The thrill and agony of being paralyzed by choice between two fantastic OLED TVs…
As a home theater buff, I know that tug-of-war feeling all too well. Sony and LG stand tall among the top tier TV manufacturers, especially when it comes to their flagship OLEDs. And as much as I wish I could recommend them both, buyers want to know: which is the better pick?
After obsessing over the specifications, analysis and hands-on reviews, I believe there‘s a clear winner between the Sony A80J and LG C2 for most viewers. Throughout this guide, we‘ll scrutinize the key differences and make the case for each based on pricing, picture quality claims and ideal usage scenarios.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- Side-by-side technical specs compared
- Price and value proposition differences
- Picture quality face-off
- Optimal usage recommendations
- Essential OLED 101 crash course
- The history behind each brand‘s OLED journey
- Weighing the pros and cons
- And finally, declaring a winner!
Let‘s dive in…
Side-By-Side: Sony A80J vs LG C2 Specs
On paper, the Sony and LG share many top-shelf display specs in common:
- 4K UHD resolution
- OLED panel technology
- 120Hz native refresh rate
However, the similarities end quickly once you dig deeper. Let‘s compare some key hardware and feature differences:
| Specs | Sony A80J | LG C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (55′′) | $1,899 | $1,599 |
| Screen Sizes Available | 55′′, 65′′, 77′′ | 42′′, 48′′, 55′′, 65′′, 77′′, 83′′ |
| Weight (65′′ model) | 51.8 lbs | 37 lbs |
| HDMI Ports | 3 (bottom), 1 (side) | 4 (side) |
| Dolby Vision Support? | Yes | Yes |
| HDR10+? | No | No |
| Dedicated Game Mode? | No | Yes |
| Smart TV OS | Google TV | webOS |
| Voice Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Audio Output | 60W | 40W |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| AI Processor | Cognitive Processor XR | α9 Gen5 AI |
LG pulls ahead on paper when it comes to smaller sizing options and gaming-centric features, while Sony counters on audio power and smart TV processor bragging rights.
But specs alone rarely determine a true winner. Let‘s move onto to pricing…
Price and Value Comparison
The first real point of differentiation is upfront cost: the LG C2 enjoys a $300 price advantage over the Sony A80J for equivalent 55-inch models.
More budget-constrained shoppers will flock to LG‘s column at first blush. However, Sony fans will contend you ultimately "get what you pay for."
How so? Let‘s quantify the value argument:
Sony‘s Picture Processor:
The A80J is powered by Sony‘s sophisticated Cognitive Processor XR silicon, which delivers best-in-class upscaling and sound optimization.
This matters when streaming lower resolution content from services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max — especially if you’re still rocking an HD cable box or Blu-Ray collection.
According to Sony testing, the Cognitive Processor can bump HD video near 4K quality using intelligent perceptual analysis.
LG‘s Larger Sizing Selection:
LG pulls ahead for shoppers preferring smaller or extra-large displays with a range spanning 42 inches to a cinema-like 83 inches. This versatility gives LG an advantage for niche needs like gaming monitors and home theater spaces.
However, Sony‘s offerings still cover the core 55, 65 and 77-inch sweet spots preferred by most customers.
The Verdict? Sony Ekes Ahead on Subjective Value.
While LG undercuts Sony on sticker price and gives buyers more size flexibility, Sony makes a fair case to justify its premium through proprietary display processing and audio amplification advantages.
However, Sony‘s deficiencies become more clear once we move our comparison onto picture quality…
Picture Quality Showdown
Given equivalent OLED panels and 4K resolutions, you might assume picture parity. But a closer examination reveals some telling performance differences.
Comparing the Numbers
First, let‘s objectively compare key picture metrics compiled by seasoned reviewers at RTings.com:
The LG C2 provides a brighter picture for HDR content along with dark room viewing. This matters for showcasing the expanded color and contrast OLED is renowned for.
The Sony A80J lags for gaming responsiveness with ~2x slower input lag. Fast twitch gamers will certainly notice.
However, Sony counters by supporting a wider range of HDR content with Dolby Vision and HDR10 metadata decoding.
LG only supports Dolby Vision which could cause washed out colors in rare cases where a streaming service or UHD Blu-ray only labels HDR10 metadata.
Each Deliver Cinematic ContrastThough:
Rest assured, both TVs render ultra-dark black levels against vibrant colors and highlights equally well—an OLED hallmark. No backlight leakage or halo effects to erode picture detail here thanks to per-pixel lighting control.
The Winner? LG Across More Usage Scenarios
The numbers reveal LG as the superior performer across brightness, gaming, and format versatility needs. While serious cinephiles may still prefer Sony‘s accurate out-of-box color calibration, LG takes the picture quality crown across more usage needs.
Now let‘s shift gears to determine ideal viewing scenarios…
Determining Optimal Usage
LG‘s broader picture prowess holds up for general usage across movies, TV, sports and gaming. But Sony redeems itself nicely for discerning theatrical viewers.
Sony A80J: Live Cinema Bliss
Sony‘s panel and video processing seem tuned to mirror an editing bay monitor:
- Accurate color reproduction preferred by creators means truthfully vibrant films as the director intended
- Fluid 24p playback with no jitter or judder ruins immersion
- Its intensity and broad range replicates dimly-lit arthouse and pitch black horror scenes well
So while the A80J trails on raw brightness metrics, its artistic quality shines through with movies over more uniform content like sports broadcasts.
LG C2: Jack of All Trades
Conversely, LG seems to embrace a philosophy of maximizing numbers—even at the expense of color accuracy at times.
This pays dividends for:
- Casual viewers who prefer eye-popping vibrance over clinical accuracy
- Sports, gaming and TV where fast motion clarity matters most
- Bright room environments where average picture levels directly correlate with enjoyment
LG also equips dedicated gaming features like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support for variable refresh smoothness which Sony lacks.
The Verdict: Sony For Films, LG For Flexible Mixed Usage
When content quality reigns supreme, Sony‘s finely-tuned processing wins out for movies. But LG better serves viewers who routinely bounce between types of entertainment and gaming.
Now that we‘ve weighed optimal usages situations, let‘s level-set OLED technology itself…
OLED Technology 101
Before naming a winner between our A80J and C2 contenders, let‘s explore what makes OLED such a revolutionary display breakthrough.
The Core Difference
While LCD/LED TVs rely on a backlight shining through crystal pixels, OLED (organic light emitting diode) panels generate light on their own without a backlight.
This means each self-illuminating pixel can activate and deactivate independently. Remember those old-school neon sign shops with individually lit tubes? Same concept.
Key Benefits Summarized:
- Intense contrast and pixel-perfect black levels without backlight bleed
- Faster response times and refresh rates up to 120hz
- Superior off-axis viewing with reduced color shifting
- Streamlined form factors and curvier aesthetic designs
- Energy efficiency and lower heat production advantages
OLED certainly carries a cost premium over traditional LCD technologies. But for the finest image quality, it delivers the goods.
Now speaking of LCD history…
Sony‘s OLED Origin Story
Given LG and Samsung‘s dominance as LCD panel partners today, you may be surprised to learn Sony commercialized the very first OLED screen…in 2007!
Known as the XEL-1, this 11-inch 1080p OLED display kicked off Sony‘s 15-year journey pioneering large-format OLEDs we love today.
At the time, critics raved over the vibrancy and watching experience — but balked at the $2,500 price tag.
Production costs prohibited bigger screen manufacturing for several years until Sony unveiled an impressive 56-inch 4K concept unit at CES 2013.
Flash forward to last year‘s debut of mini-LED backlight powered Z9J series and we‘re seeing the payoff of Sony‘s OLED investment.
Next let‘s explore LG‘s OLED rise…
LG‘s OLED Breakthrough
Rather than fully organically developing OLED technology over 15 years like Sony, LG strategically acquired key patents and talent to accelerate their OLED TV roadmap.
The Kodak Acquisition That Changed Everything
Kodak invented the original OLED tech in the 1970s but faced financial troubles by 2009. LG swooped in and purchased Kodak’s OLED business that year for a reported $100 million.
This instantly provided LG access to thousands of patents and research documents — drastically accelerating capabilities.
Bolstered by its new innovation engine, LG introduced a 15-inch OLED TV prototype in 2010, expanded to 55 inches by 2012 and proudly marketed the first curved OLED displays by 2013.
Thanks to consistent perfection and production ramp up ever since, LG now manufactures every large format OLED panel on the market today — even Sony‘s!
And with LG‘s panel foundry might and Sony‘s processing prowess covered — let‘s weigh who deserves the crown based on pros and cons…
Sony A80j vs LG C2: Pros and Cons
Sony A80J Strong & Weak Points
Pros
- Cinematic picture accuracy
- Dolby Vision & HDR10
- Custom XR processor
- Expansive smart TV catalog
Cons
- Lacks gaming features
- Fewer sizing options
- Higher price tag
While its finer display qualities serve home theater buffs well, Sony fails to check gaming-centric boxes in this price segment. Panel lottery variance is also a common owner complaint.
LG C2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent all-around picture
- Gaming excellence with VRR
- More affordable pricing
- Broader size selection
Cons
- No HDR10 support
- Mid-range processing
LG‘s balance of quality, features and value is tough to beat. Its processor shows occasional video false contours and motion judder — but media format flexibility and gaming responsiveness shine through as redeeming factors.
And now for the final verdict…
The Better Choice: LG C2 Wins By a Wide Margin
If I could only buy one top-tier OLED for mixed everyday usage, gaming included — I‘m picking the LG C2 in a landslide.
Its winning blend of superb picture and snappy responsiveness outclasses Sony‘s prized-but-diminishing picture processing lead.
While Sony perhaps carries more cachet as an enduring media brand, LG‘s panel manufacturing scale and technical gusto are steamrolling the competition. The C2 delivers sensational contrast and color while besting Sony on brightness, motion, input lag — and even pricing.
And with gaming performance paramount for future-proofing, LG‘s HDMI 2.1 support, variable refresh rates and ultra-low input lag leave Sony‘s aging silicon in the dust.
If you seek a pretty picture for movie night only, Sony deserves a look. But LG sweeps the versatile usage crown across movies, sports, gaming and beyond — cementing the C2‘s place as the 2022 OLED to beat.
Now over to you! Which flagship OLED makes the most sense for your entertainment needs? I welcome hearing your perspective in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What‘s better about OLED vs LED/LCD televisions?
Q: What‘s the difference between standard HDR and Dolby Vision?
Q: Is the LG C2 good for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming?
And with that, I appreciate you sticking through this OLED comparison saga with me! Let me know if you have any other questions.
