Samsung QLED Q80H vs. LG OLED evo B9: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung QLED Q80H and LG OLED evo B9 are two high-quality options available in secondary or refurbished markets. The Samsung Q80H, a 2025 QLED model (assumed as a successor to the Q80T), leverages quantum dots and full-array local dimming for bright, vibrant visuals. The LG OLED evo B9, a 2019 OLED model, offers perfect blacks and wide viewing angles for cinematic experiences. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to guide Kenyan buyers, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED Q80H

The Samsung QLED Q80H is a mid-to-high-end 4K QLED TV, likely succeeding the Q80T. 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 no burn-in risk.

LG OLED evo B9

The LG OLED evo B9, a 2019 model, is an OLED TV with a WOLED panel and the α9 Gen 2 processor, offering pixel-level dimming for infinite contrast. Powered by webOS, it’s optimized for dark-room viewing, movies, and group settings, though it carries a risk of burn-in with static content. As a 2019 model, it’s primarily available refurbished.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED Q80H (based on Q80T data from RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~427 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~719 cd/m² (HDR real scene), ideal for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~3,042:1, enhanced to ~4,225:1 with local dimming, delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~88.53% of DCI-P3 and ~66.17% of Rec.2020, offering vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~37° 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.
• Reflections: Glossy screen with 1.3% total reflections, effective in bright rooms.
• LG OLED evo B9 (based on B9 data from RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: WOLED with self-emissive pixels.
• Brightness: ~328 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~526 cd/m² (HDR real scene), better for dark rooms.
• Contrast: Infinite contrast due to pixel-level dimming, delivering perfect blacks with no blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~96.27% of DCI-P3 and ~70.84% of Rec.2020, with superior color accuracy.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~47° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α9 Gen 2 processor excels at upscaling, rendering SD/HD content cleanly.
• Reflections: Glossy screen with 1.5% total reflections, slightly less effective than Q80H.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG B9 excels in dark-room viewing with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles, ideal for cinematic content. The Samsung Q80H outperforms in bright rooms with higher brightness (~719 cd/m² vs. ~526 cd/m² HDR) and vibrant colors, but its narrower viewing angles limit group viewing.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED Q80H:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (except 49″/50″ models), supporting 1080p/120Hz and VRR.
• Input Lag: ~9.8ms at 4K@60Hz, highly responsive.
• Features: FreeSync, ALLM, one HDMI 2.1 port (HDMI 4), and Samsung Gaming Hub, ideal for modern consoles.
• Game Mode: Maintains bright HDR visuals with low latency.
• LG OLED evo B9:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 1080p/120Hz but not 4K/120Hz due to HDMI 2.0.
• Input Lag: ~13.7ms at 4K@60Hz, slightly higher but still responsive.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync, four HDMI 2.0 ports.
• Game Mode: OLED’s near-instantaneous response time (~0.2ms) ensures crisp motion.

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung Q80H is superior for gaming with lower input lag (~9.8ms vs. ~13.7ms), VRR, FreeSync, and HDMI 2.1 support, ideal for modern consoles. The LG B9’s fast response time benefits motion clarity, but it lacks advanced gaming features.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED Q80H:
• 2.2.2-channel speakers with 60W output, supporting Object Tracking Sound and Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Frequency response extends to ~71 Hz, offering decent bass.
• Q-Symphony enhances audio with Samsung soundbars, but a soundbar is recommended.
• LG OLED evo B9:
• 2.2-channel speakers with 40W output, including a woofer, supporting Dolby Atmos natively.
• Frequency response extends to ~63 Hz, slightly better bass than Q80H.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio, but lacks weight without a soundbar.

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung Q80H offers more powerful audio (60W vs. 40W) and advanced Object Tracking Sound, while the LG B9’s native Dolby Atmos and woofer provide a slightly richer soundstage. Both benefit from a soundbar for cinematic audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED Q80H:
• Platform: Tizen OS, smooth 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 ports (one HDMI 2.1), two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet.
• AI Features: Basic AI upscaling and content recommendations.
• LG OLED evo B9:
• Platform: webOS, intuitive with Magic Remote, AirPlay, and HomeKit support.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• AI Features: ThinQ AI enhances picture, sound, and smart home integration.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG B9’s webOS with Magic Remote and built-in voice assistants is more intuitive, with AirPlay/HomeKit adding versatility. The Samsung Q80H’s Tizen is robust, and its HDMI 2.1 port enhances gaming connectivity.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED Q80H:
• Sleek design with thin bezels (~0.35 inches) and a central stand.
• Max thickness ~2.46 inches, heavier due to full-array backlight.
• Glossy screen with 1.3% total reflections, effective in bright rooms.
• LG OLED evo B9:
• Ultra-slim OLED design with thin bezels (~0.35 inches) and a pedestal stand.
• Max thickness ~1.89 inches, lightweight and ideal for wall-mounting.
• Glossy screen with 1.5% total reflections, slightly less effective.

Verdict on Design: The LG B9’s slimmer OLED design is more elegant and wall-mount-friendly, while the Samsung Q80H’s anti-reflective screen is better for bright rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2020 pricing for the Q80T and B9, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, 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 limited availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or Samsung/LG authorized dealers for exact prices.

Samsung QLED Q80H Prices

Based on Q80T pricing (RTINGS.com):

• 55-inch: $900–$1,100 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 117,000–143,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,400 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 75-inch: $1,600–$1,800 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 85-inch: $2,000–$2,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 260,000–286,000

LG OLED evo B9 Prices

Based on B9 pricing (RTINGS.com):

• 55-inch: $1,000–$1,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 65-inch: $1,500–$1,800 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 195,000–234,000
• 77-inch: $2,500–$3,000 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 325,000–390,000

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung Q80H is slightly more affordable at smaller sizes (~KSh 117,000 vs. ~KSh 130,000 for 55-inch), with broader size options. The LG B9 commands a premium for OLED quality, and its availability in Kenya may be limited due to its 2019 release.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED Q80H:
• Ideal For: Casual viewers, gamers, and those in bright living rooms. Its high brightness suits 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 117,000–286,000, seeking value and versatility.
• LG OLED evo B9:
• 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 cinematic experiences.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 130,000–390,000, willing to seek refurbished units for premium quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED evo B9

The LG OLED evo B9 is the superior choice for its exceptional picture quality, with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles (~47° vs. ~37°), making it ideal for cinematic experiences and group viewing in darker settings. Its Dolby Vision support and superior color accuracy (~96.27% vs. ~88.53% DCI-P3) enhance streaming and movie content, though its higher cost (~KSh 130,000–390,000) and burn-in risk may deter some buyers.

The Samsung QLED Q80H excels in bright rooms with higher brightness (~719 cd/m² vs. ~526 cd/m² HDR), vibrant colors, and advanced gaming features (VRR, FreeSync, HDMI 2.1), making it versatile for sports, gaming, and casual viewing. Its affordability (~KSh 117,000–286,000) and lack of burn-in risk add appeal, but narrower viewing angles limit its suitability for group settings.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED evo B9 if you prioritize premium picture quality for movies and group viewing in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 130,000–390,000, and can source a refurbished unit. Opt for the Samsung QLED Q80H if you need a brighter, more affordable TV (KSh 117,000–286,000) for gaming and well-lit rooms. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

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