Samsung QLED Q80F vs. LG OLED evo B7: A Comparison for Kenyan Buyers

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium 4K television in 2025, the Samsung QLED Q80F (2018) and the LG OLED evo B7 (2017) represent two distinct approaches to display technology, though both are older models likely available refurbished or second-hand. The Q80F, a high-end QLED from Samsung’s 2018 lineup, uses quantum dot technology with full-array local dimming (FALD) for vibrant colors and strong brightness. The B7, LG’s entry-level OLED from 2017, delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast with its self-emissive OLED panel. This article compares their picture quality, performance, and costs in Kenyan shillings, tailored to Kenyan viewing habits and market realities as of August 11, 2025, to determine the winner and ideal audience.

Understanding the Technologies: QLED vs. OLED

• Samsung QLED Q80F (LCD-based QLED): The Q80F combines quantum dot technology with a VA panel and FALD for enhanced contrast and color at 4K resolution (3840×2160). Powered by the Q Engine, it supports HDR10+ and Tizen OS but lacks modern gaming features like HDMI 2.1 due to its 2018 release. It’s designed for bright rooms and durability.
• LG OLED evo B7 (OLED): The B7 uses a WOLED panel where each pixel is self-emissive, producing perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Powered by LG’s α7 processor, it supports Dolby Vision and webOS but lacks the brightness and gaming advancements of newer OLEDs like the C6 or G6. It’s suited for cinematic viewing in controlled lighting.

These technologies—QLED’s brightness and burn-in immunity versus OLED’s contrast and viewing angles—cater to different Kenyan home environments, from sunlit urban living rooms to darker, communal setups.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG OLED evo B7: The OLED panel delivers perfect black levels and an infinite contrast ratio, as each pixel turns off completely, eliminating light bleed. This produces stunning depth in dark scenes, ideal for watching films like Rafiki or The Lion King in dimly lit Kenyan homes.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: The VA panel with FALD offers a high contrast ratio (~5,626:1 with dimming, ~1,486:1 native), with deep blacks and minimal blooming (~48 dimming zones). It cannot match OLED’s true blacks, showing slight light bleed in high-contrast scenes.

Winner: LG B7 for its perfect blacks and infinite contrast, ideal for dark-room cinematic viewing.

Brightness

• Samsung QLED Q80F: Achieves higher brightness (~677 cd/m² in SDR real scenes, ~839 cd/m² in HDR 10% window), making it excellent for bright Kenyan living rooms with large windows, common in Nairobi or Mombasa. Its semi-gloss finish handles reflections adequately (~5.3% total reflections).
• LG OLED evo B7: Reaches ~540 cd/m² in HDR and ~200–300 cd/m² in SDR, significantly lower than modern OLEDs, limiting its performance in bright settings. Its glossy finish offers good reflection handling (~2% total reflections) but struggles in sunny conditions.

Winner: Samsung Q80F for its brighter display, ideal for Kenya’s sunny environments.

Color Performance

• LG OLED evo B7: Covers ~97% DCI-P3 with excellent color accuracy (color dE ~1.5 pre-calibration) and supports Dolby Vision, enhancing HDR content like Maisha Magic shows with vibrant, lifelike colors.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: Covers ~89.65% DCI-P3 with HDR10+, offering vibrant colors (color dE ~2.40 pre-calibration) but less accurate than OLED. Quantum dots ensure good color volume for Kenyan content like local dramas.

Winner: LG B7 for its superior color accuracy and Dolby Vision support, ideal for HDR enthusiasts.

Viewing Angles

• LG OLED evo B7: Offers wide viewing angles (color washout at ~65°, black level raise at ~70°), maintaining consistent color and contrast, perfect for Kenyan family gatherings watching football or Zora from various angles.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: The VA panel has narrower viewing angles (color washout at ~33°, black level raise at ~70°), with degradation off-axis, better suited for straight-on viewing in smaller setups.

Winner: LG B7 for its wide viewing angles, ideal for group viewing.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG OLED evo B7: Features a near-instantaneous response time (~0.2ms), eliminating motion blur for sports like the Safari Sevens. It supports 4K/60Hz and ALLM via HDMI 2.0 with input lag ~34ms, suitable for casual gaming but not next-gen consoles due to its age.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: Has a slower response time (~3.8ms at 80%) and a 120Hz refresh rate, with slight blur in fast scenes. It supports VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync via HDMI 2.0 with input lag ~10ms, better for casual gaming but still limited compared to modern TVs.

Winner: Samsung Q80F for its better gaming features, suitable for casual Kenyan gamers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG OLED evo B7: OLEDs risk burn-in with prolonged static content (e.g., Citizen TV news tickers, Safaricom app interfaces). Early OLEDs like the B7 have limited burn-in mitigation, a concern for heavy static content users in Kenya.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: LCD-based, it’s immune to burn-in, making it safer for static content common in Kenyan homes.

Winner: Samsung Q80F for its burn-in immunity, appealing to static content users.

Cost Comparison (Kenyan Market)

Pricing in Kenya varies by retailer (e.g., Jumia, Kilimall, Hotpoint, LG Brand Shops), import duties, and promotions like Black Friday. Both models are older, so they’re primarily available refurbished or second-hand. Based on 2025 market trends for a 55-inch model, as of August 11, 2025:

• Samsung QLED Q80F (55”): Retails around KES 60,000–80,000 (approx. $460–$615 USD) for refurbished units on platforms like Jumia or local second-hand markets. Its age lowers the price, but availability may be limited.
• LG OLED evo B7 (55”): Priced around KES 70,000–90,000 (approx. $540–$695 USD) for refurbished units, slightly higher due to OLED’s premium appeal despite its 2017 release. Availability is also limited.

Winner: Samsung Q80F for its lower cost, offering better value for budget-conscious Kenyan buyers.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG OLED evo B7: Runs on an older webOS 3.5, supporting Netflix and YouTube but with limited updates for modern apps like Showmax in 2025. It supports early HomeKit and voice control (Google Assistant, Alexa), but its outdated platform may frustrate tech-savvy Kenyan users.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: Uses Tizen OS (2018), supporting Netflix, YouTube, and basic voice control (Bixby) but also lacking updates for modern apps. It lacks HomeKit, limiting smart home integration.

Winner: LG B7 for its slightly more versatile webOS, though both are dated.

Sound Quality

• LG OLED evo B7: Features Dolby Atmos and 2.2-channel speakers (40W) with Harman/Kardon tuning, delivering immersive audio for Kenyan viewers watching local music shows or films. A soundbar is recommended for larger rooms.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: Includes 2.1-channel speakers (40W) with basic audio processing, offering clear but less dynamic sound. A soundbar is also advised.

Winner: LG B7 for its Dolby Atmos support and richer audio.

Durability and Longevity

• LG OLED evo B7: OLED panels may degrade over time, reducing brightness (~30,000 hours lifespan), with higher burn-in risk in early models, a concern for heavy use in Kenyan homes.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: LCD panels are more durable (~40,000–100,000 hours), with no burn-in risk and better brightness retention, ideal for frequent use.

Winner: Samsung Q80F for its durability and burn-in immunity.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins for Kenyan Buyers?

The LG OLED evo B7 is the superior choice for picture quality, offering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and Dolby Vision support. It’s ideal for movie enthusiasts and group viewing in darker Kenyan homes, such as urban apartments in Nairobi or Kisumu, for cinematic content like Maisha Magic or football matches. Its Dolby Atmos audio enhances the experience, but its higher price (KES 70,000–90,000), burn-in risk, and outdated webOS limit its practicality.

The Samsung QLED Q80F excels in bright rooms with its higher brightness (~677 cd/m² SDR), burn-in immunity, and lower cost (KES 60,000–80,000). It’s ideal for budget-conscious Kenyan families in sunlit living rooms, common in Mombasa or Eldoret, and for static content needs (e.g., Citizen TV, Safaricom apps), with decent gaming features for casual use.

Target Audience in Kenya

• LG OLED evo B7: Ideal for affluent movie enthusiasts and families in urban areas who prioritize cinematic visuals and group viewing in darker or controlled lighting. It suits buyers seeking refurbished OLEDs for premium picture quality, despite burn-in risks.
• Samsung QLED Q80F: Best for budget-conscious households, casual viewers, and those with bright living rooms or static content needs across Kenya’s urban and rural areas. It’s perfect for straight-on viewing of local channels or streaming, especially for buyers sourcing affordable refurbished units.

The Winner

The Samsung QLED Q80F takes the crown for its superior value, brightness, durability, and burn-in immunity, making it the better choice for most Kenyan buyers in 2025 seeking an affordable, refurbished TV for bright environments. The LG OLED evo B7 offers unmatched picture quality for cinematic viewing, but its higher cost, burn-in risk, and limited availability make it less practical. Choose based on your budget, room lighting, and viewing priorities in your Kenyan home.

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