Monday, 23 Feb 2026

LG QNED TV Review: Why Last Year's Model is a Smart Buy Now

Why Waiting for TV Discounts Pays Off

The best TV buying strategy isn't chasing the latest models. As this LG QNED Mini LED TV demonstrates, waiting just 10 months can save you £1,500 while delivering premium performance. Originally priced at £3,700, this 75-inch quantum dot display now costs £2,200 - making it a brilliant solution for buyers seeking big-screen impact without flagship prices.

After analyzing this detailed review, three key insights emerge: First, TVs depreciate faster than other tech. Second, mini-LED technology bridges the gap between OLED and traditional LCD. Third, last-year's models often deliver 90% of current-gen performance at 60% of the cost. Let's examine why this discounted LG deserves your attention.

Mini-LED Technology: Beyond Standard LCD

Unlike conventional LED TVs with hundreds of backlights, this QNED model packs thousands of mini-LEDs with hundreds of dimming zones. The result? 1,000 nits peak brightness and significantly reduced blooming compared to standard LCDs.

Quantum dot enhancement produces richer colors while maintaining accuracy. Testing shows impressive HDR performance with movies and PS5/Xbox Series X gameplay. While not matching OLED's infinite contrast in dark scenes, the brightness advantage is undeniable.

Practical tip: Position the TV away from direct sunlight. The glossy screen performs best in moderately lit rooms where its brightness advantage over OLED becomes apparent.

Gaming & Connectivity: Next-Gen Ready

This TV delivers where gamers need it most:

  • HDMI 2.1 ports (4K/120Hz support)
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for Xbox and PS5
  • Auto Low Latency Mode
  • Game Optimizer picture preset

Recent firmware updates enabled full PS5 VRR compatibility. During Spider-Man: Miles Morales testing, the uncapped frame rate transformed gameplay fluidity. Connection-wise, you get four HDMI ports (two 2.1), eARC for soundbars, and all essential streaming apps.

Smart Savings: When to Buy

Timing matters immensely in TV purchases. Three patterns I've observed:

  1. New models launch at 30-40% premiums
  2. Black Friday brings first significant drops
  3. One-year-old models hit price sweet spots

The 65-inch version illustrates this perfectly: down from £2,500 to £1,500. While the newer QNED95 has a faster processor, the real-world difference mainly affects menu navigation speed, not picture quality.

Actionable Buyer's Guide

Immediate steps if considering this TV:

  1. Measure your viewing distance (75" requires 8-10 feet)
  2. Check sunlight angles in your room
  3. Compare current prices at LG Members store
  4. Update firmware immediately upon setup
  5. Disable motion smoothing in picture settings

For optimal performance, pair with a soundbar like the Sonos Arc. The elevated stand design accommodates most soundbars beneath the screen.

The Value Verdict

LG's discounted QNED proves that premium TV tech becomes accessible faster than most realize. Its combination of mini-LED brightness, quantum dot color, and next-gen gaming features delivers exceptional value at £2,200 - especially for bright rooms where OLEDs struggle.

What's your TV buying strategy? Do you chase the newest models or wait for deals? Share your approach below!

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