Samsung QLED QN85F vs. LG OLED evo G8: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

When choosing a premium television for your Kenyan home, the Samsung QLED QN85F and the LG OLED evo G8 represent two cutting-edge display technologies. The Samsung QN85F, a 2025 Neo QLED model, leverages Mini-LED and quantum dots for bright, vibrant visuals, while the LG OLED evo G8, a flagship OLED, delivers perfect blacks and wide viewing angles with its Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to help Kenyan consumers decide, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED QN85F

The Samsung QN85F is a mid-to-high-end 4K Neo QLED TV for 2025, succeeding the QN85D. It features a VA panel with Mini-LED backlighting, full-array local dimming, and quantum dots, offering high brightness and contrast. Powered by the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content consumption, with advanced anti-reflection technology.

LG OLED evo G8

The LG OLED evo G8 is LG’s 2025 flagship OLED, succeeding the G5. It uses a WOLED panel with MLA technology for enhanced brightness and contrast, delivering infinite contrast and perfect blacks. Running on webOS with the α11 AI processor, it’s optimized for cinematic experiences, dark-room viewing, and group settings, with robust smart features and gaming capabilities.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED QN85F (based on QN85D data from RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Mini-LED and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~768 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~970 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ideal for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~5,537:1, enhanced by 160 dimming zones, delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~85.15% of DCI-P3 and ~58.68% of BT.2020, offering vibrant, accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Limited (~34° for color washout), better for solo or small-group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but lacks Dolby Vision.
• Upscaling: NQ4 AI Gen3 processor provides excellent upscaling, enhancing SD/HD content with sharp details.
• Anti-Reflection: Anti-reflection coating reduces glare, though not as effective as Samsung’s OLED Glare-Free tech.
• LG OLED evo G8 (based on G5 data from TechRadar):
• Panel Type: WOLED with MLA for enhanced brightness.
• Brightness: ~2,268 cd/m² (HDR peak in Filmmaker Mode), a significant leap for OLED, competitive in bright rooms.
• Contrast: Infinite contrast due to pixel-level dimming, delivering perfect blacks with no blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~99% of DCI-P3, with rich, natural hues and superior color depth.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~48° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α11 AI processor excels at upscaling, rendering non-4K content with exceptional clarity.
• Anti-Reflection: Glossy screen with moderate reflection handling, less effective than the QN85F in bright rooms.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG G8 excels in dark-room viewing with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and superior color depth, ideal for cinematic content. The Samsung QN85F is better for bright rooms due to its higher SDR brightness and anti-reflection coating, but its limited viewing angles and lack of Dolby Vision are drawbacks.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED QN85F:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz for consoles.
• Input Lag: ~11.2ms at 4K@60Hz, responsive for gaming.
• Features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, and Samsung Gaming Hub.
• Game Mode: Maintains bright HDR visuals with low latency.
• LG OLED evo G8:
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, supporting 4K/144Hz, a slight edge for PC gaming.
• Input Lag: ~9.9ms at 4K@60Hz (based on C4 data), slightly lower than the QN85F.
• Features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC, ALLM, and Game Optimizer.
• Game Mode: OLED’s near-instantaneous response time (~0.4ms) ensures crisp motion.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG G8 has a slight edge with lower input lag, higher refresh rate, and G-SYNC compatibility, making it ideal for serious gamers. The QN85F is still excellent for console gaming with robust features.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED QN85F:
• Likely 2.2.2-channel speakers with 60W output (based on QN85D), supporting Object Tracking Sound+ and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Q-Symphony enhances audio with Samsung soundbars.
• Decent immersion, but a soundbar is recommended for cinematic audio.
• LG OLED evo G8:
• Likely 2.2-channel speakers with 40W output (based on G5), supporting Dolby Atmos natively and AI Sound Pro.
• Wide soundstage but less powerful bass than competitors like Sony’s Bravia 8 II.
• Soundbar recommended for full Atmos experience.

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN85F offers slightly better audio power and Q-Symphony integration, but both TVs benefit from external audio solutions for immersive sound. The LG G8’s native Atmos is a minor advantage.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED QN85F:
• Platform: Tizen OS, intuitive with Smart Hub, Samsung TV Plus, and app support.
• 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: AI upscaling, content recommendations, and multi-view.
• LG OLED evo G8:
• Platform: webOS, user-friendly with Magic Remote, AirPlay, and HomeKit support.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• AI Features: α11 AI processor enhances picture, sound, and app integration.

Verdict on Smart Features: Both platforms are excellent, but LG’s webOS with Magic Remote is slightly more intuitive, while Samsung’s Tizen offers broader ecosystem integration. The QN85F’s multi-view is a unique feature for multitasking.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED QN85F:
• AirSlim design with slim bezels and a central stand, suitable for tabletop or wall-mounting.
• Anti-reflection coating reduces glare effectively.
• Solar-powered remote for eco-friendly operation.
• LG OLED evo G8:
• Ultra-slim OLED design with minimal bezels, ideal for wall-mounting.
• Glossy screen with moderate reflection handling (42.4% direct reflections).
• Magic Remote enhances navigation.

Verdict on Design: The LG G8’s slimmer, premium OLED design is more elegant, but the QN85F’s anti-reflection coating and eco-friendly remote give it practical advantages in bright rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on international pricing for similar models (QN85D, G5) 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 QN85F Prices

Based on QN85D pricing (RTINGS.com, B&H Photo):

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,800 ≈ KSh 195,000–234,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,300 ≈ KSh 260,000–299,000
• 85-inch: $2,800–$3,200 ≈ KSh 364,000–416,000

Discounts during sales may lower the 55-inch model to ~KSh 140,000.

LG OLED evo G8 Prices

Based on G5 pricing (TechRadar, B&H Photo):

• 55-inch: $2,000–$2,300 ≈ KSh 260,000–299,000
• 65-inch: $2,500–$2,800 ≈ KSh 325,000–364,000
• 77-inch: $3,500–$4,000 ≈ KSh 455,000–520,000

Discounts may reduce the 55-inch model to ~KSh 240,000.

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung QN85F is more affordable, starting at ~KSh 156,000, offering better value for bright-room performance. The LG G8, starting at ~KSh 260,000, commands a premium for its OLED quality but may be less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED QN85F:
• Ideal For: Casual viewers, gamers, and those in bright living rooms. Its high brightness and anti-reflection coating suit Kenyan homes with open, sunlit spaces.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and mixed content in well-lit environments.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 156,000–416,000, seeking versatility and value.
• LG OLED evo G8:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, families, 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 immersive gaming.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 260,000–520,000, prioritizing premium picture quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED evo G8

The LG OLED evo G8 is the superior choice for its exceptional picture quality, with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for cinematic experiences and group viewing in darker settings. Its high brightness (~2,268 nits), Dolby Vision support, and lower input lag (~9.9ms) enhance movies and gaming, though its glossy screen struggles with reflections in bright rooms.

The Samsung QLED QN85F excels in bright environments with its higher SDR brightness (~768 cd/m²) and anti-reflection coating, making it versatile for sports, casual viewing, and gaming. Its affordability (~KSh 156,000–416,000) and robust gaming features (VRR, FreeSync) make it appealing, but it falls short of the G8’s cinematic depth and viewing angle performance.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED evo G8 if you prioritize premium picture quality for movies and gaming in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 260,000–520,000. Opt for the Samsung QLED QN85F if you need a brighter, more affordable TV (KSh 156,000–416,000) for well-lit rooms and versatile use. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized Samsung/LG dealers.

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