LG 85 Series TV: Is Alexa's Smart Integration Worth the Upgrade to 4K UHD or Just a Fancy Frill?

Amanda Brown

Active member
When it comes to televisions, the line between premium and simply overhyped continues to blur. The LG 65UN8500PUI, a 65-inch 4K smart TV that claims to deliver a 'real' viewing experience, begs the question: does it really live up to its promises, or is it just another shiny box with the latest tech lingo? With features like a Real 4K IPS display and an α7 Gen 3 processor, it touts impressive specs aimed at enhancing color, clarity, and sound. But in a market flooded with options, can this TV truly stand out, or is it yet another example of the industry's relentless push for more pixels and processing power without a substantial payoff? Today, we’re diving deep into the performance and practicality of this model, analyzing whether the hype surrounding its capabilities actually translates into a better viewing experience for the average consumer. Let's see if this television delivers or just adds to the noise.

Spec​

Parameter
LG 85 Series TV​
Picture​
LG85SeriesTV.jpg
Screen Size​
65 Inches​
Reference Price​
$699.98​
Model Year​
2020​
Specific Uses​
Home Viewing​
Built-In Media​
Remote Control, Power Cable, E-Manual​
Highlight​
REAL 4K IPS DISPLAY: Whatever you're watching, nearly every angle looks great. Our Real 4K IPS Display widens your viewing angle without losing color and detail. It's clarity in every moment, with pristine color, light and detail.
α7 GEN 3 PROCESSOR 4K: Our processor empowers better picture and sound. The picture is made better, clearer and smoother. Our a7 Gen 3 Processor 4K powers the performance. You don’t have to do a thing to enjoy great picture and sound. Our advanced processor does it for you with AI Picture, AI Sound and 4K Upscaling.
NATIVE 120Hz: Never miss a moment. Native 120Hz reduces blurs and sharpens details, giving fast-action movie sequences and lightning-fast sports plays a smoother look from frame to frame.
TV Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD) 57.6" x 36.0" x 10.6", 47.6 lbs || TV Dimensions without Stand (WxHxD) 57.6" x 33.5" x 3.5", 47.0 lbs
webOS + LG ThinQ AI w/ Magic Remote, Cinema HDR w/ Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
Operating System​
WebOS, LG ThinQ AI​
Internet Applications​
Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Vudu, Google TV​
Controller Type​
vera, amazon_alexa​
Control Method​
Voice​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
LED​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
120 Hz​
HDR Format​
Dolby Vision​
Backlight Technology​
LED​
Picture Enhancement​
Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos​
Motion Enhancement​
Native 120Hz​
Audio Channels​
2​
Surround Sound​
Dolby Atmos​
Audio Input​
USB, HDMI
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Other Features​
webOS + LG ThinQ AI with Magic Remote; Cinema HDR with Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, Real 4K IPS Display; α7 Gen 3 Processor 4K with AI Picture and AI Sound​
Connectivity Technology​
Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Wireless Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
3​
USB2.0 Ports​
3​
HDMI Ports​
4​
Connector Type​
USB, HDMI
Signal Format​
Digital (HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), potentially supports over-the-air broadcasts​
Hardware Interface​
Ethernet, HDMI, Composite Video, USB 2.0, Radio Frequency​
D x W x H​
3.5"D x 57.6"W x 36"H​
Item Weight​
47.6 Pounds​

System Experience​

Setting up the LG 86UN8570PUC was an adventure in itself. I was initially quite anxious about receiving a large item like this, especially given the mixed reviews on delivery experiences. Fortunately, mine arrived in perfect condition, with the packaging intact. The sheer size of the TV meant I definitely needed a helping hand to get it out of the box and onto the stand I’d prepared. I had to wait for my partner to return home from work to manage the heavy lifting, and I remember staring at that giant box for hours in anticipation. Once we got it set up on the custom table I built, it felt like a victory!

Viewing Experience​

As someone who enjoys immersing myself in movies and gaming, the picture quality of this TV has truly impressed me. Coming from a smaller 65" screen, the upgrade to 86" was immediately noticeable, and the clarity of the 4K content is stunning. While I’m not an AV expert, I can still appreciate how vibrant colors look and how much more detail I can pick up in my favorite films. I did notice a bit of motion blur during action scenes, but it’s a minor hiccup in what is otherwise a fantastic viewing experience. I love how it enhances my PS5 gaming sessions—everything looks so vivid and lifelike!

Audio Experience​

On the flip side, the sound quality hasn't been as stellar as I hoped. The built-in speakers seem to struggle with depth, especially during music and bass-heavy scenes. I mean, they get the job done for casual viewing, but it’s clear that I’d benefit from investing in a soundbar or surround sound system to elevate the experience. I’ve found that dialogue sounds fine, but when it comes to more dynamic audio, I can’t help but feel that something’s missing. But honestly, I’m already planning to get a sound system, so it’s not a dealbreaker for me.

Other Experience​

Navigating the TV's features has been relatively smooth, thanks in large part to the Magic Remote. It fits comfortably in my hand and the pointer feature is incredibly handy for quickly accessing apps like Netflix and Disney+. I did wish the buttons were illuminated for easier use in the dark, but I’ve managed to memorize the layout fairly quickly. Overall, the user interface is pretty intuitive, and I appreciate having all my streaming apps easily accessible.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The biggest pros for me are the stunning picture quality, the sheer size of the screen that transforms my viewing experience, and the ease of navigation with the remote. For the price point, the 4K resolution paired with a large screen makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. It’s also great that it comes packed with smart features that allow for seamless integration with my other devices.

Cons:
As much as I love this TV, there are a couple of cons worth mentioning. The sound quality is one area that definitely needs improvement, which means I’ll have to invest in external audio solutions. Additionally, the motion blur during fast-paced scenes can be a bit distracting. Lastly, while the setup process was straightforward, I still think LG could improve their packaging to provide better protection during shipping.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I’m genuinely happy with my decision to purchase the LG 86UN8570PUC. It’s not perfect, but the combination of size, picture quality, and smart features outweighs the negatives for me. I would definitely recommend this TV to anyone who wants a large-screen experience without breaking the bank. It’s been a great addition to my home, and I can’t wait to dive into more 4K content on this impressive display!
 

PlayStationPepe

New member
So, you know how TV prices are finally coming down, right? You’d think you’d have to give up on quality or features to snag a big 86-inch TV for under two grand, but guess what? Not with this one! I was super impressed with how fast it showed up—no damage, no hassles. Just plugged it in and had everything set up in under ten minutes! The interface is super smart and user-friendly, with all the usual suspects like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon, HBO Max, and more right there for you. Seriously, for the price, this TV is a steal. It’s got a 120mHz refresh rate and a killer processor. Honestly, I’ve got zero complaints!
 
Honestly, I was kinda freaked out after reading some of the shipping and delivery reviews. But guess what? My experience was totally smooth! It showed up ahead of schedule and the box was in perfect shape. The TV is awesome—great sound, amazing picture quality, and I snagged it for less than what I would’ve paid at Costco. The only bummer is that the ESPN app doesn’t work on LG, so I need to figure out a workaround for that. But overall, I’m super happy with it!
 

jcwillia1

New member
If you're on the hunt for a massive TV with an amazing picture, then this is definitely the one you want! The price for a TV this size is pretty sweet. I just swapped out my old 70-inch Sony for this bad boy, and let me tell you, the size difference is huge! Seriously, if you want a big-screen TV that looks incredible, you're gonna love this one!
 
Man, I gotta say, after just three days with this TV, I'm seriously loving it! I upgraded from my old 2014 Samsung, and wow, the HDR quality is like night and day. Plus, the 120hz is killing it with my Xbox Series X—everything's super smooth. If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly 120hz TV, this one’s a no-brainer. Definitely worth it!
 
So, I just got my new TV and let me tell you, it came in a super solid box – no dents, no broken parts, nothing like those one-star reviews had me worried about. Seriously, I almost didn’t buy it because of all that negativity! But I’m so glad I did. The picture is amazing, way better than my old $4000 Samsung that crapped out on me after just a few years. This one’s packed with features and I’m totally obsessed with the remote. If you’re on the fence, just go for it – I can’t recommend this TV enough!
 

laxhockey11

New member
TVs are awesome, but I kinda thought they were supposed to unbox it for me. Nope! It took two of us just to get the thing out of the box. What a hassle!
 
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