Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series vs. LG NanoCell 90 Series: A Comprehensive Comparison

When selecting a mid-range 4K television, the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (e.g., TU690T, 2022) and the LG NanoCell 90 Series (e.g., 55NANO90UPA, 2021) are two popular options that offer solid performance for budget-conscious buyers. These TVs utilize distinct LCD-based technologies to deliver vibrant visuals, but they differ in picture quality, features, and price. This article compares the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series and LG NanoCell 90 Series in terms of picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to determine the winner and who each TV best serves.

Understanding the Technologies: Crystal UHD vs. NanoCell

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (LCD-based): The Crystal UHD 6-Series is an entry-level 4K LED TV that uses Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K for upscaling and color enhancement. It typically features VA panels (in most sizes) for better contrast but lacks advanced features like local dimming. It’s designed as a budget-friendly option for general viewing.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series (LCD-based NanoCell): The NanoCell 90 Series employs LG’s NanoCell technology, which uses a nanoparticle filter to enhance color purity and accuracy. It typically features IPS panels for wider viewing angles and includes full-array local dimming (FALD) for improved contrast, positioning it as a mid-range option below LG’s OLEDs and QNEDs.

These technologies shape their performance across various viewing scenarios, with NanoCell offering more advanced features and Crystal UHD focusing on affordability.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series benefits from full-array local dimming, which enhances contrast by dynamically adjusting backlight zones. However, its IPS panel has a lower native contrast ratio, resulting in grayish blacks compared to VA panels. This makes it less ideal for dark-room viewing but better for bright environments.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series typically uses a VA panel, which provides deeper blacks and better contrast than IPS panels, making it more suitable for darker rooms. However, it lacks local dimming, relying on global dimming, which can limit contrast precision in high-contrast scenes.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series for its deeper blacks and better dark-room performance, though the NanoCell 90’s local dimming offers more nuanced contrast control.

Brightness

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series has moderate brightness, typically peaking around 300–400 nits in HDR mode, which is sufficient for dimly lit rooms but struggles in very bright environments. Its VA panel’s higher contrast helps maintain visibility, but it lacks the punch for vivid HDR.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series achieves higher peak brightness, around 500–600 nits in HDR, thanks to its FALD backlight. This makes it better suited for brighter rooms, though it’s not as bright as premium QLEDs or Mini-LED TVs. Its anti-reflective coating also improves visibility in well-lit spaces.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its higher brightness and better performance in bright rooms.

Color Performance

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: NanoCell technology uses a nanoparticle filter to remove unwanted light wavelengths, resulting in purer colors and a wider color gamut (over 90% of DCI-P3). This enhances HDR content and delivers vibrant, accurate colors, especially for cinematic visuals.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The Crystal UHD 6-Series offers decent color reproduction with its Crystal Processor, but its color gamut is narrower than NanoCell’s. It produces vibrant colors but lacks the precision and purity of the NanoCell 90, especially in HDR scenarios.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its superior color accuracy and wider gamut, ideal for HDR content.

Viewing Angles

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent colors and contrast even when viewed off-center. This makes it ideal for group viewing or rooms with spread-out seating.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The VA panel (in most sizes) has narrower viewing angles, with colors and contrast degrading when viewed from the side. This is less ideal for group settings but fine for straight-on viewing.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its wide viewing angles, perfect for multi-person setups.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series features a native 120Hz refresh rate, advanced motion processing, and HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. This reduces motion blur and makes it a strong choice for gaming, especially with next-gen consoles.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series typically has a 60Hz refresh rate and lacks HDMI 2.1, limiting it to 4K/60Hz gaming. It has decent motion handling but slower response times (around 8–15ms) compared to NanoCell, resulting in slight motion blur in fast-paced scenes.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its superior motion handling and gaming features, especially for console and casual gamers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: As an LCD-based TV, the NanoCell 90 is immune to burn-in, making it safe for prolonged static content like news tickers or game HUDs.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Similarly, the Crystal UHD 6-Series is immune to burn-in, offering peace of mind for users with static content needs.

Winner: Tie. Both TVs are burn-in-free, suitable for varied usage.

Cost Comparison

Pricing varies by size, retailer, and availability, but here’s a general comparison based on 2025 market trends for a 55-inch model:

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (55”): As an entry-level 4K TV, the 6-Series retails around $400–$600, often discounted due to its budget positioning. Its affordability makes it attractive for cost-conscious buyers.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series (55”): As a mid-range model, the NanoCell 90 Series is priced higher, typically around $700–$900. Its advanced features like FALD and HDMI 2.1 justify the premium, though it’s more expensive than the 6-Series.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series for its lower cost, offering strong value for budget buyers. The NanoCell 90’s price reflects its enhanced features and performance.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Runs on webOS, a user-friendly platform with a wide app selection, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit support. It’s intuitive and supports voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Uses Tizen OS, a polished platform with a robust app ecosystem, including Samsung TV Plus for free content. It supports voice control and smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Winner: Tie. Both platforms are excellent, with the choice depending on user preference.

Sound Quality

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Supports Dolby Atmos and offers decent audio with 2.2-channel speakers (20W–40W, depending on size). However, it benefits from a soundbar for immersive sound.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Features Object Tracking Sound Lite and 2-channel speakers (20W), delivering acceptable audio but lacking the depth of Atmos. A soundbar is recommended for both.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its Atmos support, though external audio is ideal for both.

Durability and Longevity

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: LCD panels are durable with no burn-in risk, and the NanoCell 90’s FALD enhances longevity for consistent performance.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Similarly durable with no burn-in risk, but its lack of local dimming may limit long-term contrast performance.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its more advanced backlight system, potentially offering better long-term performance.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?

The LG NanoCell 90 Series is the superior choice for picture quality and features, offering wider viewing angles, better color accuracy, higher brightness, and advanced gaming capabilities with HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s the best option for movie enthusiasts, casual gamers, and households with group viewing or bright living rooms. Its higher price reflects its mid-range positioning and enhanced performance.

The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series excels in dark-room viewing due to its VA panel’s deeper blacks and is a more budget-friendly option. It’s ideal for users who prioritize affordability and don’t need advanced gaming features or wide viewing angles.

Target Audience

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Best for home theater enthusiasts, casual gamers (especially with next-gen consoles), and households with bright rooms or group seating. If you value vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and gaming performance and can afford the premium, the NanoCell 90 is the choice.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers, those with darker viewing environments, or users who primarily watch straight-on and don’t need advanced gaming features. It’s a cost-effective option for general viewing, such as streaming and casual use.

The Winner

The LG NanoCell 90 Series takes the crown for its superior color performance, gaming features, and versatility, making it the better choice for most buyers seeking a mid-range 4K TV in 2025. However, the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series is a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability and dark-room performance. Choose based on your budget, viewing environment, and usage priorities to find the perfect TV.

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