The LG QNED89T is a mid-range television model featuring a single 98-inch screen, launched in 2024. It belongs to the LG QNED series, positioned above the LG QNED86T and LG QNED80T. This model represents LG’s premium choice within the 4K Mini LED category, ranking just below the LG QNED91T in certain specifications. It is the largest television produced by the company.
The TV is compatible with Dolby Vision and DTS audio formats and includes a Multi View feature. Powered by the LG α8 AI 4K processor, it automatically optimizes image settings based on the content being displayed. The device operates on webOS 2024 and is equipped with a built-in 2.2-channel speaker system that delivers 40 watts of power.
Design
The LG 98QNED89T features a design akin to that of the LG QNED80 eARC. It boasts slim bezels on three sides, measuring just 1cm, which are hardly noticeable during viewing, complemented by a thicker bezel at the bottom. While it may not possess the sleekness of LG’s ultra-slim OLED models, it still exudes a sense of premium quality. The television is elevated by two sturdy metal feet, providing approximately 10cm of clearance from the table, allowing ample space for most soundbars to fit underneath without obstructing the screen.
The rear of the TV is predominantly metal, with most input ports located in the far left corner for easy access, especially when mounted on a wall. However, it lacks dedicated cable management features. The electronic components are encased in a plastic cover that features a textured square design.
Overall, the LG QNED89T is constructed with high quality in mind. The metal components of the casing feel robust, and the two feet effectively stabilize the TV with minimal movement when pressed. It includes the same Magic Remote found in many LG models, which can function as both a pointer and a traditional remote with buttons. Additionally, hands-free voice control is available through built-in microphones on the device.
Image quality
The LG QNED89T features a commendable contrast ratio, typical for devices equipped with MF matrices, measuring around 5500:1. When local dimming is activated (specifically the Precision Dimming version), the television produces exceptionally deep blacks that maintain their intensity even in the presence of brighter highlights on the screen. In terms of full-matrix backlight control quality, the QNED89T is positioned between the QNED85T from the same 8th series and the QNED91T from an earlier series. It does not utilize a side backlight with a limited number of control zones (as seen in the QNED85), nor does it feature a Mini LED backlight (like the QNED91). The manufacturer typically does not disclose the number of backlight control zones.
The contrast and brightness of the television are influenced by the local dimming setting selected. For HDR content, the default setting in the Fine Picture modes is Low, as it aligns best with the PQ EOTF. However, for SDR content, this setting yields a dimmer image compared to the High setting. The Medium option serves as a middle ground between the two extremes. The brightness of the 98QNED89T surpasses 600 nits when rendering HDR content. In Game mode, the all-white screen appears slightly dimmer than in Normal mode, but this difference is not perceptible to the viewer, nor is the minor reduction in brightness with SDR content. Overall, the panel is sufficiently bright to counteract glare in well-lit environments, although it may not completely eliminate reflections in sunlit rooms.
The television features an extensive color gamut, demonstrating strong coverage of the commonly utilized DCI-P3 color space and satisfactory coverage of the broader Rec.2020 color space. However, the accuracy of colors is lacking, resulting in a generally undersaturated appearance. The color volume is commendable, with dark, rich colors being rendered adequately, although they may appear washed out at very high brightness levels. The VA panel exhibits excellent grayscale uniformity, with only a slight dirty screen effect noticeable near the center and marginally darker edges, which typically goes unnoticed during regular viewing. Black uniformity is rated as average; it improves slightly with local dimming activated, yet some blue spots and haze remain.
Regarding image scaling on this large display, the television performs well when scaling content such as DVDs or lower-resolution streaming services. The image retains sufficient sharpness to reveal some details, although the smallest details and fine text can be challenging to read. Low-quality content is effectively smoothed out, with most artifacts minimized while still preserving overall detail.
Gaming
The QNED89T boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and is compatible with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync, making it an appealing choice for gamers. Additionally, it includes a Game Optimizer mode that provides a convenient quick menu for general signal settings, ensuring optimal performance.
In Game mode, the input lag is measured at just over 8ms. While this is below the 10ms mark, which is regarded as excellent for gaming, it is still higher than several competitors in its category. For instance, the Hisense U8N records a lag of 7.4ms, whereas the LG G4 and Samsung S95D OLEDs achieve lags of less than one millisecond.
Smart TV
The QNED 89T operates on webOS 24, the most recent iteration of LG’s smart TV platform. In comparison to earlier versions, the home menu has been streamlined and organized, featuring a more compact top banner that allows for greater visibility of apps and tailored recommendations. Overall, this redesign is a positive enhancement.
Building on last year’s Quick Cards, which enabled users to categorize apps into groups like Music and Office, a more sophisticated Sports quick card and accessibility feature have been introduced. The Sports card offers a valuable My Team function, providing real-time updates on game scores and suggested videos based on your selected team in various sports, including basketball and football.
The accessibility features include an AI chatbot designed to assist with diagnosing and resolving technical issues, such as “Screen is too dark” or “Volume is too low.” This tool appears to be quite effective, as it can increase screen brightness upon user request.
LG’s webOS 24 continues to stand out as one of the premier smart TV platforms regarding settings and menus. The quick menu allows for easy adjustments to key settings, such as picture and sound modes, without needing to exit the current screen. Additionally, there are numerous advanced settings available for users who enjoy fine-tuning their picture and sound preferences.
Sound
The LG QNED89T features a 2.2-channel speaker system, comprising two full-range and two low-frequency speakers, each with a power rating of 10 watts. While this configuration, along with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS, provides reasonably good sound quality, it does not quite match the capabilities of competitors like the Sony X95L. The built-in speakers may meet the needs of some users, but investing in a separate soundbar would enhance the audio experience.
Among the available sound settings, the Cinema mode stands out with its warmer audio profile, offering the best performance. The QNED89T excels in delivering clear dialogue across a variety of films and television shows, including action genres, ensuring that speech remains intelligible even amidst loud background sounds. Additionally, the bass response is more pronounced and dynamic in this mode, although the Dolby Atmos support is somewhat limited.
Connections
The ports of the LG QNED89T TV are positioned on the rear panel, oriented either to the side or downward. It features four HDMI 2.1 ports, including one with eARC support, along with two USB 2.0 ports, an optical digital audio output, and antenna jacks, which may differ based on the region. Additionally, the QNED89T is equipped with integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity options.
Conclusion
The LG QNED89T is a impressive TV known for its outstanding color precision and contrast, which contribute to exceptional image quality. It is distinguished as one of the most visually appealing TVs available that does not utilize an OLED panel, and it includes a long-range microphone for Alexa voice control. Nevertheless, it is priced on the higher side.