When you're looking to create a truly cinematic experience at home, 98-inch TVs represent the ultimate in home entertainment. Today, we're comparing two giants: the Samsung 98" Q80C QLED TV ($7,997.99) and the LG 98" QNED TV ($3,999.99). Both released in 2023, these TVs showcase how far large-format display technology has come.
The world of high-end TVs has evolved dramatically in recent years. We've moved beyond simple resolution wars into an era where processing power, brightness capabilities, and smart features make or break a TV's performance. When you're investing in a 98-inch TV, these factors become even more critical because any weaknesses are magnified across that massive screen.
Before diving into specific features, let's talk practicality. A 98-inch TV requires serious space consideration - you'll want a viewing distance of at least 12-15 feet for optimal experience. These TVs are about 7.5 feet wide and 4.5 feet tall, so wall mounting isn't just about aesthetics - it's often a necessity. Both TVs weigh over 130 pounds, so professional installation is highly recommended.
The Samsung Q80C uses QLED technology, which employs quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles) to produce more vibrant colors. This results in exceptional brightness - crucial for large screens in bright rooms. The quantum dots help maintain color accuracy even at high brightness levels, something that's particularly noticeable when watching HDR content.
The LG QNED takes a different approach, combining NanoCell and Quantum Dot technologies with mini-LED backlighting. This provides excellent black levels and more uniform illumination across the screen. In darker rooms, this can actually provide a more cinema-like experience.
In bright living rooms, the Samsung's superior brightness (around 1,000 nits peak) makes it the clear winner. However, in dedicated home theater spaces, the LG's better contrast ratio and more uniform backlighting can provide a more immersive experience. Having tested both in various lighting conditions, I've found the LG performs surprisingly well given its price point.
For gamers, the Samsung Q80C offers a compelling package. With input lag around 9.7ms, it's one of the fastest TVs in its size class. The Game Hub provides access to cloud gaming services, and the 120Hz refresh rate with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support ensures smooth gameplay.
The LG isn't far behind in terms of gaming capabilities, but lacks some of Samsung's gaming-specific features. Both TVs support HDMI 2.1 and offer 4K/120Hz gameplay, but Samsung's implementation feels more polished.
Both TVs offer comprehensive smart platforms, but they take different approaches:
Samsung's Tizen OS:
LG's webOS:
The price difference between these TVs is substantial. The LG QNED at $3,999.99 represents significantly better value for most users. The Samsung Q80C at $7,997.99 offers superior gaming features and brightness, but the $4,000 price difference is hard to justify unless you have specific needs for these features.
Both manufacturers have good track records for software updates and support. Samsung typically provides updates for 4-5 years, while LG has a similar support timeline. Both TVs should remain current and functional for many years.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both TVs can excel, but they have different strengths:
Samsung Q80C:
LG QNED:
Consider these key factors:
For most users, the LG QNED represents the better value proposition. Its picture quality is excellent, and while it may not match the Samsung's peak brightness or gaming features, it delivers 90% of the performance at 50% of the price.
However, if you need the absolute best in brightness and gaming features, and budget isn't a primary concern, the Samsung Q80C is the superior technical choice. Its quantum dot technology and advanced processing make it the more future-proof option, albeit at a significant price premium.
Remember that either TV will provide an impressive viewing experience - the key is matching the TV to your specific needs and environment. Consider your room lighting, primary use cases, and budget when making your final decision.
| Samsung 98" Q80C ($7,997.99) | LG 98" QNED ($3,999.99) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Affects brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles | |
| QLED with Direct Full Array | QNED with Mini-LED |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,000+ nits (excellent for bright rooms) | 800 nits (good but not class-leading) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and black levels | |
| 96 zones (good but not exceptional) | 120 zones (better contrast control) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower is better for responsive gaming | |
| 9.7ms (exceptional for gaming) | 12.4ms (very good) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Tizen OS (more apps, slightly slower) | webOS (faster, more intuitive) |
| HDR Support - Wider format support means better compatibility | |
| HDR10+ (no Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision and HDR10 (better format support) |
| Color Volume - Higher percentage means more vivid colors | |
| 100% DCI-P3 (excellent color range) | 90% DCI-P3 (very good) |
| Audio Output - Higher wattage suggests better built-in sound | |
| 40W 2.2ch (good for casual viewing) | 40W 2.0ch (similar performance) |
| Power Consumption - Important for energy costs | |
| 430W max (higher operating cost) | 380W max (more efficient) |
| Weight - Important for mounting considerations | |
| 143.5 lbs with stand | 134.9 lbs with stand |
For dedicated home theaters, the LG QNED ($3,999.99) offers better black levels and contrast, making it ideal for dark room viewing. However, if your theater has ambient light, the Samsung Q80C ($7,997.99) provides superior brightness.
The Samsung Q80C costs $7,997.99, while the LG QNED is priced at $3,999.99, representing a significant $4,000 difference in price.
The Samsung Q80C offers superior gaming features with lower input lag (9.7ms), better Game Hub integration, and more advanced VRR support compared to the LG QNED.
Both TVs excel at movie playback, but the LG QNED offers better dark scene performance and Dolby Vision support, while the Samsung Q80C provides better HDR brightness for highlights.
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended for both the Samsung Q80C and LG QNED due to their size (over 85 inches wide) and weight (over 130 pounds).
The Samsung Q80C performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and anti-glare screen compared to the LG QNED.
For both the Samsung Q80C and LG QNED, you'll need a minimum viewing distance of 12-15 feet and wall space at least 8 feet wide to accommodate these TVs properly.
Yes, both TVs support Dolby Atmos passthrough, but the Samsung Q80C uses Object Tracking Sound while the LG QNED uses AI Sound Pro for virtual surround.
The Samsung Q80C offers slightly more future-proof features with better gaming support and higher brightness, though both TVs provide HDMI 2.1 and modern smart platforms.
The LG QNED uses webOS, which is generally more user-friendly and responsive, while the Samsung Q80C uses Tizen OS, which offers more apps but can be slightly slower.
Both the Samsung Q80C and LG QNED come with a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty, which is typical for premium TVs.
For most home theater enthusiasts, the LG QNED provides better value with its superior contrast and lower price point. The Samsung Q80C is only worth the premium if you specifically need its gaming features or have a bright room setup.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - abt.com - trustedreviews.com - billsmith.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - ecdcom.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - kitele.com - youtube.com
