Samsung QLED QN90G vs. LG NanoCell 90V: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung QLED QN90G and LG NanoCell 90V are two high-end contenders offering advanced display technologies. The Samsung QN90G, a Neo QLED model, leverages Mini-LED and quantum dots for superior brightness and contrast, while the LG NanoCell 90V uses NanoCell technology with an IPS panel for wide viewing angles and color accuracy. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to help Kenyan buyers make an informed decision, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED QN90G

The Samsung QLED QN90G is a flagship 4K Neo QLED TV for 2025, succeeding the QN90F. It features a VA panel with Mini-LED backlighting, full-array local dimming, and quantum dots, delivering exceptional brightness and contrast. Powered by the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and premium content consumption, with advanced anti-glare technology.

LG NanoCell 90V

The LG NanoCell 90V, part of LG’s 2025 NanoCell lineup, succeeds models like the NANO90. It uses an IPS panel with NanoCell technology and Direct LED backlighting, prioritizing wide viewing angles and color purity. Running on webOS with an α8 or α9 AI processor, it’s optimized for group viewing, streaming, and versatile use in various lighting conditions.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED QN90G (based on QN90F data from RTINGS.com and TechRadar):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Mini-LED and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~2,086–2,500 nits (HDR peak), ideal for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~4,854:1, enhanced by ~900 dimming zones, delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~93.6% of DCI-P3 and ~76.5% of BT.2020, offering vibrant, accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Improved with Wide Viewing Angle technology, but limited (~34° for color washout) compared to IPS, 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.
• Reflections: Anti-glare coating reduces reflections effectively (2.8% total reflections).
• LG NanoCell 90V (based on NANO90 data from RTINGS.com and tvfindr.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD with Direct LED and NanoCell technology.
• Brightness: ~400–600 nits, adequate for moderately lit rooms but less effective in bright settings.
• Contrast: Low contrast ratio of ~1,000:1, resulting in grayish blacks and less depth in dark scenes.
• Color Performance: Covers ~80% of DCI-P3, with improved color accuracy via NanoCell’s nanoparticle layer, but less vibrant than QLED.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~178°), maintaining color and contrast for group viewing, ideal for social settings.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, enhancing streaming content like Netflix.
• Upscaling: α8 or α9 AI processor delivers solid upscaling, rendering non-4K content with good clarity.
• Reflections: Decent reflection handling (~5.0% total reflections), better than standard IPS but less effective than QN90G.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung QN90G outperforms with superior brightness (~2,086–2,500 nits vs. ~400–600 nits), higher contrast (~4,854:1 vs. ~1,000:1), and vibrant colors (~93.6% vs. ~80% DCI-P3), making it ideal for HDR content and bright rooms. The LG NanoCell 90V excels in group viewing with wide viewing angles, but its lower contrast and brightness limit its cinematic impact.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED QN90G:
• Refresh Rate: 165Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz for consoles and higher rates for PC gaming.
• Input Lag: ~9.2ms at 4K@60Hz, highly responsive.
• Features: Four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and Samsung Gaming Hub.
• Game Mode: Maintains bright HDR visuals with low latency.
• LG NanoCell 90V:
• Refresh Rate: Likely 120Hz (based on NANO90), supporting 4K/120Hz for consoles.
• Input Lag: ~9.8ms at 4K@60Hz, slightly higher but still responsive.
• Features: Likely two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, and Game Optimizer.
• Game Mode: Wide viewing angles enhance multiplayer gaming.

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN90G is superior with a higher refresh rate (165Hz vs. 120Hz), lower input lag (~9.2ms vs. ~9.8ms), and more HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for serious gamers. The LG NanoCell 90V is better for multiplayer gaming due to its wide viewing angles.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED QN90G:
• 4.2.2-channel speakers with 60W output, supporting Object Tracking Sound Pro+ and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Q-Symphony enhances audio with Samsung soundbars.
• Immersive soundstage, though a soundbar is recommended for full Atmos.
• LG NanoCell 90V:
• Likely 2.0 or 2.2-channel speakers with 20–40W output, supporting AI Sound Pro and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Decent audio but lacks depth without a soundbar.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes for content and room acoustics.

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN90G offers superior audio with more power (60W vs. 20–40W) and advanced Object Tracking Sound, providing a richer soundstage. Both benefit from soundbars for cinematic audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED QN90G:
• Platform: Tizen OS 9.0, 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 NanoCell 90V:
• Platform: webOS, user-friendly with Magic Remote, AirPlay, and HomeKit support.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Likely two HDMI 2.1 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• AI Features: AI Picture Pro, AI Sound Pro, and ThinQ AI for smart home control.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG NanoCell 90V’s webOS with Magic Remote and built-in voice assistants is slightly more intuitive, while the Samsung QN90G’s Tizen offers broader ecosystem integration and more HDMI 2.1 ports.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED QN90G:
• AirSlim design with slim bezels (~0.4 inches) and a central stand.
• Anti-glare coating reduces reflections effectively.
• Solar-powered remote for eco-friendly operation.
• LG NanoCell 90V:
• Sleek design with narrow bezels (~0.4 inches) and a wider stand.
• Decent reflection handling, less effective than QN90G.
• Magic Remote enhances navigation.

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN90G’s anti-glare coating and slim design give it an edge in bright rooms, while the LG NanoCell 90V’s Magic Remote adds user-friendly navigation.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on international pricing for similar models (QN90F, NANO90) 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 QN90G Prices

Based on QN90F pricing (RTINGS.com, TechRadar):

• 43-inch: $1,300 ≈ KSh 169,000
• 55-inch: $1,800 ≈ KSh 234,000
• 65-inch: $2,500 ≈ KSh 325,000
• 75-inch: $3,000 ≈ KSh 390,000
• 85-inch: $4,500 ≈ KSh 585,000

Discounts may lower the 55-inch model to ~KSh 210,000 during sales.

LG NanoCell 90V Prices

Based on NANO90 pricing (RTINGS.com, tvfindr.com):

• 43-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 55-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 86-inch: $2,000–$2,300 ≈ KSh 260,000–299,000

Verdict on Cost: The LG NanoCell 90V is significantly more affordable, starting at ~KSh 78,000, making it a better value for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung QN90G, starting at ~KSh 169,000, commands a premium for its superior brightness and contrast.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED QN90G:
• Ideal For: Enthusiasts, gamers, and viewers in bright living rooms. Its high brightness and contrast suit Kenyan homes with large windows or open spaces.
• Use Case: Best for HDR movies, gaming, and sports in well-lit environments.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 169,000–585,000, seeking premium performance.
• LG NanoCell 90V:
• Ideal For: Families, social viewers, and those in bright or open spaces. Its wide viewing angles are perfect for group viewing, such as sports or movie nights.
• Use Case: Suited for streaming, sports, and multiplayer gaming in moderately lit rooms.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 78,000–299,000, prioritizing affordability and versatility.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung QLED QN90G

The Samsung QLED QN90G takes the lead for its exceptional brightness (~2,086–2,500 nits), high contrast (~4,854:1), and vibrant colors (~93.6% DCI-P3), making it ideal for HDR content, gaming, and bright-room viewing in Kenyan homes. Its 165Hz refresh rate, lower input lag (~9.2ms), and four HDMI 2.1 ports enhance gaming, while the anti-glare coating ensures clarity in sunlit spaces. However, its higher cost (~KSh 169,000–585,000) and narrower viewing angles may deter group viewers.

The LG NanoCell 90V excels in affordability (~KSh 78,000–299,000) and wide viewing angles (~178°), making it perfect for family gatherings and bright rooms. Its Dolby Vision support enhances streaming, and potential HDMI 2.1 ports improve gaming, but its lower brightness (~400–600 nits) and contrast (~1,000:1) limit its HDR performance.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung QLED QN90G if you prioritize premium picture quality, gaming, and bright-room performance, with a budget of KSh 169,000–585,000. Opt for the LG NanoCell 90V if you need an affordable TV for group viewing and streaming, with a budget of KSh 78,000–299,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized Samsung/LG dealers.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 73