The LG NU85 is a mid-range 4K UHD Nano TV in LG’s 2026 lineup, designed to offer a balance of picture processing, smart features, gaming capabilities, and large-screen flexibility. It combines 4K UHD resolution, Nano Detail Enhancer, HDR10 Pro, AI-powered picture processing, and webOS 26, making it a versatile choice for streaming, movies, sports, television broadcasts, and everyday entertainment.
One important detail is that the NU85’s specifications vary significantly by screen size. Standard-size models use the α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 with a native 60Hz refresh rate, while the 98-inch model steps up to the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, a 120Hz native panel, and VRR up to 144Hz. The 98-inch version also receives upgrades such as Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, four HDMI inputs with 4K/120Hz support, and a 2.2-channel audio system, making it considerably more capable than the smaller models.
LG NU85 Short Review
The LG NU85 is a mid-range Nano UHD TV that focuses on delivering a well-rounded viewing experience rather than competing directly with LG’s premium OLED and Mini-LED models. It combines 4K UHD resolution, Nano Detail Enhancer, HDR10 Pro, and AI-powered picture processing, giving it a capable foundation for streaming, movies, sports, cable TV, and everyday entertainment.
On the standard-size models, LG equips the NU85 with the α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 and 4K Super Upscaling, which are designed to improve the appearance of lower-resolution content on the 4K display. The TV also supports Dynamic Tone Mapping and Filmmaker Mode, while the Nano Detail Enhancer is intended to improve perceived image detail and overall picture refinement. The result is a picture-processing package that should work well for typical living-room viewing.
The 98-inch NU85 is considerably different from the smaller models. Instead of the α7 Gen9 processor and 60Hz panel, it uses the α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, α8 AI Super Upscaling 4K, and a native 120Hz refresh rate. The largest model also adds AI Picture Pro and Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, giving it a more advanced picture-processing platform than the standard-size versions.
Picture quality on the NU85 is ultimately constrained by its direct LED backlight. Unlike LG’s OLED TVs or higher-end Mini-LED models with sophisticated local dimming, the NU85 does not offer the same level of black-level control or contrast. Dark scenes can therefore appear more gray than truly black, particularly in a dark room, while HDR performance is more limited than on LG’s premium models. For normal indoor viewing, however, the NU85 remains a practical option for everyday content.
Gaming performance depends heavily on which size you choose. The standard-size models offer VRR up to 60Hz, ALLM, Game Optimizer, and HGiG, making them suitable for casual and mainstream console gaming. The 98-inch version is much more capable, with 4K gaming at up to 120Hz and VRR up to 144Hz, along with four HDMI inputs supporting 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS, and QFT. It also supports AMD FreeSync, making the 98-inch NU85 particularly attractive to gamers who want a huge screen without stepping into LG’s premium TV ranges.
Smart functionality is another strong point. The NU85 runs webOS 26 and provides access to major streaming services including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, ESPN, and Apple TV. It also supports Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple Home, LG Channels, ThinQ smart-home technology, AI Concierge, and intelligent voice recognition, while Google Assistant and Hey Google compatibility add further voice-control options.
Audio is relatively capable for a built-in TV system, although the configuration varies by size. Standard-size NU85 models feature a 2.0-channel speaker system with AI Sound Pro and virtual 9.1.2-channel up-mixing, while the 98-inch version upgrades to a 2.2-channel system with α8 AI Sound Pro and virtual 11.1.2-channel up-mixing. Clear Voice Pro, Wow Orchestra, Bluetooth Surround Ready, and LG Sound Sync are also supported, although a dedicated soundbar or home theater system remains the better choice for a truly immersive movie or gaming experience.
| LG NU85 Prices | |
| 98-Inch (98NU850BPUB) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 85-Inch (85NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 75-Inch (75NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price… |
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LG NU85 Key Specs
The LG NU85 is available in multiple screen sizes, although specifications vary depending on the model. Standard-size NU85 models use an α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 and 60Hz native refresh rate, while the 98-inch model uses an α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3 with a 120Hz native refresh rate and VRR up to 144Hz. Physical dimensions and weight also vary by screen size.
| Specification | Details |
| TV Series | LG NU85 |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| TV Type | 4K UHD Nano TV |
| Display Type | 4K UHD |
| Screen Sizes | 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 98″ |
| Backlight Type | Direct |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3,840 × 2,160) |
| Native Refresh Rate | 60Hz (55″/65″/75″/85″); 120Hz (98″) |
| Picture Processor | α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 (55″/65″/75″/85″); α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3 (98″) |
| AI Upscaling | 4K Super Upscaling (55″/65″/75″/85″); α8 AI Super Upscaling 4K (98″) |
| AI Picture Pro | Yes (98″) |
| Nano Detail Enhancer | Yes |
| Dynamic Tone Mapping | Yes; Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro (98″) |
| Filmmaker Mode | Yes |
| HDR | HDR10 / HLG |
| VRR | Yes, up to 60Hz (55″/65″/75″/85″); up to 144Hz (98″) |
| ALLM | Yes |
| Game Optimizer | Yes |
| HGiG Mode | Yes |
| 4K Gaming | Up to 60Hz (55″/65″/75″/85″); up to 120Hz (98″) |
| Smart TV Platform | webOS 26 |
| Multi View | Yes (98″) |
| Always Ready | Yes (98″) |
| Matter | Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes |
| Google Cast Built-in | Yes |
| Apple Home | Yes |
| AI Concierge | Yes |
| USB Camera Compatible | Yes |
| Home Office | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Yes |
| Works with Hey Google | Yes |
| Home Hub | Yes |
| Intelligent Voice Recognition | Yes |
| LG Channels | Yes |
| App Store | Yes |
| ThinQ Smart Technology | Yes |
| Full Web Browser | Yes |
| Sports Alert | Yes |
| Magic Remote Control | Ready; requires AI Magic Remote |
| Speaker System | 2.0 Channel (55″/65″/75″/85″); 2.2 Channel (98″) |
| Speaker Direction | Down Firing |
| AI Sound | AI Sound Pro, Virtual 9.1.2 Up-mix (55″/65″/75″/85″); α8 AI Sound Pro, Virtual 11.1.2 Up-mix (98″) |
| Clear Voice Pro | Yes; AI Object Remastering Pro (98″) |
| Wow Orchestra | Yes |
| Bluetooth Surround Ready | Yes |
| LG Sound Sync | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 3 (55″/65″/75″/85″); 4 (98″) |
| HDMI Features | eARC, ALLM (55″/65″/75″/85″); 4K 120Hz, eARC, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT (98″) |
| eARC | HDMI 2 |
| USB Inputs | 1 × USB 2.0 (55″/65″/75″/85″); 2 × USB 2.0 (98″) |
| Optical Digital Audio Out | Yes (98″) |
| Ethernet | 1 |
| Bluetooth | Yes, version 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 |
| RF Input | 1 |
| Smartphone Remote App | Yes |
| TV Tuner | ATSC 1.0 (Terrestrial), QAM (Cable) |
| Power Supply | AC 120V, 50/60Hz |
| Standby Power Consumption | Under 0.5W |
| Price |
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LG NU85 Pros and Cons
The LG NU85 brings a strong mix of picture processing, smart features, and gaming functionality to LG’s mid-range 2026 lineup. The 98-inch version is particularly interesting, as it receives several meaningful hardware upgrades over the smaller models.
✅ Pros
- Available in a wide range of sizes from 55 to 98 inches, making the NU85 suitable for everything from a typical living room to a dedicated big-screen setup.
- α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9 provides capable picture processing and 4K upscaling on the 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models.
- The 98-inch model gets α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, giving LG’s largest NU85 a more advanced processing platform.
- Nano Detail Enhancer helps bring out additional detail and refinement in 4K content.
- HDR10 Pro processing and HLG support provide a solid HDR foundation for movies and streaming content.
- Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro on the 98-inch model adds more advanced HDR processing to LG’s largest NU85.
- 98-inch model features a 120Hz native panel with VRR up to 144Hz, making it far more capable for high-refresh-rate gaming.
- VRR, ALLM, Game Optimizer, and HGiG provide useful gaming features across the lineup.
- Four HDMI inputs on the 98-inch model support 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS, and QFT.
- webOS 26 delivers a polished smart TV experience with major streaming services and a broad selection of apps.
- Google Cast and Apple AirPlay 2 make sharing content from smartphones and other devices convenient.
- AI Concierge and intelligent voice features add useful AI-assisted content discovery and TV control.
- AI Sound Pro can create a virtual surround-sound experience, with the 98-inch model stepping up to virtual 11.1.2-channel up-mixing.
- Wow Orchestra and Bluetooth Surround Ready provide additional options for expanding the TV’s audio system.
- Filmmaker Mode gives movie enthusiasts an easy way to enjoy a more cinematic picture presentation.
⚠️ Cons
- The standard-size models are limited to a 60Hz native refresh rate, which is a noticeable limitation for serious gamers.
- VRR is limited to 60Hz on the 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models, unlike the 98-inch version’s 144Hz capability.
- Direct LED backlighting lacks the contrast control of Full Array Local Dimming or Mini-LED, particularly in challenging dark scenes.
- Black levels cannot match OLED, so dark-room movie viewing will not have the same depth and contrast as LG’s premium OLED models.
- HDR performance is more limited than premium Mini-LED and OLED TVs, especially for viewers looking for extremely bright highlights.
- The 98-inch model requires considerably more space and planning, making it less practical for smaller rooms.
- Standard-size models have only three HDMI inputs, which may be restrictive for households with several gaming consoles and other HDMI devices.
- Built-in audio is useful rather than truly cinematic, so a soundbar or dedicated home theater system is still recommended for movies and gaming.
- The specifications vary considerably between screen sizes, so buyers should check the exact configuration rather than assuming every NU85 has the same processor and refresh rate.
Should You Choose the LG NU85?
The LG NU85 is a good choice for buyers looking for a mid-range LG 4K TV with strong smart features, capable AI processing, and a modern connected-TV experience. The standard-size models are particularly well suited to streaming, cable TV, movies, sports, and casual gaming, with the α7 Gen9 processor, 4K Super Upscaling, Nano Detail Enhancer, HDR10 Pro, and webOS 26 providing a well-rounded package. The main limitation is the 60Hz panel, which makes these models less attractive to gamers who specifically want 4K/120Hz gaming.
The 98-inch NU85 stands apart as the more performance-oriented version of the series. Its α8 AI Processor 4K Gen3, 120Hz native refresh rate, VRR up to 144Hz, Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro, four HDMI inputs, and 4K/120Hz gaming support give it considerably stronger capabilities than the standard-size models. The 98-inch version is especially appealing for buyers who want an enormous screen for movies, sports, and gaming while also wanting access to LG’s webOS 26 smart platform. However, its huge physical footprint and 110.2-pound weight without the stand mean it requires considerably more space and planning than the smaller models.
Verdict: The LG NU85 is a capable mid-range Nano UHD TV for 2026, with the standard-size models offering a balanced 60Hz package centered around α7 Gen9 processing and webOS 26. The 98-inch NU85 is the standout version, thanks to its α8 Gen3 processor, 120Hz native panel, 144Hz VRR, more advanced HDR processing, 4K/120Hz gaming support, and upgraded audio. For buyers seeking a very large LG TV with stronger gaming performance without moving directly into OLED territory, the 98-inch NU85 is the most compelling version of the series.
| LG NU85 Prices | |
| 98-Inch (98NU850BPUB) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 85-Inch (85NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 75-Inch (75NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price… |
| 65-Inch (65NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-Inch (55NU850BPUA) | Check Today’s Price… |