OLED isn’t the only big-screen 4K game in town: Samsung’s new-gen QLED takes on LG’s NanoCell in the battle of the alternative telly techs

[Words James Day]

Samsung QE65Q90R

What’s the story?

It’s been said that Samsung only pursued quantum-dot TVs because it couldn’t bring itself to use OLED panels made by South Korean rival LG. Battling inferior viewing angles, black depths and screen slimness, it’s stuck to its guns – and with the help of an almighty R&D budget, has unveiled a 2019 line-up of QLED TVs that could prove wrong everyone who ever wrote the tech off.

Is it any good?

Oh yes. £3799 is an awful lot of dough, but the QE65Q90R might just be the best telly Samsung has ever built.

Using backlit LCD tech, the screen was never going to be as slim as a self-lighting OLED, but build quality is exceptional, and the One Connect box takes connections away from the back of the set – leaving a single cable dangling down.

There’s an excellent OS with Alexa, Bixby and Google Assistant, full-fat 4K HDR Netflix and Amazon apps, plus the likes of iTunes, all laid out logically. Support is on hand for HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, although not Dolby Vision. And most importantly, picture performance improves on black depth and detail, while off-centre viewing has the same vibrancy and contrast enjoyed by those in the sweet spot.

Price £3799 / stuff.tv/QE65Q90R Tech 65in 3840x2160 HDR QLED ● HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi ● 1450x921x285mm, 34.7kg

Stuff says ★★★★★

Samsung has stuck to QLED… and upped its game to rival OLED in virtually every way

LG 65SM9800

What’s the story?

NanoCell is LG’s most advanced backlit TV tech and a direct rival to Samsung’s QLED line. It uses tiny particles to enhance colour purity, while aiming to deliver the deepest blacks and best picture quality – even at obscure viewing angles – without the high price of OLED. This TV also features a processor with a deep-learning AI algorithm to optimise the image and sound of whatever you’re watching.

Is it any good?

Coming in way, way cheaper than LG’s midrange and flagship 2019 OLEDs, a NanoCell TV becomes a tempting proposition. Design is minimal if a little uninspiring, with solid build quality. Being backlit it’s not particularly skinny, but we love the smooth finish on the back.

WebOS is just about the best smart TV platform in the business, with voice controls (Google Assistant and Alexa) and all the usual 4K HDR suspects in terms of apps. Here you do get support for Dolby Vision, along with HDR10 Pro and HLG. Boosting colour is where NanoCell tech really goes to work – and on big sporting events especially, it really shows. This is also a stellar performer when viewing from awkward angles, preserving vibrancy where it might otherwise wane.

Price £2599 / stuff.tv/65SM9800 Tech 65in 3840x2160 LCD ● HDMI x4, USB x3, Ethernet, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi ● 1452x806x315mm, 28.8kg

CUSTOMISED TELLY-WATCHING

● Samsung’s 4K Quantum Processor is designed to give targeted sound and even personalised watching suggestions. The TV Plus app gives access to the latest 4K content… and when you don’t want to watch anything at all, Ambient Mode turns the screen into a decorative display matched to the room.

● The AI in LG televisions goes further than just voice control. The algorithm that optimises the picture and sound of what you’re watching seems to genuinely work. On live events, for example, crowd noise comes alive and the overall experience gives Dolby Atmos – at its most basic level – a run for its money.