LG QNED90 vs. TCL QM8: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the LG QNED90 (2021 model, e.g., 65QNED90UQA) and TCL QM8 (2023 model, e.g., 65QM850G), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling Mini-LED options with distinct strengths. The LG QNED90 combines NanoCell and quantum dot technology for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, while the TCL QM8 excels in brightness and contrast for a near-OLED 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, PerfectRec.com, and TVsBook.com.

Overview of the TVs

LG QNED90

The LG QNED90 (2021) is a 4K QLED TV with an IPS panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~2,500 zones for 75-inch). Powered by the α7 Gen 4 AI Processor and webOS, it’s designed for group viewing, gaming, and news, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 86-inch sizes.

TCL QM8

The TCL QM8 (2023, QM850G) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~2,300 zones). Equipped with the AIPQ Engine and Google TV, it’s optimized for bright rooms, movies, and gaming, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG QNED90 (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~2,500 zones for 75-inch, fewer for smaller sizes).
• Brightness: ~600 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~500 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~5,600:1 with dimming, grayish blacks due to IPS, some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~79% DCI-P3, ~56% Rec.2020, vibrant colors with NanoCell.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~77°), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, enhancing streaming content.
• Upscaling: α7 Gen 4 AI Processor, good (~7.5/10), effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~6.0% total reflections), glossy finish.
• TCL QM8 (based on RTINGS.com, PerfectRec.com, TVsBook.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~2,300 zones).
• Brightness: ~2,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~1,000 cd/m² (SDR), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~8,000:1 with dimming, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~82% DCI-P3, ~60% Rec.2020, slightly more vibrant with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~54°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: AIPQ Engine, fair (~4.8/10), less effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~9.0/10 score), anti-reflective coating.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL QM8 excels with significantly higher brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~600 cd/m²), better contrast (~8,000:1 vs. ~5,600:1), and superior reflection handling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.0/10), making it ideal for bright Kenyan homes and HDR movies. Its VA panel delivers deeper blacks with less blooming. The LG QNED90’s IPS panel offers wider viewing angles (~77° vs. ~54°), perfect for group viewing, and its upscaling (~7.5/10 vs. ~4.8/10) enhances low-quality content like local broadcasts. The TCL’s broader HDR support (HDR10+) adds versatility.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG QNED90:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~8.0/10 score (~10ms at 4K@60Hz, estimated), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, Game Optimizer.
• Game Mode: Wide angles enhance multiplayer gaming.
• TCL QM8:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 240Hz VRR with Game Accelerator), 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~7.7/10 score (~12ms at 4K@60Hz, estimated), slightly less responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, Game Accelerator 240.
• Game Mode: Fast response for consoles.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG QNED90 has a slight edge with lower input lag (~8.0/10 vs. ~7.7/10), four HDMI 2.1 ports (vs. two), and Game Optimizer, making it ideal for versatile gaming setups. The TCL QM8’s 240Hz VRR capability is a bonus for PC gamers, but its fewer HDMI 2.1 ports limit connectivity. Both support FreeSync and ALLM, ensuring smooth gameplay.

3. Sound Quality

• LG QNED90: 2.2-channel speakers, 40W output, Dolby Atmos, AI Sound Pro, good (~7.0/10 score).
• TCL QM8: 2.1-channel speakers, 40W output, Dolby Atmos, good (~7.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs offer comparable audio with 40W output and Dolby Atmos, suitable for small rooms. The LG’s AI Sound Pro slightly enhances dialogue clarity, but both benefit from a soundbar for immersive audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG QNED90: webOS, Magic Remote, AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• TCL QM8: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, three HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG QNED90’s webOS is fluid with AirPlay 2 and four HDMI 2.1 ports, ideal for smart homes and gaming. The TCL QM8’s Google TV offers broader app access and Google Cast, but its fewer HDMI ports and occasionally quirky OS (e.g., delayed app responses) are drawbacks.

5. Design and Build

• LG QNED90: Slim (~1.1 inches, 65-inch), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 400×400, ~57.8 lbs (65-inch), moderate reflection handling (~6.0/10).
• TCL QM8: Slim (~1.73 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×400, ~50.1 lbs (65-inch), excellent reflection handling (~9.0/10).

Verdict on Design: The LG QNED90’s slimmer profile enhances wall-mounting aesthetics in Kenyan homes, but the TCL QM8’s lighter weight and superior reflection handling make it more practical for bright rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2021/2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 18, 2025, 6:30 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG QNED90 Prices (based on PerfectRec.com, adjusted)

• 55-inch: $800–$1,000 ≈ KSh 104,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,500–$1,800 ≈ KSh 195,000–234,000

TCL QM8 Prices (based on PerfectRec.com, TVsBook.com)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,100 ≈ KSh 117,000–143,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 75-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL QM8 is slightly more expensive for similar sizes (~KSh 117,000–208,000 vs. ~KSh 104,000–234,000), but its pricing is competitive given its performance. The LG QNED90 offers better value for smaller sizes and a broader size range.

Target Audience

• LG QNED90:
• Ideal For: Families, gamers, and news viewers in moderately lit rooms. Its wide viewing angles and upscaling suit group viewing and low-quality content like Kenyan broadcasts.
• Use Case: Best for news, sports, gaming, and group setups in varied lighting.
• Budget: KSh 104,000–234,000, for buyers prioritizing versatility and value.
• TCL QM8:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and gamers in bright rooms. Its high brightness and contrast suit HDR movies and gaming in well-lit Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Ideal for movies, HDR content, and gaming in bright environments.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–208,000, for buyers seeking premium picture quality.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL QM8

The TCL QM8 is the superior choice for its exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~600 cd/m²), better contrast (~8,000:1 vs. ~5,600:1), and excellent reflection handling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.0/10), making it ideal for bright Kenyan living spaces and HDR movie viewing. Its Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support enhance streaming, and its 240Hz VRR capability is a boon for PC gamers, though it has fewer HDMI 2.1 ports and weaker upscaling (~4.8/10 vs. ~7.5/10). Its competitive pricing (~KSh 117,000–208,000) adds value.

The LG QNED90 excels for group viewing with wide angles (~77° vs. ~54°), superior upscaling (~7.5/10), and four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for news, sports, and gaming in moderately lit rooms. Its lower brightness and blooming issues are drawbacks, but its affordability (~KSh 104,000–234,000) and sleek design appeal to value-conscious buyers.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL QM8 for vibrant HDR visuals and gaming in bright rooms, with a budget of KSh 117,000–208,000. Opt for the LG QNED90 for group viewing, news, and versatile gaming in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 104,000–234,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 18, 2025.

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