: compared to…
LG OLED48C1
Apart from the new screen size introduced by the LG OLED42C2, the most important new feature is the brighter Evo OLED panel. The display of highlights in HDR content has been improved, with more nuance, details and contrast. Regarding upscaling, LG seems to have progressed yet again and delivers a picture that is always pleasant to watch, even with DVDs. Unfortunately, the audio section isn’t great as the sound is quite frontal and it needs to be bolstered by a soundbar or a home theater system. The LG OLED48C1 is better in this regard.
If you don’t have room for a 48” screen and really want an OLED TV, the LG OLED42C2 is a must. If you aren’t phased by a larger screen, you should consider the LG OLED48C1. Its performance is very similar and it is now quite affordable.
Sony XR-42A90K
The Sony TV also has an Evo OLED panel enhanced by the Cognitive Processor XR. The Sony XR-42A90K’s main strength is its colorimetry. It too is Dolby Vision compatible, but it also offers a picture mode calibrated specifically for Netflix. Another asset of this Sony TV is its compatibility with DTS audio formats in addition to Dolby. The Android TV system with Chromecast built-in offers more features than webOS, even though the latter has come a long way. Ultimately, the LG OLED42C2 has the edge when it comes to gaming options, as it has a dedicated settings menu and offers G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, which is absent on the Sony model. The latter also charges a lot for its superior image quality: it is €700 more expensive than the LG TV!
LG OLED42C2: who is it for?
The LG OLED42C2 television will be perfect for those looking for a small OLED TV to enjoy a rich and highly contrasted image with movies, TV programs and video games. The Dolby Vision and Atmos compatibility, very effective upscaling and 4K 120Hz and G-Sync/FreeSync compatible HDMI 2.1 ports guarantee an excellent experience for both home theater and gaming.
LG OLED42C2: conclusion
The LG OLED42C2 delivers a high quality image with 4K HDR and 1080p HD movies, as well as with television programs and video games. While the gain and brightness aren’t exceptional when compared to the previous models, the contrast and the reproduction of highlights have been improved. The very bright areas of the image therefore seem more detailed and nuanced. The Cinema and Filmmaker modes are also very well calibrated, so you can immediately enjoy a stunning picture.
We were a little disappointed by the audio section. The sound is clear and the dialogues are always intelligible, but the spatialization lacks magnitude. The other televisions in the LG OLED C2 range are more effective as they are equipped with woofers and offer a wider soundstage.
Like most TVs, it is best to pair the LG OLED42C2 with wireless hi-fi speakers placed on either side of the screen. A compact soundbar such as the LG QP5 Eclair, or a classic model like the LG SN7CY, is another ideal solution for this television.
We liked
- The beautiful 4K Dolby Vision picture
- The contrast and highlight management
- The rich and natural colors
- The well calibrated Cinema and Filmmaker modes
- The effective upscaling
We would have liked
- DTS and IMAX Enhanced compatibility
- Better audio spatialization
- A more efficient anti-reflection filter
- Backlighting on the remote control
