LG NANO85UNA 4K Smart TV Review

Embark on a visual journey with the LG NANO85UNA, a 4K TV boasting LG’s NanoCell technology. This feature-packed TV promises sharp visuals, a user-friendly smart platform, and a sleek design, all at a competitive price point. But does it deliver the NanoCell magic, or is it just another step in the 4K evolution? This review delves deep into the NANO85UNA’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your entertainment haven.

Today’s LG NANO85UNA 4K Smart TV Deals

Picture Quality

The LG NANO85UNA centers around picture quality, with LG’s NanoCell technology taking center stage. Here’s a breakdown of its key visual aspects:

• 4K Resolution and Sharpness: Witness the difference 4K makes. The NANO85UNA boasts a stunning 3840 x 2160 resolution, delivering crisp and detailed visuals, especially noticeable in high-resolution content. From nature documentaries to action-packed movies, every frame comes alive with sharp detail.
• NanoCell Technology: LG’s NanoCell technology utilizes nanoparticles to refine light and enhance color reproduction. In theory, this translates to a wider color gamut and purer colors compared to traditional LED TVs.
• HDR10 Support: The NANO85UNA supports HDR10, a format that expands the contrast range and color gamut. This translates to brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and a wider range of colors for a more immersive viewing experience, particularly when watching HDR content. However, some users might find the HDR effect subtle compared to higher-end TVs with more advanced HDR processing.

Compared To Other TVs

The NANO85UNA holds its own against similarly priced competitors in terms of picture quality. The 4K resolution delivers sharp visuals, and NanoCell technology boasts improvements in color reproduction. However, some competing TVs might offer superior contrast thanks to VA panels, or even deeper blacks with OLED technology. Additionally, higher-end TVs might boast more advanced picture processing for even sharper details and smoother motion handling.

Brightness and Contrast

Brightness levels on the NANO85UNA are decent for most lighting conditions. Contrast is acceptable, but some viewers might find blacks appearing slightly washed out, especially in dark scenes. This is a common trade-off for TVs in this price range. The lack of local dimming technology, a feature that adjusts backlighting in different zones of the screen, contributes to this limitation.

Design

The NANO85UNA embraces a minimalist aesthetic. The bezels are slim and stylish, creating a near bezel-less look that keeps the focus on the picture. The sleek stand offers sturdy support and a slight tilt functionality for optimal viewing angles. The back panel is made of plastic, which feels functional but not necessarily premium. Overall, the design prioritizes clean lines and functionality, seamlessly blending into modern living spaces.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the NANO85UNA is a point of consideration. The built-in speakers lack depth and power, resulting in a somewhat thin and underwhelming audio experience. Dialogue can sound clear at moderate volumes, but bass is lacking, and action scenes might sound flat.

For an immersive movie or gaming experience, consider pairing the NANO85UNA with a soundbar or a home theater system. This will significantly enhance the overall audio quality and unlock the full potential of your entertainment. LG offers a variety of soundbar options that integrate seamlessly with the NANO85UNA, creating a unified and powerful audio solution.

Here’s a pro-tip: Factor in the potential cost of a soundbar when budgeting for your new TV. While the NANO85UNA itself might be a budget-friendly option, adding a soundbar can increase the overall cost.

Smart Features

• Content Discovery Features: LG ThinQ integrates various content recommendation features to help you discover new shows and movies based on your viewing habits. This can be a helpful tool for finding hidden gems or shows you might have missed.
• Seamless Integration with LG Ecosystem: If you have other LG smart home appliances, the NANO85UNA can act as a hub for controlling them, adding to the overall convenience factor.

While webOS offers a user-friendly experience, some users might prefer the interface of competing smart TV platforms, such as Samsung’s Tizen or Roku. These platforms might offer additional features or customization options.

Motion

The LG NANO85UNA features a standard 60Hz refresh rate panel. While it delivers a decent viewing experience for most content like movies and TV shows, fast-paced scenes like sports or action movies might exhibit some motion blur. This can be a concern for gamers or viewers particularly sensitive to motion blur.

LG incorporates some motion processing features to try and reduce blur, but these might introduce the “soap opera effect” where motion appears unnaturally smooth, which some viewers find undesirable. Consider a TV with a higher refresh rate (120Hz or higher) for smoother motion handling in fast-moving content.

Gaming Features

The LG NANO85UNA caters to casual gamers with some basic features to enhance the experience. Game Mode pre-calibrates the picture settings for faster response times and a more responsive gaming experience. Additionally, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) might be included on some models, helping reduce input lag for a faster response time between your controller actions and what appears on the screen. However, the NANO85UNA lacks some features that might be important for serious gamers:

• Higher Refresh Rates: As mentioned earlier, the 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for gamers seeking the smoothest possible motion.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology eliminates screen tearing, a visual glitch that can occur during fast-paced gameplay. The NANO85UNA doesn’t support VRR.
• Advanced Gaming Modes: Some TVs offer dedicated game modes optimized for different game genres (FPS, RPG, etc.) for the best possible gaming experience. The NANO85UNA lacks such dedicated modes.

Durability and Build Quality

The LG NANO85UNA appears decently built with a plastic back panel and a sturdy stand. LG TVs generally have an average reputation for reliability, but longevity ultimately depends on usage and care. As with any TV, proper handling and avoiding extreme temperatures or environments will contribute to a longer lifespan.

Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity

The viewing angles of the LG NANO85UNA are decent thanks to the IPS panel technology used. Colors and picture quality remain fairly consistent when viewed from off-center positions. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles compared to VA panels, making them a good choice for rooms where multiple people might be viewing the TV from different angles.

In terms of screen uniformity, the LG NANO85UNA might exhibit some minor variations in brightness or color across the screen, especially in dark scenes. This is a common occurrence with most TVs, and its severity can vary between individual units. If uniformity is a major concern, researching user reviews and professional calibrations can help you determine if this is a widespread issue with the NANO85UNA.

Inputs

The LG NANO85UNA comes equipped with a good selection of inputs, including:

• Multiple HDMI ports (with some featuring HDMI 2.1 capabilities) for connecting streaming devices, game consoles, and cable boxes. HDMI 2.1 supports features like 4K resolution at 120Hz and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio output to compatible soundbars.
• USB ports for connecting external storage drives or media players.
• An optical audio output for connecting external sound systems.
• An Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.

The number of HDMI ports and other inputs might vary slightly depending on the specific screen size model you choose. Overall, the LG NANO85UNA offers a good selection of connections for most users.

Overall Value

The LG NANO85UNA offers a compelling proposition for viewers seeking a 4K TV with a user-friendly smart platform and a focus on color with LG’s NanoCell technology. The 4K resolution delivers sharp visuals, NanoCell boasts improved colors, and webOS is a breeze to navigate. The sleek design complements most living spaces.

However, there are some trade-offs to consider:

• Motion handling might not be ideal for fast-paced content or gamers: The 60Hz refresh rate can lead to motion blur in fast-moving scenes.
• Sound quality is average: The built-in speakers lack depth and may require a soundbar for an immersive experience (additional cost).
• Limited gaming features for serious gamers: While basic features are included, higher refresh rates, VRR, and dedicated gaming modes are absent.
• Viewing angles are good, but blacks might appear washed out at angles: IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, but contrast might suffer compared to VA panels.
• Screen uniformity might have minor variations: This is common, but severity can vary between units.

Conclusion

Scoring high marks for its sharp 4K picture and vibrant colors thanks to LG’s NanoCell technology, the LG NANO85UNA is a compelling option for budget-minded viewers. The user-friendly webOS smart platform makes navigating content a breeze, and the wide viewing angles ensure everyone in the room enjoys a clear picture.

However, it’s not perfect. Motion handling can be a letdown for fast-paced content or gamers due to the 60Hz refresh rate. The built-in speakers lack depth, requiring a separate soundbar for an immersive experience (adding to the cost). Serious gamers might also find the lack of advanced gaming features like VRR and higher refresh rates a dealbreaker.

Ultimately, the LG NANO85UNA shines for casual viewers who prioritize a sharp picture with vivid colors and a user-friendly platform at an affordable price. But if smooth motion handling, superior sound, or top-tier gaming features are on your must-have list, you might need to explore pricier options that can deliver in those areas.