LG QNED80 vs. TCL Mini-LED 5-Series: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the LG QNED80 (2023 model, e.g., 65QNED80URA) and TCL Mini-LED 5-Series (2020 model, e.g., 65S535), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling mid-range options. The LG QNED80 combines quantum dot and NanoCell technology with edge-lit LED for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The TCL 5-Series, one of the early adopters of Mini-LED technology, delivers strong contrast and brightness at a budget-friendly price. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from sources like RTINGS.com and Versus.com.

Overview of the TVs

LG QNED80

The LG QNED80 (2023 model) is a 4K LED TV with an IPS panel, edge-lit local dimming (~6 zones), and quantum dot/NanoCell technology for enhanced color accuracy. Powered by the α5 Gen 6 AI Processor and webOS, it’s designed for group viewing, gaming, and streaming in bright rooms, with Dolby Vision support and a sleek design.

TCL Mini-LED 5-Series

The TCL 5-Series (2020 model, e.g., 65S535) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~60 zones). Running on Roku TV, it’s optimized for budget-conscious buyers seeking high contrast and vibrant visuals for home theater use, with Dolby Vision and solid HDR performance.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG QNED80 (2023) (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD with edge-lit local dimming (~6 zones).
• Brightness: ~485 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~343 cd/m² (SDR real scene), adequate for moderately lit rooms.
• Contrast: ~1,291:1 native, low due to IPS panel, resulting in grayish blacks and some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~89.47% DCI-P3, ~65.51% Rec.2020, accurate colors with NanoCell enhancement.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~38° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α5 Gen 6 AI Processor, moderate (~6.5/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Decent handling (~5.3% total reflections), susceptible to glare in bright rooms.
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series (2020) (based on RTINGS.com, Versus.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD with Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~60 zones).
• Brightness: ~700 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), brighter than LG, suitable for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~5,000:1 native, enhanced with dimming, delivering deeper blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~90% DCI-P3 (estimated), vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~28°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, matching LG’s streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Decent (~7.0/10), slightly better than LG for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~4.0% total reflections, estimated), better than LG.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL 5-Series outperforms with higher brightness (~700 cd/m² vs. ~485 cd/m²), better contrast (~5,000:1 vs. ~1,291:1), and less blooming due to Mini-LED and more dimming zones (~60 vs. ~6), making it ideal for bright rooms and cinematic content. The LG QNED80’s wide viewing angles (~38° vs. ~28°) suit group viewing, but its low contrast and blooming limit dark-room performance. Both support Dolby Vision, ensuring strong streaming compatibility.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG QNED80:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~13.9ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.5ms (4K@120Hz), responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, ideal for modern consoles.
• Game Mode: Wide angles enhance multiplayer gaming.
• TCL 5-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), less responsive.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: High contrast suits single-player games, but limited refresh rate.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG QNED80 is superior with 120Hz refresh, lower input lag (~13.9ms vs. ~15ms), and HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz gaming, ideal for PS5/Xbox Series X. The TCL 5-Series’ 60Hz limit and lack of VRR make it less suitable for modern gaming.

3. Sound Quality

• LG QNED80: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos via eARC, AI Sound Pro, adequate (~7.0/10 score).
• TCL 5-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 24W output (2 x 12W), Dolby Digital Plus, slightly better bass (~7.2/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The TCL 5-Series offers marginally better audio with higher power (24W vs. 20W). The LG’s Dolby Atmos support is a plus, but both TVs require a soundbar for immersive sound.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG QNED80: webOS, Magic Remote, AirPlay, HomeKit, Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• TCL 5-Series: Roku TV, Chromecast, Google Assistant/Alexa via third-party devices, four HDMI 2.0, one USB, Wi-Fi 5.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG QNED80’s webOS is intuitive with AirPlay/HomeKit and two HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. The TCL 5-Series’ Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface and broad app access, but its HDMI 2.0 ports limit next-gen gaming connectivity.

5. Design and Build

• LG QNED80: Slim (~1.19 inches, 55-inch), 0.50-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~18.4 kg (55-inch), decent reflection handling (~5.3%).
• TCL 5-Series: Thicker (~3.7 inches, 55-inch), 0.39-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~16.8 kg (55-inch), better reflection handling (~4.0%, estimated).

Verdict on Design: The LG QNED80’s slimmer profile is more elegant, but the TCL 5-Series’ lighter build and smaller bezels are practical, with slightly better reflection handling for brighter rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2023/2020 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 14, 2025, 07:29 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG QNED80 Prices (based on RTINGS.com, Versus.com)

• 50-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 55-inch: $700–$800 ≈ KSh 91,000–104,000
• 65-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 86-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Prices (based on Versus.com, RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $500–$600 ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 65-inch: $700–$800 ≈ KSh 91,000–104,000
• 75-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL 5-Series is more affordable (~KSh 65,000–156,000), offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The LG QNED80 (~KSh 78,000–260,000) is pricier, reflecting its newer technology and gaming features.

Target Audience

• LG QNED80:
• Ideal For: Families, gamers, and sports enthusiasts in moderately lit, open living spaces. Its wide viewing angles suit Kenyan homes with group viewing setups.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and streaming in varied lighting.
• Budget: KSh 78,000–260,000, for buyers seeking gaming and versatility.
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious cinephiles and viewers in brighter or controlled lighting. Its high contrast suits movie-focused setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for movies and streaming in bright rooms.
• Budget: KSh 65,000–156,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL Mini-LED 5-Series

The TCL Mini-LED 5-Series is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~700 cd/m² vs. ~485 cd/m²), better contrast (~5,000:1 vs. ~1,291:1), and more dimming zones (~60 vs. ~6), delivering vibrant visuals and deeper blacks for cinematic viewing in bright Kenyan homes. Its affordability (~KSh 65,000–156,000) and Roku TV interface enhance value, though its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of HDMI 2.1 limit gaming performance.

The LG QNED80 excels for gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate, lower input lag (~13.9ms vs. ~15ms), and HDMI 2.1, ideal for modern consoles and group viewing with wide angles (~38°). Its higher cost (~KSh 78,000–260,000) and low contrast make it less competitive for dark-room viewing.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL Mini-LED 5-Series for affordable, high-contrast viewing in bright rooms, with a budget of KSh 65,000–156,000, ideal for movies and streaming. Opt for the LG QNED80 for gaming and group viewing in moderately lit spaces, with a budget of KSh 78,000–260,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 14, 2025.

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