Lg ultrafine, Nano 90 vs Samsung Q95T: The two Korean giants battle once again with their 2020 flagship 4K TVs. If you’re after a new feature-filled set, which of these premium TVs warrants your attention?
LG and Samsung’s heated rivalry has recently been put to bed (who knows for for how long), leaving them to focus on their own TV displays. While both manufacturers are pushing 8K hard, they haven’t neglected 4K.
The Nano 90 doesn’t actually sit at the top of LG’s range, but the difference between it and the Nano 91 is marginal (the stand). The Q95T is effectively an upgraded version of last year’s Q85R
Both use different technologies to execute a similar result. Out of the LG Nano 90 vs Samsung Q95T, which one should you get?
LG 65NANO90 vs Samsung QE65Q951 Price
LG’s Nano 90 costs £1699 for the 65-inch version. The same size Q95T has an RRP of £2999, though you can find for £2699 if you shop around.
That makes the LG the winner in the price war. Whether it’s the best value this article will get to later, but at £1000 less, the LG is more affordable.
LG 65NANO90
Samsung QE65Q95T
LG NANO 90 vs Samsung Q95T — Design
The LG Nano 90 appears unglamorous compared to its OLED brethren. Judged on its own it’s a fairly good looking TV, and that’s down to the quality of the build.
The bezel is slim enough to not be noticeable, the corners are elegantly curved and the grey finish doesn’t reflect in a way that could become distracting. Unlike the Q95T, the Lg ultrafine opts for feet at either end (the Nano 91 has a stand). That does mean that anyone with a smaller rack may need consider whether it’s wide enough to place it on.
At 7cm deep, it’s ‘thinner’ than the Q95T’s 8.3cm and less heavy too (24kg vs 33kg), which may be a consideration for those wall-mounting. The Samsung is a hefty TV, but wears its bulk well. Build quality is exceptional, and while it’s built like a tank, it retains an elegant design. The use of a central pedestal means it can fit on a narrow piece of table furniture, and there’s enough room to slip a soundbar under without blocking the IR signal.
The LG Nano 90 has 4 HDMI connections – two of which support the HDMI 2.1 spec (VRR, ALLM, HFR, eARC, 4K/120Hz). You also get three USB inputs, a CI card slot, TV tuners, Ethernet port, digital optical and an analogue 3.5mm.
It’s a similar affair with the Samsung. Four HDMI and eARC is supported, but only one is HDMI 2.1 compatible and capable of 4K/120Hz.
We’ll call this a draw.LG NANO 90 vs Samsung Q95T Interface
LG’s webOS is a super-slick, easily navigable interface with a large number of apps. However, it currently doesn’t feature any UK catch-up apps or Freeview Play. Lg ultrafine is still negotiating to get the individual apps onboard.
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built-in, and operate alongside LG’s own ThinQ AI. Samsung has Bixby for voice control, built-in Alexa and Google Assistant (via an external device) is coming in an update.
Samsung has the widest range of apps, including Apple Music and BT Sport. Its Eden interface is less flashy and like Lg ultrafine comes with plenty of customisation. It also features the catch-up apps that LG is missing
It’s a win for Samsung here. Its Eden interface is just as easy to use, but the number of apps, plus the inclusion of the UK catch-up apps, make it the most comprehensive option.
LG NANO 90 vs Samsung Q95T Interface
LG’s webOS is a super-slick, easily navigable interface with a large number of apps. However, it currently doesn’t feature any UK catch-up apps or Freeview Play. Lg ultrafine is still negotiating to get the individual apps onboard.
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built-in, and operate alongside LG’s own ThinQ AI. Samsung has Bixby for voice control, built-in Alexa and Google Assistant (via an external device) is coming in an update.
Samsung has the widest range of apps, including Apple Music and BT Sport. Its Eden interface is less flashy and like LG comes with plenty of customisation. It also features the catch-up apps that LG is missing.
It’s a win for Samsung here. Its Eden interface is just as easy to use, but the number of apps, plus the inclusion of the UK catch-up apps, make it the most comprehensive option.
LG NANO 90 vs Samsung Q95T Performance
LG’s 2020 NanoCell TVs are powered by the α7 Gen 3 processor, which optimises picture and sound through AI. AI Picture Pro uses LG’s image database to remove noise for a clearer picture. AI Brightness Control adjusts the brightness on the amount of ambient light it can detect. The Nano 90 has an IPS full-array screen with 32 dimmable zones, and the IPS screen offers good viewing angles, with peak brightness of around 500 nits.
AI Sound Pro corrects sound depending on the genre; Virtual 4.0 Up Mix takes two-channel stereo and turns it into ‘4.0’, while Adaptive Sound Control analyses what you’re watching and fine-tunes it. With Bluetooth Surround Ready, two compatible Bluetooth speakers can be added to expand the soundfield.
The Q95T has a direct full-array QLED screen with 120 zones, and is powered by Samsung’s Quantum Processor 4K with AI. AI upscaling can take sub-4K content to near 4K quality, while Adaptive Picture Mode adjusts the picture for day or night conditions. Peak brightness is 2000 nits, comfortably beating the LG. Ultra Wide Viewing angle means the Q95T offers good colour and contrast from tight angles.
On the audio side is Object Tracking Sound+. It has speaker drivers at the top, sides and bottom to place sounds accurately on the screen. Add a 2020 Q-Symphony compatible soundbar and the TV can produce a more expansive sound. Adaptive Sound works similarly to AI Sound Pro, and Active Voice Amplifier boosts voices in response to audible noise in a room.
In terms of performance the Samsung is the victor here. Its capable of some staggeringly bright and punchy HDR pictures; upscaling is outstanding and black levels are very deep. To top that off, audio performance is strong. The LG is good, but the Samsung is better.
LG 65NANO90 vs Samsung QE65Q95T Verdict
If you’re in the market for a new feature-filled 4K TV, the Samsung would get our vote. It is far more expensive, but the picture quality is a step above the LG.
Both sets are great for gaming, though the Samsung edges it with its quicker response time. One thing to consider is Dolby Vision content, as Samsung does not support that HDR format.
You won’t be disappointed with the performance of either TV, but the Samsung is the better of the two as long as you’ve got the cash for it.
This news was originally published at trustedreviews.com