The days when TVs with a diagonal of over two meters were considered a fad are gone. Today, even models of this size can be a full-fledged part of a modern household, and that is exactly how the LG 86QNED85 impressed me when I had the opportunity to test it for a longer period of time. From the first moment I placed it in the living room, it was clear that it was not just a TV, but an experience. The screen size, performance, image quality and possibilities of use are at such a level that you simply do not want to leave it.
Technical specifications, processing and design
An 86-inch, or roughly 218 centimeters, television sounds monstrous on paper – and yes, physically it is a hefty piece of equipment. But thanks to miniThe minimalist design with thin bezels and a discreet rear structure makes it look elegant and unobtrusive. Of course, assembly by one person is not entirely realistic, but once it is in place, it becomes a natural dominant of the space.
The main attraction of this model is the new generation of QNED evo panels with MiniLED backlighting. LG replaces the traditional Quantum Dot solution with colored phosphors directly on blue LEDs, creating a richer and cleaner white light that then passes through the improved NanoCell+ layer. The result? A picture with exceptional color accuracy, higher brightness dynamics and surprisingly good blacks, even though it is still an LCD panel. Compared to last year's models, color fidelity is noticeably better and blacks appear more natural - even in evening scenes.
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The image quality is also significantly boosted by the α8 AI 4K Gen2 processor, which delivers 70% more AI image processing performance and 40% more computing power than the previous generation. And honestly, it's noticeable. During testing, I played several older movies in Full HD and the TV was able to upscale them to 4K with amazing naturalness. Faces, textures, backgrounds - everything looked sharp, but without burn-in. In some scenes, I didn't even notice that it wasn't native 4K. This is also thanks to the advanced α8 AI Super Upscaling, which, based on object recognition in the image, increases the quality not only across the board, but also specifically for faces or moving characters.
Of course, there is support for all key HDR formats – Dolby Vision, HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro. Especially when watching content in Dolby Vision Not only does the contrast stand out, but the picture is also plastic with excellent depth and color balance. The picture is not aggressive, but still very vivid - which is exactly what you want from a top panel. If you like to customize the picture to your liking, LG adds the Filmmaker Mode function with AI adjustment according to ambient light, so that even in the daytime, movies look more natural.
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Testing
In everyday use, the LG 86QNED85A proves to be not only a powerful but also an extremely comfortable companion. This is partly due to the new webOS 25 operating system, which is characterized by high speed, a clear interface and five years of update support. Everything runs smoothly, whether it's Netflix, Apple TV+, YouTube or another streaming platform. I was also pleased that LG has finally worked more on personalization - the new home screen allows you to assign profiles, so each member of the household can quickly load their apps, recommendations and settings.
I was particularly impressed by the AI Picture Wizard function – a simple wizard that, by selecting your preferred samples, will set the picture according to your preferences. The TV will offer literally billions of possible combinations, but everything happens naturally and quickly, without the need for complex settings. The AI Sound Wizard works similarly, thanks to which everyone can adjust the sound to what suits them – and again without unnecessary complications. Speaking of sound – in addition to the regular output, I was pleasantly surprised by the WOW Orchestra function, which synchronizes the sound of the built-in speakers with the LG soundbar. The result is a more spacious and natural sound, especially when watching movies and sports.
I was also excited about the Sport Alert feature, where you choose a team and a type of sport, and the TV will then notify you of upcoming matches, live scores, or important moments. It works even when you're not watching the match - the TV will discreetly notify you during other content. Practical, smart, and addictive.
And we can't forget about the home office, where you can use it after connecting a keyboard and mouse. Windows 365, Azure Remote Desktop or Google Docs, right on your TV. Connecting a webcam also opens up the possibility of video calls, which is an ideal solution for occasional work from the couch.
Playing games
From a gamer's perspective, this is one of the best TVs I've ever had at home. The LG 86QNED85A offers 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K support at 144 Hz, VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium, and most importantly – a Game Optimizer gaming mode that automatically detects your console or PC and adjusts latency and image settings. The result? MiniLow input lag, smooth image even in fast scenes and instant response to controls.
And the best part? Support cloudgaming. You connect a controller, launch GeForce Now, Boosteroid or, newly, Xbox Game Pass directly from your TV – and you can play AAA games without having to own a console. I tried it with a few games and was pleasantly surprised – the response was very decent, the picture was sharp and the sound was spatial. For occasional gaming, it is completely sufficient. In addition, thanks to the presence of Wi-Fi 6, the connection remains stable even with higher network load.
Summary
The LG 86QNED85A is an exceptionally capable television that, thanks to its size, performance and features, offers an experience that is hard to come by. In terms of image quality, it is among the best you can buy today. MiniLED TVs are worth buying, not only because of their excellent color reproduction, but also because of their powerful processor with advanced AI. The great impression is complemented by excellent sound, support for modern formats, a fast system and above-standard options - from smart home to game mode to cloudThis is playing.
Who is this model ideal for? If you are looking for a really big TV with minino compromises, LG 86QNED85A is an excellent choice. It will satisfy the demanding movie fan, gamer and tech enthusiast, it can handle being the center of the household and is not afraid of occasional work. And even though it has a slightly higher consumption, it pays you back in every frame you watch. For me, it is a TV that deserves the attention of anyone who is serious about home entertainment.
