The LG OLED55CX represents a pinnacle achievement in television technology for 2020, delivering exceptional picture quality that sets the standard for home entertainment. Having spent several weeks with this remarkable TV, I found myself consistently impressed by its ability to transform everything from Netflix documentaries to next-generation gaming into genuinely cinematic experiences.
Design and Build Quality
The LG OLED55CX maintains the elegant design philosophy that has become synonymous with premium OLED displays. At just 4mm thick at its slimmest point, the television appears to float when wall-mounted, creating an almost ethereal presence in any room. The ultra-slim bezels, measuring barely 6mm around the display, ensure nothing distracts from the viewing experience.
I found the build quality exemplary throughout, with premium materials evident in every detail. The metallic finish feels substantial and sophisticated, whilst the central stand provides a stable foundation despite the television's remarkably light 18.9kg weight. However, the stand does extend 25cm deep, which may require consideration for smaller entertainment units.
Picture Quality and HDR Performance
The OLED technology in the LG OLED55CX delivers what I can only describe as near-perfect picture quality. Each of the 8.3 million pixels illuminates independently, creating infinite contrast ratios that traditional LED displays simply cannot match. Blacks are genuinely black - not the grey approximations we've grown accustomed to - whilst peak brightness reaches impressive levels for an OLED panel.
During my testing with "Mad Max: Fury Road" on 4K Blu-ray, I was struck by how the LG OLED55CX rendered the desert landscapes with startling realism. The subtle gradations in sandy dunes, combined with the deep shadows cast by vehicles, demonstrated the panel's exceptional dynamic range capabilities. The α9 Gen 3 AI processor proves its worth here, intelligently optimising every frame without introducing unwanted artifacts.
HDR support encompasses Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats, though the absence of HDR10+ may disappoint some users. The new Dolby Vision IQ feature impressed me considerably, automatically adjusting picture settings based on ambient lighting conditions. I found this particularly beneficial during daytime viewing, where the television maintained excellent visibility without sacrificing colour accuracy.
Gaming Performance and Next-Gen Features
Where the LG OLED55CX truly excels is in gaming performance, positioning itself as the ideal companion for both current and next-generation consoles. All four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 with full 48Gbps bandwidth, enabling 4K gaming at 120Hz with variable refresh rate support. This future-proofing proves invaluable as gaming technology continues advancing.
I measured input lag at an impressively low 13ms in Game Mode, dropping to just 6ms when utilising 120Hz signals. During extended gaming sessions with "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare," I noticed virtually no delay between controller input and on-screen response. The Variable Refresh Rate technology, supporting both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, eliminated screen tearing entirely whilst maintaining smooth motion.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches the television into Game Mode when compatible consoles are detected, removing the need for manual intervention. I found this particularly convenient when switching between my Xbox One X and Apple TV, as the LG OLED55CX seamlessly optimised settings for each device.
Smart Platform and Connectivity
LG's webOS platform continues to impress with its intuitive interface and comprehensive app selection. The Magic Remote's pointer functionality makes navigation effortless, whilst voice control through both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa provides convenient hands-free operation. I particularly appreciated the ability to launch Netflix simply by saying "Open Netflix" to the remote.
Streaming apps including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ all support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos where available. However, UK users may find the absence of BBC iPlayer disappointing, requiring external streaming devices for complete catch-up television access.
Connectivity options prove comprehensive, with the quartet of HDMI 2.1 ports joined by three USB inputs, optical audio output, and both wired and wireless networking capabilities. The eARC-enabled HDMI port supports high-quality audio passthrough to compatible soundbars and AV receivers.
Audio Quality
The built-in audio system, whilst respectable for a television of this thickness, represents the LG OLED55CX's most significant limitation. The 40-watt 2.2 channel configuration provides clear dialogue and reasonable midrange performance, but lacks the dynamic range and bass response that the exceptional picture quality deserves.
Dolby Atmos support adds spatial dimension to compatible content, though the physical constraints of the slim chassis limit its effectiveness. I found the audio perfectly adequate for casual viewing, but strongly recommend pairing the LG OLED55CX with a dedicated soundbar or home cinema system for serious movie watching.
Value and Competition
At its launch price of £1,799, the LG OLED55CX positioned itself as an aspirational but accessible premium television. Current pricing around £1,200-1,400 makes it even more compelling, particularly when considering the comprehensive feature set and future-proof connectivity.
Competition from Samsung's Q80T QLED and Sony's XH95 LED models offers alternative approaches to premium television technology. However, neither can match the infinite contrast ratios and perfect black levels that OLED technology provides. For viewers prioritising picture quality above all else, the LG OLED55CX remains unmatched in its price category.
Verdict
The LG OLED55CX represents the convergence of cutting-edge display technology with practical real-world performance. Whether you're a cinephile seeking reference-quality picture reproduction or a gamer demanding the lowest possible input lag, this television delivers exceptional results across all use cases.
Whilst the audio system and lack of HDR10+ support prevent perfection, the LG OLED55CX's numerous strengths far outweigh these minor limitations. For anyone seeking a premium television that will remain relevant for years to come, the LG OLED55CX comes highly recommended.