Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the LG 55 inch Nano81T6A 4K NanoCell Smart TV. If you're in the market for a new television, especially one that balances price and performance, this model might be on your radar. Let's break down what makes it tick, its pros and cons, and whether it's the right fit for your living room.

First Impressions and Design

When you first set your eyes on the LG 55Nano81T6A, the design is clean and modern. The bezels are relatively slim, which means more screen and less distraction. The build quality feels solid, as you'd expect from LG. It’s not the flashiest TV out there, but it’s definitely not an eyesore. It will seamlessly blend into most living room setups. Setting it up is straightforward; the stand is easy to attach, and it doesn't wobble, which is always a plus. From an aesthetic point of view, the TV is built to be minimalist, ensuring it fits perfectly into any space without overpowering the decor. The dark frame surrounding the screen is unobtrusive, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the on-screen content. The rear of the TV is well-organized, with neatly arranged ports that are easily accessible. This thoughtful design extends to cable management, helping to keep your entertainment area tidy and clutter-free.

Picture Quality: NanoCell Technology

The heart of this TV is its NanoCell technology. LG's NanoCell tech aims to deliver more accurate colors and a wider color gamut compared to traditional LED TVs. In practice, the colors are vibrant and pop, especially in bright scenes. The 4K resolution ensures that everything looks sharp and detailed, provided you're watching content that's actually in 4K. One of the standout features of NanoCell technology is its ability to filter out impure colors, enhancing the purity of the RGB colors displayed on the screen. This results in more realistic and nuanced images, which is particularly noticeable in scenes with a wide range of colors, such as nature documentaries or animated movies. The viewing angles are decent, but not the best. Colors can start to wash out if you're viewing from extreme angles, so it's best to be somewhere near the center. The TV also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which boosts contrast and color accuracy further. However, it's not the brightest HDR implementation out there, so don't expect eye-searing highlights. For most viewing scenarios, though, it does a commendable job. LG’s local dimming technology enhances the contrast by adjusting backlight levels in different areas of the screen. While it’s not as precise as full-array local dimming found on higher-end models, it does improve black levels and overall picture depth, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Smart Features and webOS

LG’s webOS is one of the best smart TV platforms, and it’s present and accounted for on the 55Nano81T6A. The interface is clean, intuitive, and responsive. You get quick access to all the major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. The magic remote is also a standout feature. It's easy to point and click your way around the interface, and the voice control is surprisingly accurate. Setting up the TV is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly interface that guides you through each step. The home screen is customizable, allowing you to arrange your favorite apps and inputs for quick access. The built-in app store offers a wide variety of additional apps, from streaming services to games and productivity tools, ensuring that you have access to a wealth of content and functionality. Regular software updates keep the system running smoothly and introduce new features, ensuring that your TV stays up-to-date with the latest technology. The integration of LG's ThinQ AI allows for seamless control of compatible smart home devices directly from your TV, making it a central hub for your connected home.

Audio Performance

Let's be real, the audio on most TVs isn't great, and the 55Nano81T6A is no exception. The built-in speakers are decent enough for casual viewing, but they lack bass and overall punch. You'll definitely want to invest in a soundbar or a dedicated audio system to get the most out of your movies and games. The TV does support Bluetooth, so connecting wireless headphones or speakers is easy. The AI Sound feature analyzes the audio content and optimizes the sound settings for clarity and immersion, which can make a noticeable difference in dialogue-heavy scenes. The TV also supports Dolby Atmos passthrough via HDMI eARC, allowing you to enjoy immersive surround sound with compatible soundbars and AV receivers. While the built-in speakers may not be the best, they are adequate for everyday use and can be enhanced with external audio solutions for a more cinematic experience. The audio settings menu offers a variety of preset sound modes, such as Standard, Cinema, and Music, allowing you to customize the sound to your preferences. Additionally, the Clear Voice feature enhances dialogue clarity, making it easier to understand conversations in movies and TV shows.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the LG 55Nano81T6A is a mixed bag. It has a low input lag, which is great for fast-paced games. However, it lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, which means you won't be able to take full advantage of the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in terms of refresh rate. It does support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches the TV to game mode when it detects a console, reducing input lag. The TV's NanoCell technology also enhances color reproduction, making games look vibrant and immersive. However, the lack of HDMI 2.1 limits the TV's ability to support features like 4K at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which are essential for a smoother gaming experience on next-gen consoles. While the TV is still suitable for gaming, hardcore gamers may want to consider models with HDMI 2.1 support for the best possible performance. The game mode also offers various picture settings optimized for different game genres, such as FPS and RPG, allowing you to customize the visuals to your liking. Additionally, the TV's black stabilizer feature enhances visibility in dark scenes, giving you a competitive edge in games where seeing enemies in the shadows is crucial.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Vibrant colors thanks to NanoCell technology
• Sharp 4K resolution
• Excellent smart TV platform (webOS)
• User-friendly magic remote
• Low input lag for gaming

Cons:

• Mediocre audio
• Limited HDR performance
• Viewing angles could be better
• No HDMI 2.1

Final Verdict

The LG 55 inch Nano81T6A is a solid mid-range 4K TV. It offers great color accuracy, a user-friendly smart platform, and decent gaming performance. However, its audio and HDR performance leave something to be desired, and the lack of HDMI 2.1 is a bummer for next-gen gamers. If you're looking for a well-rounded TV for everyday viewing and some casual gaming, it's worth considering. But if you're a serious gamer or a videophile, you might want to look at higher-end models. Ultimately, the LG 55Nano81T6A is a reliable and capable TV that delivers a satisfying viewing experience for a wide range of users. Its strengths lie in its vibrant picture quality, smart features, and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for those seeking a balance of performance and value. While it may not be the top-of-the-line model, it offers a compelling package that is sure to please many viewers. The TV’s ability to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K quality is also a notable advantage, ensuring that older movies and TV shows still look great on the big screen. Overall, the LG 55Nano81T6A is a well-rounded TV that offers excellent value for its price point.