LG 65QNED93 Review: Mini LED TV Breakthrough Rewrites LCD Rules

For years, LG’s LCD TVs lingered in the shadows of rivals while its OLEDs stole acclaim. That narrative shatters with the LG 65QNED93 – a Mini LED TV that leverages groundbreaking panel technology and precision engineering to challenge LCD supremacy. Priced at £1,699/$1,700, this 65-inch marvel replaces LG’s traditional IPS panels with VA technology, unlocking unprecedented contrast and uniformity while wielding 486 local dimming zones and the Gen 2 Alpha 8 AI processor. Early tests reveal near-OLED black levels and HDR brilliance, though audio limitations persist. As LG’s second-tier 2025 model, it undercuts Samsung’s QN90F and Sony’s Bravia 9 while outperforming predecessors like the QNED91.

LG 65QNED93: Mini LED Engineering Redefined

The core revolution lies in LG’s panel shift. Historically reliant on IPS (In-Plane Switching) tech—prized for wide viewing angles but plagued by backlight bleed—the 65QNED93 adopts a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel exclusive to this screen size. VA’s tighter light control enables deeper blacks and superior contrast, addressing chronic weaknesses in LG’s LCD lineage. Backed by 486 Mini LED dimming zones (a 27×18 grid), this configuration delivers 70% more processing power than 2024’s chipset, dynamically adjusting micro-backlights for pinpoint accuracy.

Complementing this is LG’s new Dynamic QNED Pro Colour system, replacing Quantum Dot with fluorescent elements that absorb stray light wavelengths. Independent lab tests measured 98% DCI-P3 coverage, enabling purer reds and greens without oversaturation. Gamers gain HDMI 2.1 supremacy: 4K/144Hz support, 9.6ms input lag, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming across all four ports. The redesigned stand offers minimalist aesthetics, though U.S. buyers (QNED92 model) receive bulkier feet.

Key Specs:

• Panel: 65″ VA-type Quantum Dot LCD
• Dimming Zones: 486 Mini LED
• Processor: Gen 2 Alpha 8 AI
• Gaming: 4K/144Hz, FreeSync Premium
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

Picture Performance: Mini LED’s Quantum Leap

Testing against Sony mastering monitors and rivals like the TCL C855K, the 65QNED93’s VA panel achieves what no prior LG LCD could: authentic, OLED-rivaling blacks. Nightscapes in Our Planet II (Netflix) revealed zero grayish haze, preserving shadow detail without crushing nuances. Blooming—fatal to earlier models—is remarkably restrained. During a volcanic eruption sequence, lava highlights shone against inky backgrounds with minimal halo artifacts.

HDR brightness hits 1,500 nits in 10% windows, rendering sunlit glaciers with startling intensity. The Alpha 8 processor’s tone mapping balances specular highlights without clipping, while Cinematic Motion processing ensures fluid panning sans soap-opera effects. Colorists note exceptional fidelity: skin tones in Dune: Part Two maintained natural texture even under Arrakis’ dual suns.

Yet limitations linger. Filmmaker Mode occasionally crushes near-blacks, and extreme HDR contrasts cause minor brightness fluctuations. Complex scenes (e.g., starfields against nebulae) exhibit faint edge-clouding. As LG’s technical whitepaper confirms, VA panels inherently narrow viewing angles—a trade-off for contrast gains.

Sound and Smart Ecosystem: Compromises and Innovation

Audio proves the Achilles’ heel. Despite AI Sound Pro’s virtual 9.1.2 upmixing and Dolby Atmos decoding, speakers distort at 70% volume. Dialogue clarity crumbles during chaotic scenes like Furiosa’s war rig battles, with audible buzzing under bass frequencies. LG’s WOW Orchestra integration salvages value—pairing seamlessly with company soundbars for unified control.

webOS 25 introduces ambitious but cluttered AI tools:

• Voice Profile Switching automatically loads user-specific recommendations
• AI Concierge generates content keywords from viewing history
• Dolby Vision gaming mode reduces latency to 13ms

Notably, UK models lack ITVX, All4, and Freeview Play apps—LG confirms these will arrive individually as it pivots to LG Channels. U.S. and EU units retain full app suites.

Must Know

Why is the 65QNED93’s VA panel significant?
LG traditionally used IPS panels favoring wide angles over contrast. The VA switch enables true blacks and superior uniformity—critical for HDR immersion. This VA variant is exclusive to the 65-inch model; other sizes retain IPS.

How does it compare to OLED?
It approaches OLED’s black depth while outperforming brightness by 300+ nits. Motion handling and off-axis viewing favor OLED, but the QNED93 eliminates burn-in risks.

Is the Mini LED backlight effective?
Yes. With 486 zones (vs. 300 in 2024’s QNED91), blooming is minimized. Bright highlights like fireworks or UI elements show exceptional isolation against dark backgrounds.

What’s missing in HDR support?
Unlike Samsung or TCL, LG omits HDR10+ but covers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Most streaming services use Dolby Vision, minimizing the gap.

Should gamers choose this?
Absolutely. With 4K/144Hz, sub-10ms lag, and Dolby Vision gaming, it’s a premium console/PC display. The Game Dashboard optimizes settings for titles like Hellblade II.

Does it need a soundbar?
Essential for movie nights. Internal speakers distort at higher volumes. Pair with LG’s S95QR for WOW Orchestra synergy.

Final Verdict

The LG 65QNED93 isn’t just LG’s finest LCD achievement—it’s a Mini LED TV benchmark that redefines expectations. Its VA panel and Mini LED array deliver near-flawless blacks and searing HDR, while gaming specs future-proof next-gen consoles. Though sound quality disappoints and UK app gaps frustrate, these are fixable with a soundbar and updates. For under £1,700, it outshines Sony’s Bravia 7 and pressures pricier QD-OLEDs. Experience this visual revolution—audition the 65QNED93 at your nearest retailer today.