LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Review

QNED85A / QNED86A / QNED87A / A6A / A6B / A6C

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This TV was tested by:

Maciej Koper

Paweł Koper

Last updated::

9/4/2025 3:23:42 PM

LG QNED86A6A is a television that is intended to revolutionise the market to some extent – or at least that is how LG wants to position it. Here, we are presented with Mini-LED technology in a budget version, a 120 Hz panel, and a full set of features for gamers. This model is aimed at those who are looking for a reasonably priced television with fast refreshing rates and support for modern standards. The question is whether we are indeed witnessing a revolution, or rather a well-known design that looks like a refreshed version of last year's QNED87T? You will find out in our review.

LG QNED86A - Our verdict

7.0

Overall rating

QNED86A6A is a television that truly does an excellent job in its price range when it comes to sports, gaming, and everyday TV viewing. The 120 Hz panel ensures smooth images and sharp motion, which both sports fans and gamers will appreciate. It also features low input lag along with a complete set of gaming functions such as HGiG, VRR, and ALLM. The television works just as well with a computer as it does with a console, so whether in the office or on a desk in the 43” version, it serves excellently as a work monitor. Another strong point is the webOS system. This is a fast, stable, and application-rich operating system that, paired with the Magic remote, offers very convenient operation. The new version of the remote is slimmer and fits better in the hand, while the on-screen cursor is a solution that many competitors lack. Additionally, there are classic features – USB recording, Bluetooth for headphones, and a full HDMI 2.1 set with eARC and Dolby Atmos support. This makes the televisions from the QNED85 series some of the most "multimedia" televisions in their class. However, there’s no point in mincing words; this model also has its significant flaws. Its biggest flaw is undoubtedly the contrast, or rather, the lack thereof. The IPS panel combined with edge-lit "mini-LED" is simply a very bad idea. The screen is just not suitable for watching movies in a dark living room. The blacks are bluish-grey, and local dimming can generate light strips reminiscent of lasers, which effectively spoil the desire to watch. This is not a choice that can be wholeheartedly recommended for home cinema. The second problem may not be directly related to the television itself but rather to its sales. It concerns the chaos in naming and discrepancies in derivative versions. The same model, even with the same marking, can have a different bezel colour or stand depending on the store. This can truly be frustrating for the buyer and evoke a sense of confusion. To summarise briefly: LG QNED86A6A is a great television for sports, gaming, and everyday television, with a user-friendly system and substantial functionality. But if you are looking for a screen strictly for movies or series and require deep blacks, it would be better to look towards televisions that can truly be called Mini-LEDs with full confidence.

Advantages

120 Hz panel, good for sports and gaming
Very low input lag
Great for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG etc.)
Complete set of HDMI 2.1 ports
Good compatibility with PC (excellent font readability)
Bright picture (around 700 nits in HDR), performs well in moderately bright rooms
Good viewing angles (IPS)
Support for Dolby Vision
User-friendly webOS operating system with Magic Remote and voice assistant
Ability to record programmes to USB

Disadvantages

Very poor black levels and contrast due to the IPS panel
Lack of the advertised 144 Hz in PC mode
Aggressive "light bands" when local dimming is enabled (edge local dimming ruins evening movie sessions)
Confusion in model designations and versions – even televisions with the same name in different stores can have different stands (central or two feet) or frame colours, which can be very misleading when purchasing.

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.4
Classic TV, YouTube

6.2
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

7.2
Gaming on console

8.4
TV as a computer monitor

8.0
Watching in bright light

5.8
Utility functions

8.4
Apps

9.1
Sound quality

6.0

LG QNED86A - Competing TVs in this price range

7.6

Sony BRAVIA 5 (XR5) 55”

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Samsung Q7F 55”

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8.5

Philips OLED910 55”

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8.0

Philips OLED820 55”

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8.0

Hisense U8Q 55”

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7.4

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8.8

Review SAMSUNG OLED S95F (QD-OLED) Main photo

SAMSUNG OLED S95F (QD-OLED) 55”

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7.1

TCL C6K 55”

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8.5

Sony Bravia 8 MK2 55”

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LG QNED86A - TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Build quality: BuildQuality-Good

Stand type: Central

Kolor ramki: Graphite

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Appearance of the TV

Stand: Height adjustment
Flat design: Yes
Accessories: Stand

LG QNED86A looks quite nice and certainly does not lag behind its competitors in its class. Its sleekness is what really distinguishes it. Thanks to this, with the right mount, it can be hung really close to the wall, creating the effect of an almost integrated installation. An interesting and practical addition is the central metal stand included in the package. Importantly, it is also height-adjustable, so we can easily fit a soundbar under the television. The issue with cable management is somewhat less impressive. We lacked a greater number of cable organizers, which can somewhat spoil the minimalist effect. The frame on the tested QNED86A6A model was slim, although finished with plastic that does not convey a very premium feel. It is also worth remembering that depending on the version and size, the QNED86A may come with two widely spaced feet instead of a central stand. The problem is that it is not entirely clear which designation corresponds to which variant. It seems that even the manufacturer and distributors are confused about this, as evidenced by the photos from store listings that show different versions under the same model name.

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LG QNED86A - Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

3.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Contrast and black detail

Result

4,050:1

Result

1,750:1

Result

4,800:1

Result

1,850:1

Result

1,350:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Although the manufacturer describes the QNED86A as a Mini-LED television, there is no multi-zone local dimming system here like those found in more expensive models. In practice, we are dealing with traditional edge lighting, which only allows for dimming horizontal bands of the screen from top to bottom. Combined with a low-contrast IPS/ADS panel, the effect simply falls short. If we decide to leave local dimming on, a problem arises – the television can illuminate selected portions in such a way that it looks like "flying lasers" cutting across the screen. This is very distracting, and it is difficult to speak of truly cinematic experiences under such conditions. Therefore, in our opinion, it is better to turn this feature off. However, one must reckon with the fact that the contrast then drops to around 1500:1, but at least the picture does not irritate with artificial flashes.

LG QNED86A - HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.4%, Bt.2020: 73.4%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Brightness measurement

Result

602 nit

Result

524 nit

Result

690 nit

Result

512 nit

Result

500 nit

Against a backdrop of contrast and black, the brightness of the QNED86A and the overall HDR effect perform much better. This is a television that can achieve around 700 nits under the best conditions, so in terms of luminance alone, there is nothing to be ashamed of. As a result, scenes with strong lights, explosions, flashes, or bright parts of the landscape look clear and can make an impression. Interestingly, even in more challenging moments with small, contrasting elements on the screen, the television manages well with their backlighting, and the details are quite visible. The problem arises when there are many dark tones. The lack of effective local dimming causes the black to practically disappear, and instead, we get a grey haze spreading across the entire screen. This kills the sense of depth and makes the image look flat, as if it lacks a cinematic character. In bright animations or colourful family films, this will not be a problem, as vibrant colours and bright light dominate. But in horrors or productions set in darkness, these limitations are very strongly felt. As a comfort, it is worth adding that the QNED86A is actually a QLED television with a PFS LED filter, which gives it very good coverage of a wide colour gamut. Both the DCI-P3 palette and the broader BT.2020 perform really well here. This makes the colours in HDR films saturated, juicy, and with the appropriate depth – even if the black itself disappoints, the colours can save the viewing experience and make the image look attractive.

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

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

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

Comparing the QNED86A to the most expensive screens on the market, it must be acknowledged that it faced a significant challenge. And although very poor black levels often spoiled the effect, the viewing experiences of some productions were quite decent. The best performance was in a scene from the film 'Pan', full of bright colours and dynamic effects. There, the television performed really well, and it was hard to fault it seriously – aside from the previously mentioned greyish black, particularly noticeable in film strips in 21:9 format. However, the scene from 'Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk' fared worse. In theory simpler, yet more demanding – the fireworks were rendered correctly, but details in the dark sections either completely vanished or were artificially brightened by aggressive dimming from the edges of the screen. This made the image lose coherence and naturalness. The QNED86A is certainly not a screen that can be recommended wholeheartedly to every cinema enthusiast. In dark conditions, its limitations quickly become apparent and spoil the atmosphere, which is much better preserved in other Mini-LED televisions.

HDR luminance chart:

HDR luminance

As you may have already noticed, the QNED86A does not perform very well with static HDR10 mapping. The image in this mode can be flat, over-saturated, and lacks natural depth. In such conditions, watching a film can quickly lose its appeal, as everything looks as if someone has overdone the brightness slider. Fortunately, LG made a step in the right direction in 2025 by reinstating support for dynamic Dolby Vision metadata, which was missing in last year's QNED87T. This is a significant change, as thanks to Dolby Vision, the television is able to display far more details and maintain better image consistency in difficult scenes. Of course, it still lacks quite a bit compared to the best competitors in this budget, but the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision in this model is evident and often saves the QNED86A from dire straits.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

LG QNED86A - Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.9/10

The colour blending is one of the stronger points of the QNED86A. During everyday viewing, the image is presented very smoothly, without noticeable "steps" or sudden transitions between colours. The television handles colour merging in a quite natural way, so with most material, it is difficult to spot issues with gradation. Any imperfections only appear under extreme conditions – for example, in the darkest parts of films, where even much more expensive televisions can encounter problems. There you might notice slight banding or characteristic stripes, but these are marginal situations that should not interfere during normal usage. Overall, the QNED86A performs quite well in this category and has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison to the competition.

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Smoothness of tonal transitions — These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.8/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video. The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

If someone is worried about potential "steps" when blending colours, there is a simple way in the QNED86A to address this. Just activate the feature called Smooth Gradation and set it to a medium level. Then the television really smooths out all those unwanted transitions quite well – especially in older productions – and it does so in a way that film grain doesn't disappear, nor do strange artefacts appear. In other words, it can be used without concern.

The upscaling itself also performs quite well. Of course, there are no miracles here – with lower quality sources, you can notice characteristic ringing. Fortunately, there is a sharpness slider in the menu, and if someone prefers a more "soft" image, it can be quickly adjusted to personal taste.

LG QNED86A - Blur and motion smoothness

7.9/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)

BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 240Hz (double contours)

Brightness drop with BFI: 62%

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A Blur and motion smoothness — The photo presents the motion smoothing settings in the tested TV.

The QNED86A is equipped with a panel boasting a refresh rate of 120 Hz, so it can be said from the outset that it is suitable for both sports and gaming. And indeed, it is – the image appears smooth, and motion blur is not particularly intrusive. IPS panels have always had some issues with this, and here too, slight blurring can sometimes be noticed, especially in very dynamic scenes, but it is not something that ruins the viewing of a match or a fast-paced game. For cinema and sports fans, LG has included the traditional TruMotion smoothness enhancer. In the menu, we have two sliders – one for movies (De-Judder) and the other for sports (De-Blur). The first adds missing frames and can be adjusted to modify the character of motion – from raw, cinematic to a smoother, more ‘theatrical’ look. The second improves sharpness during dynamic actions, so it's worth turning it up a bit if you watch a lot of sports.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

LG QNED86A - Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

ALLM: Yes
VRR: Yes
VRR range: 48 - 120Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode: Yes
Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
1080p@120Hz: Yes
1440p@120Hz: Yes
4K@120Hz: Yes
Game bar: Yes

In terms of gaming, the LG QNED86A6A is a complete tool. It features four HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, which means that whether you connect a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a powerful PC, everything will run in full 4K at 120 Hz with support for all functions. This is a significant advantage, as some competitors still only offer two such ports, which can be troublesome with multiple devices. It also includes VRR, or variable refresh rate, which eliminates screen tearing, as well as ALLM, which automatically activates game mode when the console is turned on. Dolby Vision Gaming is also included, along with proper implementation of the HGiG format, so titles that support these formats look more vivid and detailed. On top of all this, there is the Game Optimizer – a sort of control centre for gamers. From this interface, you can view picture parameters in real-time, quickly change modes, activate additional features, or adjust image settings to your personal preferences. The LG QNED86A6A essentially has everything one could expect from a modern gaming television.

LG QNED86A - Input lag

9.9/10

There is really nothing to complain about here. The QNED86A6A achieves excellent results – around 5 ms with 120 Hz content and roughly 15 ms with 60 Hz. These values will easily satisfy both console gamers and those who connect a PC to the television. The response to movements is instantaneous, so you can forget about delays between the image and the action on the controller.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 15 ms	2160p60: 14 ms	2160p60 DV: 15 ms
1080p120: 6 ms	2160p120: 6 ms	2160p120 DV: 6 ms
2160p60: 14 ms
2160p120: 6 ms

LG QNED86A - Compatibility with PC

8/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 6ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

LG QNED86A, thanks to the use of an IPS matrix, a full RGB subpixel layout, and correct implementation of chroma 4:4:4, makes fonts look fantastic on the QNED86A6A. The text is sharp, clear, and legible, making the television ideal for office work. This is important, as this year the model also debuts in a 43" size, and such a variant can easily land on a desk and serve as a large monitor. Of course, some users who opt for the 43" version will be gamers, and here too there are no reasons for complaints. The television supports 4K at 120 Hz, so gameplay is smooth and enjoyable. It's a bit of a shame that there is no higher refresh rate mode like the 144Hz declared by the manufacturer, as PC gamers would surely appreciate that. Despite this, the QNED86A6A performs really well as a monitor for gaming and work.

LG QNED86A - Viewing angles

6.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 61%

QNED86A6A performs very well in this regard. The IPS panel used here ensures that the image maintains its brightness and colour saturation even when viewed from an angle. There is none of the fading effect often seen in cheaper TVs with VA panels. Of course – there is no point comparing this to the level offered by organic panels, where colours and contrast remain perfect from almost every angle. But as far as LCD TVs go, this is definitely one of the better results and is more than sufficient for watching films or sports together on the sofa with a larger group.

LG QNED86A - TV efficiency during daytime

5.8/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Decent

Black levels during daytime: Good

QNED86A6A is not a champion of brightness, but it manages adequately. Thanks to the moderately high brightness of the panel and quite decent reflection handling, the television will perform well in typical, moderately lit living rooms. The image remains clear, and the colours do not lose their intensity in daylight. However, let's not fool ourselves; this is not a screen that will cope in extremely bright conditions, where sunlight streams through large windows and floods the room.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A: 462 cd/m2

LG QNED86A - TV features

8.4/10

System: WebOS

System performance: Good

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)

Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

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

Smart features:

AirPlay: Yes
Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
Voice search: Yes
Voice search in native language: Yes
Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes

Review LG QNED86A / QNED85A / QNED87A TV features

Smart Features: webOS

QNED86A6A operates on the well-known webOS – a system that has been a strong point of LG televisions for years. Everything runs quickly and stably, applications launch without significant delays, although the interface can occasionally feel a bit overwhelmed by advertisements. Fortunately, on a day-to-day basis, convenience outweighs these shortcomings. A significant advantage is the Magic Remote control, which allows you to operate the cursor like a mouse – it's one of those solutions that you quickly get used to and find it hard to give up later. In the new version, the remote is slimmer, as it has been stripped of the numeric keypad. Some will appreciate the simplicity, while others will miss the classic set of buttons; it's more a matter of habit.

Classic Features

We also find a few features on board that may not always be obvious in 2025. There is the ability to record programmes from the built-in DVB-T2 tuners to USB, so you can easily return to a match or series at any time. In the evening, Bluetooth headphone support will come in handy – especially if someone in the house falls asleep quicker than we do. Additionally, there is a full set of HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC support and audio formats such as Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos.

Sound connection options

HDMI audio:

Other audio outputs:

Toslink: Yes

Wireless audio:

Bluetooth: Yes
WiSA: Yes

Obsługiwane formaty audio:

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes

Ułatwienia dla seniorów

Audio description: Yes

LG QNED86A - Apps

9.1/10

LG QNED86A - Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.9/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in media player in the QNED86A6A performs quite well with the most popular audio and video formats. During testing, we had no issues playing MP4, MKV, or MP3 files; everything played smoothly and without stutters. The television also handled most images, although we encountered a typical barrier for many manufacturers – lack of full support for the HEIC format from Apple. So if you use an iPhone daily and store photos in this standard, you will need to convert them beforehand or, better yet, transfer them using AirPlay. Other than that, it’s hard to find fault as, for a built-in solution, it's really decent.

LG QNED86A - Sound

6/10

84dB

Maximum volume

Supported codecs

(TV speakers)

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

In terms of sound quality, the QNED86A6A performs quite decently, but there's no denying that it isn't at a level that would impress home cinema enthusiasts. The sound is clear and distinct, with dialogues easy to hear, but overall it sounds rather flat and definitely lacks solid low tones. For everyday television viewing, streaming services, or news, this level is acceptable; however, if you plan to watch movies or play games more often, even a basic soundbar will make a significant difference.