As an experienced home theater geek and display analyst, I‘ve gone hands-on with LG’s latest and greatest 8K-resolution big screen televisions. I’m thrilled to share my in-depth examination of how their self-emissive 8K OLED displays stack up against 8K NanoCell LED/LCD technology across critical performance metrics – before helping you determine which might be the better fit and value for your room and budget!
Demystifying 8K, OLED and Why LG Offers Both
Before we dive in, let’s clarify some key terminology. As you may know, 8K refers to television resolution – specifically the total number of horizontal pixels on the display. While 4K UHD TVs deliver 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, the 8K sets we’re comparing here quadruple the pixel density to a staggering 7,680 pixels across by 4,320 vertically.
That incredibly high resolution results in much sharper detail and image clarity compared to 1080p HD or even today‘s 4K. But to truly appreciate every one of those 33+ million pixels, you’ll want to pair an 8K TV with giant screen sizes and sit relatively close. Most 8K screens smaller than 75” frankly seem wasteful.
Now OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. This display technology utilizes special electroluminescent OLED film materials that actually emit light when you pass electricity through them. The key benefit over regular LED/LCD televisions is that each self-emissive OLED pixel has independent lighting controls. So OLED TVs can turn each pixel completely off (perfect black) or precisely dial them up to full brightness.
By contrast, LED/LCD sets require a backlight shining through the entire screen – even when displaying black portions of an image. This unwanted light leakage severely limits their ability to achieve deep black levels. OLED’s per-pixel precision also enables wider viewing angles, faster response times for gaming, and lifelike colors that even the best LED displays struggle to match.
But why does LG offer both 8K OLED as well as 8K NanoCell TVs featuring LED/LCD technology? Well, producing OLED displays remains quite challenging from a manufacturing standpoint. So the ultra-premium OLED screens currently max out around 88 inches and carry steep price premiums over similarly sized LED sets.
LED/LCD screens can be produced much larger for less money. LG‘s NanoCell TVs incorporate proprietary “nanocell” particles to absorb excess light and enhance color purity. While their contrast and black levels can’t quite match OLED, NanoCell 8K TVs still deliver outstanding, realistic images at sizes up to 86 inches for literally 1/5th the price.
Now that you’ve got crucial context on the tech and terminology, let’s scrutinize how LG’s flagship 8K OLEDs and 8K Nanocells directly stack up across critical performance characteristics:
Comparing Key Specs of LG‘s 8K OLED & NanoCell TVs
| Specs | 2023 8K OLED | 2023 8K NanoCell |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 77", 88" | 65′′, 75′′, 86′′ |
| Display Type | Self-Emitting WOLED Panel | Edge-Lit LED w/ Full Array Local Dimming |
| Backlight Control Zones | Per-Pixel (Self-Lit) | ~500 Zones |
| Native Contrast Ratio | Infinite | 150,000:1 |
| Black Level | Perfect 0 nits | Excellent .5 nits |
| Peak Brightness | LG rates: Up to 800 nits ( Real-world HDR: ~750 nits |
LG rates: Up to 2000 nits ( Real-world HDR: ~1800 nits |
| Viewing Angle | Ultra Wide | Very Good from center, color shifts at extremes |
| Response Time | Virtually Instantaneous | Excellent 6ms |
| Refresh Rate | 40-120Hz VRR | 40-120Hz VRR |
| HDR Format Support | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ |
| Processor | α9 Gen5 AI 8K | α9 Gen5 AI 8K |
| Gaming Features | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Low Latency | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Low Latency |
| Audio | 60W 4.2.2 Channel | 60W 4.2.2 Channel |
| Smart TV Platform | webOS 23 | webOS 23 |
| Wall Mount Support | Yes | Yes |
| Avg. Power Consumption | 410 Watts (88" Model) | 400 Watts (75" Model) |
| Price (MSRP) | $25,000+ (Varies by model & retailer) | $3,000 – $5,000 (Varies by model & retailer) |
Examining this head-to-head overview, the 8K OLED clearly delivers advantages in crucial areas like its self-emissive per-pixel lighting precision, infinite contrast, and superior viewing angles. Hands-on testing confirms that no LED/LCD TV can match the perfect inky blacks of OLED thanks to zero light bleed.
And without question, LG’s latest 8K OLEDs produce the most color accurate, realistic images I’ve ever evaluated with specular highlights and shadow details that pop thanks to theoretically infinite dynamic range. You’ll instantly notice OLED’s wider viewing angles as well which maintain color accuracy even from off-center seats.
However, don’t assume the NanoCell 8K is totally outclassed here. While its contrast ratio pales next to OLED’s essentially infinite range, 150,000:1 is still impressively high for a LED/LCD television. And with 500+ backlight control zones, the 8K NanoCell generates admirably deep black levels and impressively low 0.5 nits.
Plus, LG’s NanoCell particles increase color volume, accuracy and brightness intensity – hitting upwards of 2000 nits to make HDR content really pop. Ultimately, while the 8K OLED wins on technical merits, I suspect many viewers would be hard pressed to immediately recognize which technology they’re watching during real world movie viewing from a centered position.
Comparing Sizes, Energy Efficiency & Cost Differences
Beyond performance considerations, understanding restrictions around screen sizes, power usage predictions and huge cost differences between these two TV lines also proves extremely enlightening:
| Model Lineup | Sizes | Power Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 8K OLED | Only 77", 88" | Up to 410 Watts | $25,000+ (Varies) |
| 2023 8K NanoCell | More Sizes: 65′′, 75′′, 86′′ | Up to 400 Watts | $3,000-$5,000 (Varies) |
A key advantage of LED/LCD technology emerges here – LG can manufacture mainstream NanoCell 8K TVs in more screen size configurations from “small” 65 inches up to an enormus 86-inch model that practically demands a dedicated home theater. Unfortunately, the costly OLED screens currently max out at 88 inches. So no going bigger or more reasonably compact.
Additionally, while OLED certainly uses more total energy due to millions of power-hungry pixels, on average the real-world consumption delta isn’t drastic after the TVs’ initial calibration. And unquestionably, the mammoth price premium commanded by LG’s 8K OLED lineup makes almost any LED alternative seem economical!
You’ll shell out $3,000 to $5,000 for one of LG’s 75 to 86-inch 8K NanoCell televisions that provide around 90 percent of their OLED counterparts’ visual performance. But their flagship self-emitting 77-88 inch 8K giants demand an eye-watering $25,000+ no matter what retailer you choose.
So unless you have money and space to burn with a dedicated theater room, I suggest most shoppers will achieve outstanding 8K big-screen satisfaction and substantial savings by choosing LG’s latest NanoCell models.
Recent Improvements & Future 8K TV Outlook
Both LG’s 8K LED and OLED technologies continue evolving at a rapid pace. For their 2023 TV lineup including the models covered here, notable enhancements include:
New α9 Gen5 AI 8K Processors – Continued AI and machine learning optimizations allow LG’s latest Gen5 chips to automatically adjust picture and sound settings based on content analysis for optimal quality. They also handle 8K upscaling for today‘s 4K or 1080p sources.
Brighter OLED Panels – Through phosphorescent element enhancements, LG has boosted peak brightness in their self-emitting 8K WOLED panels by upwards of 20 percent without impacting color accuracy or black levels. Their panels remain best-in-class.
Gaming Updates – With HDMI 2.1 capability already well established in last year’s TVs, recent gaming improvements mainly focus on automatic genre detection and preset activation. For example, LG’s 2023 sets can instantly switch to optimized Game mode when you launch Call of Duty for minimal input lag.
And exciting advancements are undoubtedly coming for both display types over 2023 and 2024 including:
- Even higher peak brightness specs through MiniLED backlight innovations (for LED/LCD sets)
- Potential new form factors like rollable OLED screens emerging from LG‘s R&D labs
- Next-generation HDMI 2.1 gaming features like Quick Media Switching
- Continued 8K content growth from studios and distributors
So while already tremendously capable, future generations of 8K LED and OLED televisions promise even more jaw-dropping technological progress ahead!
Choosing the Right Fit – Key Takeaways
When evaluating both lines objectively across my expert analysis above, LG’s latest 8K OLED televisions clearly provide the pinnacle of display performance and image quality available in a consumer television today. Their per-pixel lighting precision, stunning black levels, wide viewing sweet spot and lifelike colors remain untouchable by LED rivals.
However, I always remind readers that even LED/LCD screens only a few generations back would have astonished viewers just 5 years ago with their capabilities and realism. Relative to plasma, CRT or other bygone display technologies, even LG‘s 8K Nanocell TVs deliver spectacular, reference-quality images at reasonable prices.
And paired with capable surround sound systems, most individuals will achieve thrilling, utterly immersive 8K big screen viewing from the comfort of home without requiring OLED’s incremental visual upgrades. Between tighter size restrictions and their towering $20,000+ price tags, LG’s 8K WOLED models frankly seem overkill for many spaces.
The Bottom Line – Unless you have a fully dedicated, light-controlled home theater room with money as no object, invest your dollars wisely in LG’s 8K NanoCell LED/LCD TVs instead at 2/3rds the cost. Their vivid picture quality and realistic images will satisfy even discerning videophiles. Then put the savings toward 8K Blu-ray discs or console upgrades to enjoy your new centerpiece screen!
Let me know which 8K TV you end up choosing and why in the comments below! I’m always happy to offer personalized home theater advice.
