LG QNED80 55" Review: The Sweet Spot Between Budget and Premium

LG's QNED lineup bridges the gap between their budget LED TVs and premium OLEDs, and the QNED80 55" represents an attractive middle ground. Combining quantum dots with NanoCell technology, 120Hz gaming support, and LG's excellent webOS, it's a compelling option for those who want more than budget quality without OLED prices.

Quantum Dot NanoCell Technology

The QNED80 combines quantum dots with LG's NanoCell technology for enhanced color purity and accuracy. Quantum dots handle the color volume, producing vivid reds, greens, and blues, while NanoCell filtering absorbs excess light wavelengths to reduce color bleeding.

The result is a picture that's noticeably more vibrant than standard LED TVs while maintaining good accuracy. Colors pop without looking oversaturated, and skin tones look natural. It's a significant step up from budget options.

α7 AI Processor

LG's α7 AI Processor handles picture processing duties, including AI-powered scene recognition and optimization. The processor analyzes content in real-time to adjust settings for optimal performance, whether you're watching movies, sports, or gaming.

Upscaling of lower-resolution content is handled well, with 1080p sources looking clean and detailed on the 4K panel. The processor also powers AI Sound Pro, which virtualizes 5.1.2 surround sound from the built-in speakers.

120Hz Gaming

The QNED80 supports 4K at 120Hz gaming on two of its HDMI ports, making it a solid choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners. VRR support ensures tear-free gaming, and input lag in Game Mode is competitive at around 12ms.

The Game Optimizer menu provides quick access to gaming settings, and the HGiG mode ensures proper HDR game tone mapping. While not as responsive as OLEDs, it's excellent for the price.

webOS 23

LG's webOS 23 remains one of the best smart TV platforms available. Navigation is fluid, apps launch quickly, and the customizable home screen lets you arrange content however you prefer. The included Magic Remote with its pointer-style navigation makes browsing effortless.

Final Verdict

The LG QNED80 55" is an excellent mid-range choice for those who want better color and gaming features than budget TVs offer but can't justify OLED prices. The combination of quantum dot technology, 120Hz gaming, and webOS creates a well-rounded package that serves most viewers well.