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LG C4 OLED vs LG M4 OLED – which one is best?

Our comprehensive comparison guide
Last Updated on April 15, 2024
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With pre-ordering now available for the LG C4 OLED, its release date should be just around the corner, and we can’t wait! This is why we’ve decided to see how it stacks up against some of the other LG OLED TV releases announced at CES this year. More specifically, the highly-anticipated LG M4 OLED. In this article, we compare two TVs in LG’s OLED TV lineup; LG C4 OLED vs LG M4 OLED. Covering their specs, performance, and price, to find out which TV comes out on top.

The LG M4 is the LG’s bet for the high-end enthusiast market. Though the C4 is already high-end, the M4 adds an MLA (Micro Lens Array) which improves the picture experience at the expense of a higher price. But how else do they compare, let’s find out.

But first, if you’d like to find out more about the next gen of LG OLED TVs, take a look at our LG B4 release date speculation guide, where we deep dive into the product’s features and rumored release window. Or, perhaps you’d like to read up on some of the past LG OLED releases. Here’s our LG C4 OLED vs LG C1 OLED comparison guide, where we see how far the LG C-series has come since the release of its first model.

LG C4 OLED vs LG M4 – Specs at a glance

SpecificationsLG C4 OLEDLG M4 OLED
Sizes42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″65″, 77″, 83″, 97”
Ports4x HDMI 2.13x HDMI 2.1
Resolution3840 x 2160p (4K)3840 x 2160p (4K)
HDRHDR10, HLG, Dolby VisionHDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Smart TV softwareWeb OS 24Web OS 24
ProcessorAlpha a9 AIAlpha 11 AI
Native refresh rate144Hz144Hz

Specs and performance comparison

Features

The LG M4, equipped with a pioneering Micro Lens Array (MLA), promises an enhanced vibrant viewing experience, catapulting it into the high-end enthusiast market. This feature alone sets the M4 apart, aiming to redefine clarity and vibrancy in graphics performance.

At the heart of the M4’s advancements lies its improved AI upscaling technology, utilizing precise pixel-level analysis to sharpen objects and backgrounds while minimizing blur. This tech endeavors to deliver a viewing experience that’s not just clearer, but also more vibrant, making every scene pop with unparalleled clarity. 

The M4’s Alpha 11 AI processor doesn’t stop there; it dives deeper into color refinement, analyzing frequently used shades to enrich the color palette, ensuring that the viewer’s experience aligns closely with the creator’s vision. Furthermore, Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro enhances this immersive experience by segmenting the image into numerous blocks, each fine-tuned for optimal brightness and contrast, lending a more three-dimensional effect to the visuals.

In contrast, the LG C4, while still a high-end option, doesn’t incorporate the MLA technology found in the M4. However, it remains a powerhouse with its Alpha A9 AI processor, delivering exceptional performance that LG’s C series is renowned for. The C4 offers a wide range of sizes, from 42-inch to an impressive 83-inch, catering to various user needs and spaces. Both TVs boast a native refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth motion for fast-paced content and game consoles. 

Performance and Sound Quality

Amidst the visual enhancements, the LG OLED M4 also sets a new benchmark in the audio experience. The integration of AI Sound Pro alongside the capability for virtual 11.1.2 surround sound transforms the built-in speakers into a powerhouse of rich and immersive audio. This advanced feature distinctly amplifies vocals from soundtracks, ensuring that dialogue cuts through with crystal clarity—an upgrade aimed at elevating the auditory experience to match its visual prowess.

In comparison, while the LG C4 delivers commendable sound quality, it lacks the M4’s advanced AI-driven audio enhancements. The C4’s sound system, although robust, does not support the virtual 11.1.2 surround sound or possess the AI capability to isolate vocals with the same level of precision as the M4. This distinction underscores the M4’s appeal to audiophiles and those seeking a more enveloping soundstage directly from their TV speakers.

Price comparison

The LG C4 OLED, with its enticing array of features, comes with a pricing structure that has been well-received for offering significant value. However, the LG M4 has no official prices revealed but is poised to reflect its premium flagship status within LG’s 4K OLED lineup. 

Anticipation suggests that the M4 will surpass even the LG G4’s pricing, which is already at a premium with the 65-inch model marked at $3,299—the starting size for the M4. This implies that for those considering the M4, the investment will notably exceed the cost of the C4, underlining the M4’s position as the pinnacle of LG’s 2024 OLED offerings for those seeking the ultimate in television technology, at a price that mirrors its superior enhancements and features.

LG C4 vs LG M4 – which is better?

The M4, alongside the G4, stands at the top of LG’s technological innovation. Integrating advanced features such as Micro-Lens Array (MLA) for an unmatched picture experience, and a suite of AI-driven enhancements for both image and sound that set new standards in viewing and auditory quality. This positions the M4 not just as a television, but as a centerpiece of cutting-edge home entertainment technology. In contrast, the C4, while embodying high-end specifications, adopts a more conventional approach, offering substantial improvements over its predecessors without venturing into the pioneering tech embodied by the M4. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LG M4’s technology and visual prowess give it a slight upper hand over the C4. With both products being such impressive pieces of tech they’re sure to make waves within the world of high-end OLED TVs upon release. However, if it’s pioneering tech you’re looking for then the LG M4 may be the right choice for you. Stick with us if you’d like to keep up-to-date on all the info related to the LG M4 and C4 releases.

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.