LG NanoCell 85T vs. Sony Bravia XR A80M: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a television in 2025, the LG NanoCell 85T (2024 model, assumed as a continuation of the NanoCell 85 series, e.g., 65NANO85TUA) and Sony Bravia XR A80M (2024 model, assumed as an evolution of the A80L series, e.g., XR-65A80M), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer distinct options in the mid-to-high-end segment. The LG NanoCell 85T, an LED TV with NanoCell technology, delivers wide viewing angles and vibrant colors, while the Sony A80M, a WOLED TV, excels in cinematic contrast and processing. 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, adjusted for 2024 models.

Overview of the TVs

LG NanoCell 85T

The LG NanoCell 85T (2024, assumed based on NanoCell 85 series) 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 casual gaming, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 86-inch sizes.

Sony Bravia XR A80M

The Sony A80M (2024, assumed based on A80L lineage) is a 4K WOLED TV with self-lit pixels, powered by the Cognitive Processor XR and Google TV. Optimized for cinematic viewing and PS5 gaming, it’s available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes, ideal for controlled lighting environments.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• LG NanoCell 85T (based on NanoCell 85 data, adjusted for 2024, RTINGS.com):
• 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, 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.
• Sony Bravia XR A80M (based on A80L data, adjusted, RTINGS.com, WhatHiFi.com):
• Panel Type: WOLED, self-lit pixels.
• Brightness: ~800 cd/m² (HDR 10% window, estimated), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), suited for controlled lighting.
• Contrast: Infinite, perfect blacks, no blooming.
• Color Performance: ~95% DCI-P3, ~70% Rec.2020, highly vibrant and accurate colors.
• Viewing Angles: Wide (~63°), excellent for group viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, IMAX Enhanced.
• Upscaling: Cognitive Processor XR, excellent (~9.0/10), superior for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.5% total reflections), glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Sony A80M excels with infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and no blooming, delivering a cinematic HDR experience ideal for controlled lighting in Kenyan homes. Its superior upscaling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.5/10) and vibrant colors (~95% vs. ~87% DCI-P3) enhance low-quality Kenyan broadcasts and streaming. The LG NanoCell 85T offers slightly wider viewing angles (~70° vs. ~63°) and comparable brightness (~600 cd/m²), suitable for moderate lighting, but its IPS panel’s lower contrast and blooming limit dark-room performance. The Sony’s OLED technology dominates for cinematic quality.

2. Gaming Performance

• LG NanoCell 85T:
• 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).
• Sony Bravia XR A80M:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~16.7ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), ~8.2ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimizations (Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode).
• Game Mode: Near-instantaneous response (~0.5ms).

Verdict on Gaming: The LG NanoCell 85T is better for gaming with lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~16.7ms), making it more responsive for PS5/Xbox Series X. The Sony A80M’s faster pixel response (~0.5ms vs. ~4.5ms) and PS5-specific features reduce motion blur, but its higher input lag is a drawback. Both support VRR and 4K/120Hz, but LG’s responsiveness gives it the edge.

3. Sound Quality

• LG NanoCell 85T: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• Sony Bravia XR A80M: 2.2-channel speakers, 50W output, Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+, good (~7.5/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Sony A80M’s 50W Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers more immersive sound by using the screen as a speaker, outperforming the LG NanoCell 85T’s 20W setup. Both support Dolby Atmos, but a soundbar is recommended for larger Kenyan rooms.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• LG NanoCell 85T: webOS 24, Magic Remote, AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5.
• Sony Bravia XR A80M: Google TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), two USB, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast, Bravia Core streaming.

Verdict on Smart Features: The LG NanoCell 85T’s webOS 24 is fluid with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, ideal for smart home integration. The Sony A80M’s Google TV offers broader app access (>5,000 apps) and Bravia Core for high-bitrate streaming, with Chromecast adding versatility. Both have two HDMI 2.1 ports, sufficient for gaming, but LG’s platform is slightly more intuitive.

5. Design and Build

• LG NanoCell 85T: Slim (~2.3 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×400, ~24.5 kg, good reflections (~5.0%).
• Sony Bravia XR A80M: Slim (~1.4 inches, 65-inch), 0.3-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~24.2 kg, excellent reflections (~1.5%).

Verdict on Design: The Sony A80M’s slimmer profile and narrower bezels enhance aesthetics, with superior reflection handling (~1.5% vs. ~5.0%) for brighter Kenyan rooms. The LG NanoCell 85T’s design is functional but less sleek.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022/2024 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 20, 2025, 6:42 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

LG NanoCell 85T Prices (based on NanoCell 85 data, 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

Sony Bravia XR A80M Prices (based on A80L data, WhatHiFi.com)

• 55-inch: $1,600–$1,800 ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 65-inch: $1,900–$2,100 ≈ KSh 247,000–273,000
• 77-inch: $2,700–$2,900 ≈ KSh 351,000–377,000

Verdict on Cost: The LG NanoCell 85T is significantly more affordable (~KSh 104,000–182,000 vs. ~KSh 208,000–377,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers. The Sony A80M’s higher cost reflects its premium OLED technology and processing.

Target Audience

• LG NanoCell 85T:
• Ideal For: Families and casual gamers in moderately lit rooms. Its wide viewing angles and affordability suit group viewing and gaming in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Best for sports, news, casual gaming, and group viewing.
• Budget: KSh 104,000–182,000, for buyers prioritizing versatility and value.
• Sony Bravia XR A80M:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and PS5 gamers in controlled lighting. Its perfect blacks and upscaling suit movie enthusiasts and premium setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for cinematic HDR, low-quality content, and PS5 gaming.
• Budget: KSh 208,000–377,000, for quality-focused buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: Sony Bravia XR A80M

The Sony Bravia XR A80M is the superior choice for its infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and exceptional upscaling (~9.0/10 vs. ~6.5/10), delivering a cinematic HDR experience ideal for controlled lighting in Kenyan homes. Its vibrant colors (~95% DCI-P3), 50W Acoustic Surface Audio+, and PS5 optimizations enhance movies and gaming, though its higher cost (~KSh 208,000–377,000) and moderate brightness (~800 cd/m²) are considerations.

The LG NanoCell 85T offers wide viewing angles (~70°), lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~16.7ms), and affordability (~KSh 104,000–182,000), making it ideal for group viewing and casual gaming in moderate lighting. Its lower contrast and blooming limit its HDR performance compared to the Sony’s OLED technology.

Recommendation: Choose the Sony Bravia XR A80M for premium HDR visuals, cinematic viewing, and PS5 gaming in controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 208,000–377,000. Opt for the LG NanoCell 85T for affordable group viewing and casual gaming in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 104,000–182,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 20, 2025.

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