The market is full of television options for every taste and budget, with several models launching every year.
One of LG‘s latest offerings is the LG QNED evo AI Mini LED 4K 2026, a mid-range television series that aims to offer everything everyday users look for in a TV at a balanced price, while also bringing a number of AI innovations.
Read our detailed review and opinion of the 55″ version (55QNED81B6A).
LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55″ review – A television with a strong software focus
Mid-range televisions have evolved considerably in recent years and LG has been one of the most consistent brands at bringing top-tier technology to more affordable price segments.
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55″ (55QNED81B6A) is a good example of this, combining Mini LED technology with AI processing and webOS in a proposition that sits between conventional LCD televisions and OLED panels.
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55-inch is a television with a native 120Hz QNED Mini LED panel, VRR support up to 144Hz, and Dynamic QNED Color Pro technology with 100% certified Colour Volume.
It integrates an Alpha 8 AI 4K Gen3 processor, Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, a 20W 2.0-channel sound system, and webOS with AI Hub.
On the AI front it offers Google Gemini search, AI Concierge, AI Picture Wizard, and AI Sound Wizard. For gaming it supports AMD FreeSync, ALLM, HGiG, and GeForce NOW.
As for price, it is available for €609.
Design and build quality
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55″ (55QNED81B6A) goes for a “borderless” design, achieved through a very thin bezel all around, except at the bottom, where the brand’s logo is located.
The thin bezel makes a big visual difference. Since I use the television on a large wall, my 55″ TV ends up taking up more space due to its thicker borders. When switching to this LG, with its much slimmer borders, it felt like a smaller television than the one that had been installed.
In terms of construction, it is made of plastic, both on the rear and on the bezel.
Below the logo you will find a small status LED and the power button.
On the rear you will find the various connections available on this television: 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports, 2 RF inputs, an Ethernet input, and 1 S/PDIF (Digital Audio Optical Output).
Installation and setup
Installing the television is quite simple and quick. Two distinct setups are possible: the stand included in the box if you want to place it on a piece of furniture, or a universal VESA mount on the rear for wall mounting.
Once placed where you intend to use it, it is time to switch on and follow the setup steps.
It will ask for a Wi-Fi connection to access the internet and will proceed with user and app configuration to enable integration into the LG ecosystem and control via smartphone.
This process takes around 5 to 10 minutes, after which the television is fully functional.
Picture quality
In terms of picture quality, the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55″ does not disappoint given what it promises.
Colours are vivid, blacks and shadows offer good contrast, sharpness is solid, and viewing angles are good.
You can choose from various colour profiles to tailor the picture to your preference, and make manual adjustments for those who want fine-grained control.
A shame the screen is not anti-glare — something those with windows near the television will notice considerably.
For gamers, it can reach a refresh rate of 120Hz, making it ideal for use with consoles or for people who need a very fast image response.
In webOS you can access LG Gallery+ to browse hundreds of artworks and turn the television into a genuine picture frame for the home.
The screen also features automatic brightness control and a motion sensor to switch on only when someone approaches.
Sound quality
In terms of sound, the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55″ offers a combined output of 20W across its two speakers, aided by the AI mode — which we will discuss further on — for fine-tuning.
These speakers deliver good sound quality, more than sufficient to provide a pleasant viewing experience.
However, they will not satisfy those seeking a more cinematic or refined audio experience, in which case a dedicated sound system would be a better investment.
Remote control
One of the highlights of the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55-inch is the remote control that comes with it.
As well as being very complete — packed with shortcut buttons including dedicated ones for streaming services — it has an interesting addition.
The remote can be used as an air mouse, making navigation and typing much easier. Instead of pressing keys to move between options, you simply move your arm and use the remote as a pointer.
It also has a scroll wheel to make scrolling through streaming apps or the browser easier.
WebOS
I will admit I am not the biggest fan of LG’s television operating system, webOS. I find it a little confusing and overly cluttered with options, shortcuts, and cards, making it somewhat overwhelming for users looking for something simpler.
That said, it is also a very complete system that offers every kind of aid and technology.
To begin with, LG guarantees 5 years of updates, extending the support period and the new features this television will receive.
Although confusing, this system has something for everyone. Several apps come pre-installed with the option to use the store to expand the range of available solutions.
One such example is Chrome, allowing you to browse the internet directly to visit, for instance, techbit.pt. It also has Portuguese apps, including MEO and other operators.
In webOS you can also find LG Channels, an area where the brand makes a good variety of channels available for free. There is not much Portuguese-language content yet, but it already has a solid base for all tastes.
There is also a strong gaming connection, both through the ability to play mini-games directly on the television and by installing native cloud gaming applications such as Xbox Game Pass.
When you want to watch two pieces of content at once or have two apps open simultaneously, there is also a split-view option.
A full AI commitment
One of the major highlights of the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55-inch is its deep AI integration.
On this television, artificial intelligence starts with sound (AI Sound Wizard) and picture (AI Picture Wizard) calibration, with standard modes built in so that both image and sound adapt to the user’s preferences.
Beyond these smaller features, there is also a deeper AI integration with the user.
To begin with, you can use AI Voice ID so that the AI learns your voice and uses it to identify which users are calling on it, personalising the response accordingly.
There is also AI Search, a general-purpose search tool for finding content both online (streaming channels, etc.) and offline.
Moving on to the AI Chatbot, this is a conversational tool that allows users to talk naturally with the AI to request the launch of features, apps, and more.
Finally, AI Concierge is a system that already knows your habits, provides information tailored to your tastes, and assists with the most basic everyday interactions.
Smartphone connectivity
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 4K 55-inch allows you to connect to your LG account to integrate into the brand’s ecosystem.
This means that if a smartphone is also integrated into this network, it becomes possible to use it as a remote control, transfer files, or change settings.
Who is the LG QNED86 Mini LED for?
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 55-inch is aimed at those who want a qualitative step up from a conventional LCD television without going as far as investing in an OLED panel. It is particularly well suited to medium-sized living rooms where 55 inches fits comfortably, and for those who use the television for a mix of streaming content, casual gaming, and regular TV.
Native 120Hz support and VRR up to 144Hz makes it an interesting option for next-generation console gamers who want to take advantage of the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X without paying the price of a dedicated gaming television. Integration with webOS and the LG ecosystem is an added argument for those who already use other products from the brand.
It is not the best choice for rooms with a lot of natural light due to the lack of an anti-glare screen, something that becomes clearly noticeable in environments with nearby windows. For those seeking the absolute best picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, OLED panels remain superior, albeit at a significantly higher price.
Our verdict on the LG QNED86 Mini LED
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 Mini LED 55-inch is a solid television that delivers well on its promises. Picture quality stands out for its vivid colours, good contrast, and sharpness that make the viewing experience genuinely enjoyable both for streaming and native 4K content. Mini LED technology makes a real difference compared to conventional LCD televisions, especially in scenes with high contrast between bright and dark areas.
The air mouse remote control is one of the television’s practical highlights and makes navigation far more fluid than conventional systems. The AI integration in picture and sound adds a layer of personalisation that, unlike many AI features on smartphones, has a real impact on everyday experience.
webOS is a complete but confusing system for users who prefer simplicity, with too many cards, shortcuts, and options that can be overwhelming for those who just want to switch on the television and watch a film. It is a matter of adjustment, but worth noting for anyone coming from simpler systems.
The lack of an anti-glare screen is the limitation most felt day-to-day in environments with intense natural light. In rooms with controlled lighting it is not an issue, but in rooms with nearby windows it can be irritating.
At €609, the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 (55QNED81B6A) positions itself as a competitive choice in the premium LCD television segment, with advanced image processing technology and five years of guaranteed support.
- Thin bezels
- Comprehensive system with AI integration
- Air Mouse remote control
- Feature-complete but visually complex
LG QNED evo AI QNED86 FAQ
What is the LG QNED evo AI QNED86?
It is a 55-inch television with a QNED Mini LED panel, 4K resolution, native 120Hz with VRR support up to 144Hz, Alpha 8 AI 4K Gen3 processor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, webOS with AI Hub, and a 20W sound system. It is available for €609.
Is the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 good for gaming?
Yes. It supports native 120Hz, VRR up to 144Hz, AMD FreeSync, ALLM, and HGiG, making it well suited to next-generation consoles and PC gaming. Input lag in game mode is low enough for casual competitive use.
Does the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 support Dolby Vision?
Yes. The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for broad compatibility with HDR content across the major streaming platforms.
Does webOS support apps in Portuguese?
Yes. webOS has the main streaming apps available in Portugal and includes LG Channels with free content, although the Portuguese-language offering is still limited.
Is the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 worth buying instead of an OLED?
It depends on your use and budget. The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 offers better peak brightness and is better suited to rooms with ambient light. OLED panels have absolute blacks and superior infinite contrast but cost significantly more. For mixed streaming and gaming use, the QNED86 is a competitive alternative.
What is the price of the LG QNED evo AI QNED86 55-inch?
The LG QNED evo AI QNED86 is available for €609.
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