Samsung QLED Q70F vs. LG OLED C8: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung QLED Q70F and LG OLED C8 are two compelling options from 2018 that remain relevant in secondary or refurbished markets. The Samsung Q70F, a QLED TV with quantum dot technology, offers bright visuals and gaming features, while the LG C8, an OLED TV, delivers 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 Q70F

The Samsung QLED Q70F (likely a 2018 model, similar to the Q70R cited in sources) is a mid-range 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming, and quantum dots. It uses the Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content consumption, with no risk of burn-in.

LG OLED C8

The LG OLED C8, a 2018 flagship OLED, features a WOLED panel with the α9 Intelligent Processor, offering pixel-level dimming for infinite contrast. Running on webOS, it’s optimized for dark-room viewing, movies, and group settings, though it carries a risk of burn-in with prolonged static content.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED Q70F (based on Q70R data from RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~449 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~747 cd/m² (HDR real scene), ideal for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~7,250:1, enhanced to ~8,056:1 with local dimming, delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~87.83% of DCI-P3 and ~65.37% of Rec.2020, offering vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~28° 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, though less refined than OLED for low-resolution content.
• Reflections: Semi-gloss screen with 5.3% total reflections, decent but not ideal in bright rooms.
• LG OLED C8 (based on RTINGS.com data):
• Panel Type: WOLED with self-emissive pixels.
• Brightness: ~318 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~666 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 ~96.64% of DCI-P3 and ~70.44% of Rec.2020, with superior color accuracy.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~48° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α9 processor excels at upscaling, rendering SD/HD content cleanly.
• Reflections: Glossy screen with 1.3% total reflections, excellent reflection handling.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG C8 outperforms in dark-room settings with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles, ideal for cinematic content. The Samsung Q70F excels in bright rooms with higher brightness (~747 cd/m² vs. ~666 cd/m² HDR) and vibrant colors, but its narrower viewing angles limit group viewing.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QLED Q70F:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (except 49-inch), supporting 1080p/120Hz and VRR.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms at 4K@60Hz, responsive for gaming.
• Features: FreeSync, ALLM, and four HDMI 2.0 ports (no HDMI 2.1), ideal for older consoles.
• Game Mode: Maintains bright visuals with low latency.
• LG OLED C8:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 1080p/120Hz but not 4K/120Hz due to HDMI 2.0.
• Input Lag: ~21.1ms 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 Q70F is better for gaming with lower input lag (~15.0ms vs. ~21.1ms) and FreeSync/VRR support, ideal for older consoles or PC gaming. The LG C8’s fast response time benefits motion clarity, but it lacks VRR.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QLED Q70F:
• 2.1-channel speakers with 40W output, supporting Dolby Atmos via eARC.
• Frequency response with low extension to 71.27 Hz, offering decent bass.
• Q-Symphony (if compatible) enhances audio with Samsung soundbars, but a soundbar is recommended.
• LG OLED C8:
• 2.2-channel speakers with 40W output, including a woofer, supporting Dolby Atmos natively.
• Frequency response extends to 63.50 Hz, slightly better bass than Q70F.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio, but lacks weight without a soundbar.

Verdict on Sound: The LG C8 offers slightly better bass and native Dolby Atmos, providing a marginally richer soundstage. Both TVs benefit from a soundbar for immersive audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QLED Q70F:
• Platform: Tizen OS (2018 version), smooth with Smart Hub, Netflix, YouTube, and Samsung TV Plus.
• Voice Assistants: Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet.
• AI Features: Basic AI upscaling and content recommendations.
• LG OLED C8:
• Platform: webOS 4.0, intuitive with Magic Remote, Netflix, YouTube, and AirPlay/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 C8’s webOS with Magic Remote is more intuitive, and built-in voice assistants add convenience. The Samsung Q70F’s Tizen is robust but slightly less user-friendly.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QLED Q70F:
• Matte black finish with thin bezels (~0.4 inches) and a central stand.
• Max thickness ~2.5 inches, heavier due to full-array backlight.
• Semi-gloss screen with moderate reflection handling (5.3% total reflections).
• LG OLED C8:
• Ultra-slim OLED design with thin bezels (~0.35 inches) and a pedestal stand.
• Max thickness ~1.89 inches, sleek and lightweight.
• Glossy screen with excellent reflection handling (1.3% total reflections).

Verdict on Design: The LG C8’s slimmer profile and better reflection handling give it a premium aesthetic, ideal for wall-mounting. The Samsung Q70F’s design is solid but less elegant.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2018 pricing for the Q70R and C8, 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 Q70F Prices

Based on Q70R pricing (RTINGS.com, B&H Photo):

• 55-inch: $800–$1,000 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 104,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,400–$1,600 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 85-inch: $1,800–$2,000 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

LG OLED C8 Prices

Based on C8 pricing (RTINGS.com, Consumer Reports):

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,500 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 156,000–195,000
• 65-inch: $1,800–$2,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 234,000–286,000
• 77-inch: $3,000–$3,500 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 390,000–455,000

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung Q70F is more affordable, starting at ~KSh 104,000, and likely easier to source in Kenya’s secondary market. The LG C8, starting at ~KSh 156,000, commands a premium for its OLED quality and may be harder to find.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED Q70F:
• 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 104,000–260,000, seeking value and reliability.
• LG OLED C8:
• 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 156,000–455,000, willing to seek refurbished units for premium quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED C8

The LG OLED C8 is the superior choice for its exceptional picture quality, with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide viewing angles (~48° vs. ~28°), making it ideal for cinematic experiences and group viewing in darker settings. Its Dolby Vision support, superior upscaling, and intuitive webOS enhance streaming and movie content, though its higher cost (~KSh 156,000–455,000) and burn-in risk are drawbacks.

The Samsung QLED Q70F excels in bright rooms with higher brightness (~747 cd/m² vs. ~666 cd/m² HDR) and vibrant colors, making it versatile for sports, gaming, and casual viewing. Its lower input lag (~15.0ms vs. ~21.1ms), FreeSync/VRR, and affordability (~KSh 104,000–260,000) make it appealing, but narrower viewing angles and lack of Dolby Vision limit its versatility.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED C8 if you prioritize premium picture quality for movies and group viewing in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 156,000–455,000, and can source a refurbished unit. Opt for the Samsung QLED Q70F if you need a brighter, more affordable TV (KSh 104,000–260,000) for well-lit rooms and gaming. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

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