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Sony A90K vs LG C2 – which OLED TV should you buy?

Can anything beat the new LG C2? Sony certainly try with its A90K

Updated: Feb 9, 2024 11:53 am
Sony A90K vs LG C2 – which OLED TV should you buy?

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Since the arrival of next-generation consoles, OLED gaming TVs have become much more popular, offering up excellent gaming performance and stunning image quality – so we compare two of our favorites: Sony A90K vs LG C2 OLED TV. Not only are these panels at the forefront of modern TV tech, but they’re also dropping rapidly in price thanks to QD-OLED, mini LED, and QLED TVs – as well as newer generations coming along to one-up them.

Still, despite new generations, the Sony A90K vs LG C2 remains a battle at the top of the OLED gaming TV market. 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. Our LG C2 OLED TV review can help you out if you’re looking for an in-depth look on LG’s offering.

LG C2 OLED Series

LG C2 6

Sizes

42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″

Screen Technology

OLED

Resolution

4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p

Refresh rate

120 Hz

Panel type

WOLED

HDMI standard

HDMI 2.1

Pros

Improved Evo OLED panel

Perfect blacks

Incredibly fast response time (0.001ms)

New Game Optimizer features

Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor

Excellent gaming performance

Cons

Expensive

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Sony Bravia Master XR A90K

Sony bravia A90K

Sizes

42″, 48″

Screen Technology

OLED

Resolution

4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p

Refresh rate

120Hz

Panel type

OLED

HDMI standard

HDMI 2.1

Pros

Perfect blacks

Infinite contrast ratio

Stunning viewing angles

Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports

Cons

Expensive

Peak brightness lacking

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Sony A90K vs LG C2 specs

Core SpecificationSony A90KLG C2
Sizes42″, 48″42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″
Panel TypeOLEDOLED
Aspect Ratio16:916:9
Display OrientationLandscapeLandscape
Resolution3840 x 21603840 x 2160
Lighting SystemOrganic light-emitting diodeOrganic light-emitting diode
HDR CompatibilityHDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log GammaHDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma
Response Time< 1ms< 1ms
Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
Variable Refresh TechnologyVariable Refresh Rate (VRR)FreeSync Premium, G-Sync, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)YesYes
Bit Depth / Color SupportNot available10-Bit (1.07 Billion Colors)
FeaturesXR 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. Both TVs also have four HDMI ports – all four on the C2 are HDMI 2.1, whereas the A90K has just two at the 2.1 standard. This makes the C2 a little more versatile for hooking up your game consoles or gaming PC and always having access to HDMI 2.1 for 4K gaming up to 120Hz on your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or capable PC.

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, based on MSRP / launch prices. Since these TVs have been out for a while now, you can expect them to be much cheaper.

Model/SizePrice (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.

LG OLED Evo C2 42

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.

Sony A90K

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 ton 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 Bravia Master XR A90K

Sony bravia A90K

Sizes

42″, 48″

Screen Technology

OLED

Resolution

4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p

Refresh rate

120Hz

Panel type

OLED

HDMI standard

HDMI 2.1

LG C2 OLED Series

LG C2 OLED series

Sizes

42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″

Screen Technology

OLED

Resolution

4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p

Refresh rate

120 Hz

Panel type

WOLED

HDMI standard

HDMI 2.1

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, including Google TV. Though it does offer some exclusive features for the PS5 such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping & Auto Genre Picture Switch.

Is the Sony A90K or LG C2 still worth it in 2024?

Both of these TVs offering cutting-edge visuals back when they launched in 2022, but do they hold up to this day? We would have go with a resounding yes. In all reality, the diminishing returns for some newer generations of the these series is kicking in with fewer upgrades each year. Yes, they continue to get better, but neither the Sony A90K or LG C2 will disappoint you thanks to lifelike OLED visuals – whether you’re on a movie marathon or jumping into the latest AAA video game.

Both SDR and HDR content looks great on these gaming TVs and will provide an immersive experience, especially when paired with an external audio device like a soundbar or full surround sound system. As far as TV recommendations go, these two are still worth it, especially as the premium price point is somewhat fading away with age.


For as long as he can remember, Charlie has always been interested in computers and gaming. It all started with the Sega Mega Drive and then evolved into PC gaming in his early teens.

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