WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Last Updated:
Get £500 off the LG C2 42-inch OLED TV here with TikToks exclusive deal
Since the arrival of next-generation consoles, OLED gaming TVs have become much more popular – offering up excellent gaming performance and stunning image quality, respectively. Not only are the new panels at the forefront of modern TV tech, but they’re also dropping rapidly in price thanks to QD-OLED and mini LED alternatives.
All being said, 2022 looks set to be a bumper year for OLED gaming TVs, with Sony and LG releasing never before seen 42-inch models specifically designed for gaming. But which one should you buy?
Sony A90K vs LG C2 is the latest battle at the top of the OLED gaming TV market, with many already questioning which is best and why. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the main differences that separate Sony’s A90K vs LG’s C2, concluding with our thoughts on performance, image quality, gaming, and overall value for money.
So, will Sony’s A90K be able to knock the LG C2 off the top spot, or will it be another year for LG at the top of the OLED gaming TV hierarchy?
Sony A90K vs LG C2: Specifications
| Core Specification | Sony A90K | LG C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 42″, 48″ | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ |
| Panel Type | OLED | OLED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Display Orientation | Landscape | Landscape |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Lighting System | Organic light-emitting diode | Organic light-emitting diode |
| HDR Compatibility | HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma | HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma |
| Response Time | < 1ms | < 1ms |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Variable Refresh Technology | Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) |
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | Yes | Yes |
| Bit Depth / Color Support | Not available | 10-Bit (1.07 Billion Colors) |
| Features | XR OLED Contrast Pro Bravia Core Calibrated Mode PS5 features Ambient Optimization Pro IMAX Enhanced | OLED Evo with Brightness Booster Game Optimizer / Dashboard Gallery Stand (optional) |
Looking at the side-by-side specs, it’s easy to see the similarities between these two high-end TVs offer – both equipped with the same refresh rate, response time, and ALLM support. That said, on paper, the LG C2 does feel more versatile – offering up additional sizes and some extra game-tailored features.
Of course, both TVs will feature different processors and internal hardware, meaning key performance traits will differ between the A90K and C2.
Sony A90K vs LG C2: price & sizes
Let’s take a closer look at the available sizes and prices of the latest A90K and C2 models.
| Model/Size | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Sony A90K 42″ | $1,399 |
| Sony A90K 48″ | $1,499 |
| LG C2 42″ | $1,399 |
| LG C2 48″ | $1,499 |
| LG C2 55″ | $1,799 |
| LG C2 65″ | $2,499 |
| LG C2 77″ | $3,499 |
| LG C2 83″ | $5,499 |
Despite focusing more on the smaller variants in this guide, it’s worth noting that the LG C2 comes in a variety of sizes that far exceed the Sony A90K. While both displays feature a 42-inch and 48-inch model, only the LG C2 offers 55-inch sizes and above.
Official pricing did surprise us a little, especially when early price leaks suggested the Sony A90K would be priced much higher than the LG C2.
As you can see from the table above, Sony has marketed the A90K in direct competition with the C2, listing both models at the exact same cost. This is one of the main reasons why choosing between the Sony A90K vs LG C2 is such a difficult choice.
Sony A90K vs LG C2: picture quality & peak brightness
Both of this year’s leading 4K OLED gaming TVs will feature the same OLED panel (designed and manufactured by LG Display) – meaning peak luminance and picture quality should be relatively similar.
OLED panel technology is renowned for high-end picture quality, equipped with the ability to display perfect blacks and an infinite contrast ratio. It can do this thanks to the organic LED design it utilizes, allowing it to produce inky blacks directly opposite the panel’s peak luminance.
Unlike generic LED TVs, OLED TVs don’t use a backlight – instead opting for an organic compound layer that illuminates when electricity is passed through it. For this reason, peak luminance doesn’t get nearly as high as LED TVs – which can produce better HDR and daytime viewing.
Newer OLED panels now exist that offer up higher peak luminance – most notably the new QD-OLED technology developed by Samsung. This new technology uses a more powerful OLED panel alongside a Quantum Dot layer to produce higher peak luminance and greater levels of color accuracy. Unfortunately, this technology isn’t used in either of the models we’re comparing today – restricted for a few select, premium TVs.
Sony A90K vs LG C2: Design & materials
When looking at the design and materials used for these TVs, differences do start to appear.
Starting with the C2, LG has opted for a slightly new design this year, utilizing more advanced materials that make the unit much lighter than its predecessor – the LG C1. A slightly refined styling has been used for this year’s C2, albeit still offering the same premium feel that we’ve come to expect from LG OLED TVs.
The TV itself is characterized by slender bezels and an incredibly thin side profile that is far thinner than LED alternatives. It features the same large stand as we saw in previous versions, equipped with a similar brushed aluminum finish. The rear of the C2 is relatively featureless, with a small inputs window on the rear for connecting various devices.
The Sony features an equally premium design that is characterized by a thin profile and flush metallic bezels. The rear of the TV offers up a peculiar design, featuring a cross-hatch aesthetic consisting of numerous small squares. The most impressive feature of the Sony A90K’s design has to be the adjustable stand – something we seldom see on modern TVs.
Users can position the stand in its lowest position, flush to the desk, or in an upright position – allowing a soundbar to cleverly fit under the gap. Overall, both TVs offer stylish designs – however, the LG, for us, delivers a more premium feel.
Sony A90K vs LG C2: features
Both A90K and C2 offer a tonne of features that add up to a fantastic viewing experience. But which gaming TV provides the best features and why?
LG C2 features:
- LG Evo OLED technology
- Filmmaker Mode
- Game Optimizer menu
- LG’s Alpha 9 Gen 5 processor
- WebOS 22 smart platform
- HGIG, ALLM, FreeSync Premium
- 4K@120Hz gameplay
As you can see, the LG comes packed with features geared towards gaming and picture quality. The new Evo OLED panel technology has been utilized in the C2, delivering greater levels of brightness and an extended lifespan when compared to aging OLED technology. Additionally, a new Filmmaker Mode has also been deployed here, allowing users to view cinematic movies as the director intended – altering brightness, contrast, and colors in various scenes.
Looking at gaming, the LG C2 is absolutely packed with options, including a new Game Optimizer menu that allows you to alter almost every visual setting. Whether you’re looking to reduce the response time, crispen up the image quality, or just add vibrance to your game scene, the dedicated Game Optimizer menu will have you covered.
Sony A90K features:
- 4K OLED Panel
- Cognitive Processor XR
- XR OLED Contrast Pro
- XR Triluminos Pro
- XR HDR Remaster
- XR 4K Upscaling
- 4K XR Smoothing
- XR OLED Motion
- XR Super resolution
- ALLM, 4K@120Hz, VRR
- Auto HDR tone mapping
Sony’s A90K offers up an equally impressive list of features, however, these seem more geared around general content consumption rather than gaming. At the heart of the new Sony A90K lies the hugely impressive Cognitive Processor XR, delivering high levels of AI upscaling and motion handling. Pair this with a number of high-end features and you have a truly immersive visual experience.
The A90K can offer on-the-fly OLED Contrast tweaks, HDR alterations, and 4K upscaling thanks to this processor – pairing with numerous other features such as Triluminos Pro, Super resolution, and OLED Motion – a feature that combats blur via a frame insertion technique. With over a billion colors, XR smoothing, and stunning viewing angles, it’s easy to see why this TV is so popular.
Sony A90K vs LG C2: which should you buy?
So, which one should you buy? The Sony A90K or the LG C2?
Well, thankfully, the answer seems relatively straightforward. If you’re looking for a TV that is more geared towards gaming, the LG C2 seems like the obvious choice. It offers up better gaming features that help to create a more immersive, enjoyable gaming experience – alongside more HDMI 2.1 ports for better connectivity.
Alternatively, if you want a truly all-round TV that is superb for gaming, TV, and movie consumption, the Sony A90K could be exactly what you’re looking for. Its features are more tailored toward content consumption and general viewing, delivering a truly exceptional visual experience regardless of platform or format.
