LG NanoCell 90T vs. TCL QM6K Roku TV: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a television in 2025, the LG NanoCell 90T (2024 model, e.g., 55NANO90TUA, assumed as a continuation of LG’s NanoCell 90 series) and TCL QM6K Roku TV (2025 model, e.g., 65QM6K), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, represent contrasting options in the mid-range and budget segments. The LG NanoCell 90T, an LED TV with NanoCell technology, offers wide viewing angles and gaming features, while the TCL QM6K, a Mini-LED QLED, delivers impressive contrast and affordability. 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, CNET.com, and TechRadar.com.

Overview of the TVs

LG NanoCell 90T

The LG NanoCell 90T (2024, assumed based on NanoCell 90 series, e.g., 55NANO90UPA) is a 4K LED TV with an IPS panel, full-array local dimming (~32–40 zones), and NanoCell technology for enhanced colors. Powered by the α7 Gen 7 AI Processor and webOS 24, it’s designed for group viewing and gaming, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 86-inch sizes.

TCL QM6K Roku TV

The TCL QM6K (2025) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~500 zones). Equipped with the AiPQ Engine and Google TV, it’s optimized for budget-conscious buyers seeking HDR performance, available in 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG NanoCell 90T (based on 2021 NANO90 data from RTINGS.com, adjusted for 2024 updates):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, NanoCell, full-array local dimming (~32–40 zones).
• Brightness: ~600 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), ~450 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~1,200:1 native, ~2,500:1 with dimming, grayish blacks due to IPS, some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~87% DCI-P3 (estimated), vibrant colors with NanoCell.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~70°), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG.
• Upscaling: α7 Gen 7 AI Processor, good (~6.5/10), effective for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.
• TCL QM6K Roku TV (based on RTINGS.com, CNET.com, TechRadar.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~500 zones).
• Brightness: ~600–700 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~500 cd/m² (SDR), good for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~10,000:1 with dimming, ~5,000:1 native, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~94.7% DCI-P3, ~71.2% Rec.2020, vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG, IMAX Enhanced.
• Upscaling: AiPQ Engine, fair (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~5.5% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL QM6K outperforms with higher contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~2,500:1), deeper blacks, and a wider color gamut (~94.7% vs. ~87% DCI-P3), making it ideal for HDR content in bright or dark Kenyan rooms. Its ~500 dimming zones reduce blooming compared to the LG’s ~32–40 zones. The LG NanoCell 90T excels with wide viewing angles (~70° vs. ~25°), perfect for group viewing, and better upscaling (~6.5/10 vs. ~4.8/10) for low-quality local broadcasts. Both support Dolby Vision, but TCL’s HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced add versatility. The TCL wins for HDR and contrast, while the LG is better for group settings.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG NanoCell 90T:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.0ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), ~5.0ms (4K@120Hz), responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, Game Optimizer, no FreeSync/G-SYNC.
• Game Mode: Good response (~4.5ms 80% response time).
• TCL QM6K:
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, 4K/120Hz or 1080p/288Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), ~8.0ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, Game Accelerator (up to 288Hz at lower resolutions).
• Game Mode: Good response (~5.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The LG NanoCell 90T is better for gaming with lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms), making it more responsive for console gaming like PS5/Xbox Series X. The TCL QM6K’s higher refresh rate (144Hz vs. 120Hz) and 288Hz Game Accelerator benefit PC gamers, but its higher input lag is a drawback. Both support VRR and ALLM, but LG’s responsiveness gives it the edge.

3. Sound Quality

• LG NanoCell 90T: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• TCL QM6K: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, adequate (~6.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs offer similar audio with 20W output, suitable for small rooms. The LG’s Dolby Atmos enhances immersion slightly, while the TCL’s DTS Virtual:X adds virtual surround. A soundbar is recommended for both to achieve cinematic audio in Kenyan homes.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG NanoCell 90T: webOS 24, Magic Remote, AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• TCL QM6K: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG NanoCell 90T’s webOS 24 is intuitive with AirPlay 2 and an extra USB port, ideal for smart home integration in Kenyan households. The TCL QM6K’s Google TV offers extensive app access (>5,000 apps) and Chromecast, but its interface can be less polished. Both have two HDMI 2.1 ports, sufficient for gaming and streaming.

5. Design and Build

• LG NanoCell 90T: Slim (~2.3 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×400, ~24.5 kg, good reflections (~5.0%).
• TCL QM6K: Thicker (~2.8 inches, 65-inch), 0.25-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~20.5 kg, moderate reflections (~5.5%).

Verdict on Design: The LG NanoCell 90T’s slimmer profile enhances aesthetics for wall-mounting, with better reflection handling. The TCL QM6K’s lighter weight and narrower bezels aid practicality but its thicker design is less elegant.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2024/2025 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 7:23 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG NanoCell 90T Prices (based on 2021 NANO90 adjusted, RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,100–$1,200 ≈ KSh 143,000–156,000
• 75-inch: $1,500–$1,700 ≈ KSh 195,000–221,000

TCL QM6K Roku TV Prices (based on TechRadar.com, CNET.com)

• 55-inch: $500–$600 ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 65-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 75-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL QM6K is more affordable (~KSh 65,000–156,000 vs. ~KSh 117,000–221,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers. The LG NanoCell 90T’s higher cost reflects its advanced processing and viewing angles.

Target Audience

• LG NanoCell 90T:
• Ideal For: Families and casual gamers in moderately lit rooms. Its wide viewing angles and upscaling suit group viewing and low-quality content in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Best for sports, news, gaming, and group viewing.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–221,000, for buyers prioritizing versatility.
• TCL QM6K Roku TV:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious cinephiles and gamers in bright or dark rooms. Its high contrast and HDR support suit movie-focused setups and solo viewing.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, gaming, and bright-room viewing.
• Budget: KSh 65,000–156,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL QM6K Roku TV

The TCL QM6K Roku TV is the superior choice for its higher contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~2,500:1), vibrant colors (~94.7% DCI-P3), and ~500 dimming zones, delivering impressive HDR performance for bright or dark Kenyan rooms. Its affordability (~KSh 65,000–156,000), 144Hz refresh rate, and broad HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced) make it a compelling value option for movies and gaming. However, its narrow viewing angles (~25°) and weaker upscaling (~4.8/10) limit its suitability for group viewing and low-quality content.

The LG NanoCell 90T excels with wide viewing angles (~70°), better upscaling (~6.5/10), and lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms), making it ideal for group viewing and responsive gaming in moderate lighting. Its IPS panel’s lower contrast and blooming are drawbacks, and its higher cost (~KSh 117,000–221,000) reduces its value compared to the TCL.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL QM6K Roku TV for vibrant HDR visuals, gaming, and budget-friendly performance in bright or dark rooms, with a budget of KSh 65,000–156,000. Opt for the LG NanoCell 90T for group viewing and low-quality content in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 117,000–221,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 19, 2025.

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