As the Super Bowl kickoff draws closer, the quest for the ultimate home viewing experience intensifies. With the game’s dazzling displays and the commercials’ creative flair, nothing beats the vividness of an OLED TV. Enter the LG OLED evo C3, a television that has not only held its ground but is now positioning itself as a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment without breaking the bank.

Currently, the 65-inch LG OLED evo C3 is enjoying a significant markdown, available at both Amazon and Walmart for $1,197, marking a $303 discount from its original price. This price point harks back to the holiday season of 2024, making it an enticing option for those who missed out on the previous sales.

Contrastingly, the newer LG OLED evo C4, which hit the market in 2024, is also on sale but at a higher price point. Even with a substantial $1,203 discount, bringing it down to $1,497 on Amazon, the C4 still commands a premium over its predecessor. This scenario begs the question: Is the latest model worth the extra cost, or is the C3 the smarter buy for most consumers?

The LG OLED evo C3 isn’t just about savings; it’s a powerhouse in its own right. Here’s what you get:

• HDR excellence: With support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10, the C3 ensures that every frame of the Super Bowl, from the thrilling plays to the vibrant halftime show, pops with accurate colors and deep blacks. This is particularly beneficial for streaming content where HDR can make a significant difference in visual quality.
• Gaming nirvana: For gamers, this TV is a dream. Its 4K resolution paired with a 120Hz refresh rate means smoother gameplay, especially on next-gen consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. The inclusion of NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) minimizes screen tearing, offering a more fluid gaming experience.
• Design and interface: Known for its sleek design, the C3 maintains LG’s reputation for creating TVs that look as good off as they perform on. The intuitive webOS platform simplifies navigation, making it easy to switch from game to streaming services or to dive into your favorite apps.

While the LG OLED evo C4 does introduce some incremental improvements, like a slightly higher peak brightness and an enhanced Alpha 9 AI processor for better upscaling and motion handling, these upgrades might not justify the additional cost for everyone, especially not for those primarily focused on watching sports or casual viewing.

C3 vs. C4 – what’s the difference?

• Brightness: The C4 is noted for being brighter, particularly in HDR content, which could be a deciding factor if you’re watching in a brightly lit room. However, for most viewing scenarios, especially during evening events like the Super Bowl, the C3’s brightness is more than adequate.
• Gaming features: The C4 supports a 144Hz refresh rate for PC gaming, an upgrade from the C3’s 120Hz, but this feature is more niche for console gamers.

Making the choice

Choosing between the C3 and C4 comes down to what you value more: cutting-edge features or cost-effectiveness. If you’re looking to maximize your dollar while still enjoying top-tier OLED performance, the C3 at its current price is an excellent choice. It offers nearly all the benefits of the C4 but at a price that’s hard to ignore, especially for those not needing the very latest in TV technology.

For those who must have the newest technology or are looking for slightly better performance in gaming or brighter environments, the C4 might still be worth the investment. However, with the significant price difference, the C3 stands out as the savvy buy, particularly for Super Bowl viewers aiming for quality without the premium price tag.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just settling in for a night of cinematic viewing, the C3 offers a blend of performance, features, and now, affordability that makes it one of the best buys in the OLED market. Remember, while the C4 is newer, the C3 is no less capable for the vast majority of what viewers and gamers desire.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.