LG NanoCell 85 Series vs. Sony Bravia XR A80L: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the LG NanoCell 85 Series (2020 model, e.g., 55NANO85UNA) and Sony Bravia XR A80L (2023 model, e.g., XR-55A80L), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, represent contrasting options in the mid-to-premium range. The LG NanoCell 85 Series, an LED TV with NanoCell technology, offers vibrant colors and gaming features at a budget-friendly price. The Sony A80L, an OLED TV, delivers perfect blacks and cinematic visuals for a premium experience. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com and other sources.

Overview of the TVs

LG NanoCell 85 Series

The LG NanoCell 85 Series (2020) is a 4K LED TV with an IPS panel, edge-lit local dimming (~12 zones), and NanoCell technology for enhanced color purity. Powered by the α7 Gen 3 AI Processor and webOS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and group viewing, available in 49-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes.

Sony Bravia XR A80L

The Sony Bravia XR A80L (2023) is a 4K OLED TV with a WOLED panel, featuring self-lit pixels and the Cognitive Processor XR. Running on Google TV, it’s optimized for cinematic viewing and gaming, with Acoustic Surface Audio+, available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG NanoCell 85 Series (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, edge-lit local dimming (~12 zones).
• Brightness: ~305 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~267 cd/m² (SDR real scene), adequate for moderately lit rooms.
• Contrast: ~1,558:1 native, ~1,697:1 with dimming, grayish blacks due to IPS, with some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~84.67% DCI-P3, ~62.56% Rec.2020, vibrant colors with NanoCell.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~30° for color washout), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, supporting streaming content.
• Upscaling: α7 Gen 3 AI Processor, decent (~6.5/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~3.3% total reflections), suitable for bright rooms.
• Sony Bravia XR A80L (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: WOLED, self-lit pixels, no backlight.
• Brightness: ~654 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~349 cd/m² (SDR real scene), better for controlled lighting.
• Contrast: Infinite, perfect blacks with no blooming.
• Color Performance: ~98.81% DCI-P3, ~72.83% Rec.2020, more vibrant and accurate (post-calibration dE ~0.79).
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~64°), excellent for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, matching LG’s streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: Cognitive Processor XR, excellent (~9.0/10), superior for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~1.8% total reflections), glossy finish, effective in varied lighting.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Sony A80L significantly outperforms with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and vibrant colors (~98.81% vs. ~84.67% DCI-P3), ideal for cinematic viewing in controlled lighting. Its superior upscaling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.5/10) enhances low-quality content, and its brighter HDR performance (~654 cd/m² vs. ~305 cd/m²) makes highlights pop. The LG NanoCell 85’s wide viewing angles (~30°) and decent brightness suit bright rooms, but its low contrast and blooming limit dark-room performance.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG NanoCell 85 Series:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.2ms (4K@120Hz), responsive.
• Features: VRR (buggy), FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM.
• Game Mode: Wide angles enhance multiplayer gaming.
• Sony Bravia XR A80L:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~16.7ms (4K@60Hz), ~8.8ms (4K@120Hz), slightly less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimizations (Auto HDR Tone Mapping), no FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Smooth motion, ideal for single-player games.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG NanoCell 85 has a slight edge with lower input lag (~15.0ms vs. ~16.7ms) and broader VRR support (FreeSync, G-SYNC), making it more versatile for PC and console gaming. The Sony A80L’s PS5 optimizations are a plus, but its higher input lag and fewer gaming features make it less ideal for competitive gaming.

3. Sound Quality

• LG NanoCell 85 Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos via eARC, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• Sony Bravia XR A80L: Acoustic Surface Audio+, 50W output (20W + 20W + 10W + 10W), Dolby Atmos via eARC, excellent (~8.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Sony A80L’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ (50W vs. 20W) delivers immersive sound with the screen acting as a speaker, offering precise audio placement. The LG NanoCell 85’s audio is basic, requiring a soundbar for comparable performance.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG NanoCell 85 Series: webOS, Magic Remote, AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), three USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• Sony Bravia XR A80L: Google TV, Chromecast, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG NanoCell 85’s webOS is intuitive with AirPlay/HomeKit and an extra USB port, ideal for smart home integration. The Sony A80L’s Google TV offers broader app access and Bravia Core for high-bitrate streaming, but its interface can feel less cohesive. Both have two HDMI 2.1 ports, suitable for gaming.

5. Design and Build

• LG NanoCell 85 Series: Slim (~2.17 inches, 55-inch), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~16.3 kg (55-inch), good reflection handling (~3.3%).
• Sony Bravia XR A80L: Thicker (~2.05 inches, 55-inch), 0.31-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~18.4 kg (55-inch), good reflection handling (~1.8%).

Verdict on Design: The LG NanoCell 85 is slimmer, aiding wall-mounting in Kenyan homes, but the Sony A80L’s smaller bezels and glossy finish give it a premium look. The Sony’s superior reflection handling (~1.8% vs. ~3.3%) is better for bright rooms, though both perform well.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2020/2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 17, 2025, 10:04 AM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG NanoCell 85 Series Prices (based on RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $500–$600 ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 65-inch: $700–$800 ≈ KSh 91,000–104,000
• 75-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000

Sony Bravia XR A80L Prices (based on RTINGS.com, WhatHiFi.com)

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 65-inch: $1,600–$1,800 ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 77-inch: $2,200–$2,500 ≈ KSh 286,000–325,000
• 83-inch: $3,000–$3,500 ≈ KSh 390,000–455,000

Verdict on Cost: The LG NanoCell 85 is significantly more affordable (~KSh 65,000–130,000 vs. ~KSh 156,000–455,000), offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The Sony A80L’s premium pricing reflects its OLED technology and advanced processing.

Target Audience

• LG NanoCell 85 Series:
• Ideal For: Families, gamers, and budget-conscious viewers in bright rooms. Its wide viewing angles and gaming features suit Kenyan homes with group setups and casual gaming.
• Use Case: Best for sports, gaming, and streaming in moderately lit environments.
• Budget: KSh 65,000–130,000, for cost-sensitive buyers seeking versatility.
• Sony Bravia XR A80L:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and premium gamers in controlled lighting. Its perfect blacks and immersive audio suit dedicated home theaters and PS5 users.
• Use Case: Ideal for movies, HDR content, and single-player gaming in darker rooms.
• Budget: KSh 156,000–455,000, for buyers prioritizing cinematic quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: Sony Bravia XR A80L

The Sony Bravia XR A80L is the superior choice for its infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and vibrant colors (~98.81% vs. ~84.67% DCI-P3), delivering a cinematic experience unmatched by LED TVs. Its superior upscaling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.5/10), immersive Acoustic Surface Audio+ (50W vs. 20W), and wide viewing angles (~64°) make it ideal for movies and HDR content in controlled lighting. Despite its higher cost (~KSh 156,000–455,000), it’s a premium investment for Kenyan cinephiles and PS5 gamers.

The LG NanoCell 85 Series offers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles (~30°), and solid gaming performance (lower input lag ~15.0ms vs. ~16.7ms) at a fraction of the cost (~KSh 65,000–130,000). Its edge-lit dimming and lower contrast limit its dark-room performance, but it’s a strong value option for bright rooms and casual use.

Recommendation: Choose the Sony Bravia XR A80L for cinematic viewing and premium gaming in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 156,000–455,000. Opt for the LG NanoCell 85 Series for affordable, versatile performance in bright rooms, with a budget of KSh 65,000–130,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 17, 2025.

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