At 77 inches, you're spending serious money on either the C5 or A80L. Sony's A80L is last-gen — the A95L replaced it — but it's still available at heavy discounts in 2026 as a carryover model. The C5 is current-gen. This comparison is really asking: is the C5's upgrade worth the extra spend over a discounted A80L?
LG C5 OLED 77"
The C5 is the better TV outright; the A80L at a heavy discount is the smarter buy if you find it $500+ cheaper.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | LG C5 OLED 77" | Sony A80L OLED 77" |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Generation | 2026 OLED evo | 2023 QD-OLED |
| Peak HDR Brightness | ~1,100 nits | ~850 nits |
| Max Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 4 | 2 |
| Processor | a9 AI Gen8 | Cognitive XR |
| Built-in Audio | 60W conventional | Acoustic Surface |
Panel Generation Differences
The LG C5 uses LG's 2026 OLED evo panel with updated brightness and color processing. The Sony A80L uses a 2023 QD-OLED panel — still excellent, but a genuine generation behind.
RTINGS measured the C5 at around 1,100 nits peak HDR; the A80L measured around 850 nits in its original review. That's a real brightness gap at large sizes where managing ABL is critical.
The C5 is the newer, better-specced TV. That's expected and uncontroversial.
Sony's Processing Advantage
The A80L's Cognitive Processor XR remains excellent even in 2026. It was one of the best TV processors available when it launched, and it hasn't become less smart.
Upscaling of 1080p and older content looks better on the A80L than on the C5 in most tests. Sony's acoustic surface audio is also present on the A80L — the C5's speakers are fine but less impressive.
If processing and audio matter more than raw brightness, the A80L at a discount remains compelling.
The Discount Question
A 77" Sony A80L was hitting $1,500-1,800 in late 2025 and early 2026 as it cleared inventory. A 77" LG C5 retails around $2,200-2,500. That $600-800 gap is significant.
At clearance prices, the A80L offers last-gen OLED performance at a compelling number. At full price, the C5 is the obvious choice.
Check current prices before committing. If the A80L is more than $500 cheaper, it's a legitimate contender despite the older panel.
The Large Screen OLED Sweet Spot
At 77 inches, both TVs create genuinely cinematic viewing experiences. The OLED technology at this size produces a visual presence that smaller screens can't match — movies feel more like events.
Don't underestimate the importance of the C5's four HDMI 2.1 ports at this size. A 77-inch gaming display becomes a serious investment, and having all inputs available for gaming prevents port juggling.
Whichever you choose, consider proper VESA mounting at this size — the ergonomic advantages of correct viewing height matter more at 77 inches than at 65.
LG C5 OLED 77" Strengths
- Current 2026 OLED evo panel — higher brightness and better processing
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K/144Hz
- webOS 25 smart platform
- Better long-term software support as current generation
Sony A80L OLED 77" Strengths
- Often available at $600-800 discount as clearance stock
- Sony Cognitive XR processor still class-leading
- Acoustic surface audio is better than C5's speakers
- QD-OLED wide color volume
LG C5 OLED 77" Weaknesses
- Costs $600-800 more than discounted A80L in 77"
- Speaker system outclassed by A80L's acoustic surface
- Upscaling trails Sony XR processor
Sony A80L OLED 77" Weaknesses
- 2023 generation panel — older technology
- Lower peak brightness than C5 (~850 vs ~1,100 nits)
- Will stop receiving software updates sooner than C5
Best For
- a: Buyers who want current-gen technology and four HDMI 2.1 ports
- b: Value hunters who find the A80L at $500+ discount and prioritize Sony's processing
FAQ
Is the Sony A80L still worth buying in 2026?
At clearance prices, absolutely. The QD-OLED panel is still excellent, the Cognitive XR processor is still class-leading for upscaling, and the acoustic surface audio is hard to match. It's a great TV — just not new.
Does the C5 support HDMI 2.1 on all four ports?
Yes — all four HDMI ports on the LG C5 support full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, meaning 4K/144Hz, VRR, and eARC on any input. No hunting for the right port.