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LG reveals its smallest OLED TV ever for 2022
January is cold month for weather and a hot one for TVs as they take centre stage at the CES tradeshow in Las Vegas.
LG is out of the blocks fast with the announcement of the 42-inch C2 OLED, as well as revealing some of the new features and technology that will power its latest series of TVs.
From a redesigned operating system to a new processor, here's everything we know about LG's new 2022 TVs.
2022 TVs won't start launching until the spring, but there are still plenty of excellent models from 2021 to choose from - see our 4K TV reviews to find your next set
42-inch LG C2 OLED - smallest on show
Let's get started with the big news, or, more accurately, the small news. At 42 inches, the C2 is the smallest OLED TV that LG, or any brand, has released.
The previous smallest model was a 48 incher, but since 43-inch LCD TVs are still so popular, it makes sense that LG has tried to get an OLED display into a smaller TV.
We wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being one of the most popular TVs of 2022 and it has the potential to be one of the highest scoring, too.
The C range is one of LG's most high-end and the C2 will have cutting-edge features, including the latest A9 Gen 5 processor (more on the later) and possibly OLED evo technology.
OLED evo debuted in 2021 in the G1 range (read our reviews of the LG OLED55G16LA and LG OLED65G16LA to see how they did) which was designed to help OLED TVs look brighter. LG's press release did say OLED evo would only be on select C2 TVs, but hopefully that includes the 42-inch set.
The C2 OLEDs will also be available in 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches. They will likely release in the UK around April or May.
We'll buy these TVs and review them as soon as they launch, but in the mean time you can always see how their predecessors fared.
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LG G2 'Gallery Design' OLED range
The G range OLEDs are designed to be wall mounted and come with the mount to do it rather than a traditional stand.
The big change for 2022 is the new 'brightness booster'. This is something OLED evo technology was supposed to do, but in our tests of the 2021 G ranges we didn't notice an increase in Nits (the measurement for screen brightness) over LG OLEDs without the added evo bit.
We didn't exactly think these OLEDs weren't bright enough, though.
Like the C2 TVs, the G2s have the A9 Gen 5 processor and you'll be able to buy an enormous 97-inch model (LG's biggest OLED); probably worth mounting that onto a supporting wall we reckon.
There's a 55, 65 and 77-inch model to choose from, too. Expect these TVs in April of May.
New technology in LG's 2022 TVs
New screen sizes are all well and good, but the it's the technology going into the TV that will mean the difference between a good score and a bad one.
A9 Gen 5
LG's Alpha 9 processor has been powering its high-end TVs for years and this is the fifth iteration. LG says it does a better job of making foreground and background parts of the image more distinct from each other, which will create a more three-dimensional effect.
It's not just picture quality that will get a boost, the Gen 5 improves AI Sound Pro technology, so TV speakers simulate 7.1.2 surround sound: that's three speakers in front, four behind, one subwoofer for bass and two speakers sending sound over your head. We'll definitely be testing those surround sound capabilities, to see if the Gen 5 can really do all that simulation.
Redesigned operating system
LG overhauled its menus and smart TV systems in the 2021 OLEDs and we weren't big fans of the changes. In 2022 LG is planning on curating the experience to each user and you'll be able to set up profiles where you can see your favourite apps and get personalised recommendations for what to watch.
It's a nice idea, but we're more interested in the layout of the menus. We found them cluttered in the 2021 models, so we hope LG has paired back the adverts and upped the customisation on these latest models.
See our top five best TVs from 2021 if you can't wait until the 2022 models launch in spring
