When researching a new TV, you quickly stumble across the keywords “NanoCell” and “QLED”, which are model series from LG and Samsung.
The question which series is better is rightly raised. We explain which series is suitable for your needs.
LG NanoCell and Samsung QLED compared
Which TV is better?
- 120 Hz
- Viewing angle
- Brightness
- Low input lag
- Dolby Vision & Atmos
- HDMI 2.1
- Contrast ratio
- Black level
- Poor local dimming
- 120 Hz
- Deep Black
- Low input lag
- HDR10+
- Dolby Atmos
- No DTS
- Viewing angle
- Full Array Local Dimming
- No Dolby Vision
LG NANO85 vs Samsung Q70T
To give you a practical comparison between the NanoCell and QLED technology, we compare two equal representatives of these series with each other. The Samsung Q70t and the LG NANO85 will be the exact ones. In comparison, you’ll find that the technologies are fundamentally different.
Basically, Samsung QLED TVs always have a VA panel. This means that the blacks are very deep and brightness and contrast are sufficient for HDR content. Only the viewing angle is limited, so colors slightly lose their luminosity when viewed at an angle and get a gray haze. However, when you’re watching QLED TVs, you’ll notice that they’re extremely saturated and colorful.
LG NanoCell TVs, on the other hand, use a whole different technology. IPS panels with different basic characteristics are used here. Here the viewing angle is much wider, but the blacks are not as deep and uniform. Particularly in very dark rooms, a dark gray stitch is noticeable on the screen due to the backlighting. On the other hand, IPS panels can handle reflections very well and have sufficient brightness to fight against many light sources in the room. On the other hand, the display of HDR details is rather difficult. However, some high-quality NanoCell TVs have additional Full Array Local Dimming to increase contrast, but the FALD of the NANO85 is really bad and causes blooming, so it’s not really an advantage. These properties make them very suitable for very bright rooms.
Detailed comparison: LG NanoCell or Samsung QLED
Comparison winner | |
LG NANO85 The LG NANO85 is a NanoCell television, which is especially for gaming a very good choice. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 it is future-proof, as only the next gaming generation will benefit from it. Furthermore, because of its IPS panel, it is a good option for movies, series or sports in bright rooms. The viewing angle is also very wide because of the panel. Despite Full Array Local Dimming, dark tones and performance in poorly lit rooms is not its strength. | Samsung QLED Q70T The Samsung Q70T has a VA panel, which makes its core characteristics fundamentally different compared to the NANO85. This makes it less bright and its reflection handling is also not that good, making it a good choice for dark rooms with few light sources. The contrast ratio and the black levels are great, which is also good for HDR content. Just like the NANO85, the Q70T also has HDMI 2.1 and all features necessary for an awesome gaming experience. Unfortunately the Q70T does not have the Full Array Local Dimming feature, which was implemented in last years Q70R. |
| Panel type | IPS Panel | VA Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast ratio | 1700 :1 | 7100 :1 |
| Local Dimming | Edge Lit Local Dimming | No |
| Frequency | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| VRR | HDMI 2.1 | FreeSync |
| Input Lag | < 17 ms | < 11 ms |
| Motion Handling | ||
| Ø brightness | ||
| Max brightness | ||
| Reflections | ||
| Operating system | webOS 5.0 | Tizen 5.5 |
| HDR10+ | ||
| Dolby Vision | ||
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| DTS | ||
| HDMI 2.1 |
Comparison winner | |
LG NANO85 | Samsung QLED Q70T |
49 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca 55 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca 65 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca All prices | 55 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca 65 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca 75 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca 85 Inch See price Amazon.com.co.uk.ca All prices |
Our conclusion: NanoCell or QLED?
The comparison of the two TVs above is not representative of the entire NanoCell or QLED lineup, but gives a good overview.
Basically it can be said that NanoCell TVs are better for bright rooms because of their IPS panels. This gives them higher brightness, better handling of reflections and a wider viewing angle. Unfortunately, their black level is rather weak and has an ever so slight grey tint.
QLED TVs can compete with the top brightness of NanoCell TVs, but use VA panels. This means a narrower viewing angle, but much better and deeper black. The contrast of VA panels is also higher. This makes them more suitable for very dark rooms with few light sources. The more expensive QLEDs of Samsungs lineup from the Q80T upwards were equipped with an addition display layer to enhance its viewing angle and improve its reflection handling. This makes them also more suitable for bright rooms.
