Samsung QLED QN90F vs. LG NanoCell 95U: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

When choosing a premium television in Kenya, two standout options for 2025 are the Samsung QN90F Neo QLED and the LG NanoCell 95U. Both TVs offer cutting-edge technology, but they cater to different viewing preferences and budgets. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to help Kenyan consumers make an informed decision.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QN90F Neo QLED

The Samsung QN90F is a flagship 4K Mini-LED TV for 2025, succeeding the QN90D. It leverages quantum dot technology and Mini-LED backlighting to deliver high brightness, vibrant colors, and precise contrast. With features like a 165Hz refresh rate, advanced anti-glare technology, and Samsung’s Tizen 9.0 smart platform, it’s designed for premium performance across various viewing scenarios, particularly in bright environments.

LG NanoCell 95U

The LG NanoCell 95U is a high-end 4K LED TV that uses LG’s NanoCell technology to enhance color purity and viewing angles. It features an IPS panel, which prioritizes wide viewing angles, making it ideal for group viewing. Equipped with LG’s webOS platform and advanced AI processing, the 95U aims to deliver a balanced performance for movies, sports, and casual viewing.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QN90F:
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots.
• Brightness: Achieves peak brightness of approximately 2,086–2,500 nits in HDR Movie mode, making it exceptionally suited for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Offers a native contrast ratio of around 4,854:1, with deep blacks and minimal blooming due to refined local dimming (900 dimming zones in the 65-inch model).
• Color Performance: Covers 93.6% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 76.5% of BT.2020, delivering vibrant and accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Improved with Wide Viewing Angle technology, but VA panels inherently have narrower viewing angles compared to IPS panels, leading to some color and contrast loss off-axis.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but lacks Dolby Vision.
• Upscaling: The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor provides excellent 4K upscaling, enhancing lower-resolution content with sharp details and minimal noise.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Panel Type: IPS LCD with NanoCell technology and Direct LED backlighting.
• Brightness: Specific brightness figures for the 95U are unavailable, but LG NanoCell TVs typically reach around 500–600 nits, significantly lower than the QN90F. Based on comparisons of similar models (e.g., Nano76), brightness is adequate but struggles in very bright rooms.
• Contrast: Lower contrast ratio (around 770:1 in similar NanoCell models), resulting in less deep blacks and more grayish tones in dark scenes.
• Color Performance: Covers approximately 58% of DCI-P3, which is less vibrant than the QN90F’s quantum dot-enhanced colors.
• Viewing Angles: IPS panels excel here, offering wide viewing angles with minimal color or contrast degradation, ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Likely supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, providing a slight edge over the QN90F for Dolby Vision content.
• Upscaling: LG’s α9 or α8 AI processor (depending on the model) provides solid upscaling, though it may not match the QN90F’s AI-driven precision.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung QN90F outperforms the LG NanoCell 95U in brightness, contrast, and color vibrancy, making it superior for HDR content and bright-room viewing. However, the 95U’s IPS panel ensures better viewing angles, which is a significant advantage for group settings.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QN90F:
• Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz, ideal for PC gamers with high-end setups, though consoles are limited to 4K/120Hz.
• Input Lag: Low, at 9.2ms for 4K@60Hz, ensuring responsive gameplay.
• Features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub for cloud gaming.
• Game Mode: Maintains strong HDR brightness, but zone transitions can be less smooth.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Refresh Rate: Likely 120Hz, based on similar NanoCell models, sufficient for current-gen consoles.
• Input Lag: Around 9.8ms in similar models (e.g., Nano76), slightly higher than the QN90F but still responsive.
• Features: Expected to include HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and integration with Xbox Game Pass, but may lack the QN90F’s advanced gaming hub.
• Game Mode: Good for group gaming due to wide viewing angles, but lower contrast impacts dark scenes.

Verdict on Gaming: The QN90F is the better gaming TV due to its higher refresh rate, lower input lag, and robust gaming features. The 95U remains a solid choice for casual gamers, especially in group settings.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QN90F:
• Features a 4.2.2-channel speaker system with 60W output, supporting Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Pro+, and Active Voice Amplifier Pro for clear dialogue.
• Q-Symphony enhances sound when paired with a compatible Samsung soundbar.
• Delivers dynamic and immersive audio, suitable for most viewing scenarios.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Likely features a 2.0-channel system with 20W output, based on similar models like the Nano76.
• Supports Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC, but lacks advanced sound features like Object Tracking Sound.
• Sound quality is adequate but may require a soundbar for a cinematic experience.

Verdict on Sound: The QN90F offers superior audio with its more powerful and immersive sound system, while the 95U’s audio is functional but less impressive.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QN90F:
• Platform: Tizen 9.0, highly customizable with AI-driven content recommendations, Samsung TV Plus, and the Art Store.
• Voice Assistants: Bixby and Alexa, with far-field mics for hands-free control.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple AirPlay.
• AI Features: Samsung Vision AI offers limited but evolving features like Click to Search and Live Translate.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Platform: webOS 22 or newer, user-friendly with a row-based app layout and support for Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa, with potential integration of Microsoft’s Copilot AI.
• Connectivity: Likely three HDMI 2.0 ports (based on Nano76), two USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• AI Features: Enhanced AI picture and sound optimization, plus Xbox Game Pass integration.

Verdict on Smart Features: Both TVs offer robust smart platforms, but the QN90F’s Tizen 9.0 is more advanced and customizable. The 95U’s webOS is intuitive and supports additional features like HomeKit, making it a strong contender.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QN90F:
• Sleek, minimalistic design with a slim frame and pedestal stand, suitable for wall-mounting or tabletop use.
• Features a glare-free matte finish, reducing reflections in bright rooms.
• Includes a solar-powered remote, eliminating battery replacements.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Likely features a standard LG design with a wider stand, based on NanoCell models.
• Less effective anti-glare coating compared to the QN90F, but still functional.
• Includes a standard remote with voice control capabilities.

Verdict on Design: The QN90F’s premium, slim design and innovative remote give it an edge, though the 95U’s design is practical and unobtrusive.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

To provide accurate pricing for the Kenyan market, we’ve converted international prices (from sources like TechRadar and Tom’s Guide) to Kenyan Shillings (KSh) using an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 2025). Note that local pricing may vary due to import duties, taxes, and retailer margins in Kenya. Always check with local retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers for exact prices.

Samsung QN90F Prices

• 43-inch: $1,299.99 ≈ KSh 168,999
• 50-inch: $1,499.99 ≈ KSh 195,000
• 55-inch: $1,799.99 ≈ KSh 234,000
• 65-inch: $2,499.99 ≈ KSh 325,000
• 75-inch: $2,999.99 ≈ KSh 390,000
• 85-inch: $4,499.99 ≈ KSh 585,000
• 98-inch: $14,999.99 ≈ KSh 1,950,000

Discounts are common mid-year, with the 65-inch model potentially dropping to around KSh 247,000, based on trends with the QN90D.

LG NanoCell 95U Prices

Specific pricing for the 95U is unavailable, but based on similar NanoCell models (e.g., Nano76) and LG’s pricing trends, we estimate:

• 43-inch: ~KSh 110,000–130,000
• 55-inch: ~KSh 150,000–180,000
• 65-inch: ~KSh 200,000–250,000
• 75-inch: ~KSh 280,000–350,000
• 86-inch: ~KSh 400,000–500,000

The 95U, as a higher-end NanoCell model, may command a premium over these estimates but is likely cheaper than the QN90F at similar sizes.

Verdict on Cost: The LG NanoCell 95U is more affordable, offering a better price-to-performance ratio for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung QN90F, while pricier, justifies its cost with superior performance in brightness, contrast, and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung QN90F:
• Ideal For: Enthusiasts seeking top-tier picture quality, gamers, and those with bright living rooms. Its high brightness and contrast make it perfect for watching movies, sports, or gaming in well-lit environments like modern Kenyan homes with large windows.
• Use Case: Best for solo or small-group viewing where premium HDR performance and gaming capabilities are priorities.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers willing to spend KSh 234,000–585,000 for a high-end TV.
• LG NanoCell 95U:
• Ideal For: Families or social viewers who prioritize wide viewing angles for group settings, such as watching sports or movies together in living rooms or entertainment spaces.
• Use Case: Suited for casual viewing, sports, and streaming, with good performance in moderately lit rooms.
• Budget: Targets buyers looking for a premium TV at a lower cost, around KSh 150,000–400,000.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung QN90F Neo QLED

The Samsung QN90F emerges as the superior TV due to its exceptional brightness, contrast, and gaming performance, making it a standout choice for Kenyan consumers seeking a premium viewing experience. Its Mini-LED technology and quantum dots deliver vibrant HDR content, while the 165Hz refresh rate and low input lag cater to gamers. The glare-free screen is a game-changer for bright Kenyan homes, and the Tizen 9.0 platform adds versatility. However, its higher price (starting at ~KSh 168,999) may deter budget-conscious buyers.

The LG NanoCell 95U is a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability and wide viewing angles. Its IPS panel ensures consistent picture quality for group viewing, making it ideal for family gatherings or sports events. While it lags in brightness and contrast, its estimated lower price range (~KSh 150,000–400,000) and Dolby Vision support make it appealing for casual viewers.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung QN90F if you value top-tier picture quality, gaming, and bright-room performance and can afford the premium. Opt for the LG NanoCell 95U if you need a cost-effective TV for group viewing in moderately lit spaces. Always verify local pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or Samsung/LG authorized dealers.

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