Samsung QLED Q80G vs. LG OLED B8: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

When selecting a premium television for your Kenyan home, the Samsung QLED Q80G and the LG OLED B8 represent two distinct display technologies catering to different viewing preferences. The Samsung Q80G, a 2025 mid-range QLED TV, leverages quantum dots and full-array local dimming for bright, vibrant visuals. The LG B8, a 2018 OLED model, offers perfect blacks and wide viewing angles, ideal for cinematic experiences. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to guide Kenyan consumers, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED Q80G

The Samsung QLED Q80G is part of Samsung’s 2025 QLED lineup, succeeding models like the Q80D. It features a VA panel with full-array local dimming, quantum dots, and the Quantum Processor 4K, delivering high brightness and contrast. Running on Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content consumption, with robust smart features and gaming enhancements.

LG OLED B8

The LG OLED B8, released in 2018, is an OLED TV powered by the α9 Intelligent Processor, offering pixel-level dimming for infinite contrast and perfect blacks. Despite its age, it remains a premium choice for dark-room viewing and cinematic content, with wide viewing angles and webOS for a user-friendly smart experience. Its availability in Kenya may be limited to refurbished or secondary markets.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED Q80G (based on Q80D data from RTINGS.com and Tom’s Guide):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming and quantum dots.
• Brightness: Approximately 689 cd/m² (SDR real scene) and 875 cd/m² (HDR real scene), ideal for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ratio of ~3,681:1, enhanced to ~5,721:1 with local dimming, delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~89.95% of DCI-P3 and ~67.44% of Rec.2020, offering vibrant, accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Limited to ~34° for color washout, better for solo or small-group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but lacks Dolby Vision.
• Upscaling: Quantum Processor 4K provides solid upscaling, enhancing non-4K content with good clarity.
• LG OLED B8 (based on RTINGS.com data):
• Panel Type: OLED with self-emissive pixels (WRGB sub-type).
• Brightness: ~288 cd/m² (SDR real scene) and ~548 cd/m² (HDR real scene), better suited for dark rooms.
• Contrast: Infinite contrast ratio due to pixel-level dimming, delivering perfect blacks and exceptional shadow detail.
• Color Performance: Covers ~96.25% of DCI-P3 and ~70.64% of Rec.2020, with excellent color accuracy.
• Viewing Angles: Wide at ~48° for color washout, ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, with Dolby Vision enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α9 processor excels at upscaling, rendering SD/HD content sharply.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG B8 outperforms in dark-room settings with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for movies and HDR content. The Samsung Q80G excels in bright rooms with higher brightness and vibrant colors, though its VA panel limits viewing angles.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED Q80G:
• Refresh Rate: Likely 120Hz (based on Q80D), supporting 4K/120Hz for consoles.
• Input Lag: ~14.7ms at 4K@60Hz, responsive for gaming.
• Features: Includes ALLM, FreeSync, VRR, and Samsung Gaming Hub; likely four HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen consoles.
• Game Mode: Maintains bright HDR visuals with low latency.
• LG OLED B8:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 1080p/120Hz but not 4K/120Hz due to HDMI 2.0 limitations.
• Input Lag: ~21.3ms at 4K@60Hz, slightly higher but still responsive.
• Features: Includes ALLM but lacks VRR and FreeSync, limiting compatibility with modern consoles.
• Game Mode: OLED’s fast response time (~0.3ms) ensures crisp motion.

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung Q80G is superior for modern gaming with VRR, FreeSync, and HDMI 2.1 support, ideal for PS5/Xbox Series X. The LG B8’s fast response time benefits motion clarity, but its older tech limits next-gen gaming capabilities.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED Q80G:
• Likely 2.2-channel speakers with 40W output (based on Q80D), supporting Object Tracking Sound and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Q-Symphony enhances audio with compatible Samsung soundbars.
• Clear dialogue and decent immersion, though a soundbar is recommended.
• LG OLED B8:
• 2.2-channel speakers with 40W output, including a woofer for deeper bass.
• Supports Dolby Atmos natively, delivering immersive sound.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio, but lacks advanced features like Q-Symphony.

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs offer comparable 40W audio with Dolby Atmos support, but the LG B8’s native Atmos and woofer provide a slightly richer soundstage. The Q80G’s Q-Symphony gives it an edge with Samsung soundbars.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED Q80G:
• Platform: Tizen OS, fluid with Smart Hub, Samsung TV Plus, and app support (Netflix, YouTube).
• Voice Assistants: Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet.
• AI Features: Quantum Processor 4K enhances upscaling and content recommendations.
• LG OLED B8:
• Platform: webOS 4.0, intuitive with Magic Remote and app support (Netflix, YouTube).
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• AI Features: ThinQ AI optimizes picture and sound, with strong app integration.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung Q80G’s Tizen OS and HDMI 2.1 ports offer a modern edge, especially for gaming. The LG B8’s webOS with Magic Remote is highly intuitive, but its older HDMI 2.0 ports limit next-gen connectivity.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED Q80G:
• AirSlim design with slim bezels and a central stand, suitable for tabletop or wall-mounting.
• Reflective screen may cause glare in bright rooms.
• Solar-powered remote for eco-friendly operation.
• LG OLED B8:
• Ultra-slim OLED design with minimal bezels and a central stand, ideal for wall-mounting.
• Glossy screen with decent reflection handling (1.5% total reflections).
• Magic Remote enhances navigation.

Verdict on Design: The LG B8’s slimmer OLED design and better reflection handling give it a premium aesthetic. The Q80G’s design is sleek but less effective against glare.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on international pricing (from RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide, and kenyaprice.com) and converted using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 2025). Local pricing in Kenya may vary due to import duties, taxes, and retailer margins. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or Samsung/LG authorized dealers for exact prices.

Samsung QLED Q80G Prices

Based on Q80D pricing trends:

• 55-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 65-inch: $1,300–$1,500 ≈ KSh 169,000–195,000
• 75-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000
• 85-inch: $2,500–$2,800 ≈ KSh 325,000–364,000

Discounts during sales (e.g., Black Friday) may lower the 55-inch model to ~KSh 120,000.

LG OLED B8 Prices

As a 2018 model, the B8 is discontinued but available refurbished or in secondary markets:

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,500 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 156,000–195,000
• 65-inch: $1,800–$2,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 234,000–286,000

Availability in Kenya may be limited, and prices could be higher due to import costs.

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung Q80G is competitively priced for a 2025 model, starting at ~KSh 130,000, with broader availability. The LG B8, while potentially cheaper refurbished (~KSh 156,000+), is harder to source and may carry import premiums.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED Q80G:
• Ideal For: Casual viewers, gamers, and those in bright living rooms. Its high brightness and gaming features suit Kenyan homes with open, sunlit spaces.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and mixed content in moderately lit environments.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 130,000–364,000, seeking modern features and reliability.
• LG OLED B8:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and viewers in dark or controlled lighting environments. Its perfect blacks and wide viewing angles are perfect for movie nights or group viewing.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, dark-room viewing, and cinematic experiences.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 156,000–286,000, willing to seek refurbished units for premium quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED B8

The LG OLED B8 takes the crown for its superior picture quality, with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles, making it the best choice for cinematic experiences and dark-room viewing. Its Dolby Vision support and excellent upscaling enhance streaming and movie content, despite its age. However, its limited availability in Kenya, higher input lag, and lack of modern gaming features like VRR may deter some buyers.

The Samsung QLED Q80G is a strong contender for bright-room performance, with higher brightness (~689 cd/m² vs. ~288 cd/m² SDR), vibrant colors, and advanced gaming features (VRR, FreeSync, HDMI 2.1). It’s more versatile for varied content and modern consoles, with broader availability and a competitive price. Its narrower viewing angles and lack of Dolby Vision are drawbacks for group viewing and streaming enthusiasts.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED B8 if you prioritize cinematic quality for movies in darker settings and can source a refurbished unit within KSh 156,000–286,000. Opt for the Samsung QLED Q80G if you need a versatile, bright-room TV with gaming capabilities and a budget of KSh 130,000–364,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

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