Blaupunkt UGC5500S vs LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

Direct comparison

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”

Available screen sizes: 43”65”86”

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

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Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: WebOS

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

5.0

5.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    4.2

    5.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    4.1

    5.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    4.1

    5.5

  • Gaming on console

    5.4

    6.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    5.0

  • Watching in bright light

    4.0

    4.7

  • Utility functions

    5.1

    6.8

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.1

  • Sound quality

    6.0

    6.0

Advantages

  • Google TV system: a massive library of applications

  • Relatively low input lag

  • Good viewing angles: thanks to the IPS panel

  • Working with PC: exemplary font readability (Chroma 4:4:4)

  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz at Full HD resolution

  • Presence of a classic mini-jack output

  • Quite pleasant sound: clear and loud beyond the "budget" standard

  • Wide viewing angles – the picture looks equally good from any spot on the sofa

  • Rich and vibrant colours thanks to the PFS (QNED) filter

  • Smooth and modern WebOS 25 system

  • Magic remote (with cursor)

  • Good detail reproduction in HDR

  • Effective upscaling and tone transition smoothing function

  • Low input lag

  • Decent features for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG), despite the 60Hz panel

  • Smooth tone transitions – no visible "steps" in colour gradients

Disadvantages

No like
  • Very weak black and contrast

  • HDR: low brightness (250 nits) and lack of real effect

  • System fluidity: sluggish operation and "dull" remote

  • Motion: complete lack of digital smoothers in the menu

  • Image processing: visible overscan and motion artifacts

  • Poor contrast and greyish black – the IPS panel does not perform well in low light

  • Problematic local dimming – vertical bands of backlighting are very noticeable on a dark background

  • 60Hz panel

  • No support for Dolby Vision

  • Sound lacks depth – a soundbar is recommended

Our verdict

Blaupunkt UGC5500S is a textbook example of a very cheap television that has primarily two huge advantages: the Google TV system and an extremely low price. It is these two elements that make it an appealing option for many people. During testing, we also found a great alternative use for it, which is working with a computer. Thanks to the exemplary legibility of fonts and good viewing angles of the IPS matrix, Blaupunkt surprisingly performs well as an inexpensive monitor. However, one must be aware that this device is typically budget-friendly, and this cost-saving is evident in the image quality. The matrix is simply dim, making it difficult to excel in challenging lighting conditions, not to mention creating any real HDR effect. Additionally, despite good viewing angles, the black level on this model leaves much to be desired – in the evenings, it will be rather dark grey, which is a typical characteristic of the IPS technology used here. Viewed through the lens of price, this is a device that aims to compete in the market not based on image quality, but rather on the amount on the receipt. Blaupunkt UGC5500S will fit perfectly as an additional television in the home, equipment for the holiday home, or in a less important room where the image simply needs to be present, and we want to enjoy all the benefits and applications that Google TV offers.

The QNED80A variant based on an IPS panel is aimed at a completely different audience. If you are looking for a television for a place where life buzzes all day and family members watch TV from various spots, this will be a good choice. Wide viewing angles and saturated colours ensure that the picture looks good whether we are sitting directly in front of it or at the dining table. Of course, this is not perfect equipment, as there simply aren't any in this price segment. The IPS panel will not offer you pitch-black blacks, so evening horror screenings may appear slightly grey, and edge dimming in dark scenes can create noticeable light strips. Despite these shortcomings, the QNED80A makes up for them with its overall picture quality. The performance of the processor deserves great recognition – both scaling regular television to 4K and presenting details in HDR content are outstanding here. The picture is clear, sharp, and rich in details, even if the screen itself does not break brightness records. Combined with the fantastic WebOS system, which operates quickly and stably, this is a very safe, solid choice for everyday family entertainment at a relatively low price.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Average
BuildQuality-Good
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Fixed
Flat design
No
Yes
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

2.2/10

2.7/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 6 (1 x 6)

Contrast:

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail

Result

1,000:1

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail

Result

1,100:1

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail

Result

1,150:1

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail

Result

1,100:1

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail

Result

1,050:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

2,400:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,350:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

2,450:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,200:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,150:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Contrast and black detail
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

To put it bluntly: when it comes to blacks, it is simply very poor. Our measurements on test screens have only confirmed what we saw with the naked eye – a result around 1000:1 is disappointing nowadays, even in this price range. In cinematic conditions, this "black" simply does not exist. To be more specific, we fired up one of our favourite test scenes – a helicopter flyover in “Sicario 2” (you can see this in the video we’ve included below). Instead of a pitch-black, deep night, we got an image that is... navy blue. Everything that should be dark and mysterious on screen actually shines a dark blue. This is the price we pay for using an IPS panel. On one hand, we get fairly decent viewing angles, so if you’re watching television with the whole family from different angles, the picture doesn’t lose much saturation. On the other hand, if you plan to have evening screenings with the lights turned off, this lack of contrast will hit your eyes from the first minute.

If you come across a model equipped with an IPS panel, the situation changes dramatically, and let’s not beat around the bush – the contrast is simply weak. This is a natural characteristic of this technology, which pales in comparison to VA panels. Black, especially during evening viewings with the lights off, is rarely pitch black – it often leans towards shades of dark grey or navy blue. The real problem with this variant, however, is the way the local dimming system operates. Since we are dealing with edge lighting on a panel that inherently "lets through" more light, this system often does more harm than good. When a bright object appears on a dark background, the television tries to brighten it by activating the corresponding zone. The effect? Instead of a focused light, we see illuminated vertical bands stretching across the entire screen. Unfortunately, it looks worse than in the VA version. Due to the lower native contrast of the panel, these “light bands” (so-called blooming) are much more visible and stand out more sharply from the background. In many cases, these brightness jumps are so aggressive that instead of enjoying the viewing experience, we focus on the performance of the backlighting.

HDR effect quality

3.8/10

4.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HLG
HDR10, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 81.8%, Bt.2020: 60.3%
DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 66.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Brightness measurement

Result

232 nit

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Brightness measurement

Result

245 nit

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Brightness measurement

Result

255 nit

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Brightness measurement

Result

238 nit

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Brightness measurement

Result

252 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

369 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

325 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

434 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

342 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

318 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

HDR luminance

Blaupunkt UGC5500S

HDR luminance

Here, too, we will not mince words – if you are looking for a television strictly for cinematic experiences in HDR, you have come to the wrong place. The Blaupunkt UGC5500S is unfortunately not a machine designed for such challenges. This is primarily due to its very low brightness, which we measured during our tests. A result of around 250 nits on film scenes speaks for itself. It is simply too little to even talk about any real HDR effect. Quite frankly, everything displayed here in this format can be confidently regarded as a somewhat “enhanced” SDR mode. We expected this, as virtually every device in this price range falters in this area, but we feel obliged to warn you about it. Manufacturers love to boast about HDR compatibility with stickers on their boxes, but in reality, this format simply does not exist here – it lacks the “fuel” of brightness.

The situation is particularly difficult for Blaupunkt, as we are dealing with a panel that has a very basic coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette, reaching only about 80%. You will not find any advanced coatings to extend these capabilities (such as quantum dots), which means that scenes that should ideally burst with richly saturated colours appear simply under-saturated on this screen. Therefore, we have a specific piece of advice for you: do not force the HDR mode on this model. If you have the option in the streaming app settings – simply turn it off. By sticking to the classic SDR mode, you can be sure that the television will not attempt to “enhance” something that it cannot handle hardware-wise.

When it comes to image dynamics and brightness, the QNED80A firmly stands its ground. It is not a “bright beast” – during our measurements, peak luminance oscillated between 350-400 nits. To put it plainly: these values won't allow HDR formats to fully spread their wings. So, do not expect that the glare of the sun or car headlights in films will blind you. However, this television has a powerful ace up its sleeve that salvages the overall picture impression – and that is the colours. LG's engineers have employed an advanced filtration system (technically most likely based on PFS phosphor, marketed as QNED/NanoCell), which does a fantastic job. Thanks to this, despite average brightness, the screen is capable of generating exceptionally saturated and pure hues. Our instruments showed coverage of the wide DCI-P3 cinema colour palette at a level of 93-94%. This is a result that outclasses most standard LCD televisions. In practice, this means that when watching 4K HDR content, the picture – although not very bright – is very plastic, vivid, and delights the eye with its depth of colours.

Factory color reproduction

4.8/10

4.4/10

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Factory color reproduction
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Factory color reproduction
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

We also took a close look at how Blaupunkt handles colours in movie mode, and here the matter is, in short, twofold. Once again, we need to clearly separate what we see in standard SDR format from what happens when HDR is turned on, as these are two entirely different worlds. Let’s start with the better side of the coin. If you plan to watch classic television, YouTube, or older films on this television, you can count on really reasonably well-tuned colours. In our test unit, the white balance in movie mode performed exceptionally well, which honestly surprised us. Of course, to avoid being overly optimistic, we did notice some shortcomings. Looking at the gamma charts, we observed that the processor struggles with appropriately dimming the image in its brightest areas. Additionally, there is quite a strong, at times excessively aggressive red saturation, which resulted in visible errors in reproducing certain shades. Nevertheless, in general terms, the image in SDR is simply solid and can be watched without a grimace on one’s face. Unfortunately, the charm disappears the moment we again enter the HDR world. Here, Blaupunkt behaves as if we suddenly switched it to shop mode, and in its worst version. The excess blue in the white balance is so significant that it is almost blinding, ruining any realism of the scene. Moreover, the television interprets brightness very loosely, which, when analysing the EOTF curve, clearly showed that for most of the time, the colours appear simply washed out and lacking in depth. This is, by the way, perfectly visible through the colour errors that become evident in this mode. Once again, we are left with the same conclusion: Blaupunkt in SDR mode looks significantly better and more natural than in HDR, which feels forced and lacking appropriate refinement.

Here, regardless of whether you encounter the VA or IPS version, the situation is identical. LG engineers once again served us their vision of a "gaming look," which unfortunately has little to do with accuracy. When switched to console mode, the white balance automatically drifts towards very cold regions. The image is dominated by the colour blue, which makes it seem artificially sharpened, and the white is so aggressive that it appears burnt out. This creates an effect we associate with vibrant shop modes – everything is meant to shine and scream "I am digital." While some may appreciate this, we must say plainly: the image is not accurate. If you care about naturalness, we suggest you immediately check the settings and change the colour temperature to a warmer one.

Color reproduction after calibration

6.4/10

7.4/10

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Color reproduction after calibration
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Color reproduction after calibration
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Color reproduction after calibration
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Color reproduction after calibration

It may sound like a joke – pulling out professional measuring equipment for a television costing around a thousand złotys / 250 dollars, but we wouldn’t be ourselves if we didn’t check it out. The question is: does such cheap equipment give us any room for manoeuvre when it comes to calibration? To your surprise, the answer is: yes, and very much so. In the Blaupunkt UGC5500S menu, we found surprisingly many options that allowed us to really work on the picture. These are not just empty sliders; they are specific tools that we could utilise using our measuring sensors and software. In SDR mode, the effects were visible to the naked eye. We successfully eliminated the problem we mentioned earlier – that excessive, almost artificial red saturation. We also fixed the issue of improper dimming in the brightest parts of the image. After calibration, the standard format image became significantly more balanced and simply correct. When it came to HDR, the situation was again more complicated. While we managed to 'tame' that aggressive blue tint in the white balance, it was clear that we were fighting somewhat in vain. Even after adjusting the settings, the television still tried to interfere with the image in its own way, as if the electronics knew better than us how the scene should look. Additionally, there is a hardware barrier that no slider can overcome – colours in HDR still remain under-saturated. This is simply due to the quality of the panel itself; it physically cannot produce the most vibrant colours. To sum up this topic: if any of you ask whether it is possible to calibrate a television for a 'thousand', we answer with full conviction: it is possible.

After professional calibration, the QNED80A in the IPS version has changed unrecognisably, especially with "ordinary" content (SDR). We managed to eliminate the greenish tint and calm down the overly bright gamma. In classic television or older games, colour errors (DeltaE) have dropped below the threshold of perception (value < 2). The picture is now coherent, natural, and truly pleasing to the eye. The situation is somewhat more complicated in HDR mode. Although the colours are now in place, the television has a problem with perfectly controlling the brightness (EOTF curve). Due to the limitations of edge lighting and the rather meagre adjustment options provided by LG in this respect, the television's software at times "does what it wants," just to mask the imperfections of black and contrast. However, this is not a cause for concern – despite these technical limitations, the picture after calibration is a class better than what you saw out of the box.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

6.4/10

9.2/10

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions

Looking at our test photographs, it's really hard to criticise anything. Most of the colours in the attached images blend together almost perfectly, creating smooth gradients without noticeable "steps". And indeed, in most scenes where we captured these shots, it looked surprisingly good. However, the problem arises when we stop analysing still frames and simply start watching the films. In motion, the situation changes dramatically. During dynamic scenes on screen, artefacts begin to appear, which are a direct result of simply using a poor image processor here. Unfortunately, a static photo cannot convey this "jarring" of colours, but you must take our word for it: what looks clean and smooth in the picture can stand out harshly during the screening and is simply annoying. This is precisely why we have a rather low rating in this category.

The next very strong point of this model is the way it handles tonal transitions. Often in cheaper LCD constructions, we see what's known as banding – that is, a situation where the television cannot smoothly display a gradient, creating visible "steps" between shades. In the case of the QNED80A, the engineers did their homework. Regardless of whether we are watching a blue sky, fog, or dark scenes full of grey, the transitions between colours are extremely smooth and soft. There are no artificial cuts or jagged edges of colours. As a result, the image is very coherent and natural, which is by no means standard in this price segment.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

2.5/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
OK
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

If you expect the processor in this model to magically "fix" the poor-quality signal from cable TV or old films from YouTube, we must disappoint you. The capabilities of this television end at absolutely basic upscaling, which is simply stretching the image to a higher resolution. It does this adequately in that the image is not blurry, but there's no mention of any intelligent sharpening or adding details here. Worse still, Blaupunkt is completely devoid of any features for reducing unwanted tonal transitions. If the material being watched has what is known as banding (that is, ugly "steps" instead of a smooth transition of colours, e.g., in the sky), this television will display it in all its glory. Additionally, the television has a tendency to slightly crop the edges of the image. Instead of displaying 100% of what the source sends, Blaupunkt slightly enlarges the frame, causing us to lose details at the very edges of the screen. In summary: in the category of digital "enhancing" of images, Blaupunkt simply performs poorly. We receive a raw, unprocessed signal, with all its flaws.

It often happens that cheap 4K TVs mercilessly expose the flaws of low-resolution materials. Here, it is different. The QNED80A is great equipment for watching content that is not perfect. The processor does a good job of upscaling the image, making even older recordings look quite decent on a 4K screen – they are consistent and free of digital noise. Interestingly, there is a gradation reduction feature available in the settings. It is very effective in combating the so-called banding in low bitrate materials. Of course, it should be approached with some caution. Due to the lower processing power of the chip (compared to the premium series), turning on this option can sometimes result in unwanted artifacts or blurriness. Despite this risk, we encourage experimentation, as in many cases this feature can save a poor-quality viewing experience.

Blur and motion smoothness

3.7/10

4.6/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
No
OK
Blur reduction option
No
No
BFI function 60Hz
-
No
BFI function 120Hz
-
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

When it comes to motion fluidity, Blaupunkt has nothing to defend itself with. A 60 Hz panel at this price is standard, so none of us were expecting an impeccably sharp image in fast action scenes or during a match. However, the biggest drawback of this model is that you won't find any digital motion smoothers in the menu. The manufacturer has not given us any room for manoeuvre – nothing can be smoothed out or adjusted to our personal preferences. The image is always "raw," and we receive it exactly as the source transmits it. For fans of cinematic "jumping" of the image, this might be good, but the rest of us simply have to get used to the lack of any motion enhancement.

In terms of motion reproduction, the QNED80A unfortunately has a tough time. The television is based on a display with a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is quite a disappointment for the QNED series in 2025. If you are looking for perfect sharpness during dynamic football matches, you may feel somewhat unsatisfied. A solution in this situation is the TruMotion system. It allows for artificial frame generation, which smooths out the image in films and series. In the menu, you will find a De-Judder slider – we recommend setting it to a value of 2, 3, or 4. This is the "golden mean" that improves fluidity without turning the film into a soap opera.

Console compatibility and gaming features

3.5/10

6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    No
    Yes
  • VRR range
    No
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    No
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    No
  • Game bar
    No
    Yes

When it comes to gaming on the Blaupunkt, we weren't expecting miracles, and indeed – the list of features is not very long. However, there are two interesting points worth mentioning, as they might be significant for some of you at this price. The first plus is that the TV quickly detects the connected console. Thanks to the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature, the device knows when you start gaming and automatically switches to low-latency mode. This is convenient because you don't have to fiddle with settings each time to prevent input lag from ruining the fun. The second point is a genuine surprise that caught us off guard. Although it has a 60 Hz panel, the Blaupunkt can display images at 120 Hz at Full HD resolution. Sure, you lose the details of 4K, but for those playing more dynamic, online shooters where smoothness is more important than resolution, this is a really nice and unexpected addition in such an inexpensive device. Besides these two points, you won't find anything more here. There are no advanced smoothness enhancement systems for gamers or extensive gaming menu bars. This is a simple screen for occasional gaming.

In the gaming section, we won't be pulling the wool over your eyes – the QNED80A is not e-sports equipment. The lack of 120Hz signal support is a fact that must be accepted. However, LG's engineers have done everything possible to maximise the potential of this 60Hz panel, providing gamers with a set of desirable features. First and foremost, the television supports VRR (in the range of 48-60Hz) and ALLM. This means that the image is smooth, not choppy, and the television automatically switches to low-latency mode as soon as we pick up the controller. Accessing these options is incredibly simple thanks to the dedicated system overlay – Game Dashboard. It’s also worth appreciating the support for the HGiG format. This is a nod to owners of modern consoles. Although the screen does not support gaming Dolby Vision, HGiG ensures that the television 'understands' how to display games in HDR. As a result, we avoid the problem of blown-out clouds, which is unfortunately a plague on cheaper LCD televisions.

Input lag

8.6/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
36 ms
15 ms
1080p120
25 ms
2160p60
13 ms
15 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
12 ms
15 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
2160p120 DV

An important point for every gamer is, of course, input lag, which refers to how quickly the television responds to our movements on the controller. Here, Blaupunkt has something to brag about, although the results are quite specific. At 4K resolution, the lag is just 12 ms. That's an excellent result. With such low lag, gaming feels simply phenomenal, and the response is almost instantaneous. It is a pity, however, that the situation changes when switching to 1080p mode. Here, the input lag increases to about 30 ms. To be clear: this is still not a terrible result. For most people, it will be "more than acceptable," and during casual gaming, you probably won't even notice it. Nonetheless, it is a shame that such good parameters could not be maintained as we saw with full 4K. Nevertheless, in the overall assessment, as a budget screen for consoles, Blaupunkt performs quite admirably in this regard.

And what about responsiveness? Our measurements showed an input lag of around 15 ms. In the gaming world, where top monitors go down to 1 ms, this may seem like an average result, but in the category of living room televisions, it is a very good outcome. In practice, this means that when playing on a console, you will not feel any discomfort. There is no situation here where the character reacts with a noticeable delay after pressing a button on the controller. The television responds to the controller without delay, allowing you to enjoy gaming without unnecessary irritation. For casual gaming after work – a perfectly acceptable result.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
15ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
RGB
Max refresh rate
60Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
No
No
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Compatibility with PC
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Compatibility with PC

If you plan to connect a computer to this television, it is absolutely crucial that you find and enable the PC compatibility option in the menu. Once you do that, magic happens – the implementation of Chroma 4:4:4 and font readability jumps to an exemplary level. The readability of text is simply excellent here. Of course, our editorial meticulousness would not allow us to pass by this equipment without taking a look "under the hood." During very specific tests with thin, dark text, we noticed that the horizontal and vertical matrix masks differ slightly in brightness levels. However, we want to reassure you: this phenomenon is so subtle that during normal use, such as writing emails or browsing the web, you would not be able to notice it with the naked eye. We maintain our opinion that as a monitor strictly for dynamic PC gaming, it is not the ideal choice (as we mentioned in the context of the 60 Hz refresh rate), but if any of you are wondering whether you can comfortably work on such a Blaupunkt – we answer: yes, it is absolutely possible.

In terms of cooperation with a PC, we have another surprise waiting. Theoretically, it is IPS matrices that should dominate in displaying static office content due to their pixel structure. However, the QNED80A once again breaks the mould. During tests, we noticed strange behaviour when displaying text. While classic, bold fonts are readable and look correct, the issues begin with small, thin letters. They tend to "split" on the contours and cast a strange shadow. This causes the small text to become less clear and, with prolonged use, can be tiring for the eyes. Therefore, if you are looking for a television that will primarily serve to display tables in Excel or Word documents, this particular variant may disappoint you a bit.

Viewing angles

5/10

6/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
71%
69%

It’s really very good here. Whether we were sitting directly in front or on the edge of the sofa, the colours did not lose their saturation. This is a big plus if you plan to watch matches or films with a larger group – no one will complain that the picture looks worse for them. Although IPS panels are known for their good angles, in this particular model, when viewed from a sharp angle, the picture noticeably loses brightness. Interestingly, the colour saturation remains intact, but the screen simply becomes darker. This is not something that disqualifies this television, but it’s worth knowing.

Do you remember how we complained about the weaker contrast? Well, now it's time for a comeback. It is precisely in terms of viewing angles that the IPS matrix shows its superiority and purpose. If you have a spacious living room, and family members watch television from different places – for instance, from an armchair in the corner or from over the table in the dining room – this variant will be spot on. Unlike VA matrices, here the image retains its properties even at a large angle. Colours remain vivid and do not change shades when viewed from the side. This makes the QNED80A in this version a fantastic choice for watching matches with friends or cartoons with children, where not everyone has the luxury of sitting directly in front of the screen.

Daytime performance

4/10

4.7/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Decent
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Daytime performance
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Daytime performance
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S Daytime performance
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

LG QNED80A6A (IPS): 310 cd/m2

Blaupunkt UGC5500S: 245 cd/m2

In terms of daytime performance, Blaupunkt is simply average. It all comes down to the low brightness of the panel, which – as we have mentioned, hovers around 250 nits. This is definitely too little for the screen to "break through" the strong light coming into the living room. As a result, under strong sunlight, the image loses clarity and appears somewhat washed-out. However, there is one bright spot in this category, the satin finish of the panel. Thanks to this, we do not have to deal with the mirror effect, which often means that instead of watching a film, we are seeing a reflection of our own sofa. The satin nicely diffuses reflections, which somewhat saves the situation. Nevertheless, we cannot cheat physics: while the coating bravely fights against reflections, the low brightness ultimately surrenders in the battle with sunlight. If you are planning a screening in the middle of the day in a very bright room, be prepared for the necessity of drawing the curtains.

QNED80A is not a "light monster", so in full, direct sunlight, the image may appear a bit washed out. This is not equipment designed to battle sharp sunlight hitting directly on the screen. However, it does have an ace up its sleeve that significantly improves user comfort: a matte screen coating. Instead of cheap, glossy finishing, LG has applied a satin structure here. It works very effectively by "softening" reflections from the surroundings. Therefore, we do not see our perfect reflection in the screen like in a mirror, which can be extremely annoying in darker scenes. So it may be insufficient for extremely bright rooms, but in standard, moderate home conditions, QNED80A will perform perfectly.

Panel details

Backlight Type
White LED
Mini-LED PFS LED
Software version during testing
RTM9.241015.007
33.21.62
Image processor
m7332 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV Panel details
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV Panel details
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV Panel details
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV Panel details

Blaupunkt UGC5500S

LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

TV features

5.1/10

6.8/10

  • HDMI inputs
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    No
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review Blaupunkt UGC5500S TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features

In terms of Smart TV functionality, the Blaupunkt UGC5500S is a classic example of a device where the system is both its greatest asset and its biggest flaw. On one hand, we have full Google TV here, which is a huge plus at this price point. We get access to a massive library of applications and basically all the functionality we know from brands that use this software. Nothing has been cut out forcibly, which is truly refreshing in such an inexpensive television. Unfortunately, we must honestly admit that in Blaupunkt's execution, this system simply works clumsily. This is a typical ailment of budget televisions with Google TV – the processor barely keeps up with the software. Navigation through the menu is not as smooth as we would like, and the remote can respond with a noticeable delay, giving the impression of being "dull." Of course, once you launch a specific application and start playing a movie, everything works stably, but just sifting through the interface requires a bit of patience.

As for traditional television features, Blaupunkt doesn't offer anything extraordinary. It is a simple device for basic tasks. The remote control deserves a plus, as it features a classic numeric keypad, which is simply convenient for flipping through cable channels. We also have Bluetooth, so you can easily connect wireless headphones or a speaker. The television also has a physical mini-jack headphone output. At a time when manufacturers are mass removing this connection, the presence of a "jack" is a nod towards those with older audio equipment or simply those who prefer classic wired headphones. It's a little thing, but it’s appreciated.

WebOS Platform and Support

One of the greatest advantages of the QNED80A model is its "brain", namely the operating system. LG has implemented a fully-fledged WebOS version for 2025, which, in terms of smoothness and usability, is on par with more expensive models. Applications launch smoothly, and navigating the menu is a sheer pleasure. All thanks to the unique remote control with a pointer (cursor) function, which has undergone a visual revamp this year. The manufacturer has opted for minimalism – the new "Magic" is significantly smaller and more ergonomic. It fits perfectly in the hand, but this change has a downside. The physical numeric section has been removed from the casing. For the younger generation, accustomed to streaming, this is not a problem, but older household members who are used to entering channel numbers from memory will need to change their habits.

Everyday Use and Extras

In terms of functions we would call "classic", the QNED80A adheres to a tested standard. It is not a multimedia powerhouse that will surprise you with exotic features, but it performs excellently in everyday television use. The handling of traditional television, including Teletext, is correct and hassle-free. The wireless communication is also commendable – the Bluetooth module works reliably, allowing for quick connection to a console controller or wireless speakers. This is a television that simply "works" – stably, predictably, and without unnecessary complications.

Apps

9.6/10

9.1/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
No
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Apple_music
No
Eleven_sports
OK
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
OK
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Playing files from USB

9.3/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
No
24 Mpix
Yes
No
28 Mpix
Yes
No
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

In terms of playing files from USB, Blaupunkt performs quite well. We checked several of the most popular formats, and basically everything important worked fine on the factory player. Therefore, you're not forced to immediately download additional software right after taking the television out of the box, as the equipment is simply self-sufficient from the start. Nevertheless, taking advantage of the charms of Google TV, we still recommend that you install something external, like VLC or Kodi. The factory player is adequate, but it is in these external applications that you will find the most configuration options, better subtitle support, or simply a more convenient interface. Since the system gives you such freedom, it is worth taking advantage of it to get as much as possible from your multimedia.

Many of us still enjoy watching films or photos from our own USB drives. Here, the QNED80A performs quite decently, supporting a wide range of video and audio codecs. Most film libraries will start "right away." However, it is important to remember the specifics of the WebOS system. Since this is a closed environment, we are reliant on what the manufacturer has prepared for us – there is no option to install alternative players (e.g., the popular VLC) if we encounter a read error. What kind of errors might we encounter? Primarily, the lack of support for HEIC files. So if you take pictures with an iPhone and want to display them on a large screen straight from a USB stick – the television won't recognise them. It's worth changing the photo format to JPG on your phone right away. We also noticed that the player struggles to process very large graphic files. Photos with resolutions of 20-28 Mpix may not load or cause errors. Aside from these exceptions – the operation is seamless.

Sound

6/10

6/10

  • Maximum volume
    85dB
    81dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    No
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    No
    No

In terms of audio, Blaupunkt performs really well, especially considering that this is a typical budget television. It’s evident, or rather audible, that the brand has not forgotten its roots, and for such an inexpensive model, the sound is exceptionally good. Of course, there is a noticeable lack of bass, but the overall output is loud, and surprisingly clear. Most importantly for us – even at higher volumes, the sound is not heavily distorted, which is a rarity and a pleasant surprise at this price point.

When it comes to sound, the QNED80A fits the market standard for mid-range televisions. We are dealing with a classic 2.0 setup with a power of 20 watts here. We won’t hide it – you cannot cheat physics. The sound lacks low tones (bass) and that specific depth which creates an atmosphere in action films or when listening to music. However, the television has one significant advantage that users of traditional television, such as for series and news programmes, will appreciate. That is the reproduction of speech. The dialogue is surprisingly clear and natural. The sound is not "bass-heavy" or artificially boosted, which makes it easy on the ears and allows one to understand every word of the commentator without the need to increase the volume.

Sound Quality Test

Acoustic Measurements

85dBC (Max)

75dBC

No acoustic data