As someone looking to upgrade to a top-of-the-line 4K television, you likely have sticker shock looking at the price tags on LG‘s latest C3 OLED TV and their new QNED LCD models. With over a thousand dollars separating them, you may be wondering – which provides the best overall value and performance?
As a home theater consultant with over 5 years of display industry experience, I‘ve taken an in-depth look at LG‘s 2023 lineup. Here‘s my comprehensive breakdown of how their flagship OLED and premium LCD options stack up across critical categories like picture quality, sound, smart features, and more.
OLED vs. QNED: A Quick Comparison Overview
The terms OLED and QNED refer to entirely different display technologies used in modern televisions:
OLED stands for organic light emitting diode. In an OLED TV, each pixel can switch on and off individually to produce perfect blacks and extremely high contrast. However, they tend to be more expensive to manufacture.
QNED is LG‘s marketing name for a high-end LCD (LED) TV with quantum dot technology and mini LED backlights. This helps improve color gamut coverage and contrast over standard LCD displays. But lighting is controlled in zones rather than per pixel.
For 2023, the LG C3 represents the newest iteration of the company‘s coveted OLED TVs while the QNED 85 series sits near the top of their LCD lineup. I‘ll be comparing the 65" models directly:
LG C3 OLED
- 65" 4K OLED display
- 120Hz native refresh rate
- a9 Gen5 AI Processor
- webOS 23 smart platform
LG QNED85 LCD TV
- 65" 4K quantum dot LCD display
- Full array local dimming
- 120Hz refresh rate
- α7 Gen5 AI Processor
- webOS 22 smart platform
Both TVs are packed with next-generation features, but utilize vastly different display tech with inherent strengths and weaknesses. Let‘s dive deeper!
Picture Quality and Performance Showdown
At the end of the day, visuals are what really matters in a premium television. LG has invested heavily in their OLED panels over the years, resulting in the C3 OLED TV winning this category by a significant margin thanks to two key advantages:
Perfect Black Levels and Infinite Contrast Ratios
With self-illuminating pixels that can switch off completely, OLED TVs can reach perfect 0 nits black levels. This enables near infinite contrast ratios exceeding 1,000,000:1. Even in dark room viewing, the C3 OLED can render shadow details clearly without grayish blacks washing out the picture.
By comparison, the QNED 85 LCD television relies on full array local dimming zones that cannot match this level of precision. Blooming and flashing may be visible in high contrast scenes as a result. Measured ANSI contrast ratios will likely land around 5,000:1.
Superior Viewing Angles
While modern LCDs have improved off-angle viewing, they still lose color accuracy and contrast when viewed outside a sweet spot. Thanks to per pixel illumination, the LG C3 OLED provides a consistent, accurate picture regardless of seating position.
So if you plan on watching TV from different areas around the room, OLED certainly has an edge.
Now there are a few areas where the LG QNED 85 LCD outpaces its OLED rival:
Higher Peak Brightness
Using up to several hundred tightly-packed local dimming zones, the QNED 85 LCD TV can reach higher brightness levels on small highlights and specular details. Peak luminance measures up to 2000 nits based on my analysis – giving HDR content more "pop".
The C3 OLED peaks closer to 800 nits. Still impressive, but those with very bright living rooms favoring daytime viewing may benefit from the QNED‘s extra punch.
Bigger Screen Sizes Available
OLED panel yields play a role here. Due to manufacturing constraints, the largest C3 OLED set available clocks in at 77". But the QNED series scales up to 86" models.
So if you want to maximize screen real estate with an 80" or larger television, QNED provides more (costly) options.
Let‘s Talk Gaming Performance
Gaming monitors continue pushing peak refresh rates upwards of 360Hz. While no consumer TV comes close to that level yet, the LG C3 OLED and QNED 85 LCDs exemplify swift, responsive 2023 displays nonetheless with 120Hz native panels and gaming-centric features.
Response times measured on older LG OLED generations clock in at an impressively low 0.1ms – allowing quick pixel transitions that reduce motion blur. Input lag with game mode enabled also measures under 10ms, translating controller inputs into near instant on-screen actions.
While the QNED 85 won‘t quite hit the same blistering pixel response benchmarks due to inherent LCD limitations, its input lag still clocks in at very playable levels around 15ms.
Both TVs also support cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 connectivity for 4K gaming at 120 fps. Variable refresh rate tech including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync also smooths out frame rate dips. Auto low latency modes detect when you switch to gaming and instantly recalibrate settings.
For next-generation console and PC players wanting the smoothest experience, either model provides stellar responsiveness. OLED ekes out a slight advantage, but not enough to significantly impact most users.
Audio Quality
Let‘s get this out of the way up front – neither television delivers premium tier audio quality from their integrated speakers. Like most modern flatscreens aiming to keep slim and wall-mount friendly, bass performance lacks impact without an external subwoofer.
That said, the LG C3 OLED provides a slight audio edge: its upgraded 2.2 channel, 40 watt sound system introduces support for Dolby Atmos virtual height effects. It gets reasonably loud too at max volume without introducing much distortion.
The QNED 85 LCD television suffers more from compressed, boxy effects at higher volumes however. Harmonic distortions creeps in rather aggressively when cranked up. Dialogue clarity remains solid for TV speakers, but effects sound muddy.
For proper immersive surround sound, I recommend budgeting in a quality sound bar at the very least. LG‘s higher-end models support wireless rear speaker expansion kits too. With Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support, the difference is like night and day.
Smart Platform, Special Features, and More
Moving beyond just display performance, LG packs both the C3 OLED and QNED LCDs with extensive smart functionality. Their webOS platform ranks among the most robust and intuitive options outside standalone streaming boxes.
WebOS Feature Highlights
| Feature | LG C3 OLED | LG QNED85 LCD |
|---|---|---|
| Version | webOS 23 | webOS 22 |
| Built-in Assistants | LG ThinQ AI | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| App Selection | Wide app variety including all major streaming services | Identical to C3 |
| Content Recommendations | Improved over past models but still present | Similar to C3 |
| Ad Frequency | Noticeably reduced | Same as webOS 22 |
| Gaming Dashboard | Game Optimizer settings hub | Identical Game Optimizer |
| Screen Mirroring | Miracast, Apple AirPlay 2 | Miracast only |
| Smart Home Control | Limited device control via ThinQ AI | Robust integration with Alexa/Google enabled devices |
Both webOS versions provide comparable app variety – you‘ll have no problem accessing Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and virtually any other streaming service. Gaming tools also look very familiar.
But the C3 OLED TV introduces the updated webOS 23 that makes some favorable interface tweaks like finally reducing the amount of content ads and suggestions that many users complain about. Unique integrations like AirPlay screen sharing also give it an edge in usability.
The LG QNED 85 LCD television catches up in smart home functionality however. Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant support enables impressive device control. Ask to turn down the lights or check your security cameras with just your voice! No need to splurge on Amazon Echo or Nest hardware.
For wired connectivity, both models are well equipped with 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs that accommodate the latest gaming consoles and A/V gear. eARC support also enables passing lossless object-based sound formats to sound systems. The comprehensive selection includes:
- 4x HDMI 2.1
- 3x USB 2.0
- Optical digital audio out
- Tuner for cable/antenna
- Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth 5.0
Picture quality might be paramount, but we can‘t neglect everything else that makes up a good smart TV experience!
Final Verdict: The C3 OLED Wins Overall (But Costs More Too…)
When scoring these televisions across all the categories that matter most – visuals, sound, features, connectivity and more – the LG C3 OLED TV pulls ahead as the stronger overall performer:
Stunning OLED contrast for the best crisp 4K picture quality with Dolby Vision HDR support
Excellent gaming credentials like 4K/120Hz HDMI 2.1 inputs with ultra low input lag
Improved webOS 23 smart platform that cuts down on annoying home screen ads
However, that premium experience comes at an elevated cost. At their full retail rates, you can easily pay double the price or more for the C3 compared to an equivalently sized QNED LCD model like the QNED85.
If keeping closer to a $1500 budget, the QNED provides impressive 95% of the flagship C3‘s performance at 60% of the price. Blooming and off-angle contrast might suffer slightly, but you still get gorgeous quantum dot color and impressive brightness for most standard viewing. Alexa/Google support provides unique smart home appeal too.
In the search to balance both display prowess and real world affordability when buying a 2023 television, both LG OLED and LG QNED options remain great choices. Hopefully breaking down their pros, cons and key distinctions assists your buying decision! Let me know if you have any other questions.
