LG QNED85 vs. Hisense U7G: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the LG QNED85 and Hisense U7G are two compelling mid-to-high-end options, each leveraging advanced display technologies. The LG QNED85, a 2022 QNED model with Mini-LED and NanoCell technology, offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The Hisense U7G, a 2021 QLED model with full-array local dimming, delivers deep blacks and impressive brightness at a competitive price. 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

LG QNED85

The LG QNED85 (2022 model, e.g., 75QNED85SQA) combines Mini-LED backlighting with NanoCell and quantum dot technology, using an IPS panel for wide viewing angles. Powered by the α7 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K and webOS, it’s designed for group viewing, streaming, and gaming in various lighting conditions, offering a premium experience with Dolby Vision.

Hisense U7G

The Hisense U7G (2021 model, e.g., 75U7G) is a QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming, and quantum dots, delivering high contrast and brightness. Running on Android TV, it’s optimized for dark-room viewing, gaming, and budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features, with support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG QNED85 (based on RTINGS.com and Versus.com data):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD with Mini-LED, NanoCell, and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~420 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~613 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), suitable for moderately lit rooms but less effective in very bright environments.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~1,000:1, enhanced to ~13,834:1 with local dimming (6 zones), but IPS panel results in grayish blacks.
• Color Performance: Covers ~80% of DCI-P3, with accurate colors enhanced by NanoCell’s nanoparticle filtering for pure hues.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~63° for color washout), ideal for group viewing in open spaces.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, enhancing streaming content like Netflix.
• Upscaling: α7 Gen 5 AI Processor delivers solid upscaling, enhancing SD/HD content with good clarity.
• Reflections: Semi-gloss finish with ~5.0% total reflections, decent for bright rooms but not as effective as anti-reflective coatings.
• Hisense U7G (based on RTINGS.com and Versus.com data):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with full-array local dimming and quantum dots.
• Brightness: ~630 cd/m² (SDR real scene), ~1,158 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: Native contrast ~4,426:1, enhanced to ~63,092:1 with local dimming (384 zones), delivering deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: Covers ~87.51% of DCI-P3 and ~64.21% of Rec.2020, offering vibrant colors but slightly less accurate than LG.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~26° for color washout), better for solo or small-group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, providing broad streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Decent upscaling, but less refined than LG, with minor softness in low-quality content (~7.5 vs. ~7.0 score).
• Reflections: Glossy finish with ~5.4% total reflections, slightly less effective than LG.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Hisense U7G outperforms in dark-room settings and bright environments with higher brightness (~1,158 cd/m² vs. ~613 cd/m² HDR) and superior contrast (~63,092:1 vs. ~13,834:1 with dimming), ideal for HDR content and movies. The LG QNED85 excels in group viewing with wide viewing angles (~63° vs. ~26°) and more accurate colors, but its lower contrast limits its cinematic depth.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG QNED85:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~9.8ms at 4K@60Hz, highly responsive for gaming.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, and Game Optimizer, ideal for modern consoles.
• Game Mode: Wide viewing angles enhance multiplayer gaming.
• Hisense U7G:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms at 4K@60Hz, less responsive than LG.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, and Game Bar, suitable for gaming but lacks LG’s optimization.
• Game Mode: High contrast enhances dark scenes, but narrower viewing angles limit multiplayer.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG QNED85 is better for gaming with lower input lag (~9.8ms vs. ~15.0ms) and Game Optimizer, making it ideal for fast-paced and multiplayer gaming. The Hisense U7G offers solid gaming performance but is less responsive, better suited for single-player or cinematic games.

3. Sound Quality

• LG QNED85:
• 2.0-channel speakers with 20W output, supporting Dolby Atmos via eARC and Dolby Digital Plus.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio for content, but lacks depth without a soundbar.
• Decent for small rooms, but a soundbar is recommended for immersive audio.
• Hisense U7G:
• 2.0-channel speakers with 20W output, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS Surround.
• Frequency response extends to ~80 Hz, offering slightly better bass than LG.
• Soundbar recommended for cinematic audio.

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs offer similar 20W audio with Dolby Atmos support via eARC, requiring a soundbar for immersive sound. The Hisense U7G’s DTS Surround provides a slight edge in bass, but the difference is minimal.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG QNED85:
• Platform: webOS, intuitive with Magic Remote, AirPlay, HomeKit, and app support (Netflix, YouTube).
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI ports (two HDMI 2.1), two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• AI Features: AI Picture Pro, AI Sound Pro, and ThinQ AI for smart home control.
• Hisense U7G:
• Platform: Android TV, robust with Chromecast, Google Play Store, and app support.
• Voice Assistants: Google Assistant built-in, Alexa via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI ports (two HDMI 2.1), two USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack, VGA connector.
• AI Features: Basic upscaling and content recommendations.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG QNED85’s webOS with Magic Remote and AirPlay/HomeKit support is more intuitive and family-friendly. The Hisense U7G’s Android TV offers broader app access and Chromecast, but its interface can feel cluttered. The U7G’s additional connectivity (3.5mm jack, VGA) adds versatility.

5. Design and Build

• LG QNED85:
• Sleek design with thin bezels (~0.4 inches) and a wider stand, VESA mount support.
• Max thickness ~1.77 inches, lightweight at ~40.1 kg (75-inch).
• Semi-gloss screen with decent reflection handling (~5.0% total reflections).
• Hisense U7G:
• Modern design with thin bezels (~0.4 inches) and a sturdy stand.
• Max thickness ~3.3 inches, lighter at ~35.2 kg (75-inch).
• Glossy screen with slightly worse reflection handling (~5.4% total reflections).

Verdict on Design: The LG QNED85’s slimmer profile and VESA mount support make it more elegant and wall-mount-friendly. The Hisense U7G’s lighter build and sturdy stand are practical, but its thicker design is less premium.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2021–2022 pricing for the QNED85 and U7G, 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 authorized LG/Hisense dealers for exact prices.

LG QNED85 Prices

Based on QNED85SQA pricing (B&H Photo, Versus.com):

• 55-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,100–$1,300 ≈ KSh 143,000–169,000
• 86-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

Hisense U7G Prices

Based on U7G pricing (B&H Photo, Versus.com):

• 55-inch: $650–$750 ≈ KSh 84,500–97,500
• 65-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 75-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000

Verdict on Cost: The Hisense U7G is more affordable, starting at ~KSh 84,500, offering excellent value for premium features. The LG QNED85, starting at ~KSh 104,000, is pricier but includes larger size options and a more polished design.

Target Audience

• LG QNED85:
• Ideal For: Families, social viewers, and those in bright or open living spaces. Its wide viewing angles suit Kenyan homes with large, social viewing areas.
• Use Case: Best for sports, streaming, and multiplayer gaming in moderately lit rooms.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 104,000–260,000, seeking group-friendly visuals and smart features.
• Hisense U7G:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, gamers, and budget-conscious buyers in darker or controlled lighting environments. Its high contrast and brightness suit dedicated movie or gaming setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, single-player gaming, and dark-room viewing.
• Budget: Targets buyers with KSh 84,500–130,000, prioritizing value and performance.

Final Verdict

Winner: Hisense U7G

The Hisense U7G takes the lead for its superior contrast (~63,092:1 vs. ~13,834:1 with dimming), higher brightness (~1,158 cd/m² vs. ~613 cd/m² HDR), and broader HDR support (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+), making it ideal for cinematic experiences and bright-room viewing. Its affordability (~KSh 84,500–130,000) and solid gaming features (120Hz, VRR) offer exceptional value for Kenyan buyers, though its narrower viewing angles (~26°) limit group viewing.

The LG QNED85 excels in group settings with wide viewing angles (~63°) and a polished webOS platform with Magic Remote, ideal for family gatherings and streaming. Its lower input lag (~9.8ms vs. ~15.0ms) enhances gaming, but its lower contrast and brightness reduce its HDR impact compared to the U7G.

Recommendation: Choose the Hisense U7G if you prioritize cinematic quality, bright-room performance, and value for movies and gaming, with a budget of KSh 84,500–130,000. Opt for the LG QNED85 if you need a group-friendly TV for sports and streaming in bright, open spaces, with a budget of KSh 104,000–260,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

AURORA’S QUEST FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST 2025 FULL EPISODE PART 1 AND PART 2 COMBINED