Samsung QLED QN85A vs. LG OLED evo C4: A Comprehensive Comparison
When choosing a premium television, the Samsung QLED QN85A (2021) and the LG OLED evo C4 (2024) are two compelling options that showcase the strengths of their respective display technologies. The QN85A is a high-end QLED model leveraging Mini-LED backlighting, while the C4 represents LG’s latest advancements in OLED technology. This article compares their picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to determine which TV is the better choice and for whom.
Understanding the Technologies: QLED vs. OLED
- Samsung QLED QN85A (LCD-based QLED): The QN85A uses quantum dot technology paired with a Mini-LED backlight, offering improved contrast and brightness over traditional LED TVs. As an entry-level Neo QLED model, it balances performance and cost, with precise local dimming for enhanced contrast.
- LG OLED evo C4 (OLED): The C4 employs LG’s OLED evo panel, which uses self-emissive pixels for perfect black levels and infinite contrast. Compared to its predecessor (C3), the C4 offers brighter highlights and better color accuracy, making it a standout in LG’s 2024 lineup.
These technological differences shape their performance in various viewing conditions and use cases.
Picture Quality Comparison
Contrast and Black Levels
- LG OLED evo C4: OLED technology delivers perfect black levels and a near-infinite contrast ratio because each pixel can turn off completely, eliminating light bleed. This results in exceptional detail in dark scenes, making the C4 ideal for cinematic viewing in dimly lit rooms.
- Samsung QN85A: The QN85A uses a Mini-LED backlight with local dimming to improve contrast over standard LED TVs. However, it has an IPS panel (in most sizes), which has a lower native contrast ratio and can exhibit IPS glow or blooming around bright objects in dark scenes, reducing black depth compared to OLED.
Winner: LG C4 for its superior contrast and black levels, perfect for movie lovers and dark-room viewing.
Brightness
- Samsung QN85A: The QN85A excels in peak brightness, reaching higher levels in both SDR and HDR content than the C4. This makes it better suited for bright rooms with ambient light or sunlight, as it effectively combats glare.
- LG OLED evo C4: The C4 is brighter than its predecessor (C3), peaking around 1,300 nits in HDR, which is competitive for an OLED. Its excellent reflection handling helps in well-lit rooms, but it doesn’t match the QN85A’s brightness in SDR or high-glare environments.
Winner: Samsung QN85A for its superior brightness, ideal for bright living rooms.
Color Performance
- LG OLED evo C4: The C4 offers excellent color accuracy and a wide color gamut, supporting Dolby Vision for enhanced HDR performance. Its vibrant, lifelike colors and precise gradients make it a top choice for HDR content and cinematic accuracy.
- Samsung QN85A: The QN85A’s quantum dot technology produces a wide color gamut and vibrant colors, supporting HDR10 and HDR10+ (but not Dolby Vision). While it performs well, its color accuracy is slightly less refined out of the box compared to the C4.
Winner: LG C4 for its superior color accuracy and Dolby Vision support, enhancing HDR experiences.
Viewing Angles
- LG OLED evo C4: OLEDs are renowned for wide viewing angles, maintaining consistent color and contrast even at extreme angles. This makes the C4 ideal for group viewing or rooms with spread-out seating.
- Samsung QN85A: The QN85A’s IPS panel (in 55” and 65” sizes) offers decent viewing angles compared to VA-based QLEDs, but it still falls short of OLED. Larger sizes (75” and 85”) may use VA panels, which have narrower viewing angles, leading to color and contrast degradation off-axis.
Winner: LG C4 for its consistently wide viewing angles across all sizes, perfect for group settings.
Motion Handling and Gaming
- LG OLED evo C4: The C4’s near-instantaneous response time minimizes motion blur, making it excellent for fast-paced sports and gaming. It supports 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, G-Sync/FreeSync, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, offering a superior gaming experience, especially for PC gamers.
- Samsung QN85A: The QN85A supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync across four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a strong gaming TV. However, its slower response time leads to slight motion blur, and it lacks 4K/144Hz support, limiting its appeal for high-end PC gaming.
Winner: LG C4 for its superior motion handling and advanced gaming features, particularly for competitive gamers.
Burn-In Risk
- LG OLED evo C4: OLEDs carry a risk of burn-in with prolonged static content (e.g., game HUDs, news tickers). LG’s anti-burn-in features (pixel shifting, screen savers) mitigate this, but it remains a concern for heavy users of static content.
- Samsung QN85A: QLEDs are immune to burn-in, making the QN85A a safer choice for users who frequently display static images, such as news channels or PC monitors.
Winner: Samsung QN85A for its burn-in immunity, appealing to users with static content needs.
Cost Comparison
Pricing varies by size, retailer, and availability, but here’s a general comparison based on 2025 market trends:
- Samsung QN85A (65”): As a 2021 model, the QN85A is often discounted, retailing around $1,200–$1,500 for the 65-inch version. Its age makes it a cost-effective option for a high-quality QLED.
- LG OLED evo C4 (65”): As a 2024 model, the C4 is priced higher, typically around $1,600–$2,000 for the 65-inch model. Its premium OLED technology and newer features justify the cost, though it’s more expensive than the QN85A.
Winner: Samsung QN85A for its lower cost, offering strong value for budget-conscious buyers. The C4’s higher price reflects its superior picture quality and features.
Additional Considerations
Smart Features and Software
- LG OLED evo C4: Runs on webOS, a user-friendly platform with a wide app selection, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit support. While not the most intuitive smart TV interface, it’s reliable and regularly updated.
- Samsung QN85A: Uses Tizen OS, a polished platform with a robust app ecosystem, including Samsung TV Plus for free content. It also supports voice control and smart home integration.
Winner: Tie. Both platforms are excellent, and the choice depends on user preference.
Sound Quality
- LG OLED evo C4: Features improved onboard audio over the C3, with Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound. However, it benefits from a soundbar for a full home theater experience.
- Samsung QN85A: Offers Object Tracking Sound (OTS) and decent audio performance, but like the C4, it’s best paired with external audio for optimal sound.
Winner: Tie. Both TVs have comparable audio, and external solutions are recommended.
Durability and Longevity
- LG OLED evo C4: OLED panels may degrade over time, potentially reducing brightness after years of heavy use. Burn-in remains a concern, though mitigated by LG’s safeguards.
- Samsung QN85A: QLEDs are more durable, with no burn-in risk and better long-term brightness retention, making them ideal for heavy use.
Winner: Samsung QN85A for its durability and burn-in immunity.
Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?
The LG OLED evo C4 is the superior choice for picture quality, offering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and advanced gaming features like 4K/144Hz. It’s the best option for movie enthusiasts, competitive gamers, and those watching in darker environments or with group seating. Its higher cost reflects its premium performance, making it worth the investment for those prioritizing cinematic accuracy and gaming prowess.
The Samsung QLED QN85A excels in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and is a safer choice for users concerned about burn-in or those displaying static content (e.g., news, PC use). Its lower price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking strong performance.
Target Audience
- LG OLED evo C4: Ideal for home theater enthusiasts, competitive gamers (especially PC gamers), and households with group viewing or darker viewing environments. If you prioritize picture quality and advanced features and can afford the premium, the C4 is the choice.
- Samsung QN85A: Best for budget-conscious buyers, those with bright living rooms, or users who frequently display static content (e.g., news tickers, PC monitors). It’s a versatile, cost-effective option for mixed-use scenarios.
The Winner
The LG OLED evo C4 takes the crown for its unmatched picture quality, gaming performance, and versatility, making it the better choice for most premium TV buyers in 2025. However, the Samsung QN85A is a strong contender for bright-room viewing, budget-conscious shoppers, or those prioritizing durability. Choose based on your viewing environment, budget, and usage to find the perfect TV.
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