When selecting a premium 4K television, the Samsung QLED Q80C (2023) and the LG OLED C4 (2024) are two standout options, each leveraging distinct display technologies to deliver high-quality visuals. The Q80C is a mid-range QLED TV with a direct LED backlight and quantum dot technology, while the C4 is a mid-range OLED TV with LG’s advanced OLED evo panel, featuring Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology for enhanced brightness. This article compares their picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to determine the winner and who each TV best serves, drawing on insights from industry reviews where applicable.

Understanding the Technologies: QLED vs. OLED

• Samsung QLED Q80C (LCD-based QLED): The Q80C uses quantum dot technology to enhance color vibrancy and a direct LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) for improved contrast. Powered by Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K, it offers solid upscaling and gaming features, positioning it as a versatile mid-range QLED.
• LG OLED C4 (OLED): The C4 employs LG’s OLED evo panel with MLA technology, where each pixel emits its own light, delivering perfect black levels and infinite contrast. Powered by the α9 Gen 7 AI Processor, it provides superior image processing, brighter highlights, and advanced gaming capabilities, making it a premium mid-range OLED.

These technological differences—LED-backlit QLED versus self-emissive OLED—drive significant variations in performance, cost, and ideal use cases.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG OLED C4: The C4’s OLED panel delivers perfect black levels and a near-infinite contrast ratio, as each pixel can turn off completely, eliminating light bleed. This results in exceptional depth and detail in dark scenes, making it ideal for cinematic viewing in dark rooms. Its MLA technology enhances brightness without compromising contrast.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: The Q80C’s VA panel and FALD backlight provide good contrast (around 10,000:1) with deeper blacks than IPS-based LEDs. Its 96 dimming zones reduce blooming, but it cannot match the OLED’s perfect blacks, showing slight light bleed in high-contrast scenes.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior contrast and black levels, perfect for dark-room viewing and cinematic experiences.

Brightness

• Samsung QLED Q80C: The Q80C achieves higher peak brightness (around 700–1,000 nits in HDR), making it better suited for bright rooms with ambient light or sunlight. Its anti-reflective coating and brightness ensure vibrant visuals in well-lit environments.
• LG OLED C4: The C4’s MLA technology boosts brightness to around 1,300 nits in HDR, a significant improvement for OLEDs, and its reflection handling is excellent. However, it falls slightly behind the Q80C in full-screen brightness for SDR content and gaming mode.

Winner: Samsung Q80C for its brighter display in SDR and gaming, ideal for bright rooms, though the C4 is competitive in HDR.

Color Performance

• LG OLED C4: The C4 offers a wide color gamut (near 100% DCI-P3) and excellent color accuracy out of the box, with Dolby Vision support for dynamic HDR performance. Its self-emissive pixels ensure vibrant, lifelike colors with smooth gradients.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: The Q80C’s quantum dot technology delivers a wide color gamut (around 90% DCI-P3) with vibrant colors but has lower Rec.2020 coverage (68.88%) and lacks Dolby Vision, relying on HDR10+. Its colors are vivid but less accurate than the C4’s.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior color accuracy and Dolby Vision support, enhancing HDR content.

Viewing Angles

• LG OLED C4: OLEDs excel with wide viewing angles, maintaining consistent color and contrast even at extreme angles, making it ideal for group viewing or rooms with spread-out seating.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: The Q80C’s VA panel has narrower viewing angles, with colors and contrast degrading off-axis. This makes it better suited for straight-on viewing.

Winner: LG C4 for its wide viewing angles, perfect for multi-person setups.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG OLED C4: The C4’s near-instantaneous response time (under 1ms) eliminates motion blur, making it excellent for sports and gaming. It supports 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, G-Sync/FreeSync, and Dolby Vision gaming across four HDMI 2.1 ports, with a low input lag of 9.2ms. Its Gaming Quick Card supports cloud gaming platforms like GeForce Now.
• Samsung Q80C: The Q80C has a slower response time (around 6–8ms), leading to slight motion blur. It supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync across four HDMI 2.1 ports, with a Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming. It lacks 4K/144Hz and Dolby Vision gaming, limiting its appeal for PC gamers.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior motion handling and advanced gaming features, ideal for competitive gamers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG OLED C4: OLEDs are susceptible to burn-in with prolonged static content (e.g., game HUDs, news tickers). LG’s anti-burn-in features (pixel shifting, screen savers) mitigate this, but it remains a concern for heavy static content users.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: As an LCD-based TV, it’s immune to burn-in, making it safer for static content like news channels or PC monitors.

Winner: Samsung Q80C for its burn-in immunity, appealing to users with static content needs.

Cost Comparison

Pricing varies by size and retailer, but here’s a general comparison based on 2025 market trends for a 65-inch model:

• Samsung QLED Q80C (65”): Retails around $1,199–$1,500, often discounted as a 2023 model. Its affordability makes it a strong value option for a mid-range QLED.
• LG OLED C4 (65”): Priced higher, around $1,999–$2,699, reflecting its premium OLED technology and advanced features. Price drops during sales (e.g., Prime Day) make it more accessible, but it remains costlier.

Winner: Samsung Q80C for its lower cost, offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG OLED C4: Runs on webOS 24, a streamlined platform with Quick Cards for easy app access, supporting AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and cloud gaming apps. The Magic Remote enhances navigation.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: Uses Tizen OS, a sleek platform with Samsung TV Plus and a Gaming Hub for cloud gaming. Its Solar Cell remote is eco-friendly and intuitive.

Winner: Tie. Both platforms are user-friendly, with the choice depending on preference for webOS or Tizen.

Sound Quality

• LG OLED C4: Features Dolby Atmos and 2.2-channel speakers (40W), offering clear dialogue and virtual 9.1.2-channel sound via AI Sound Pro. Its bass is limited, requiring a soundbar for immersive audio.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: Includes Object Tracking Sound (OTS) and 2.2-channel speakers (40W), providing dynamic audio that tracks on-screen action. It lacks Atmos depth but performs similarly.

Winner: LG C4 for its Atmos support, though both benefit from external audio solutions.

Durability and Longevity

• LG OLED C4: OLED panels may degrade over time, potentially reducing brightness after years of heavy use. Burn-in risk, though mitigated, remains a concern.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: LCD panels are more durable, with no burn-in risk and better brightness retention, ideal for heavy use.

Winner: Samsung Q80C for its durability and burn-in immunity.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?

The LG OLED C4 is the superior choice for picture quality and versatility, offering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and advanced gaming features like 4K/144Hz and Dolby Vision. It excels for movie enthusiasts, competitive gamers, and group viewing in darker or moderately lit rooms. Its premium price reflects its flagship-level performance, making it worth the investment for those prioritizing cinematic and gaming excellence.

The Samsung QLED Q80C shines in bright rooms with its higher SDR brightness and anti-reflective coating, and its burn-in immunity makes it safer for static content (e.g., news, PC use). Its lower price and solid gaming features (4K/120Hz, Gaming Hub) make it a compelling value option.

Target Audience

• LG OLED C4: Ideal for home theater enthusiasts, competitive gamers (especially PC and console gamers), and households with group viewing or darker viewing environments. If you prioritize picture quality, Dolby Vision, and gaming performance and can afford the premium, the C4 is the choice.
• Samsung QLED Q80C: Best for budget-conscious buyers, those with bright living rooms, or users displaying static content (e.g., news tickers, PC monitors). It’s a versatile, cost-effective option for mixed-use scenarios.

The Winner

The LG OLED C4 takes the crown for its unmatched picture quality, gaming prowess, and versatility, making it the better choice for most premium mid-range buyers in 2025. The Samsung Q80C is a strong alternative for bright-room viewing, budget shoppers, or those prioritizing durability, but its performance lags behind the C4 in most scenarios. Choose based on your viewing environment, budget, and usage priorities.

Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series vs. LG NanoCell 90 Series: A Comprehensive Comparison

When selecting a mid-range 4K television, the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (e.g., TU690T, 2022) and the LG NanoCell 90 Series (e.g., 55NANO90UPA, 2021) are two popular options that offer solid performance for budget-conscious buyers. These TVs utilize distinct LCD-based technologies to deliver vibrant visuals, but they differ in picture quality, features, and price. This article compares the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series and LG NanoCell 90 Series in terms of picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to determine the winner and who each TV best serves.

Understanding the Technologies: Crystal UHD vs. NanoCell

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (LCD-based): The Crystal UHD 6-Series is an entry-level 4K LED TV that uses Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K for upscaling and color enhancement. It typically features VA panels (in most sizes) for better contrast but lacks advanced features like local dimming. It’s designed as a budget-friendly option for general viewing.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series (LCD-based NanoCell): The NanoCell 90 Series employs LG’s NanoCell technology, which uses a nanoparticle filter to enhance color purity and accuracy. It typically features IPS panels for wider viewing angles and includes full-array local dimming (FALD) for improved contrast, positioning it as a mid-range option below LG’s OLEDs and QNEDs.

These technologies shape their performance across various viewing scenarios, with NanoCell offering more advanced features and Crystal UHD focusing on affordability.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series benefits from full-array local dimming, which enhances contrast by dynamically adjusting backlight zones. However, its IPS panel has a lower native contrast ratio, resulting in grayish blacks compared to VA panels. This makes it less ideal for dark-room viewing but better for bright environments.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series typically uses a VA panel, which provides deeper blacks and better contrast than IPS panels, making it more suitable for darker rooms. However, it lacks local dimming, relying on global dimming, which can limit contrast precision in high-contrast scenes.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series for its deeper blacks and better dark-room performance, though the NanoCell 90’s local dimming offers more nuanced contrast control.

Brightness

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series has moderate brightness, typically peaking around 300–400 nits in HDR mode, which is sufficient for dimly lit rooms but struggles in very bright environments. Its VA panel’s higher contrast helps maintain visibility, but it lacks the punch for vivid HDR.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series achieves higher peak brightness, around 500–600 nits in HDR, thanks to its FALD backlight. This makes it better suited for brighter rooms, though it’s not as bright as premium QLEDs or Mini-LED TVs. Its anti-reflective coating also improves visibility in well-lit spaces.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its higher brightness and better performance in bright rooms.

Color Performance

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: NanoCell technology uses a nanoparticle filter to remove unwanted light wavelengths, resulting in purer colors and a wider color gamut (over 90% of DCI-P3). This enhances HDR content and delivers vibrant, accurate colors, especially for cinematic visuals.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The Crystal UHD 6-Series offers decent color reproduction with its Crystal Processor, but its color gamut is narrower than NanoCell’s. It produces vibrant colors but lacks the precision and purity of the NanoCell 90, especially in HDR scenarios.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its superior color accuracy and wider gamut, ideal for HDR content.

Viewing Angles

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent colors and contrast even when viewed off-center. This makes it ideal for group viewing or rooms with spread-out seating.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The VA panel (in most sizes) has narrower viewing angles, with colors and contrast degrading when viewed from the side. This is less ideal for group settings but fine for straight-on viewing.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its wide viewing angles, perfect for multi-person setups.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: The NanoCell 90 Series features a native 120Hz refresh rate, advanced motion processing, and HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. This reduces motion blur and makes it a strong choice for gaming, especially with next-gen consoles.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: The 6-Series typically has a 60Hz refresh rate and lacks HDMI 2.1, limiting it to 4K/60Hz gaming. It has decent motion handling but slower response times (around 8–15ms) compared to NanoCell, resulting in slight motion blur in fast-paced scenes.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its superior motion handling and gaming features, especially for console and casual gamers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: As an LCD-based TV, the NanoCell 90 is immune to burn-in, making it safe for prolonged static content like news tickers or game HUDs.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Similarly, the Crystal UHD 6-Series is immune to burn-in, offering peace of mind for users with static content needs.

Winner: Tie. Both TVs are burn-in-free, suitable for varied usage.

Cost Comparison

Pricing varies by size, retailer, and availability, but here’s a general comparison based on 2025 market trends for a 55-inch model:

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series (55”): As an entry-level 4K TV, the 6-Series retails around $400–$600, often discounted due to its budget positioning. Its affordability makes it attractive for cost-conscious buyers.
• LG NanoCell 90 Series (55”): As a mid-range model, the NanoCell 90 Series is priced higher, typically around $700–$900. Its advanced features like FALD and HDMI 2.1 justify the premium, though it’s more expensive than the 6-Series.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series for its lower cost, offering strong value for budget buyers. The NanoCell 90’s price reflects its enhanced features and performance.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Runs on webOS, a user-friendly platform with a wide app selection, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit support. It’s intuitive and supports voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Uses Tizen OS, a polished platform with a robust app ecosystem, including Samsung TV Plus for free content. It supports voice control and smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Winner: Tie. Both platforms are excellent, with the choice depending on user preference.

Sound Quality

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Supports Dolby Atmos and offers decent audio with 2.2-channel speakers (20W–40W, depending on size). However, it benefits from a soundbar for immersive sound.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Features Object Tracking Sound Lite and 2-channel speakers (20W), delivering acceptable audio but lacking the depth of Atmos. A soundbar is recommended for both.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its Atmos support, though external audio is ideal for both.

Durability and Longevity

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: LCD panels are durable with no burn-in risk, and the NanoCell 90’s FALD enhances longevity for consistent performance.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Similarly durable with no burn-in risk, but its lack of local dimming may limit long-term contrast performance.

Winner: LG NanoCell 90 Series for its more advanced backlight system, potentially offering better long-term performance.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?

The LG NanoCell 90 Series is the superior choice for picture quality and features, offering wider viewing angles, better color accuracy, higher brightness, and advanced gaming capabilities with HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s the best option for movie enthusiasts, casual gamers, and households with group viewing or bright living rooms. Its higher price reflects its mid-range positioning and enhanced performance.

The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series excels in dark-room viewing due to its VA panel’s deeper blacks and is a more budget-friendly option. It’s ideal for users who prioritize affordability and don’t need advanced gaming features or wide viewing angles.

Target Audience

• LG NanoCell 90 Series: Best for home theater enthusiasts, casual gamers (especially with next-gen consoles), and households with bright rooms or group seating. If you value vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and gaming performance and can afford the premium, the NanoCell 90 is the choice.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers, those with darker viewing environments, or users who primarily watch straight-on and don’t need advanced gaming features. It’s a cost-effective option for general viewing, such as streaming and casual use.

The Winner

The LG NanoCell 90 Series takes the crown for its superior color performance, gaming features, and versatility, making it the better choice for most buyers seeking a mid-range 4K TV in 2025. However, the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series is a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability and dark-room performance. Choose based on your budget, viewing environment, and usage priorities to find the perfect TV.

Samsung QLED QN85A vs. LG OLED evo C4: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing a premium television, the Samsung QLED QN85A (2021) and the LG OLED evo C4 (2024) are two compelling options that showcase the strengths of their respective display technologies. The QN85A is a high-end QLED model leveraging Mini-LED backlighting, while the C4 represents LG’s latest advancements in OLED technology. This article compares their picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to determine which TV is the better choice and for whom.

Understanding the Technologies: QLED vs. OLED

• Samsung QLED QN85A (LCD-based QLED): The QN85A uses quantum dot technology paired with a Mini-LED backlight, offering improved contrast and brightness over traditional LED TVs. As an entry-level Neo QLED model, it balances performance and cost, with precise local dimming for enhanced contrast.
• LG OLED evo C4 (OLED): The C4 employs LG’s OLED evo panel, which uses self-emissive pixels for perfect black levels and infinite contrast. Compared to its predecessor (C3), the C4 offers brighter highlights and better color accuracy, making it a standout in LG’s 2024 lineup.

These technological differences shape their performance in various viewing conditions and use cases.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG OLED evo C4: OLED technology delivers perfect black levels and a near-infinite contrast ratio because each pixel can turn off completely, eliminating light bleed. This results in exceptional detail in dark scenes, making the C4 ideal for cinematic viewing in dimly lit rooms.
• Samsung QN85A: The QN85A uses a Mini-LED backlight with local dimming to improve contrast over standard LED TVs. However, it has an IPS panel (in most sizes), which has a lower native contrast ratio and can exhibit IPS glow or blooming around bright objects in dark scenes, reducing black depth compared to OLED.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior contrast and black levels, perfect for movie lovers and dark-room viewing.

Brightness

• Samsung QN85A: The QN85A excels in peak brightness, reaching higher levels in both SDR and HDR content than the C4. This makes it better suited for bright rooms with ambient light or sunlight, as it effectively combats glare.
• LG OLED evo C4: The C4 is brighter than its predecessor (C3), peaking around 1,300 nits in HDR, which is competitive for an OLED. Its excellent reflection handling helps in well-lit rooms, but it doesn’t match the QN85A’s brightness in SDR or high-glare environments.

Winner: Samsung QN85A for its superior brightness, ideal for bright living rooms.

Color Performance

• LG OLED evo C4: The C4 offers excellent color accuracy and a wide color gamut, supporting Dolby Vision for enhanced HDR performance. Its vibrant, lifelike colors and precise gradients make it a top choice for HDR content and cinematic accuracy.
• Samsung QN85A: The QN85A’s quantum dot technology produces a wide color gamut and vibrant colors, supporting HDR10 and HDR10+ (but not Dolby Vision). While it performs well, its color accuracy is slightly less refined out of the box compared to the C4.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior color accuracy and Dolby Vision support, enhancing HDR experiences.

Viewing Angles

• LG OLED evo C4: OLEDs are renowned for wide viewing angles, maintaining consistent color and contrast even at extreme angles. This makes the C4 ideal for group viewing or rooms with spread-out seating.
• Samsung QN85A: The QN85A’s IPS panel (in 55” and 65” sizes) offers decent viewing angles compared to VA-based QLEDs, but it still falls short of OLED. Larger sizes (75” and 85”) may use VA panels, which have narrower viewing angles, leading to color and contrast degradation off-axis.

Winner: LG C4 for its consistently wide viewing angles across all sizes, perfect for group settings.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG OLED evo C4: The C4’s near-instantaneous response time minimizes motion blur, making it excellent for fast-paced sports and gaming. It supports 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, G-Sync/FreeSync, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, offering a superior gaming experience, especially for PC gamers.
• Samsung QN85A: The QN85A supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync across four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a strong gaming TV. However, its slower response time leads to slight motion blur, and it lacks 4K/144Hz support, limiting its appeal for high-end PC gaming.

Winner: LG C4 for its superior motion handling and advanced gaming features, particularly for competitive gamers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG OLED evo C4: OLEDs carry a risk of burn-in with prolonged static content (e.g., game HUDs, news tickers). LG’s anti-burn-in features (pixel shifting, screen savers) mitigate this, but it remains a concern for heavy users of static content.
• Samsung QN85A: QLEDs are immune to burn-in, making the QN85A a safer choice for users who frequently display static images, such as news channels or PC monitors.

Winner: Samsung QN85A for its burn-in immunity, appealing to users with static content needs.

Cost Comparison

Pricing varies by size, retailer, and availability, but here’s a general comparison based on 2025 market trends:

• Samsung QN85A (65”): As a 2021 model, the QN85A is often discounted, retailing around $1,200–$1,500 for the 65-inch version. Its age makes it a cost-effective option for a high-quality QLED.
• LG OLED evo C4 (65”): As a 2024 model, the C4 is priced higher, typically around $1,600–$2,000 for the 65-inch model. Its premium OLED technology and newer features justify the cost, though it’s more expensive than the QN85A.

Winner: Samsung QN85A for its lower cost, offering strong value for budget-conscious buyers. The C4’s higher price reflects its superior picture quality and features.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG OLED evo C4: Runs on webOS, a user-friendly platform with a wide app selection, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit support. While not the most intuitive smart TV interface, it’s reliable and regularly updated.
• Samsung QN85A: Uses Tizen OS, a polished platform with a robust app ecosystem, including Samsung TV Plus for free content. It also supports voice control and smart home integration.

Winner: Tie. Both platforms are excellent, and the choice depends on user preference.

Sound Quality

• LG OLED evo C4: Features improved onboard audio over the C3, with Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound. However, it benefits from a soundbar for a full home theater experience.
• Samsung QN85A: Offers Object Tracking Sound (OTS) and decent audio performance, but like the C4, it’s best paired with external audio for optimal sound.

Winner: Tie. Both TVs have comparable audio, and external solutions are recommended.

Durability and Longevity

• LG OLED evo C4: OLED panels may degrade over time, potentially reducing brightness after years of heavy use. Burn-in remains a concern, though mitigated by LG’s safeguards.
• Samsung QN85A: QLEDs are more durable, with no burn-in risk and better long-term brightness retention, making them ideal for heavy use.

Winner: Samsung QN85A for its durability and burn-in immunity.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?

The LG OLED evo C4 is the superior choice for picture quality, offering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and advanced gaming features like 4K/144Hz. It’s the best option for movie enthusiasts, competitive gamers, and those watching in darker environments or with group seating. Its higher cost reflects its premium performance, making it worth the investment for those prioritizing cinematic accuracy and gaming prowess.

The Samsung QLED QN85A excels in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and is a safer choice for users concerned about burn-in or those displaying static content (e.g., news, PC use). Its lower price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking strong performance.

Target Audience

• LG OLED evo C4: Ideal for home theater enthusiasts, competitive gamers (especially PC gamers), and households with group viewing or darker viewing environments. If you prioritize picture quality and advanced features and can afford the premium, the C4 is the choice.
• Samsung QN85A: Best for budget-conscious buyers, those with bright living rooms, or users who frequently display static content (e.g., news tickers, PC monitors). It’s a versatile, cost-effective option for mixed-use scenarios.

The Winner

The LG OLED evo C4 takes the crown for its unmatched picture quality, gaming performance, and versatility, making it the better choice for most premium TV buyers in 2025. However, the Samsung QN85A is a strong contender for bright-room viewing, budget-conscious shoppers, or those prioritizing durability. Choose based on your viewing environment, budget, and usage to find the perfect TV.

Samsung QLED Q80B vs. LG OLED C3: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing a premium television, two standout options in the mid-to-high-end market are the Samsung QLED Q80B and the LG OLED C3. Both TVs leverage cutting-edge display technologies, but they cater to different viewing preferences and environments. This article dives into the differences in picture quality, performance, cost, and target audience to help you decide which TV is the better choice for your needs.

Understanding the Technologies: QLED vs. OLED

Before comparing the two models, let’s briefly outline the core technologies behind them:

• Samsung QLED Q80B (LCD-based QLED): QLED TVs use quantum dot technology layered over an LED backlight to enhance color vibrancy and brightness. The Q80B is a high-end QLED model with a full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight, which improves contrast by dynamically adjusting light zones.
• LG OLED C3 (OLED): OLED TVs use organic light-emitting diodes, where each pixel emits its own light, allowing for perfect black levels and infinite contrast. The C3 is part of LG’s acclaimed OLED lineup, known for exceptional picture quality, especially in dark environments.

These fundamental differences in display technology drive the variations in performance, cost, and suitability for different use cases.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG OLED C3: OLED technology shines here, offering perfect black levels and a near-infinite contrast ratio. Each pixel can turn off completely, eliminating light bleed and delivering deep, inky blacks. This makes the C3 ideal for cinematic experiences, especially in dimly lit rooms where shadow details and contrast are critical. For movies and TV shows with dark scenes, the C3 provides an immersive, theater-like experience.
• Samsung Q80B: As an LCD-based QLED, the Q80B relies on its FALD backlight to achieve contrast. While it performs well for an LED TV, with good contrast and decent black uniformity, it cannot match the C3’s perfect blacks. Blooming (light halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds) can occur, particularly in high-contrast scenes, which slightly diminishes the experience in dark rooms.

Winner: LG C3 for its superior contrast and black levels, making it the go-to for movie enthusiasts and those who watch in darker settings.

Brightness

• Samsung Q80B: QLED TVs are known for their brightness, and the Q80B excels in this area, capable of reaching higher peak brightness levels than the C3 in both SDR and HDR content. This makes it better suited for bright rooms where ambient light or sunlight is present, as it can combat glare effectively.
• LG OLED C3: While the C3 has improved brightness over its predecessors (thanks to LG’s advancements in OLED technology), it still falls short of the Q80B’s peak brightness, particularly in full-screen scenarios. However, its excellent reflection handling helps maintain visibility in bright rooms, though it’s not as effective as the Q80B in extremely well-lit environments.

Winner: Samsung Q80B for its superior brightness, ideal for well-lit living rooms or spaces with large windows.

Color Performance

• LG OLED C3: The C3 offers excellent color accuracy out of the box and a wider color gamut, delivering vibrant and lifelike colors, especially in HDR content. Its ability to render subtle color gradients enhances the realism of movies, sports, and games.
• Samsung Q80B: The Q80B also delivers vibrant colors thanks to its quantum dot technology, which enhances color reproduction for rich, saturated hues. However, its color gamut is slightly narrower than the C3’s, and it may not achieve the same level of out-of-the-box accuracy.

Winner: LG C3 for its superior color accuracy and wider gamut, though the Q80B remains highly competitive.

Viewing Angles

• LG OLED C3: OLEDs are renowned for their wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent color and contrast even when viewed from off-center positions. This makes the C3 perfect for group viewing or rooms where seating is spread out.
• Samsung Q80B: The Q80B’s performance depends on its panel type. Smaller sizes (e.g., 55″ and 65″) use an IPS-like panel with decent viewing angles, while larger sizes (e.g., 85″) use a VA panel with narrower viewing angles, leading to color and contrast degradation when viewed off-axis.

Winner: LG C3 for its consistently wide viewing angles across all sizes, ideal for multi-person viewing setups.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG OLED C3: The C3’s near-instantaneous response time results in minimal motion blur, making it excellent for fast-paced sports and gaming. It supports 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and G-Sync/FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay. Its superior motion handling gives it a slight edge for sports and action-packed content.
• Samsung Q80B: The Q80B also supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, making it a strong gaming TV. However, its slower response time can lead to slight motion blur in fast-moving scenes, and its reflection handling is less effective than the C3’s, which may impact visibility in bright rooms.

Winner: LG C3 for its superior motion handling and gaming performance, particularly for competitive gamers and sports viewers.

Burn-In Risk

• LG OLED C3: OLEDs are susceptible to burn-in if static images (e.g., channel logos, game HUDs) are displayed for extended periods. While LG has implemented anti-burn-in features like pixel shifting and screen savers, this remains a concern for heavy gamers or those watching news channels with static tickers.
• Samsung Q80B: QLEDs are immune to burn-in, making the Q80B a safer choice for users who frequently display static content, such as PC monitors or news channels.

Winner: Samsung Q80B for its burn-in immunity, appealing to users concerned about long-term reliability.

Cost Comparison

Pricing for TVs can vary based on size, retailer, and promotions, but as of general market trends in 2025, here’s how the two models compare:

• Samsung Q80B (65″): Typically priced around $1,000–$1,200 for the 65-inch model. The Q80B is a 2022 model, so it’s often available at a discount compared to newer QLEDs like the Q80C. Its lower price point makes it a budget-friendly option for a high-quality QLED.
• LG OLED C3 (65″): Generally retails around $1,400–$1,600 for the 65-inch model. As a 2023 OLED model, it commands a premium due to its superior picture quality and OLED technology. However, prices have dropped since its launch, making it more accessible.

Winner: Samsung Q80B for its lower cost, offering strong performance for budget-conscious buyers. However, the C3’s price reflects its premium picture quality, so the value depends on your priorities.

Additional Considerations

Smart Features and Software

• LG OLED C3: Runs on LG’s webOS, a user-friendly platform with a wide range of streaming apps, voice control, and support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. It’s intuitive and regularly updated.
• Samsung Q80B: Uses Samsung’s Tizen OS, which is equally polished and supports a robust app ecosystem, including Samsung TV Plus for free content. It also offers voice control and smart home integration.

Winner: Tie. Both platforms are excellent, and the choice comes down to personal preference.

Sound Quality

• Both TVs feature decent built-in speakers, but neither excels in audio quality compared to a dedicated soundbar or home theater system. The C3 supports Dolby Atmos, while the Q80B uses Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound (OTS) for immersive audio. For the best experience, pair either TV with external audio.

Winner: Tie. Audio performance is comparable, and external solutions are recommended for both.

Durability and Longevity

• LG OLED C3: While OLEDs offer unmatched picture quality, their organic materials may degrade over time, potentially reducing brightness after several years. Burn-in risk is a factor, though mitigated by LG’s safeguards.
• Samsung Q80B: QLEDs are more durable in terms of panel longevity and are immune to burn-in, making them a safer long-term investment for heavy use.

Winner: Samsung Q80B for its durability and burn-in resistance.

Final Verdict: Which TV Wins?

The LG OLED C3 is the superior choice for picture quality, offering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and excellent motion handling. It’s the best option for movie enthusiasts, gamers, and those who watch in darker environments or want a cinematic experience. Its slightly higher cost is justified by its premium performance, particularly for HDR content and group viewing.

The Samsung QLED Q80B excels in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and is a safer choice for users concerned about burn-in or those who display static content (e.g., news, PC use). It’s also more budget-friendly, making it appealing for buyers seeking strong performance at a lower price.

Target Audience

• LG OLED C3: Ideal for home theater enthusiasts, gamers (especially competitive players), and households with group viewing setups or darker viewing environments. If you prioritize picture quality over everything else and can afford the premium, the C3 is for you.
• Samsung QLED Q80B: Best for budget-conscious buyers, those with bright living rooms, or users who frequently watch content with static elements (e.g., news, sports tickers, or PC monitors). It’s a versatile, cost-effective option for mixed-use scenarios.

The Winner

The LG OLED C3 takes the crown for its unmatched picture quality, making it the better choice for most premium TV buyers. However, the Samsung Q80B is a strong contender if brightness, cost, or burn-in concerns are your top priorities. Choose based on your viewing environment and budget to find the perfect fit.

When choosing a 4K TV, the Samsung Crystal UHD 4K and LG OLED evo G4 represent two vastly different approaches to display technology. Samsung’s Crystal UHD 4K is an affordable, entry-level LED TV designed for budget-conscious consumers, while LG’s OLED evo G4 is a premium OLED TV that pushes the boundaries of picture quality with cutting-edge technology. This article compares these two TVs in terms of picture quality, cost, and their target audiences, concluding with a final verdict on which TV comes out on top.

Understanding the Technologies

Samsung Crystal UHD 4K

Samsung’s Crystal UHD 4K TVs, such as models in the 2024–2025 lineup (e.g., CU7000 or CU8000 series), use VA (Vertical Alignment) LCD panels with LED backlighting, enhanced by a Crystal Processor 4K. The “Crystal” branding refers to crystalline particles that improve color vibrancy and clarity compared to standard LED TVs. These TVs focus on delivering solid 4K visuals at an affordable price, making them ideal for casual viewers.

LG OLED evo G4

The LG OLED evo G4, released in 2024, is a flagship TV featuring LG’s advanced OLED panel with Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology and the α11 AI Processor 4K. Each pixel is self-emissive, producing its own light, which enables perfect blacks and infinite contrast. The G4’s MLA technology boosts brightness significantly over previous OLEDs, making it one of the brightest OLED TVs available, ideal for premium home theater and gaming experiences.

Picture Quality Comparison

Contrast and Black Levels

• LG OLED evo G4: The G4’s OLED panel delivers perfect blacks by turning off individual pixels completely, resulting in an infinite contrast ratio. This eliminates light bleed and produces stunning depth in dark scenes, making it ideal for movies and HDR content in controlled lighting environments.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Crystal UHD TVs use VA panels, which offer decent contrast and deeper blacks than IPS-based LCDs. However, without local dimming in most models (e.g., CU7000), dark scenes may appear as dark grays, and light bleed can occur, limiting HDR performance compared to OLED.

Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its perfect blacks and infinite contrast, ideal for cinematic viewing.

Brightness

• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Crystal UHD TVs typically achieve peak brightness of around 300–500 nits, suitable for moderately lit rooms but insufficient for bright environments with significant glare. Their VA panels provide decent brightness for casual viewing but lack the punch for vibrant HDR content.
• LG OLED evo G4: The G4’s MLA technology pushes peak brightness to approximately 1,500 nits, a significant leap for OLEDs, making it competitive in brighter rooms. While not as bright as Mini LED TVs, it delivers impactful HDR highlights and handles ambient light better than previous OLEDs.

Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its superior brightness, enhancing HDR performance and versatility.

Color Accuracy and Vibrancy

• LG OLED evo G4: The G4 covers nearly 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and offers exceptional color accuracy (Delta-E ~1.4), thanks to its self-emissive pixels and α11 AI Processor. It excels in producing lifelike colors, especially in dark scenes, and supports Dolby Vision for optimized HDR content.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Crystal UHD TVs also cover a wide color gamut (~95% DCI-P3) due to their crystalline technology, delivering vibrant colors. However, their color accuracy is slightly less precise than OLEDs, and they lack Dolby Vision, relying on HDR10+ instead.

Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its superior color accuracy and Dolby Vision support, ideal for movie purists.

Viewing Angles

• LG OLED evo G4: The G4’s self-emissive OLED panel provides near-perfect viewing angles, maintaining color and contrast consistency even at extreme angles. This makes it ideal for group viewing or rooms with varied seating arrangements.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: The VA panels in Crystal UHD TVs have narrower viewing angles, with colors and contrast degrading when viewed off-axis. This limits their suitability for group settings unless viewers are seated directly in front.

Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its excellent viewing angles, perfect for communal viewing.

Motion Handling and Gaming

• LG OLED evo G4: The G4 is a gaming powerhouse, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR (including NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium), ALLM, and an ultra-low input lag of ~9.2ms. Its near-instantaneous response time ensures crystal-clear motion, ideal for fast-paced games on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PCs.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Most Crystal UHD models have a 60Hz refresh rate and lack HDMI 2.1, limiting them to 4K@60Hz gaming. They offer decent motion handling and low input lag but miss advanced features like VRR or FreeSync, making them less suitable for next-gen gaming. Some models include Game Enhancer+ for basic gaming optimization.

Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its superior gaming features and motion clarity.

Burn-In Risk

• LG OLED evo G4: OLEDs are susceptible to burn-in with prolonged static content (e.g., game HUDs or news tickers). LG mitigates this with features like Pixel Refresher and Screen Shift, and the G4’s deuterium-based panel reduces the risk, but it remains a concern for heavy static content users.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: As LCD-based TVs, Crystal UHD models are immune to burn-in, making them a safer choice for users who display static content for extended periods, such as news or gaming with persistent HUDs.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 4K for its burn-in immunity, appealing to static content viewers.

Cost Comparison

Samsung Crystal UHD 4K

• Price Range: Crystal UHD 4K TVs are highly affordable, with 2024–2025 models like the CU7000 or CU8000 starting at around $300–$500 for a 55-inch model, $600–$900 for a 65-inch, and $1,000–$1,500 for larger sizes like 75-inch or 85-inch. Their low cost makes them accessible to a wide audience.
• Value Proposition: Crystal UHD TVs offer solid 4K visuals, vibrant colors, and decent contrast at a budget-friendly price, ideal for casual viewers who don’t need premium features like local dimming or advanced gaming capabilities.

LG OLED evo G4

• Price Range: The G4 is a premium TV, with 2024 prices starting at approximately $1,999 for a 55-inch model, $2,599 for a 65-inch, and $3,999–$19,996 for larger sizes (77-inch to 97-inch). Its high cost reflects its advanced OLED technology and features.
• Value Proposition: The G4 justifies its premium price with unmatched picture quality, gaming performance, and a 5-year warranty, appealing to buyers seeking a high-end home theater or gaming experience.

Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 4K for its affordability and excellent value for budget buyers.

Additional Considerations

Energy Efficiency

• LG OLED evo G4: OLEDs are more energy-efficient in dark scenes, as unlit pixels consume no power, but bright scenes increase consumption due to MLA technology.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Crystal UHD TVs use constant LED backlighting, leading to higher power consumption, especially in bright settings.
  Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for better energy efficiency in most scenarios.

Smart Features

• LG OLED evo G4: Runs on webOS 24, an intuitive but ad-heavy platform with a Magic Remote, supporting ThinQ AI, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple AirPlay/HomeKit. Its AI Picture Pro and Super Upscaling enhance content dynamically.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Uses Tizen OS, known for its smooth interface and SmartThings integration. It supports Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant (via third-party devices) but lacks native AirPlay support.
  Winner: LG OLED evo G4 for its broader voice assistant compatibility and AI-enhanced features.

Durability and Longevity

• LG OLED evo G4: OLED panels have a long lifespan (~54 years at 5 hours daily), but burn-in risk remains for static content. The G4’s 5-year warranty adds peace of mind.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: VA panels are durable and burn-in-free, offering reliable long-term performance for varied usage.
  Winner: Samsung Crystal UHD 4K for greater durability and no burn-in risk.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better?

The Winner: LG OLED evo G4

The LG OLED evo G4 is the clear winner for its exceptional picture quality, delivering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles that create a cinematic experience unmatched by LCD-based TVs. Its MLA technology boosts brightness to ~1,500 nits, making it versatile for various lighting conditions, while its gaming features (144Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR) make it a top choice for gamers. The α11 AI Processor enhances upscaling and content optimization, and Dolby Vision support ensures superior HDR performance.

However, the Samsung Crystal UHD 4K is a strong budget contender, offering vibrant colors, decent contrast, and burn-in immunity at a fraction of the cost. It’s a practical choice for casual viewers in moderately lit rooms who don’t need premium features or wide viewing angles. Its affordability makes it accessible for larger screen sizes, appealing to those prioritizing value.

Target Audience

• LG OLED evo G4: Ideal for movie enthusiasts, home theater aficionados, and serious gamers who prioritize perfect blacks, superior contrast, and advanced gaming features. It’s best for controlled or dimly lit environments and those willing to invest in premium quality, with precautions for burn-in risk. Perfect for dedicated home theaters or gaming setups.
• Samsung Crystal UHD 4K: Suited for budget-conscious families, casual viewers, or those in moderately lit rooms who want a large, affordable 4K TV with vibrant colors. It’s ideal for general entertainment, sports, or static content like news and gaming with HUDs, especially for viewers seated directly in front.

Final Thoughts

The choice between the Samsung Crystal UHD 4K and LG OLED evo G4 hinges on budget, viewing environment, and priorities. If you seek the ultimate picture quality, gaming performance, and a premium experience and can afford the higher cost, the LG OLED evo G4 is the superior choice for immersive home theater and gaming. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, vibrant, and affordable TV for casual viewing, the Samsung Crystal UHD 4K delivers excellent value. Both TVs cater to distinct needs, ensuring a satisfying experience for their respective audiences.