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LG C5 OLED 65-Inch TV Deal: Save $1,500 + Expert Buyer's Guide [2025]

Get the LG C5 OLED 65-inch for $1,197.59 using code FAVEFINDS20 at eBay. Learn why this deal is worth it, how it compares to competitors, and everything abou...

OLED TV dealsLG C5 OLED review65-inch TV comparisonbest TV deals 2025OLED TV buying guide+10 more
LG C5 OLED 65-Inch TV Deal: Save $1,500 + Expert Buyer's Guide [2025]
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Introduction: Why This LG C5 OLED Deal Actually Matters

You see these "huge savings" emails all the time. Most of them? Marketing noise. This one's different.

The LG C5 OLED at

2,700, which means you're looking at a $1,502 discount when you use code FAVEFINDS20 at eBay through January 20th.

But the real story isn't just the price tag. It's that this deal puts a top-tier OLED television within reach for people who thought they'd need to drop $2,000 minimum for quality 4K HDR viewing. The 65-inch C5 actually costs less than LG's smaller 55-inch models at full MSRP. That's the kind of pricing arbitrage that usually doesn't last long.

I'm not here to just recap the sale. Instead, let's dig into what you're actually getting, whether it's the right TV for your setup, how OLED technology has evolved, and what you should know before hitting that buy button. Because dropping $1,200 on a television still deserves some homework.

The OLED display market has absolutely exploded in the past three years. TVs that cost $4,000 in 2022 now cost half that. Competition from brands like Sony, LG, Samsung, and Hisense has forced prices down while technology keeps improving. The C5 sits right in that sweet spot where you get genuinely excellent picture quality without paying for cutting-edge 2026 features you don't need yet.

Let's break this down properly: what the C5 actually does, who should buy it, how it stacks up against other options, and whether this deal makes sense for your situation.

TL; DR

  • Current Price: $1,197.59 for 65-inch model using code FAVEFINDS20 at eBay (expires January 20th)
  • Discount:
    1,502offtheregular1,502 off** the regular **
    2,700
    MSRP
  • Key Feature: True OLED technology delivers deep blacks, perfect contrast, and exceptional color accuracy
  • Gaming: 144 Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync support for smooth gameplay
  • Smart Features: Built-in streaming apps, Amazon Alexa, Matter support, and Magic Remote included
  • Bottom Line: One of the best OLED TV deals available right now, especially if you've been waiting for prices to drop

TL; DR - visual representation
TL; DR - visual representation

Comparison of OLED and LED TV Features
Comparison of OLED and LED TV Features

OLED TVs excel in picture quality, response time, and contrast ratio, while LED TVs are superior in brightness. Estimated data based on typical characteristics.

Understanding OLED Technology: Why It's Worth the Investment

Okay, so OLED gets thrown around a lot. Let's actually understand what makes it special.

OLED stands for "Organic Light-Emitting Diode." Instead of using a backlight to shine through LCD crystals (like traditional LED TVs), OLED pixels produce their own light. Each pixel is independently controlled. When you want black, that pixel just turns completely off. You get true, inky blacks with zero backlight bleed or halo effects.

This changes everything about picture quality. On a regular LED TV, blacks look gray because the backlight is still bleeding through. On OLED? True darkness. The contrast ratio is technically infinite because black produces zero light against any other brightness level.

The C5's OLED panel delivers something you notice immediately: rich, saturated colors. Reds actually look red. Blues don't get washed out. HDR content pops because bright highlights can sit right next to pitch-black shadows with zero compromise. Movies look how directors intended them to look.

Dolby Vision Support: The TV includes native Dolby Vision, which means it understands special metadata embedded in compatible movies and shows. It adjusts brightness, contrast, and color on a scene-by-scene basis. Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and Netflix all stream Dolby Vision content. The C5 renders all of it properly.

AI Picture Pro: LG's image processing engine analyzes what's on screen and adjusts settings in real-time. Watching a dark action scene? It boosts clarity without introducing noise. Watching a bright sports game? It optimizes for motion. This isn't magic, but it does work. I've tested similar features on competing models, and LG's implementation is solid.

Pixel Responsiveness: OLED pixels switch on and off almost instantly. This means fast motion looks genuinely smooth. Sports broadcasts, action movies, and fast-paced games all benefit. No motion blur, no ghosting. The 144 Hz refresh rate further helps with gaming, giving you the smooth experience you get on a high-end gaming monitor.

DID YOU KNOW: OLED TVs have been available to consumers since 2014, but only in the past 3-4 years have prices dropped to the $1,200-$1,500 range for 65-inch models. In 2020, that same TV would have cost $3,500.

The downside? OLED panels don't last forever. Technically, they can experience "burn-in," where static images permanently mark the screen. However, modern OLED TVs have aggressive burn-in protection built in. LG's C5 includes pixel-shifting, screen savers, and brightness limiting for static content. Real-world burn-in is rare if you use the TV normally. Gaming news channels and sports scoreboards used 24/7 might be a problem. Watching Netflix? You're fine.

Lifespan is another consideration. An OLED panel degrades over time. After 10 years of use, brightness might drop by 10-15%. After 30 years (which virtually nobody uses a TV for), you'd see significant degradation. But realistically, most people replace their TV every 5-7 years anyway.

QUICK TIP: If you're worried about burn-in, enable the TV's built-in protections out of the box and avoid letting static logos sit onscreen for hours at a time. LG includes these features by default, so you don't have to manually configure anything.

Understanding OLED Technology: Why It's Worth the Investment - visual representation
Understanding OLED Technology: Why It's Worth the Investment - visual representation

OLED vs LED TV Features
OLED vs LED TV Features

OLED TVs significantly outperform LED TVs in black level, color accuracy, contrast ratio, and pixel responsiveness, making them a worthwhile investment. (Estimated data)

The C5's Gaming Features: Why Gamers Should Pay Attention

Gaming on OLED is genuinely special. The instant pixel response times, zero motion blur, and true blacks create an immersive experience that regular LED TVs just can't match.

144 Hz Native Refresh Rate: Most gaming happens at 60 Hz or 120 Hz. The C5 pushes to 144 Hz, matching modern gaming monitor speeds. If you're playing on PC with an RTX 4080 or higher, you can hit 144fps and see every frame. Console gamers (PS5, Xbox Series X) max out at 120fps, so you'll hit that ceiling, but 144 Hz gives you headroom for future generations.

HDMI 2.1 Support: The C5 has four HDMI 2.1 ports. That means each one supports 4K at 120 Hz with HDR. You can connect your gaming PC and console simultaneously without worrying about downgraded video signals. Compare this to older HDMI 2.0 ports that cap at 4K 60 Hz—a huge difference for gaming.

AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync: These technologies sync your graphics card's output with your TV's refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. If you're playing competitive shooters or fast-action games, this makes a tangible difference. You'll notice smoother visuals and more responsive controls.

Input Lag: This is critical for gaming. The C5 achieves around 10ms input lag in gaming mode. That's fast enough that you won't notice delay between button presses and on-screen action. Some dedicated gaming monitors hit 1-3ms, but 10ms is acceptable for console and casual PC gaming.

DID YOU KNOW: The average gamer can't perceive input lag below 10-15ms. Professional esports players notice anything above 5ms. For most people, the C5's 10ms will feel instant.

I tested gaming on the C5's 2024-2025 competitors, and LG's implementation is solid. Colors are accurate, blacks are true, and motion tracking feels responsive. Playing Baldur's Gate 3 on maximum settings at 1440p 120 Hz looked incredible—shadows held detail, the Underdark looked genuinely dark (not gray), and movement felt buttery smooth.

One caveat: the C5 doesn't have variable backlight zones like some mini-LED competitors. That means bright spots in gaming scenes might affect overall brightness slightly. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth knowing. For pure dark-room gaming, OLED still wins. For daytime TV viewing, some might prefer the brightness of mini-LED.

The C5's Gaming Features: Why Gamers Should Pay Attention - visual representation
The C5's Gaming Features: Why Gamers Should Pay Attention - visual representation

How the C5 Stacks Up Against Competitors

You're not buying in a vacuum. Let's see how the C5 actually compares to realistic alternatives at similar or comparable price points.

Against Samsung QN90D Mini-LED: Samsung's flagship mini-LED is a beast. It gets brighter than the C5 (about 2,000 nits peak versus OLED's 700-800 nits). For bright living rooms with tons of windows, the Samsung wins. You get perfect contrast zones and excellent color. But it costs $2,400 for 65 inches at full price. The C5 is much cheaper. Also, some people find mini-LED less cinematic than OLED's true blacks.

Against Sony K95XR OLED: Sony's flagship is arguably the best OLED TV made. It has superior upscaling, incredible black levels, and best-in-class processing. Except it costs $4,000 for 65 inches. You're paying double for maybe 10-15% better picture quality. The C5 is genuinely 90% as good for half the price.

Against Hisense U8N Mini-LED: Hisense has become a serious competitor. The U8N delivers excellent brightness, good contrast zones, and solid gaming features at around

1,3001,300-
1,400 for 65 inches. It's actually cheaper than this C5 deal. But it doesn't have OLED's true blacks. If you watch movies in a dark room, the C5's OLED panel is superior. If you watch daytime TV with lights on, the Hisense might be better value.

Against LG C4 OLED (Previous Gen): LG just released the C6. The C5 is the outgoing model. Specs are nearly identical. The C6 might have slightly improved processing and possibly a brighter panel. But it'll cost

2,800atlaunch.IftheC5is2,800 at launch. If the C5 is
1,200, that's an easy choice. Performance difference? Marginal.

Against TCL QM8 Mini-LED: TCL's premium offering sits around $1,400 for 65 inches. Similar to Hisense, it gets bright and handles gaming well. But again, you're trading OLED's true blacks for brightness. For dark-room viewing, the C5 wins. For bright rooms, TCL wins.

Mini-LED: A display technology using thousands of small LED backlights instead of one uniform backlight. It creates contrast zones but doesn't achieve OLED's perfect blacks because backlight always produces some light.

The verdict: the C5 at $1,197.59 is genuinely one of the best value propositions available. You're not getting a cheap TV. You're getting a premium OLED panel at a discount price.

How the C5 Stacks Up Against Competitors - visual representation
How the C5 Stacks Up Against Competitors - visual representation

Factors Influencing the Decision to Buy the C5 OLED TV
Factors Influencing the Decision to Buy the C5 OLED TV

The decision to buy the C5 OLED TV is influenced by factors like picture quality and gaming performance, while sunlight exposure and budget constraints are key reasons to skip. Estimated data based on content analysis.

The eBay Deal Mechanics: What You Need to Know

Let's talk logistics. This isn't a standard Amazon Prime deal. You're buying from eBay with a specific discount code.

Code Requirements: Code FAVEFINDS20 is active through January 20th, 2026. That's your deadline. After that date, the discount disappears. The code applies automatically at checkout—just make sure you enter it correctly.

Regular Price Without Code: The TV is listed at around

2,700withoutthecode.Thatsthemanufacturerssuggestedretailprice.Someretailerslistithigher(BestBuy,Amazon),somelower.But2,700 without the code. That's the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Some retailers list it higher (Best Buy, Amazon), some lower. But
2,700 is the baseline.

Actual Savings Calculation:

2,7002,700 -
1,197.59 = $1,502.41 in savings. That's roughly 55% off. This is legitimately substantial.

All-Time Low Price: LG C5 65-inch has occasionally hit

1,195onBlackFridaysales.Thisdealat1,195 on Black Friday sales. This deal at
1,197.59 is just $2 shy of that all-time low. If you missed Black Friday, this is essentially the same savings.

eBay Seller Considerations: The deal goes through eBay, not directly from LG. Make sure the seller has good ratings (99%+ positive feedback). Check recent reviews to ensure shipping and customer service are solid. Most established electronics sellers on eBay are reliable, but it's worth verifying.

Shipping: Large TVs ship from regional warehouses to avoid damage. Expect 1-2 weeks delivery. eBay should cover shipping costs given the price point, but confirm on the product page.

Return Policy: eBay has a 30-day return window if the TV arrives damaged or doesn't work. LG also offers a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects. If the panel develops dead pixels in the first year, LG replaces it.

Tax Considerations: You'll pay sales tax based on your state. California, Texas, and New York will add 7-10% to the final cost. Factor that into your total.

QUICK TIP: Before buying, confirm that eBay charges sales tax for your state. If you're in a low-tax or no-tax state (like Oregon), you'll save even more. If you're in a high-tax state, factor that in before making the purchase.

The eBay Deal Mechanics: What You Need to Know - visual representation
The eBay Deal Mechanics: What You Need to Know - visual representation

Installation and Setup: What's Actually Involved

You're not opening the box and having a working TV immediately. Here's what to expect.

Initial Unboxing: The 65-inch C5 weighs about 65 pounds without the stand. With the stand, closer to 70 pounds. You'll need at least two people to safely handle it. The box includes the TV, stand, Magic Remote with batteries, power cable, and setup guide.

Stand Assembly: The stand clicks together in about 10 minutes. No tools required. Just snap the feet onto the base and attach to the TV. If you're wall-mounting, you'll need a VESA 300x 300 bracket (standard size, cheap). Remove the stand feet, attach the bracket, done.

Initial Power-On: First boot takes about 5 minutes. The TV runs through setup, checking components and loading software. Don't panic if the screen flickers or shows odd colors during this process. It's normal.

WiFi Connection: Connect to your network during setup. The TV needs WiFi for streaming apps, software updates, and smart home integration. You can skip this and use Ethernet if you prefer.

Account Setup: You'll be prompted to set up an LG account (optional but recommended for remote features) and select your streaming services. Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, and others are pre-installed. Log in with your credentials.

Picture Settings: Out of the box, picture settings are decent but not optimized. LG defaults to "Vivid" mode, which oversaturates colors for retail floor appeal. I'd recommend switching to "Cinema" or "Expert Dark Room" mode if you watch movies. These modes are closer to industry standards (Rec. 709 and DCI-P3 color spaces).

Gaming Setup: If you're gaming, enable "Game Optimizer" in the settings menu. This reduces input lag, disables post-processing, and optimizes the panel for gaming. It's automatic once enabled—no configuration needed.

QUICK TIP: Spend 30 minutes in the picture settings menu adjusting brightness, contrast, and color temperature. The default "Vivid" mode is too bright and saturated. Most people prefer the TV significantly after these basic tweaks.

Software Updates: Check for updates after setup. LG regularly pushes fixes and features. Updates download over WiFi and install automatically at night.

Calibration: If you want pixel-perfect accuracy (for professional work or just perfectionism), you can hire a professional calibrator. Expect to pay

200200-
400. For casual viewing, the out-of-the-box experience with minor tweaks is fine.

Installation and Setup: What's Actually Involved - visual representation
Installation and Setup: What's Actually Involved - visual representation

eBay Deal Savings Breakdown
eBay Deal Savings Breakdown

The eBay deal offers a substantial saving of $1,502.41, bringing the TV price close to its all-time low. Estimated data.

Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration

The C5 isn't just a display. It's a connected device with software and integrations.

Built-In Streaming Apps: Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, Hulu, Apple TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and dozens of others are pre-installed. You just log in. No external devices needed. This is actually huge because it saves you

100100-
300 on a separate streaming device.

Amazon Alexa Integration: The TV has a built-in microphone. Say "Alexa, find movies" and it searches for content. Say "Alexa, turn off the lights" and it controls connected smart home devices. This is genuinely useful if you're in the Amazon ecosystem. If you use Google Assistant or Apple Siri instead, the experience is less seamless, but you can still control the TV manually.

Magic Remote: The included remote uses an air-scroll feature instead of traditional buttons. Point and click, or use voice commands. It's faster than traditional remotes for navigating menus. Some people love it. Some find it gimmicky. I'd say try it before judging.

Matter Support: The TV supports Matter, a unified smart home standard. This means it works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa simultaneously. If you have a mixed smart home (some Apple devices, some Amazon), Matter bridges the gap. The C5 can be controlled from any platform.

WebOS 24: The TV runs LG's WebOS operating system. It's clean, fast, and straightforward. Launching apps takes 1-2 seconds. Navigation is intuitive. It's not as sophisticated as some competitors, but it's reliable and rarely crashes.

Screen Mirroring: Connect your phone (iPhone or Android) and mirror the screen. Useful for presentations, showing photos, or casting games. Works smoothly with negligible lag.

DID YOU KNOW: Most smart TV operating systems are proprietary and rarely receive updates beyond 5 years. WebOS 24 will likely receive updates until around 2029-2030. After that, core functionality will still work, but newer apps might not be available.

Privacy Considerations: The TV collects viewing data to improve recommendations. You can disable this in settings under "Data Collection." LG doesn't sell your data directly, but they use it to understand viewing trends. If privacy is critical, disable data collection and skip the account setup.

Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration - visual representation
Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration - visual representation

Price Trends and Historical Context

Understanding how we got to this price helps you decide if $1,197 is actually a good deal.

2020-2022 OLED Pricing: 65-inch OLED TVs cost

3,0003,000-
4,000. Entry-level was non-existent. LG had limited competition. Samsung had exited the OLED market (briefly). Prices were inflated.

2023 Shift: Prices dropped 30-40% as competition increased. Hisense entered the market with aggressive pricing. Samsung launched QN90 mini-LED as a cheaper alternative. OLED TV costs hit

2,0002,000-
2,500 range.

2024-2025 Race to Bottom: Retailers started aggressively discounting to clear inventory before new models arrived. OLED prices crashed to

1,2001,200-
1,800 for 65-inch. LG C4 and C5 saw massive cuts by January 2025 as the C6 approached launch.

Current Market: Entry-level OLED is now competitive with high-end mini-LED on price. You can get a quality OLED for less than a flagship mini-LED in many cases. This is historically recent and won't last.

Prediction for 2026: New models typically launch at premium prices, then drop

200200-
400 every quarter. The C6 will likely launch at
2,8002,800-
3,000. By mid-2026, it'll be
2,400.Bylate2026,closerto2,400. By late 2026, closer to
1,800-
2,000.TheC5at2,000. The C5 at
1,197 will remain hard to beat unless inventory clears aggressively.

Why Prices Fell So Fast: Oversupply. Manufacturers expected larger sales volumes. Retailers bought heavy inventory. When demand didn't match predictions, discounts became necessary to move stock. This happens every TV product cycle and creates opportunities for savvy buyers.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): The "official" price set by the manufacturer. Real-world prices are almost always lower due to retailer competition and inventory pressures. The C5's MSRP is $2,700, but actual selling prices have ranged from $1,200 to $2,000 depending on timing and retailer.

Price Trends and Historical Context - visual representation
Price Trends and Historical Context - visual representation

Price Trends of 65-inch OLED TVs (2020-2026)
Price Trends of 65-inch OLED TVs (2020-2026)

OLED TV prices have significantly decreased from

3,500in2020toanestimated3,500 in 2020 to an estimated
1,900 by late 2026, driven by increased competition and inventory pressures. (Estimated data)

Room Size and Viewing Distance: Does the 65-Inch Make Sense?

Not every room needs a 65-inch TV. Let's talk sizing.

Viewing Distance Math: The general rule is to sit 1.5x to 2x the TV's screen diagonal from the screen. For a 65-inch TV, that's roughly 8-10 feet away.

For 4K content (which the C5 displays), you can sit closer (1.2x distance) and still see detail. For 1080p content (less common now), you should sit farther (2.5x distance) or the pixels become obvious.

Room Dimensions: If your living room is smaller than 12 feet wide, a 65-inch might overwhelm the space. If it's 15+ feet, 65 inches is appropriate. If you're between 12-15 feet, it's borderline. Go to a store and stand 8 feet from a display to feel it out.

Brightness and Room Lighting: The C5 gets reasonably bright (700-800 nits peak brightness). In a dark room, this is plenty. In a bright room with direct sunlight, it'll look washed out. If your living room gets afternoon sun, consider a brighter mini-LED TV like the Hisense U8N or Samsung QN90D instead.

Viewing Angles: OLED panels lose brightness and color accuracy off-axis. If you're sitting at a sharp angle (more than 30 degrees from center), colors shift. Mini-LED panels hold color better from extreme angles. This matters if you have a small seating area where people sit at different spots.

Panel Burn-In Risk: If you plan to use the TV for gaming with static HUDs (health bars, minimaps) or watching news with tickers 24/7, OLED burn-in is a real risk. If you watch varied content and turn the TV off when not in use, burn-in is extremely unlikely. Most homes fall into the latter category.

QUICK TIP: If you're between screen sizes, choose bigger. You'll adjust quickly, and you'll appreciate the immersion. Going from 65 to 55 inches later will feel tiny by comparison.

Room Size and Viewing Distance: Does the 65-Inch Make Sense? - visual representation
Room Size and Viewing Distance: Does the 65-Inch Make Sense? - visual representation

Competing TV Options at Similar Prices (Late 2025)

You've got choices in this price range. Let's compare realistically.

Hisense U8N 65-Inch (Mini-LED): Around

1,3001,300-
1,400. Gets much brighter than the C5 (2,000+ nits). Excellent for bright rooms. Good gaming features. The tradeoff is that blacks aren't as deep because it uses local dimming zones instead of true OLED. If your living room gets lots of light, this might be the better choice.

LG C4 OLED 65-Inch (Previous Gen): Often discounted to

1,4001,400-
1,600 after C5 arrived. Specs are nearly identical to the C5. Basically the same TV. If you can find C4 at similar pricing, go C5 since it's newer and might have minor improvements.

Sony A95L OLED 65-Inch: Premium option at around

2,2002,200-
2,400 on sale. Best-in-class processing, superior upscaling, excellent gaming features. You're paying double for maybe 15% better picture quality. Not worth it unless picture perfection matters to you professionally.

Samsung QN90D 65-Inch (Mini-LED): Around

1,8001,800-
2,000 on sale. Excellent brightness, good local dimming, solid gaming features. More expensive than the C5 with arguably less impressive blacks. Better for bright rooms, worse for dark room viewing.

TCL QM8 65-Inch (Mini-LED): Around

1,3001,300-
1,500. Solid performer with good brightness and gaming features. Lesser-known brand, but reliable. If you want something cheaper than the C5, this is worth comparing.

OnePlus TV U3S Pro 65-Inch (if available in your region): Mini-LED around $1,200. Newer brand with aggressive pricing. Less of a track record than LG. Risky if you value warranty support.

The C5 at $1,197 is objectively the best OLED deal at this screen size right now. If you specifically want OLED (true blacks, cinema experience), you're not getting a better price. If you want brightness or are in a bright room, mini-LED options offer better value. But for dark-room movie watching and gaming, the C5 is unbeatable at this price.

Competing TV Options at Similar Prices (Late 2025) - visual representation
Competing TV Options at Similar Prices (Late 2025) - visual representation

Price Comparison of OLED TVs in 2025
Price Comparison of OLED TVs in 2025

The LG C5 OLED 65-inch model, at a discounted price of $1,197.59, is cheaper than both its smaller 55-inch variant and comparable models from Sony and Samsung. Estimated data for comparison.

Real-World Performance: What I Tested

I spent time with the C5 in different scenarios. Here's what actually happens.

Movie Watching (Dolby Vision Content): Watched Dune: Part Two on Disney Plus in a dark room. The opening Arrakis scenes displayed incredible depth. Sand was detailed but not grainy. The dark palace scenes held shadow detail. The contrast between bright desert and dark interiors was stunning. No blooming (bright halos around dark objects). No crushing (loss of detail in shadows). Genuinely excellent for cinema.

Sports Viewing (120 Hz Sports Mode): Watched an NBA game on ESPN. Fast motion looked smooth. No motion blur. The scrolling scorebar at the bottom remained sharp. Skin tones looked natural (often a problem on oversaturated TVs). The fast cuts between angles didn't cause the panel to struggle. Smooth experience.

Gaming (Baldur's Gate 3): Played at 1440p 120fps on a PC with G-Sync enabled. Input lag felt instant. The Underdark areas (dark fantasy dungeons) displayed incredible black levels with visible detail. Character shadows had depth. No input lag stuttering. The 144 Hz panel handled 120fps flawlessly. Gaming experience was excellent.

Bright Room Test: Pulled the blinds open for afternoon sunlight. The TV was readable but noticeably dimmer than in a dark room. Colors held reasonably well but weren't as punchy. This is the C5's weakness. In a bright room, mini-LED would be better.

Long-Term Reliability: I don't have a year-long test, but LG's OLED panel track record is good. Pixel failure rates are low (under 0.5%). Backlight death (not applicable to OLED) isn't an issue. The main failure point is the power supply. LG's power supplies are usually solid. Expected lifespan is 7-10 years of daily use.

Real-World Performance: What I Tested - visual representation
Real-World Performance: What I Tested - visual representation

Best Practices for OLED TV Care and Longevity

You're investing $1,200. Might as well make it last.

Avoid Static Images: Don't leave the same image on screen for more than an hour continuously. If you do, the pixel will be slightly less bright going forward. Netflix autoplay, YouTube feeds, and video game HUDs all count as static. Use the TV's built-in screen saver if you step away.

Enable Pixel Shifter: LG includes a feature that slightly shifts the entire image every few seconds. This prevents exact pixel overlap over long periods. Enable it in settings. There's no downside.

Use Brightness Limiting: The TV can limit peak brightness for extended viewing. If you're watching for 8+ hours, enable this. It keeps the panel cooler and reduces stress on the OLED material.

Monthly Full Refresh: Once a month, let the TV run a full pixel refresh cycle (found in settings). This clears any residual charge imbalances in the panel. Takes about 1 hour. Do it during a time when you're not watching.

Temperature Control: OLED panels degrade faster in hot environments. Keep your living room between 60-75°F if possible. Avoid placing heat sources (space heaters) directly in front of the TV.

Power Management: Unplug the TV when not in use for more than a week. It reduces standby power drain and prevents very slow internal discharge that can affect the panel over years.

Dust and Cleaning: Dust buildup inside the TV can block air vents and cause overheating. Use compressed air to blow dust from the sides and rear every 6 months. Never use liquids on the panel. Use a microfiber cloth with distilled water for screen cleaning.

QUICK TIP: LG includes all these protective features built-in. You don't have to manually manage them. The TV handles pixel shifting, screen savers, and refresh cycles automatically. Just enable "Protect Panel" in the menu and forget about it.

Best Practices for OLED TV Care and Longevity - visual representation
Best Practices for OLED TV Care and Longevity - visual representation

Warranty, Returns, and Consumer Protection

You've got coverage beyond just hoping for the best.

LG Manufacturer's Warranty: One year, covers panel defects, power supply failure, and physical damage (excluding user damage). If your TV dies from manufacturing defects within 12 months, LG replaces it. This is standard industry coverage.

eBay Buyer Protection: eBay covers purchases under their Money Back Guarantee. If the TV arrives damaged or doesn't work, you can request a refund within 30 days. eBay mediates disputes between buyer and seller.

Extended Warranty (Optional): LG offers 2-3 year extended coverage for

200200-
400. Covers accidental damage, pixel failures, and replacement parts. Whether it's worth it depends on your risk tolerance. Most people skip it because OLED failure rates are low and the cost adds 15-20% to the purchase price.

Credit Card Protection: Most credit cards include extended warranty coverage (sometimes 1-2 years additional). Check your card's benefits before buying separately.

Burn-In Coverage: LG doesn't specifically cover burn-in under standard warranty. However, if burn-in occurs within 12 months and you haven't ignored the built-in protections, LG might cover it as a defect. Worth asking if it happens.

Return Period: eBay allows 30 days for returns if the TV doesn't work or is damaged in shipping. LG doesn't have a satisfaction guarantee return period. Once 30 days passes, you're stuck if you change your mind (though the 1-year warranty still covers defects).

Shipping Damage: Large TVs sometimes arrive with internal damage despite careful packing. LG trains carriers to handle them, but impact damage can crack the panel in ways not immediately visible. Test the TV immediately upon arrival. Play high-contrast content and look for dead pixels or dark spots. If found within 7 days, contact the seller for return/replacement.

Warranty, Returns, and Consumer Protection - visual representation
Warranty, Returns, and Consumer Protection - visual representation

Making the Final Decision: Should You Buy?

Let's distill this into a decision framework.

Buy the C5 if:

  • You watch movies in a mostly dark room (lights off or dimmed)
  • You care about picture quality and value cinematic presentation
  • You're interested in gaming and want fast response times
  • You've been waiting for OLED prices to drop below $1,500
  • You're comfortable with eBay purchasing (seller reputation is good)
  • Your living room layout has good viewing distance (8+ feet from seating)
  • You want current-generation technology, not wait for C6 prices to drop

Skip the C5 if:

  • Your living room gets direct sunlight regularly (consider mini-LED instead)
  • You plan to watch news or sports with static scoreboards 24/7 (burn-in risk)
  • You need the absolute brightest picture possible (mini-LED is brighter)
  • You want the latest model (C6 is launching, though it costs $2,800)
  • You prefer buying from traditional retailers (Best Buy, Amazon) over eBay
  • Your TV viewing area is smaller than 12 feet wide (consider 55-inch instead)
  • You're budget-conscious beyond
    1,200(entrylevel65inchalternativesexistat1,200 (entry-level 65-inch alternatives exist at
    700-$900)

The Verdict: This is one of the best OLED TV deals available in January 2025. If you've been considering an OLED TV and your use case fits, the price is right. Comparing to historical pricing and competing products, you're getting genuine value. The code expires January 20th, so you have a time constraint, but not an impossible one.

The main risk is that eBay introduces a middleman to the transaction. Make sure the seller is reputable (99%+ feedback, 1,000+ sales). Beyond that, LG's 1-year warranty and eBay's buyer protection give you recourse if something goes wrong.


Making the Final Decision: Should You Buy? - visual representation
Making the Final Decision: Should You Buy? - visual representation

FAQ

What is OLED technology and how is it different from LED TVs?

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is a display technology where each pixel produces its own light, unlike LED TVs that use a backlight shining through LCD crystals. This allows OLED TVs to achieve true blacks (by turning pixels completely off), infinite contrast ratios, and faster response times. OLED TVs excel in dark rooms and look more cinematic. LED/Mini-LED TVs get brighter overall and are better for bright, well-lit rooms. The C5 uses OLED technology, which is why it excels at picture quality despite being more affordable than previous OLED generations.

Can OLED TVs experience burn-in, and is it a real concern with the C5?

OLED TVs can technically experience burn-in, where static images permanently mark the screen, but it's rare in real-world usage. The LG C5 includes multiple burn-in protections: pixel-shifting (slight image movement to prevent exact overlap), brightness limiting for static content, and automatic screen savers. If you watch varied content and avoid leaving static images (like scorecards or logos) on screen for 8+ continuous hours, burn-in is extremely unlikely. Casual TV watching, gaming, and movie streaming present virtually no burn-in risk with these built-in protections active.

What are the gaming features of the LG C5 OLED, and is it suitable for console and PC gaming?

The C5 is excellent for gaming with a 144 Hz refresh rate, four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K 120 Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync support, and approximately 10ms input lag. Console gamers (PS5, Xbox Series X) can reach 120fps, while PC gamers with high-end graphics cards can hit 144fps. The OLED panel's instant pixel response times eliminate motion blur, and true blacks enhance dark scenes. Gaming mode disables post-processing to minimize input lag. For both casual and competitive gaming, the C5 is a strong choice, especially compared to traditional LED TVs.

Is the $1,197 price using code FAVEFINDS20 a legitimate deal, and should I wait for better pricing?

Yes, this is a legitimate deal representing a

1,502discountfromthe1,502 discount from the
2,700 MSRP. The
1,197priceis1,197 price is
2 shy of the all-time low recorded during Black Friday sales. Historically, OLED TV prices don't drop below
1,200for65inchmodelsunlessclearingoldinventory.ThecodeexpiresJanuary20th,2026,providingatimeconstraint.Futuredealsmaycome,butLGsnewerC6model(launchingat1,200 for 65-inch models unless clearing old inventory. The code expires January 20th, 2026, providing a time constraint. Future deals may come, but LG's newer C6 model (launching at
2,800) will likely be the next focus, making the C5 at this price increasingly rare as inventory depletes.

What streaming apps and smart features are built into the C5, and can I add more?

The C5 runs LG's WebOS 24 operating system with pre-installed apps including Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, Hulu, Apple TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. It includes built-in Amazon Alexa microphone for voice control of the TV and compatible smart home devices. The TV supports Matter for multi-ecosystem smart home integration and includes Magic Remote for convenient navigation. You can download additional apps from the LG Content Store. The TV connects via WiFi or Ethernet for streaming, eliminating the need for external streaming devices. Matter support lets the TV work across Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa ecosystems.

How should I set up the picture quality of the C5 out of the box?

Out of the box, the C5 defaults to "Vivid" mode, which is oversaturated for retail appeal. For optimal viewing, switch to "Cinema" mode for movies or "Expert Dark Room" mode if you watch primarily in dark lighting. These modes approximate industry color standards (Rec. 709 and DCI-P3 color spaces) more accurately. Adjust brightness to about 15-20 out of 100 in dark rooms (OLED pixels are very efficient). Enable "Game Optimizer" if gaming, which reduces input lag and post-processing. Enable "Protect Panel" to activate automatic burn-in protections. These basic tweaks take 30 minutes and significantly improve the picture quality compared to default settings.

What is the difference between the C5 and the newer C6 model LG announced at CES 2026?

Both the C5 and upcoming C6 use OLED panels with similar core specifications: HDMI 2.1, 144 Hz support, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and AI picture enhancement. The C6 may include slightly improved processing algorithms and potentially a marginally brighter panel. However, these differences are subtle and unlikely to be noticeable to most viewers. The C6 will launch at approximately

2,800for65inchesversustheC5scurrent2,800 for 65 inches versus the C5's current
1,197 discounted price. Unless you specifically want the latest model, the C5 offers 90%+ of the performance at roughly half the price.

Should I buy from eBay directly, and what protections do I have if something goes wrong?

eBay is a legitimate purchasing platform with buyer protection. However, verify the seller has a 99%+ positive feedback rating and at least 1,000 completed sales. eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers your purchase for 30 days if the TV arrives damaged or non-functional. Additionally, the LG C5 includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering panel defects and hardware failures. If damage occurs during shipping, you can file a claim with eBay and they'll typically authorize replacement or refund. Secure the TV immediately upon arrival and test for dead pixels or damage within the first week to ensure coverage eligibility.

What room setup and viewing distance is ideal for the 65-inch C5?

For a 65-inch 4K TV, the ideal viewing distance is 1.2 to 1.5 times the screen diagonal, which equals approximately 8 to 10 feet from seating. This distance lets you appreciate 4K detail without the image feeling too large. Your living room should be at least 12 feet wide to accommodate comfortable viewing. If your room is smaller (8-12 feet wide), consider the 55-inch model instead. The C5 performs best in dark or dimly lit rooms due to its 700-800 nit peak brightness. In bright rooms with direct sunlight, the picture will appear less vibrant. If your room receives significant daylight, a brighter mini-LED option like the Hisense U8N might be more suitable.

How long will the LG C5 OLED last, and what maintenance is required?

With normal use, the LG C5 should perform well for 7-10 years before noticeable degradation in brightness or color accuracy. OLED panels gradually lose brightness over time (approximately 10-15% after 10 years). Real-world failure rates for LG OLED panels are low (under 0.5%). Maintenance is minimal: enable built-in "Protect Panel" features (pixel-shifting and brightness limiting), avoid leaving static images on screen for extended periods, and dust the TV every 6 months using compressed air. The TV handles most protection automatically, so you don't need to manually manage settings. LG's one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, and most people replace TVs every 5-7 years anyway before significant degradation occurs.


FAQ - visual representation
FAQ - visual representation

The Final Word: Your Next Steps

You've got the information. Now comes the decision.

If dark-room viewing matters to you, if you've been waiting for OLED prices to break

1,500,ifyoucareaboutgamingsmoothnessandcinematicpicturequality,theC5at1,500, if you care about gaming smoothness and cinematic picture quality, the C5 at
1,197.59 is worth buying. It's not a perfect TV (brightness in daylight is limited, burn-in requires attention to prevent), but it's the best value OLED option available in January 2025.

The code FAVEFINDS20 expires January 20th, 2026. That gives you roughly two weeks from the deal announcement. If you've been on the fence about upgrading your TV, this might be your signal to act.

Check eBay seller feedback first. Confirm sales tax implications for your state. Plan your delivery logistics. Then grab it while pricing is favorable. In six months, when the C6 is established and the C5 inventory clears, this deal will disappear.

Your future self will appreciate the savings and the upgrade.

The Final Word: Your Next Steps - visual representation
The Final Word: Your Next Steps - visual representation


Key Takeaways

  • The LG C5 OLED 65-inch is available for
    1,197.59usingcodeFAVEFINDS20ateBaythroughJanuary20th,representinga1,197.59 using code FAVEFINDS20 at eBay through January 20th, representing a
    1,502 discount from the $2,700 MSRP
  • OLED technology delivers true blacks, infinite contrast, and rich colors superior to LED TVs—making it ideal for dark-room movie watching and gaming
  • The C5 features 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gaming at up to 144fps on high-end PCs
  • With built-in streaming apps, Amazon Alexa, Matter smart home integration, and Magic Remote, the TV requires no external devices
  • At
    1,197,theC5outperformsmoreexpensivecompetitorslikeSonyK95XR(1,197, the C5 outperforms more expensive competitors like Sony K95XR (
    4,000) and Samsung QN90D ($2,400) for dark-room viewing while offering better value than Hisense U8N mini-LED options

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