LG QNED85 vs. Hisense A9K: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a television in 2025, the LG QNED85 (2022 model, e.g., 65QNED85UQA) and Hisense A9K (2023 model, assumed as a continuation of the A6K/A7K series, e.g., 65A9K), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer contrasting options in the mid-range and budget segments. The LG QNED85, a Mini-LED QLED TV, combines wide viewing angles with vibrant colors, while the Hisense A9K, an entry-level LED TV, prioritizes affordability and basic performance. 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, WhatHiFi.com, and TechRadar.com.

Overview of the TVs

LG QNED85

The LG QNED85 (2022) is a 4K QLED TV with an IPS panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~120 zones for 65-inch). Powered by the α7 Gen 5 AI Processor and webOS 22, it’s designed for group viewing, gaming, and streaming, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 86-inch sizes.

Hisense A9K

The Hisense A9K (2023, assumed based on A6K/A7K lineage) is a 4K LED TV with a VA panel, direct LED backlighting, and no local dimming. Equipped with the Hi-View Engine and VIDAA U6 OS, it’s tailored for budget-conscious users seeking streaming and casual viewing, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG QNED85 (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: IPS LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~120 zones).
• Brightness: ~600 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~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, vibrant colors with quantum dots and NanoCell.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~70°), ideal for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG.
• Upscaling: α7 Gen 5 AI Processor, good (~6.5/10), effective for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.
• Hisense A9K (based on A6K data from WhatHiFi.com, TechRadar.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, direct LED, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~300 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), ~250 cd/m² (SDR), suited for dim rooms.
• Contrast: ~4,000:1 native, decent blacks but prone to backlight bleed.
• Color Performance: ~80% DCI-P3 (estimated), less vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, DTS Virtual:X.
• Upscaling: Hi-View Engine, poor (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~6.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG QNED85 outperforms with higher brightness (~600 cd/m² vs. ~300 cd/m²), better color vibrancy (~87% vs. ~80% DCI-P3), and ~120 dimming zones, reducing blooming for improved HDR in moderate lighting. Its wide viewing angles (~70° vs. ~25°) and better upscaling (~6.5/10 vs. ~4.8/10) make it ideal for group viewing and low-quality Kenyan broadcasts. The Hisense A9K’s VA panel offers better native contrast (~4,000:1 vs. ~1,200:1) for deeper blacks in dark rooms, but its lack of local dimming and lower brightness limit HDR impact. Both support Dolby Vision, but the LG’s Mini-LED technology provides superior versatility.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG QNED85:
• 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).
• Hisense A9K:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), adequate for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Basic response (~10.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The LG QNED85 is far superior for gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate, lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms), and VRR support via two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for PS5/Xbox Series X. The Hisense A9K’s 60Hz panel and lack of VRR limit it to casual gaming, unsuitable for next-gen consoles.

3. Sound Quality

• LG QNED85: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• Hisense A9K: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, DTS Virtual:X, adequate (~6.0/10 score).

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

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG QNED85: webOS 22, Magic Remote, AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• Hisense A9K: VIDAA U6, Google Assistant/Alexa, three HDMI 2.0, two USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG QNED85’s webOS 22 is intuitive with AirPlay 2 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, ideal for gaming and smart home integration. The Hisense A9K’s VIDAA U6 offers a fluid interface with Chromecast and broad app access, but its HDMI 2.0 ports limit gaming connectivity. Both support voice assistants, but LG’s platform is more versatile.

5. Design and Build

• LG QNED85: Slim (~2.3 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×400, ~24.5 kg, good reflections (~5.0%).
• Hisense A9K: Thicker (~3.2 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×200, ~18.5 kg, moderate reflections (~6.0%).

Verdict on Design: The LG QNED85’s slimmer profile enhances aesthetics for wall-mounting in Kenyan homes, with better reflection handling. The Hisense A9K’s lighter weight aids installation but its thicker design is less elegant.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022/2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 7:44 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG QNED85 Prices (based on RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 65-inch: $1,000–$1,100 ≈ KSh 130,000–143,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000

Hisense A9K Prices (based on A6K data, WhatHiFi.com)

• 55-inch: $350–$450 ≈ KSh 45,500–58,500
• 65-inch: $500–$600 ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 75-inch: $700–$800 ≈ KSh 91,000–104,000

Verdict on Cost: The Hisense A9K is significantly more affordable (~KSh 45,500–104,000 vs. ~KSh 104,000–182,000), offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The LG QNED85’s higher cost reflects its Mini-LED technology and advanced features.

Target Audience

• LG QNED85:
• 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 104,000–182,000, for buyers prioritizing versatility.
• Hisense A9K:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious viewers in dim rooms. Its affordability and decent contrast suit solo or small-group streaming.
• Use Case: Ideal for basic streaming and casual viewing in direct seating setups.
• Budget: KSh 45,500–104,000, for cost-sensitive buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG QNED85

The LG QNED85 is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~600 cd/m² vs. ~300 cd/m²), wide viewing angles (~70° vs. ~25°), and better upscaling (~6.5/10 vs. ~4.8/10), making it ideal for group viewing and low-quality Kenyan broadcasts in moderate lighting. Its ~120 dimming zones and 120Hz refresh rate with VRR enhance HDR and gaming performance, though its higher cost (~KSh 104,000–182,000) and grayish blacks are drawbacks.

The Hisense A9K offers better native contrast (~4,000:1) for deeper blacks in dim rooms and exceptional value (~KSh 45,500–104,000), with Dolby Vision support for streaming. However, its low brightness, lack of local dimming, and 60Hz panel limit its HDR and gaming capabilities.

Recommendation: Choose the LG QNED85 for versatile HDR, gaming, and group viewing in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 104,000–182,000. Opt for the Hisense A9K for budget-friendly streaming in dim rooms, with a budget of KSh 45,500–104,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 19, 2025.

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