LG 86QNED9MAUA 86" VS Samsung QN100QN80FF 100"

Both the LG 86QNED9MAUA and Samsung QN100QN80FF share the same 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, 10-bit panel depth, 1070 million colors, and a 144Hz refresh rate — so on paper, their core imaging foundations are equivalent. The most immediate real-world difference is sheer size: the Samsung stretches to 99.5″ versus the LG's 86.4″, which translates to a substantially different room-filling presence and minimum viewing distance requirement. However, that extra screen area comes at a pixel density cost — the LG delivers 51 ppi compared to the Samsung's 44 ppi, meaning up-close viewers will perceive a slightly sharper, more detailed image on the LG at equivalent seating distances.

The HDR ecosystem split is the most consequential differentiator for content compatibility. The LG supports Dolby Vision but lacks HDR10+, while the Samsung supports HDR10+ but omits Dolby Vision. In practice, Dolby Vision has broader adoption across streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+, whereas HDR10+ is favored by Amazon Prime Video and Samsung's own content ecosystem. Neither format is universally superior in image quality, but your preferred streaming services may tip the balance. Both panels support HDR10 and HLG as a baseline. On the panel technology side, the Samsung adds a QLED quantum dot layer on top of Mini-LED backlighting, which typically expands color volume and peak brightness compared to standard Mini-LED LCD — a meaningful real-world advantage for vibrant, saturated content.

For gaming, the Samsung edges ahead with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support (which adds low-framerate compensation and HDR requirements on top of standard FreeSync), while the LG is limited to base AMD FreeSync. Both share identical 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles, anti-reflection coatings, and ambient light sensors. Overall, the LG holds the pixel-density and Dolby Vision edge, making it better suited for streaming-heavy, close-proximity use; the Samsung counters with a larger canvas, QLED color volume, HDR10+ support, and superior adaptive sync credentials — giving it a broader advantage for mixed use, especially in larger rooms or gaming setups.

At first glance, the connectivity suites of the LG 86QNED9MAUA and Samsung QN100QN80FF look nearly identical — both carry HDMI 2.1, dual USB ports, a single RJ45 ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.3, and Miracast wireless display support. HDMI 2.1 is the critical standard for modern sources, enabling 4K at 144Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and variable refresh rate passthrough from gaming consoles and high-end PCs — so both TVs are equally future-proofed on that front.

The two meaningful differentiators pull in opposite directions. The Samsung gains a practical edge with 4 HDMI ports versus the LG's 3 — an extra port that matters significantly in living rooms loaded with a soundbar, gaming console, streaming device, and Blu-ray player simultaneously, eliminating the need for an HDMI switch. The LG counters with a superior wireless advantage: its Wi-Fi support extends to Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), while the Samsung tops out at Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Wi-Fi 6E operates on the 6 GHz band, which is far less congested than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by older standards, translating to lower latency, higher throughput, and more reliable streaming in dense wireless environments — a real-world benefit in apartments or homes with many connected devices.

Neither product offers a 3.5mm audio jack, external memory slot, or legacy video connectors, so those omissions are a wash. The verdict here depends on use case: the Samsung's extra HDMI port wins for wired device-heavy setups, while the LG's Wi-Fi 6E capability gives it a clear edge for wireless-first environments and network-heavy households. On balance, the LG holds a slight overall connectivity advantage, as Wi-Fi 6E is a harder gap to bridge — adding an HDMI port via a switch costs little, but upgrading wireless capability requires replacing the TV itself.

The audio specs for these two TVs are remarkably aligned — both support Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, stereo speakers, Digital Out, and full HDMI ARC/eARC connectivity. eARC in particular is worth highlighting: it carries enough bandwidth to pass lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to a compatible soundbar or receiver, making it the preferred connection for anyone building a home theater chain. Neither TV includes SRS TheaterSound HD or Dolby Virtual, so spatial audio processing parity is complete between them.

The single hardware differentiator in this group is the Samsung QN100QN80FF's inclusion of a built-in subwoofer, which the LG 86QNED9MAUA lacks. In practice, a dedicated subwoofer handles low-frequency reproduction — bass from explosions, music, and cinematic scores — that standard stereo drivers struggle to reproduce convincingly. For a TV of this size and price, it signals that Samsung is investing more in the standalone audio experience out of the box, which matters for users who do not plan to pair the TV with an external sound system immediately.

For buyers already committed to a soundbar or AV receiver, the subwoofer distinction is largely academic — eARC will offload audio duties entirely. But for those relying on the TV's internal speakers, the Samsung holds a clear edge in low-frequency capability. The LG is not disadvantaged if used with external audio, but as a self-contained unit, the Samsung's built-in subwoofer gives it a meaningful real-world audio advantage.

Size expectations aside, the most surprising figure in this group is weight. The Samsung QN100QN80FF, despite its substantially larger 100″ footprint, weighs just 27,352 g (~27.4 kg), compared to the LG 86QNED9MAUA's 45,495 g (~45.5 kg). That means the LG is roughly 66% heavier than the Samsung, even though it is a considerably smaller panel. This has direct practical consequences — wall mounting the LG demands a more robust bracket and ideally more installation hands, while the Samsung's surprising lightness makes handling and mounting less physically demanding despite its size.

Dimensionally, the Samsung's greater screen area naturally translates into a larger physical footprint: at 2230.1 mm wide and 1272.5 mm tall versus the LG's 1927.9 mm by 1115.1 mm, the Samsung will require noticeably more wall or cabinet real estate. The Samsung is also marginally thicker at 58.4 mm versus the LG's 50.8 mm, though the difference is minor in real-world perception. Both support VESA mounting, so neither is locked into a proprietary stand solution.

The design verdict splits by priority. The Samsung's dramatically lower weight is a genuine engineering advantage that simplifies installation for a panel of its class. The LG, however, occupies significantly less space and carries a slimmer profile, making it the more manageable choice for rooms where physical footprint is a constraint. Neither product holds a universal design edge — the right choice depends on whether screen size and weight or room dimensions are the binding installation factor.

From a smart platform and ecosystem standpoint, these two TVs are essentially identical. Both offer built-in smart TV functionality, AirPlay, Google Assistant, Alexa, smartphone remote support, USB recording, and voice commands — covering all major ecosystems except Apple HomeKit and Siri, which neither supports. For the vast majority of users, this feature parity means the smart experience will feel interchangeable day-to-day, regardless of which model you choose.

The one spec that meaningfully separates them is operating power consumption. The LG 86QNED9MAUA draws 209W during operation, while the Samsung QN100QN80FF consumes 357W — a difference of 148W, or roughly 71% more power drawn by the Samsung. Assuming average daily use of 5 hours, that gap translates to a meaningful difference in annual electricity costs over the TV's lifespan. Some of this is expected given the Samsung's larger panel size, but it is still a figure worth factoring in for energy-conscious buyers. Standby consumption is identical at 0.5W for both, so the gap only applies during active use.

Warranty terms are equal at one year for both products, and neither includes a rechargeable remote. With feature sets this closely matched, the LG holds a clear advantage in this group purely on the basis of power efficiency — it delivers a comparable smart feature experience at significantly lower running costs. For buyers in markets with high electricity prices or those prioritizing long-term operating economy, that 148W gap is a tangible, ongoing consideration in favor of the LG.