LG C3 vs Samsung QN85D: LG C3's OLED Excellence Faces Samsung QN85D's Affordable Brilliance
By Elisabeth Christ
Published May 2024
When it comes to the world of high-end televisions, the competition is fierce. Two titans of the industry, LG and Samsung, have once again stepped into the ring with their latest flagship models - the LG C3 and the Samsung QN85D. Both boast impressive specs and cutting-edge features, leaving consumers wondering which one will reign supreme. Join us as we dive deep into the details and uncover which TV is the true champion.
Key Takeaways
The LG C3 and Samsung QN85D, two 2023 TV contenders, present distinct strengths. The C3 boasts LG's OLED evo panel, delivering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and a 120Hz refresh rate powered by the α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K. It supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision IQ, making it ideal for cinematic experiences in dark rooms. The QN85D, featuring Mini LED technology with Quantum Matrix Technology, offers exceptional brightness, a wide color gamut, and HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG support. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and Object Tracking Sound Lite for enhanced audio. The C3 excels in dark environments and picture quality, while the QN85D shines in bright rooms and affordability.
Samsung QN90D
Better Choice for Bright Room Viewing
✓ NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with intelligent features that enhance the viewing experience
✓ Quantum Matrix Technology for detailed imaging by ultra-fine light control
✓ Motion Xcelerator 144Hz
✓ Ultra-slim design
Samsung QN85D
Better Choice for Viewing Angles
✓ Neo QLED display with new light source technology for deeper blacks
✓ 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution
✓ 120Hz Refresh Rate
✓ 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angle
#1 Price & Design
LG OLED Evo C3
The LG C3, as the flagship OLED offering from LG, commands a premium price. The 55-inch model retails for around $1,699, while larger sizes can go significantly higher. Its design is sleek and minimalist, with an almost bezel-less display and a slim profile that exudes elegance. The C3's stand is unobtrusive, allowing the screen to take center stage.
The Samsung QN85D, while still a premium model, offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the C3. The 55-inch model is priced around $1,399, making it a more accessible choice for many consumers. Its design is modern and sleek, with a thin bezel and a minimalist stand. However, it is notably thicker than the C3 due to the Mini LED backlight technology. Both TVs offer excellent build quality and use premium materials, ensuring durability and a touch of luxury. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to budget and aesthetic preference.
#2 Image Quality
Samsung QN85D
The LG C3's OLED evo panel is renowned for its self-emissive pixels, which can turn on and off individually, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast. This translates to a truly cinematic experience with unparalleled depth and detail, especially in dark scenes. The C3 supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision IQ, ensuring optimal picture quality for a wide range of content. Additionally, its wide viewing angles guarantee consistent picture quality regardless of your seating position.
Meanwhile, the Samsung QN85D utilizes Mini LED technology, which, while not as impressive as OLED, still offers excellent picture quality. Its Quantum Matrix Technology with Mini LEDs provides precise backlighting control, delivering deep blacks (though not as deep as OLED) and impressive HDR performance. The QN85D supports HDR10+, HLG, and HDR10, showcasing vibrant colors and a wide color gamut. Both TVs deliver exceptional picture quality, but the C3's OLED panel has the edge in terms of black levels, contrast, and viewing angles. The QN85D, on the other hand, excels in brightness, making it a better choice for well-lit rooms.
#3 Sound Quality
LG OLED Evo C3
Sound quality is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the overall viewing experience. The LG C3 features a 2.2 channel speaker system with a total output of 40W. While it delivers clear dialogue and decent overall sound, it might lack the punch and immersion for action-packed movies or intense gaming sessions.
Moving on to the Samsung QN85D, it boasts a 2.2.2 channel speaker system with a total output of 60W. It also features Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite), which moves audio in sync with on-screen action, creating a more immersive experience. While both TVs offer decent sound quality for casual viewing, the QN85D slightly edges out the C3 with its more powerful speakers and OTS Lite feature.
#4 Features & Performance
Samsung QN85D
Both the LG C3 and Samsung QN85D are packed with features and deliver excellent performance. The C3 is powered by the α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, which uses deep learning algorithms to enhance picture and sound quality. It boasts a 120Hz native refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and fast-paced action. The C3 also features LG's webOS smart TV platform, known for its intuitive interface and wide range of streaming apps.
In terms of features, the Samsung QN85D is equipped with the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, which also employs AI to upscale content and optimize picture quality. It features a 120Hz native refresh rate and offers various gaming features like FreeSync Premium Pro and Super Ultrawide GameView. The QN85D runs on Samsung's Tizen platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app library. Both TVs offer excellent smart TV functionality, with intuitive interfaces and a vast selection of streaming apps. They also provide various connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming consoles.
#5 Potential Drawbacks
LG OLED Evo C3
One potential drawback of the LG C3 compared to the Samsung QN85D is the slightly lower peak brightness. While the LG C3 is capable of impressive brightness levels, the Samsung QN85D may have a slight edge in this area, making it potentially better suited for very bright rooms or environments with a lot of ambient light. This could be a consideration for users who prioritize maximum brightness and HDR performance.
While both TVs offer excellent viewing angles, the Samsung QN85D may maintain image quality and color accuracy better at more extreme off-axis viewing positions. This could be a factor for users who plan to watch the TV from a variety of seating positions or in a room with a more open layout.
LG C3 vs Samsung QN85D
Final Thoughts
LG C3 vs Samsung QN90D
As you weigh your options, consider the features that matter most to you. The LG C3 offers unparalleled picture quality and a sleek, modern design, while the Samsung QN85D boasts impressive smart capabilities and a robust audio system. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy a truly immersive viewing experience that will elevate your home entertainment to new heights.
If you like to read more about Smart TVs, check out our other relevant guides here:
Samsung QN800D vs QN900D
Samsung QN85C vs QN85D
Samsung QN90D vs QN90C
Samsung QN900C vs QN900D
Samsung QN800C vs QN800D
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