- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- Contrast and black detail
- HDR effect quality
- Factory color reproduction
- Color reproduction after calibration
- Smoothness of tonal transitions
- Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
- Blur and motion smoothness
- Console compatibility and gaming features
- Input lag
- Compatibility with PC
- Viewing angles
- Daytime performance
- TV features
- Apps
- Playing files from USB
- Sound
- Panel details
LG NANO81A / NANO80A Review
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Panel type: LCD IPS Refresh rate: 60Hz Brand: LG Resolution: 3840x2160 System: WebOS Model year: 2025
LG NANO81A is currently one of the cheapest offerings from LG for 2025. It can be considered a direct successor to popular budget models but with a significant "ace up its sleeve." Unlike the most basic UHD series, this model is equipped with a proprietary NanoCell filter. What is this actually about? Theoretically, these microscopic particles applied to the panel are meant to filter out "polluted" wavelengths of light, which should result in cleaner and more saturated colors than in the cheapest LCD TVs. It's a kind of bridge between a regular screen and more expensive QLED models. The question, however, is: does this magic filter actually do its job, or is it just clever marketing to encourage us to pay a few hundred more compared to the basic series? We decided to check this by examining this model closely with our measurement equipment.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Our verdict
5.7
Overall rating
LG NANO81A is essentially a continuation of the NanoCell series, which has hardly changed over the past few years. Aside from a new operating system, a refreshed remote, and a few marketing additions, we are dealing with practically the same design that we have known for years. Thanks to the nanofilter, the TV is capable of displaying better, cleaner colors than standard budget TVs, and the IPS panel guarantees really decent viewing angles. Unfortunately, for these advantages, we pay a very weak black level and low contrast, which is immediately noticeable during nighttime viewings. Although webOS is still one of the best systems on the market, the biggest problem with the NANO81A is its price, which we simply do not understand. In 2025, this model faces enormous competition not only from brands like TCL or Hisense but... at LG itself. The model we tested earlier, QNED80A, is equipped with local dimming technology, has a brighter panel, and offers a wider color gamut. Interestingly, at the time of writing this review, the technically superior QNED80A is often much cheaper than the NANO81A. In this situation, the existence of the NanoCell model loses its meaning – unless wide viewing angles are your only priority, but in our opinion, the price you have to pay for them (at the cost of tragic blacks and a higher expenditure) is simply too high.
Advantages
Wide viewing angles (IPS panel)
Very low input lag (around 10-12 ms)
Smooth webOS 2025 system
Intuitive Magic remote with cursor
Better color gamut coverage thanks to NanoCell filter
Excellent as a PC monitor (sharp text, Chroma 4:4:4)
Decent features for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG)
Extensive calibration options and natural colors after adjustments
Good image processing and efficient scaling of older content
Noticeable bass in the sound
Disadvantages
Poor black and low contrast
Low brightness (about 250 nits – weak for very bright rooms)
Panel refresh rate only 60 Hz
USB player without support for HEIC files and very large photos (over 20 Mpix)
Movies and series in UHD quality5.1
Classic TV, YouTube5.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)5.4
Gaming on console6.7
TV as a computer monitor6.0
Watching in bright light4.0
Utility functions6.6
Apps9.1
Sound quality6.2
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LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Competing TVs in this price range
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality: Average
Stand type: Central
Bezel color: Graphite
Stand: Fixed
Flat design: No
Accessories: Stand
The NanoCell series is, in LG's hierarchy, a type of LCD television – positioned above budget UHD models but below advanced QNEDs or OLEDs. This is immediately evident in the design of the NANO81A model. If we take a look at the bezels, they are very reminiscent of those from the higher QNED80 series – we have a trendy, "borderless" design with a distinctive black frame around the screen. It looks modern, although the bezels themselves are not the thinnest. When purchasing, it's worth paying attention to the stand, as this is where the main difference between the models lies:
LG NANO81A (our tested unit) – has one central leg.
LG NANO80A – this is a twin model, but equipped with two widely spaced feet.
Before choosing, make sure to measure your furniture!
As for the dimensions, the device itself is unfortunately quite thick. If you plan to hang it on the wall, you must take into account that it will noticeably protrude from it. On the other hand, the back of the housing is designed in such a way that mounting it relatively close to the wall is possible, as long as the "box" profile doesn't bother you. Overall, it is made quite carefully and solidly, although you can feel under your fingers that it is not yet at the premium level that LG reserves for its most expensive series.
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LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Contrast and black detail
1.5/10
Local dimming function: No
Result
800:1
Result
850:1
Result
900:1
Result
900:1
Result
750:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
The NanoCell series, including the NANO81 model we tested, is based on an IPS panel. For anyone who has even a little knowledge about screens, this means one thing: significant problems with black levels and contrast. Our measurements are ruthless here. A result of 800:1 is, quite frankly, a tragic score. In practice, this means that what should appear on the screen as deep black looks like a dark gray blot at night. Watching dark films or series in a completely dark room will simply be torturous – the image will lose all its depth and will appear flat. If you decide to go with this model, we have one key piece of advice for you: don't watch it in complete darkness. To salvage the situation somewhat, it's best to leave a soft light on in the room, and the ideal solution would be to install an LED strip behind the television. Such wall lighting will trick your eye (this is known as simultaneous contrast) and make that grayness on the screen seem a bit darker. Nonetheless, the start of the test in terms of cinematic experiences looks bleak.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - HDR effect quality
3.6/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 87.6%, Bt.2020: 65.3%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
228 nit
Result
193 nit
Result
250 nit
Result
168 nit
Result
252 nit
If you're counting on HDR in the NANO81A to bring tears to your eyes, I have to disappoint you. This TV is simply too dark to show what this format is really about. With a brightness of just 250 nits, HDR here essentially exists only on paper. In practice, during a viewing session, it's very hard to distinguish whether we're watching high dynamic range content or regular SDR – it simply lacks that "punch" of light in bright areas of the image. But, to not have all criticism, we do have a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s quite clear. It's about color gamut coverage. Here, the NanoCell filter shows that it's not just marketing nonsense. Our measurements indicated that the coverage of the DCI-P3 space is around 88%. This is really a solid result that positions this model significantly above typical budget models based on regular white LED lights without any filters. Of course, it's still a bit lacking compared to the level of quantum dot TVs (QLED) or advanced panels with PFS filtering, but for this price range, the colors are surprisingly saturated and vibrant. It's just a shame that this low brightness doesn’t allow them to fully "spread their wings" with the Nano filter.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
Fortunately, despite such low brightness, the NANO81A has one feature that makes watching movies in HDR format truly enjoyable. It's the well-optimized dynamic tone mapping function. Thanks to this feature, LG's software extracts more from the matrix than the numbers alone would suggest. With this technology, the television manages details in the brightest parts of the image very "intelligently." In scenes from movies like Billy Lynn or Mr., the high effects in the form of fireworks or sunrises were not blended into one shapeless white spot. This is a huge plus, as it's easy to have "blowouts" with such an inexpensive and dim television, yet here LG handles it surprisingly well. Of course, there are no miracles – some slight shortcomings in color saturation (especially in reds) are still noticeable, and we’ve already pointed out the grayish black when discussing contrast. Despite these hardware limitations, the image is digitally "organized" well enough that an HDR viewing experience can be enjoyable here. For a budget device that has some hardware shortcomings, the software does a really good job.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
Unfortunately, the specifications of the NANO81A do not include support for Dolby Vision or HDR10+. This is quite a shame because with such dark televisions, dynamic metadata can work wonders. They allow for precise control of brightness frame by frame, which in theory would extract even more good from this panel. However, in the case of this particular model, we do not consider this a disqualifying flaw. Why? Because, as I mentioned earlier, LG has learned its lesson with the software. Their proprietary dynamic tone mapping feature handles the regular HDR10 format well enough that the picture still looks correct and detailed. Of course, it would be even better with Dolby Vision, but thanks to how the software manages the standard signal, the absence of these formats isn't as painful as it is with the competition.
Static HDR10
Factory color reproduction
5.3/10
For every movie fan, the natural choice in LG televisions is the Filmmaker Mode. This mode is designed to display the image as the director intended – without unnecessary "enhancements." Unfortunately, in the case of our test unit NANO81A, the factory settings left something to be desired. The main issue turned out to be white balance. Measurements showed a clear deficiency of blue color, which practically translated to many scenes having a slightly yellowish, almost "too yellow" tint. The white was not perfectly clean, which detracted from the freshness of the image. Additionally, brightness management was not ideal either – the factory-set gamma was too low. The image often appeared oversaturated, as if it had been pulled too much from the shadows, losing its naturalness and depth. Fortunately, LG, even in this relatively low price segment, does not block access to advanced settings. The calibration capabilities of this model are immense, which is a big plus for those who like to "dig around" in the menu. We decided to approach the topic in our own way and see how much we could extract from this panel with professional calibration.
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
After calibrating the NANO81A, it's a completely different television. What LG offers in terms of image enhancement tools even in such an inexpensive model deserves a big plus. We were able to completely eliminate that annoying yellowing of whites and make the colors natural, juicy, and simply "true." In SDR content (such as regular TV, YouTube, or older films), the picture now looks infinitely better – it's clear, well-balanced, and no longer strains the eyes with strange hues. It's evident that this panel has considerable potential, which is simply wasted by poor presets out of the box. However, we have one serious reservation that calibration cannot fully overcome – it's about brightness management in HDR mode. The algorithm LG uses in this model is designed very conservatively. The television deliberately dims the image in HDR to avoid overexposing an already weak black from the IPS panel. The developers faced a choice: either provide more light and accept that black will turn light gray, or reduce the brightness to maintain any contrast. They chose the latter. Nevertheless, after our adjustments, watching anything on the NANO81 is significantly better.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9.3/10
The fluidity of tonal transitions is an element where NANO81A really shines. LG proves here that it can refine image processing algorithms even in its cheaper models. During testing, we practically did not record the phenomenon of banding, that is, the annoying "steps" visible where one color should smoothly transition into another. Everything looks incredibly natural and smooth. This is especially evident in the bright scenes from the movie Kingsman, where the backgrounds remain clean and free from digital artifacts. However, even more impressive is how the television handles the extremely challenging, dark, and foggy shots in The Revenant. Where many budget panels falter and deliver ugly splotches instead of a smooth mist, the NANO81A maintains its composure, offering very velvety transitions. The only downside is that with darker shades, you will notice the weaker blacks of this TV rather than any issues with color transitions.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
It often happens that cheap 4K panels mercilessly bring all the "dirt" and imperfections of lower resolution materials to light. However, in the case of the LG NANO81A, the situation is quite different. It’s a really solid performer when it comes to handling content that is far from ideal. The built-in processor does a great job with upscaling. Even older recordings look quite decent on this screen – the image is coherent, cleaned of digital noise, and simply pleasant to the eye. A big plus is the gradation reduction feature that you will find in the settings. It is exceptionally effective in combating color banding, which is a lifesaver when watching low bitrate materials, for example from some streaming services or older files from the internet. However, it is worth maintaining a certain vigilance. Since we are dealing with a less efficient chip than in LG's top models here, too aggressive an adjustment of this option can sometimes result in minor artifacts or a slight blurring of details. Despite this risk, I definitely encourage experimentation with this feature – in many cases, it can save the viewing experience and make low-quality material fully watchable.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Blur and motion smoothness
4.6/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: No
BFI function 60Hz: No
BFI function 120Hz: No
In terms of motion fluidity, the NANO81A unfortunately has a few drawbacks. The TV is based on a panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. If you're looking for perfect sharpness in dynamic football matches or fast-paced action games, you might feel somewhat unsatisfied. With such a low native refresh rate, fast-moving objects on the screen will always be a bit blurry.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
A certain lifeline is the TruMotion system. It allows for the artificial interpolation of frames, which effectively smooths out the image, especially in movies and series. In the menu, you will find the De-Judder slider, and here we have a specific piece of advice for you: it’s best to set it to 3 or 4, at most 5. This is the "golden mean" – the image becomes noticeably smoother and more stable, but at the same time, it manages to avoid the so-called soap opera effect, which makes cinematic productions look unnatural and cheap. Although the software cannot physically replace a faster panel, these settings make viewing much more comfortable for the eye.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Console compatibility and gaming features
6/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
48 - 60Hz
Dolby Vision Game Mode:
No - Correct implementation of HGIG:
Yes
- 1080p@120Hz:
No
- 1440p@120Hz:
No
- 4K@120Hz:
No
- Game bar:
Yes
NANO81A is unfortunately not a device designed for e-sports. The lack of support for a 120 Hz signal is a fact that users planning to purchase this model must simply come to terms with. Nevertheless, LG engineers have worked hard to squeeze the maximum capabilities out of this 60 Hz panel, offering a set of features that genuinely enhance the gaming experience. Above all, the television supports VRR technology (in the range of 48–60 Hz) and ALLM. As a result, the image remains stable and does not "tear," and the device automatically switches to low-latency mode as soon as it detects a signal from the console. Managing these settings is incredibly simple thanks to a dedicated system overlay that allows for a quick overview of parameters without leaving the game. A significant advantage is the support for the HGiG format. This solution is crucial for owners of modern consoles, as it enables the TV to correctly "understand" the intentions of game developers regarding HDR tone mapping. In practice, this helps avoid the effect of "blown out" bright spots, such as clouds or light sources, which unfortunately is a common issue in budget LCD televisions.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Input lag
10/10
In terms of response speed, the LG NANO81A performs exceptionally well. The input lag we measured is about 12 ms. This is a very low result, which means one thing for a gamer – the delay between moving the joystick on the controller and the reaction on the screen is practically imperceptible. The television performs excellently in dynamic titles, where every millisecond matters, and in this regard, it does not fall behind significantly more expensive models.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 13 ms | 2160p60: 12 ms | |
| 2160p60: 12 ms |
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Compatibility with PC
6/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 12ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR
Max refresh rate: 60Hz
G-Sync: No
Nano81A is a really solid monitor for text work. Thanks to the IPS panel and proper implementation of Chroma 4:4:4, fonts are very clear and sharp – practically anyone will be satisfied with how this screen performs as a monitor. We only noticed one small detail that we caught with our laboratory scrutiny: vertical lines of dark text are slightly darker than those horizontal ones. However, this phenomenon is minimal enough that we decided not to deduct points for it. The ratings went down only for features typical for PC gamers – it lacks G-Sync support and high refresh rates above 60 Hz, which will be a significant drawback for those looking for a screen for fast-paced computer games.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Viewing angles
6.1/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 66%
This is the moment when the LG NANO81A can finally "breathe" and make up for the points lost in the black and contrast category. Thanks to the use of an IPS panel, the viewing angles are simply very good here. This is where the tested model gains the most and clearly shows its advantage over competing televisions equipped with VA panels. In practice, this means that the image does not lose quality, even when viewed from a wide angle. This makes the NANO81A a great option for those who have a wide furniture layout in their living room or frequently watch games and movies with a larger group.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Daytime performance
4/10
Panel finish: Satin
Reflection suppression: Decent
Black levels during daytime: Good
NANO81A is a relatively dark television, so it works best in rooms where you have control over the lighting. With a brightness reaching around 250 nits, it is hard to recommend it wholeheartedly for very bright, heavily sunlit living rooms – under such conditions, the image will simply lack punch. Nevertheless, LG deserves a small plus for the screen finish. The satin panel used here dampens reflections quite decently. As a result, even if there is a bit of light in the room, you won't see reflections of every detail from your surroundings on the screen. So, if you can slightly close the blinds, a daytime viewing experience will be quite possible, but this model was simply not designed to "fight" against full sunlight.
Panel brightness
Average luminance SDR
LG NANO81A / NANO80A : 247 cd/m2
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - TV features
6.6/10
System: WebOS
System performance: Good
- HDMI inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
- 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): No
- Recording programming: No
- 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
Smart Features: WebOS
One of the biggest advantages of the NANO81A model is its “brain,” which is the operating system. LG has implemented a full-fledged WebOS version for 2025, which in terms of fluidity and user experience is on par with the more expensive models of this brand. Applications launch smoothly, and navigating the menu is a pure pleasure – there is no sign of irritating lags that often occur with budget competitors. All of this is thanks to the unique remote control with a pointer (cursor) function, which has undergone a visual makeover this year. The manufacturer has opted for minimalism – the new Magic remote is significantly smaller and more ergonomic than its predecessors. It sits perfectly in the hand, but this change has a downside as well. The physical number pad has completely disappeared from the casing. For younger users, accustomed to streaming and selecting tiles, this will not be a problem. However, older household members, who are used to entering channel numbers from memory, will have to change their long-standing habits.
Everyday Use
In terms of features we would call “classic,” the NANO81A relies on proven standards. It is not a multimedia powerhouse that will surprise you with exotic additions, but it performs flawlessly in everyday television tasks. The handling of traditional terrestrial or cable television, including the old good Teletext, is correct and intuitive. Wireless communication also deserves praise. The Bluetooth module works very reliably, allowing for quick and stable connections to game console controllers or wireless headphones and speakers. It’s simply a TV that “works” – it is stable, predictable, and does not create unnecessary complications in daily use.
Sound connection options
HDMI audio:
Other audio outputs:
- Toslink: Yes
Wireless audio:
- Bluetooth: Yes
Supported audio formats (external HDMI eARC audio):
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
- Dolby True HD 7.1: No
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): No
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: No
- DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: No
- DTS-HD Master Audio: No
Senior accessibility
- Numeric keyboard on TV: No
- Font size adjustment: No
- Audio description: Yes
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Apps
9.1/10
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Playing files from USB
8.2/10
| 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 |
Many users still use their own USB drives to display movies or photos on the big screen. In this regard, the NANO81A performs quite decently – the built-in player supports a wide range of video and audio codecs, so most movie libraries will start up "right away." However, it is important to remember the specifics of the WebOS system. Since it is a closed environment, we are limited to what the manufacturer has prepared for us. There is no possibility of installing alternative players (like the popular VLC), so if the system player cannot handle something, there is not much that can be done about it. During tests, we encountered a few specific limitations. Above all, there is a lack of support for HEIC files. If you take photos with an iPhone and want to view them directly from the USB drive, the TV simply will not see them – it's worth changing the format to JPG on your phone right away. We also noticed that the player has difficulty processing very large graphic files. Photos with a resolution of around 20–28 Mpix may not load or cause system errors. Aside from these exceptions, daily multimedia handling is hassle-free.
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Sound
6.2/10
81dB
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
When it comes to audio, the LG NANO81A pleasantly surprises compared to its higher-positioned sibling, the QNED80A model. Interestingly, NanoCell sounds slightly better, which is likely due to its somewhat thicker casing. The increased volume allows for the extraction of some low-end nuances – the bass may not be powerful, but it is more distinctly defined than in thinner constructions. However, one shouldn't expect miracles. It is still a standard 2.0 speaker arrangement with a total power of 20 W, so the overall sound characteristics remain similar to other models in this price range. The mid and high tones are acceptable, making dialogues in movies and news programs clear. While this slight improvement in the lower registers is pleasing, for true home cinema or music listening, it is still worth considering the purchase of at least a simple soundbar.
Sound Quality Test:
Acoustic Measurements
81dBC (Max)
75dBC
LG NANO81A / NANO80A - Panel details
Software version during testing: 33.21.62
Subpixel Structure:
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: White LED
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