Samsung’s QLED TVs are some of the most vivid and colorful TVs on the market today. With quantum dot technology providing over a billion shades of brilliant color and 100% color volume, Samsung QLED delivers images that are crisp, clear and bursting with realism.
In this comprehensive review, we will dive into Samsung QLED technology, picture quality, smart features, design and more. Read on for an in-depth look at Samsung QLED TV reviews and see if these ultra high-definition TVs deserve a spot in your living room.
An Overview of Samsung QLED Technology
Samsung QLED TVs utilize quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles only a few nanometers wide, to produce light. When illuminated, quantum dots emit extremely precise wavelengths of light leading to 100% color volume. This means QLED TVs can produce deep blacks right next to bright, vivid colors without washing out.
The quantum dot layer on QLED TVs is integrated into a metal alloy nano-crystal complex. When stimulated by light, this quantum dot film produces pure monochromatic red, blue and green light. By combining these primary colors, QLED TVs can display over a billion color shades – much more than standard LED TVs.
QLED also enables Samsung TVs to reach 100% color volume certified by the organization International Committee for Display Metrology. Compared to competing OLED TVs, QLED color volume is up to 20% higher. This means QLED TVs can achieve more color shades with equal color precision and luminance.
In summary, Samsung QLED technology enables:
- Pure light emission and over a billion color shades
- 100% color volume for vivid, true-to-life images
- High brightness up to 2000 nits without color washout
- Wider viewing angles up to 120 degrees
Together, these technical advantages add up to an extremely realistic and immersive viewing experience on Samsung QLED TVs.
QLED vs OLED – Which Is Better?
OLED and QLED are two of the most advanced TV display technologies today. But which is better? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- OLED uses self-emitting pixels that can completely turn off for deep black levels. OLED also offers wide viewing angles. But OLED TVs may have luminance degradation over time and are generally limited to lower brightness levels.
- QLED is exceptionally bright, delivering up to 2000 nits. The quantum dot filtration allows QLED to produce pure emission of light and accurate colors. But QLED displays use LED backlighting which may limit contrast and black levels.
For most buyers, QLED and OLED will both provide excellent picture quality and immersive viewing. OLED may beat QLED on black levels and viewing angles. But QLED offers higher peak brightness and better color accuracy out of the box. Overall, both technologies deliver premium performance – so buyer preferences may depend on budget and specific usage needs.
Picture Quality of Samsung QLED TVs
From vibrant HDR and 4K detail to deep blacks and pristine color, Samsung QLED TVs deliver stellar picture performance that brings entertainment to life. Here’s a close look at the key picture quality features and viewing benefits of Samsung QLED.
4K Resolution and HDR
All Samsung QLED TVs offer 4K Ultra HD resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), quadrupling the clarity of Full HD 1080p. With 33 million pixels, 4K images contain much finer detail for immersive realism.
4K resolution alone is an upgrade, but most streaming content and Blu-rays also support advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR). HDR expands the color palette and contrast range beyond standard dynamic range. With compatible content and sources, HDR provides brighter highlights, deeper blacks and brilliant color.
Samsung QLED TVs support multiple HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. This ensures the QLEDs can take full advantage of HDR’s expanded luminance range up to 4000 nits and color spectrum up to the Rec 2020 gamut.
Quantum HDR
Going beyond basic HDR, Samsung QLED TVs use Quantum HDR technology to optimize brightness, color and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis. Using a sensor and processor, Quantum HDR analyzes the picture and adjusts its contrast algorithms.
The result is cinematic image quality that brings out fine shadow and highlight details. Bright scenes look incredibly vivid while dark scenes maintain deep blacks and clarity. Quantum HDR helps recapture the director’s original intent and brings HDR content to life.
100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot
As mentioned above, Samsung’s quantum dot display achieves 100% color volume according to internationally accepted quantum dot testing standards. This means the QLED TV can produce billions of shades of color at up to 2000 nits brightness without losing accuracy or saturation.
Greater color volume translates directly into vibrant, lifelike color in both bright and dark scenes. From lush green forests to sparkling night skies, color pops as it should. QLED color volume is up to 20% higher than OLED competitors.
Ultra Viewing Angle & Anti-Reflective Screen
Earlier LCD displays often showed color and contrast degradation at wider viewing angles. But Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle technology maintains color accuracy and brightness even when viewing QLED TVs from the side.
The QLED panel ensures all viewers get a dynamic picture from seats that stretch across an entire living room. A new layer of light control particles spread light evenly across the crystal layer. With wider angles that preserve color and black levels, QLED competes directly with OLED.
Additionally, the anti-reflective screen minimizes glare so the picture maintains vibrancy even in bright rooms. This enhances the viewing experience regardless of lighting conditions.
Peak Illuminator & Precision Black Local Dimming
To produce stunning high dynamic range, Samsung QLED TVs combine two key features:
- Peak Illuminator maximizes brightness in highlighted areas up to 2000 nits. This helps create dazzling specular highlights that bring out every sparkling detail.
- Precision Black Local Dimming selectively dims LED zones for truly dark blacks right next to bright areas. With local dimming across zones as small as 1/16 of the screen, dark shadows and silhouettes come alive.
Together, Peak Illuminator and Precision Black enhance contrast for remarkable depth and dimension. Bright parts of the picture pop while shadows remain detailed – even in the same scene.
AI Upscaling
Lower resolution content can’t simply be enlarged to 4K without unwanted processing artifacts. That’s why Samsung includes dedicated AI upscaling processors in its QLED TVs.
Powered by on-board machine learning, AI upscaling analyzes source content to intelligently enhance HD and Full HD video to near 4K clarity. Fine details are preserved via noise and edge reconstruction. The result is upscaled picture quality that looks almost native 4K.
Motion Handling
For fast action content like sports and video games, Samsung QLED TVs include Auto Motion Plus for smooth, sharp motion. By inserting black frames between individual frames, Auto Motion Plus can increase native refresh rates up to 120Hz.
The QLED also eliminates motion blur and stutter for crisper detail in every scene. Combined with super-fast response time under 5ms, Samsung QLED delivers clear action with no smearing or ghosting.
Game Mode
For gaming, Samsung QLED TVs support key features like Auto Low Latency Mode which automatically switches the TV into fast Game Mode when it detects a connected console. Input lag drops below 15ms for responsive controller feedback.
Variable refresh rate (VRR) and AMD Freesync match the TV’s refresh rate to the game console for smooth frame rates. And Game Motion Plus reduces blur in action-packed games.
Together, these specialized gaming enhancements reduce lag, screen tearing and other artifacts for immersive gameplay.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Beyond its vivid quantum dot display, Samsung QLED TVs incorporate a range of smart TV capabilities and connectivity options. Discover some of the key features that make QLED an intelligent hub for home entertainment.
| Smart TV Features | Details | |-|-| | **Tizen OS** | All Samsung smart TVs use the intuitive, elegantly designed Tizen operating system for easy navigation and smart home integration. | | **Universal Guide** | Discover new shows from streaming channels and live TV listings all in one place. The universal guide learns your preferences to recommend more relevant content. | | ** Bixby Voice** | Use natural language commands via Bixby Voice to launch apps, search shows, control playback and adjust TV settings. | | **SmartThings** | Sync QLED TVs to Samsung SmartThings devices like phones, security cameras, appliances and more for integrated home automation. | | **Tap View** | Use NFC to instantly mirror your phone screen to the QLED TV by simply tapping the devices back-to-back. | | **PC on TV** | Use screen mirroring to display your Windows or Mac computer screen on the QLED TV. Supports keyboard and mouse control. | | **Apple AirPlay 2** | Stream videos, music, photos and more directly from Apple devices to QLED TVs with AirPlay 2 support. | | **Apps** | Popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and more are all available on the TV’s app store. No external streaming device needed. |
For connectivity, Samsung QLED TVs include four HDMI inputs, with support for HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. There are also USB and Ethernet ports plus built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth.
Design of Samsung QLED TVs
Beyond outstanding picture and smart features, Samsung QLED TVs boast elegant, minimalist designs perfect for any living space.
Nearly bezel-less Infinity Screens maximize viewing area while minimizing distractions. The displays appear to extend right to each edge, creating an expansive canvas for your content.
Samsung offers QLED TVs in a range of screen sizes from 43 inches up to 85 inches for massive home theater displays. Larger models feature thin, solid metal frames with centralized stands for stability. There are no external speakers – sound emerges directly from the display.
For 65-inch and larger QLED TVs, Samsung offers the One Connect Box. This external control unit houses inputs and outputs, keeping cable clutter away from the display. A single thin optical cable provides video, audio and data signals from box to TV.
Colors include dark titan black plus lighter brown and silver frames depending on model. There is also ambient mode which lets the TV blend into wall backgrounds when not being watched.
With their near bezel-less screens, metal frames, hidden cables and ambient mode, Samsung QLED TVs seamlessly fit any living space. Their design complements both contemporary and traditional decors.
Standout Samsung QLED 4K TV Reviews
Samsung offers several different QLED 4K smart TV series, ranging from budget models to premium flagships with every bell and whistle. Here are reviews of three of Samsung’s most popular and highly-rated current QLED lines:
Samsung Q60A QLED 4K Smart TV
| Display Size | 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 70″, 75″, 85″ | |-|-| | Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) | | HDR Support | HDR, HDR10, HLG | | Peak Brightness | Up to 1500 nits | | Refresh Rate | 60Hz native (120Hz motion rate) | | Smart TV | Tizen OS, Bixby Voice | | Key Features | Dual LED backlight, Quantum HDR, 100% Color Volume, Motion Xcelerator | | Price | $$$ |
The Q60A series represents Samsung’s entry-level 4K QLED TVs. But with vivid quantum dots and dual LED backlighting, the Q60A still outperforms standard LED TVs.
Reviewers praise the “extremely color-rich HDR” and solid black levels. The sleek design also earns acclaim for being nearly bezel-less. Users love Bixby voice navigation. Upscaling of HD/SD content looks sharp thanks to 4K AI processing.
Gamers appreciate the Game Bar which aggregates gaming settings and Auto Game Mode. The Q60A also includes a new Game Mode Plus to optimize PC and console gaming.
The Q60A lacks more advanced features like local dimming. But for an affordable entry-level QLED, this TV delivers excellent 4K picture quality and smart connectivity.
Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV
| Display Size | 65″, 75″, 85″ | |-|-| | Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) | | HDR Support | Quantum HDR 24x, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | | Peak Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | | Refresh Rate | 120Hz native refresh rate | | Smart TV | Tizen OS, Bixby Voice with Alexa | | Key Features | Neo Quantum Processor 4K, Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, Quantum HDR 2000, Object Tracking Sound+ | | Price | $$$$ |
The flagship QN90A Neo QLED impresses reviewers with “stunning picture quality” thanks to mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots. The advanced Neo Quantum processor also optimizes upscaling and HDR.
With its ultra-thin bezel and centralized stand, the “design looks fantastic” according to reviewers. The anti-glare panel, 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 also make the QN90A a “perfect choice for gaming.”
Users love the elaborate multi-speaker Object Tracking Sound+ which creates “immersive” 3D audio. And built-in Alexa with Bixby gives “hands-free control” of the TV and smart home.
If you want the brightest, most feature-packed Samsung QLED for crisp 4K gaming and cinema, the QN90A delivers incredible Neo QLED performance. But premium pricing matches its premium experience.
Samsung QN85A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV
| Display Size | 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″ | |-|-| | Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) | | HDR Support | Quantum HDR 24x, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | | Peak Brightness | Up to 1500 nits | | Refresh Rate | 120Hz native refresh rate | | Smart TV | Tizen OS, Bixby Voice with Alexa | | Key Features | Neo Quantum Processor 4K, Quantum Matrix Technology, Quantum HDR 1500, Object Tracking Sound | | Price | $$$ |
The QN85A offers nearly identical performance and features as the QN90A, but at a more affordable mid-range price. It uses mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots for expanded contrast and extremely accurate color.
Like the pricier model, the QN85A earns praise for its “gorgeous picture” and “very low input lag” perfect for gaming. The 4K upscaling also looks “natural” thanks to the Neo Quantum processor.
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While not quite as bright as the QN90A, the QN85A still achieves up to 1500 nits for vivid HDR content viewing. It lacks the ultimate viewing angles of OLED but its anti-glare filter improves daytime visibility.
For shoppers that want premium Samsung Neo QLED but at a more moderate price, the QN85A brings phenomenal quantum-dot 4K performance. Reviewers call it “one of the best LED LCD TVs available today.”
FAQ About Samsung QLED TVs
What is the benefit of quantum dots in QLED TVs?
Quantum dots allow QLED TVs to produce pure monochromatic light in precise wavelengths, leading to more accurate color reproduction. This expands the color volume and achieves 100% HDR color.
How long do quantum dots last in QLED TVs?
Quantum dots gradually lose luminance over time leading to dimming over thousands of hours of use. But QLED TVs are engineered so the quantum dots retain peak performance for the normal lifespan of the TV.
Do Samsung QLED TVs come with a warranty?
Yes, all new Samsung QLED TVs come with at least a 1 year manufacturer warranty. Additional warranty extension plans are available for purchase as well.
Can you mount Samsung QLED TVs on the wall?
Yes, Samsung QLED TVs are designed to be wall mounted. The TVs have standardized VESA mounting holes on the back panel. Both the display and One Connect box can mount securely.
What is the best viewing distance for Samsung QLED TVs?
The ideal viewing distance depends on the screen size. But the recommended distance is 1.2x the diagonal length of the screen. So for a 65″ QLED TV, the best distance is about 7.5 feet back.
Do Samsung QLED TVs come with webcams or mics for video calls?
Most models do not include built-in webcams, though some high-end models offer pop-up or sliding webcams. However, video calls are supported through apps by connecting an external USB webcam.
How do Samsung QLED TVs compare to OLED TVs?
Compared to OLED, QLED TVs are generally brighter with superior color accuracy out of the box. But OLED has better black levels, viewing angles and thinness. Both offer excellent overall image quality for premium TV buyers.
Deciding on the Best Samsung QLED TV
With vibrant quantum dot color and rich HDR, Samsung QLED TVs deliver some of the most dynamic 4K picture quality available today. Here are a few closing tips for choosing the right QLED TV:
- Go bigger for more immersive viewing – consider at least 65 inches for home theaters
- Look at room lighting – QLED works great in bright rooms
- Choose a model with local dimming like QN90A for deeper blacks
- Consider viewing angles if placing the TV off-center
- Compare gaming features like refresh rate, Freesync and input lag
- Decide which smart TV platform you prefer – Tizen, WebOS, Android etc.
- Think about future-proofing – HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, HDR10+ etc.
For most buyers, the mid-range QN85A Neo QLED provides the best balance of price and performance. But the flagship QN90A is worth the splurge for the brightest, smoothest Samsung QLED display.
Whatever your budget, Samsung’s quantum-dot 4K TVs will provide a stunning cinematic experience through vibrant color, precision contrast and realistic clarity. Their smart connectivity also creates an easy-to-use entertainment hub for streaming and gaming.
If you are looking for the most colorful, vivid picture available today, Samsung QLED TVs deliver amazing quantum dot display technology that needs to be seen.