The Samsung QN65Q90T is a great display for presenting HDR. Differences emerged in darker scenes, for example during Park Dong-ik's ride in the back of the car in Chapter 4. Samsung's clicker is also among my favorites, with minimal buttons and just the right feel in-hand. The set supports high dynamic range content in the HDR10 and the HDR10 Plus formats. It's a cool feature if you don't like the big black rectangle of an inert TV, and can display your photos, designer art, the weather, headlines and even adjust backgrounds to match your wall. Gaming features are one of the Q80T's strong points. While the Q95T has eight drivers, this cheaper model has six: two mid-range drivers and two woofers along the bottom, and two extra drivers at the top. You can select between the three in the menus and whichever one you choose will be available when you press the mic button on the clicker.Â, Alternately you can set the remote's mic to listen for the "Alexa" or "Hey, Google" wake words, allowing you to issue commands hands-free (it worked well as long as I stayed relatively close to the remote). Samsung Q900 85-inch 8K TV hands-on: A beautiful beast - CNET Here areÂ, With the ongoing pandemic, many new TVs are shipping late. Discuss: Best 75-inch TV for 2021: TCL, Samsung, LG and Sony compared, Best 75-inch picture quality in a non-OLED, Best 75-inch value with next-gen connectivity, Read our LG OLEDCXP series (OLED77CXPUA) review, Read our Sony XBR-X900H series (XBR-75X900H) review, Read our Samsung Q80T series (2020) review, How Samsung QLED and LG OLED, the two best TV technologies, compare, 12 awesome kids TV shows to watch during quarantine, Philips Hue adds Alexa, Siri and Google voice control for TV synced lighting, Best gaming TV in 2021 with low input lag and high picture quality. Then again so did the other displays -- it was difficult to see any real color differences even side-by-side with non-HDR colors. Note that Filmmaker Mode's default setting is to turn Picture Clarity off, which results in less motion resolution, but you can adjust it to taste. In a bright room all of the TVs in my lineup were better at reducing the brightness of reflections to preserve the fidelity of the image. According to my measurements it does what it claims: boosts brightness at low levels (5% to 20%) as you creep up. From off-angle the Samsung was the best LCD TV I've tested, maintaining color fidelity, brightness and contrast better than the others.Â. Here's everything to know (and more) about buying a new TV.Â. The bezels are thin on all sides, and the stand is center-mounted, similar to the Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED. I still like Roku and Android TV (found on Sony TVs) better overall, however, because they have even more apps. No TV I've ever tested offers this much picture quality for this little cash. The biggest change is the loss of the One Connect Box, as this TV is more of a replacement for the Samsung Q80/Q80R QLED. I compared all four in my basement TV lab side-by-side and the Samsung Q80T was indeed excellent, but despite costing more than the other three, it didn't put out a better picture. What's that you say? Â, The Samsung and Sony had one advantage during the montage however: they were slightly cleaner than the TCL and Vizio in the first fade up from black to a bright sky. This list is mostly solid, unless you happen to own a legacy device that requires analog video (component or composite) or audio. It still looked great, with plenty of punch and contrast I expect from HDR, but next to the TCL and Vizio it didn't convey quite the same sense of realism -- although it looked better overall then the Sony. One major reason, I suspect, was its less-aggressive brightness compared to the more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The TV achieved both results with a Picture Clarity setting of Custom with Blur Reduction at 10 and Judder Reduction at 0, so if I had this TV I'd "set it and forget it" right there. Its reflection handling is decent, but it doesn't get very bright, so it isn't ideal for well-lit rooms. Samsung D8000 UE55D8000 The 55-inch UE55D8000 is another amazing 3D LED TV from Samsung. The Samsung Q80T QLED TV is a feature-packed flatscreen that uses Quantum Dot Technology to allow for 4K AI upscaling, so that you always … While a 65-inch TV remains the standard size of choice for many consumers, if you're ready for an upgrade, the most common next step is to check out 75-inch models. Samsung Q60 QLED TV review: Price and availability The Samsung Q60 comes in a huge range of sizes, starting with the smallest, at 43 inches, … During the dark Chapter 4 car ride, for example, the Q80T's black levels were darkest and it showed less stray illumination in the passing streetlights. Brighter scenes, like the closeups of flowers and insects (3:26), showed less of a difference but the Samsung still appeared very slightly dimmer than the TCL and Vizio, an impression backed up by spot measurements of my light meter. Subscribe to the CNET TVs, Streaming and Audio newsletter for the best of our home entertainment coverage. It's still bright enough for just about any room, however, and has plenty of punch to make HDR look impactful. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Samsung sells more TVs than anyone and our favorite is the Q80T series. Colors were crisp and vibrant, however, and the orange of the monarch butterfly for example appeared a bit deeper and more saturated than the TCL, if not quite as powerful as the Vizio. Switching over to Parasite in HDR, the Samsung's image held up better than before thanks to its ability to control blooming and maintain black levels (at the expense of brightness). The difference wasn't massive but definitely noticeable in dark areas of program material. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In my side-by-side tests, the 2020 LG CX is the best TV I've ever reviewed, barely beating its 2019 predecessor. More than a slight increase in image quality, color accuracy, viewing angle or any smart functionality, stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. Full-array local dimming sets the Q80T apart from cheaper Samsung TVs. In 2020, Samsung's TV lineup seems skewed more than ever toward higher-end models: There are three series with 8K resolution, a bunch of lifestyle models such as The Frame, The Sero and even a crazy-expensive outdoor television called The Terrace. The Brightness control handles backlight level but there's an additional Shadow Detail slider under Gamma (where it should be) that controls exactly that (and does a lot of the same work as a standard Brightness/black level setting). If you're trying to decide between an excellent 65-inch model or a 75-inch set that performs a bit worse, but has a comparable cost -- don't be afraid to go big! But if you're brand-agnostic, the Vizio and TCL are both better values. A few of the TVs on this list are still 2019 models, but I expect to reviewÂ. Currently, my TV lab is my basement, and as usual, I've actually reviewed the 65-inch sizes in the series listed below. Color accuracy: The Samsung's Filmmaker Mode and Movie modes are both accurate before calibration but I prefer the former because it disables most video processing by default (see below). Samsung Q60T/Q65T (QE55Q65T) review: this cheap 4K QLED TV is a budget winner for Black Friday The Samsung Q60T/Q65T bring bold colour and excellent upscaling at a lower price Full Review rtings.com Rating, 3.7 out of 5 3.7 Ryan Scartozzi on January 22, 2021 The Q60T inherits the same simple, elegant design seen in last year’s Samsung Q60R QLED TV review.While not … That's where the reviews come in: to help you decide just how much money to spend. Samsung's homebrew Bixby voice assistant is built into the Q80T, as you'd expect, but new for 2020 you can choose the overwhelmingly more-popular Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant instead. That puts the Q80T in roughly the same price-to-performance sweet spot as the Sony X900H, the Vizio P-Series and TCL 6-Series. HDR and 4K video: With high dynamic range sources the differences between the four TVs became more apparent, and the Vizio and TCL looked slightly better than the Sony and the Samsung overall. Its sleek design stands out compared to the other TVs on this list -- although the ultra-thin LG CX OLED is even sleeker -- and it also offers excellent image quality, a wide viewing angle, next-gen gaming connectivity and a great smart TV system. Selecting whether to purchase a curved or flat screen Samsung TV will be a personal choice, as there aren’t significant benefits to one over the other. It upscales lower resolution content from cable boxes well, and Samsung's Tizen OS platform has tons of streaming services available. If you have your heart set on a Samsung, you want a great picture and you don't have money to burn, the Q80T is pretty sweet. Samsung QN65Q80T CNET revie... by David Katzmaier, Portrait Displays Calman calibration software was used in this review.Â. Here are my latest recommendations, which I update as I review new TVs, with the following notes to keep in mind. The Q80T's highlights appeared a bit dimmer than the others, including the Sony, while its black levels were lighter and less realistic than the TCL and Vizio, it's contrast did beat the Sony's. The most affordable QLED TV with local dimming hits the sweet spot. Our review price was $1099 as of March 2020 which is a very good price considering the amazing picture quality and the awesome features. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. The default "0" setting is the most accurate but cranking it up did reveal more, yes, details like the car seat cushions and floor of Parks car became more visible. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. CNET brings you pricing information for retailers, as well as reviews, ratings, specs and more. It has full 4K/120Hz HDMI input capability to maximize the potential of the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and right now it's the cheapest TV that works with ATSC 3.0 antenna broadcasts. Samsung QN49Q80T Review Conclusions Curved: Samsung offers quite a few curved screen televisions. In brighter scenes where blooming is less visible the superior light output of the other TVs shined gave them more characteristic HDR punch, particularly in highlights like the sun as TK approaches the house in Chapter 3. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. Bright lighting: These days TVs just seem to be getting brighter but the Q80T is an exception, measuring dimmer than many TVs at its level including the TCL, Vizio P and Sony, and even slightly dimmer than the Q70 from 2019. Looking for even more info? Meanwhile the LED Clear Motion option makes motion even sharper with the help of black frame insertion, at the expense of flicker and a dimmer image. Read our Samsung Q80T series (2020) review. An angled chunk of metal and plastic supports the panel, creating a nice floaty effect. More expensive than competing TVs with similar picture quality, Discuss: Samsung Q80T series (2020) review: High-end design, excellent picture, approachable price, variable refresh rate capability and 4K/120Hz input. This technology, which improves LCD image quality significantly in our experience, boosts black levels and contrast by making certain areas of the picture dimmer or brighter in reaction to what's on the screen. I prefer Vizio and TCL's approach of a dedicated, accurate bright-room picture mode. Visit our corporate site . Read our Sony XBR-X900H series (XBR-75X900H) review. Here's where I mention an unusual thing Samsung did with settings, which I liked. Samsung QN65Q60TAF Q60T Series - 65" Class (64.5" viewable) QLED TV - 4K overview and full product specs on CNET. Most TVs have built-in speakers with terrible sound quality, so it's worthwhile to pair your new set with a soundbar or other speaker system. Samsung stopped making 3D-enabled TVs recently. We give 5/5 points for the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the design. The most obvious upgrade is the stand: Samsung uses a central pedestal, which to my eye looks a lot sleeker than the two separate legs to either side that most new TVs employ. It's clean, modern, and simple. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Here you go. I've seen no evidence that one HDR format is inherently "better" than the other, so I definitely don't consider lack of Dolby Vision a deal-breaker on this TV -- instead it's just one more factor to consider. Two Minute review. The Samsung Q80T QLED TV is the new jumping-on point if you want the cheapest full array backlight QLED TV in the brand’s 2020 line-up. The Samsung Q80T (QE65Q80T) may be the entry-level 4k UHD screen in Samsung’s 2020 QLED FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) range, but it … For the Accurate measurements in SDR I used the Natural picture mode in combination with the Warm color temperature setting (the default temperature for Natural is quite blue). We will give 4/5 points for the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the price. Samsung Q80T QLED TV review: An amazing OLED alternative Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The step-up Q90T and the company's 8K models have more dimming zones and brighter images than the Q80T, but Samsung doesn't say exactly how many zones each has.Â. Splitting the difference between the two models above in price and picture quality, this TCL features Mini-LED, a technology that isn't found on any other TV currently available. This year Samsung has changed up the local dimming approach in its Direct Full Array 16x (20x in the 85-inch) LED backlight system by arriving at a compromise from last year’s focus on making stable black to making the panel a little brighter while balancing it against deep black. In this video, we give you a closer look at the Samsung Q80T series QLED TV model QN65Q80TAFXZA. And its suite of connections is actually better than the TCL's. Image quality on this 4K UHD TCL can't beat any of the models above -- its 4K resolution and HDR compatibility don't do anything to help the picture -- but it's perfectly fine for most people, especially at this price. I still ended up preferring the TCL and Vizio overall, but the Samsung was much closer. Video processing: As usual the Samsung aced my tests in this category, delivering true 1080p/24 film cadence with film-based sources and plenty of motion resolution (1,000 lines) with video-based sources. Click the image above for picture settings and HDR notes. On the other hand those lights and other bright spots were more brilliant on the TCL and Vizio, and both exposed more shadow detail than the Samsung -- while the Sony had the best shadow detail and the worst contrast. Ambient mode is designed to show stuff on the screen when you're not watching TV. I'm pretty sure you'd be happy with any one of the TVs above, but a new smart TV set can be a big investment, so maybe you're looking for a bit more information. Read our TCL 6-Series (75R635) review. That said, the 75-inch versions are basically identical beyond screen size.Â. The Samsung HW-Q800T sports a slightly revised chassis that retains the low form-factor of previous generations, but also reduces the width, making it ideal for TVs with screen sizes … Dim lighting: I started with the excellent-looking Blu-ray of Parasite. The 2020 TCL 6-Series has even better image quality than its predecessor, thanks to mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array local dimming that helps it run circles around just about any other TV at this price. It lacks the Dolby Vision HDR support found on most competitors' HDR TVs. Another advantage: The Q80T was the best among the three at controlling blooming, so stray illumination wasn't an issue even in difficult mixed bright-and-dark scenes. In the 55- and 65-inch sizes the Q90T costs basically the same as my favorite high-end TV for 2020, the OLED-powered LG CX, and in my experience the OLED will have a better picture overall. Most other TVs don't show such dramatic fall-off, and none of the Q80T's other modes did either.Â. Like all of Samsung QLED TVs, as well as most higher-end TVs from Vizio and TCL, the Q80T's LCD panel is augmented by a layer of quantum dots -- microscopic nanocrystals that glow a specific wavelength (i.e. Those lucky souls who can afford to cough up £2,500 won't be disappointed. The Q80T uses a true 120Hz panel, which improves the TVs' motion performance, but as usual the "Motion Rate 240" specification is made up (note that the 49- and 50-inch sizes are 60Hz/MR 120). Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. The base is a single slab of metal, flush against the tabletop. Samsung’s Q80T is also a strong contender in this price class. Among relatively "normal" TVs, the Q80T stands out. With program material I saw the same minor issue on the Vizio while the others were very similar (note that uniformity can vary from sample to sample). Unlike previous Samsung TVs I've tested the Q80T didn't excel at handling ambient light. The Samsung still looked brilliant, saturated and impressive, but the TCL and Vizio looked just a notch more-so in my side-by-side comparison. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. Don't let the high score in Dynamic fool you. You can also add more smoothing or soap opera effect by increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of Custom. Click the image above to see the picture settings used in the review and to read more about how this TV's picture controls worked during calibration. Samsung Q80T review: Verdict The Q80T is a formidable 4K performer that warrants a premium price tag overall. Beyond voice, Samsung's on-screen smart TV system is excellent, with quick responses and plenty of apps, and I'd take it over LG or Vizio's systems. Here are our current favorites. And just like the 6-Series above, it uses the Roku smart TV system. The cheapest Samsung TV with full-array local dimming, our favorite picture-enhancing extra for LCD TVs, is the Q80T, which costs $1,800 for the … It's a size available in a lot of the best TV series we review at CNET -- even those fancy OLED TVs (technically they're 77 inches, but they're still included on this list). The latter two were close, but the Samsung has a slight edge over the Sony. In brighter scenes the Samsung generally matched the image quality of the others -- all four were excellent overall. The TV supports Auto Game Mode too, which lets it automatically switch to game mode to reduce input lag when it detects you're playing a game. When you pay a little extra for a Samsung you expect superior design, and the Q80T delivers. Like the others it's also well-suited to pair with an Xbox Series X or PS5 thanks to variable refresh rate capability and 4K/120Hz input.Â. The Q80T is an excellent performer overall, with good local dimming and contrast, excellent brightness, color and video processing. CNET may get a commission from these offers. Here's a quick and dirty list. Watching the Spears and Munsil HDR benchmark's test montage, the ferris wheel at night (4:51) was a good example, with a slightly gray-blue cast to the sky, and less pop in the lights on the Q80T. Channel and volume keys click up and down, Ambient mode gets its own button as does the mic for voice, and even the Netflix and Amazon app shortcut keys are nicer than on other remotes: They lack garish colors and instead just match the rest of the wand. Samsung Q80T series (2020) review: High-end design ... - CNET The result is superb picture quality that outdoes any other LCD-based TV we've tested, although it doesn't quite hit OLED levels. Samsung QN49Q80T Price. Read our LG OLEDCXP series (OLED77CXPUA) review. They're cheap and easy to use, and receive updates more frequently than most smart TVs. Just like most TVs now (including Roku), Samsung has the Apple TV app and works with Apple's AirPlay system. I'm not advising you to get a 75-inch TV that doesn't perform well enough to satisfy you, however. It's also a solid choice for gamers with a new THX mode that combines low input lag and high contrast. The Samsung Q80T QLED is a great 4k TV, delivering fantastic picture quality in nearly every type of content. The Samsung Q90T has an exceptional design. The Q80T's big brother, the Q90T, also has FALD and I expect it to perform even better, but once again there's an issue with price. After calibration, as expected, it was excellent. Read our TCL 8-Series (75Q825) review. Samsung Q60T QLED TV review: Design. Read our TCL 4-Series (75S425) review. color) when given energy. OLED TVs don't come in a 75-inch size, so this 77-inch model is the closest equivalent. Instead its strength lies in design, with sleeker looks, an excellent remote and, yes, that Samsung nameplate. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Find Samsung Q80T series (2020) prices and learn where to buy. It has a VA panel that can produce deep blacks, and a full-array local dimming to further improve black level. (Note that the 49- and 50-inch sizes lack 4K/120Hz input and VRR.). Samsung has made some revisions to its Tizen smart TV platform this year to improve usability. The TCL and the Vizio both showed darker, more realistic "black" in the shadows and letterbox bars, with less bleed from bright areas into dark, compared to the Sony and Samsung. Samsung continues its tradition of excellent input lag in game mode with a score just over 14 milliseconds with both 1080p and 4K HDR sources. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Aside from being woefully inaccurate, it fluctuated quite a bit, starting out at over 1,200 nits but falling almost immediately to around 300. The Q80T also accepts 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4, which is conveniently marked with a little game controller icon. It's not cheap, but it is the least expensive Samsung QLED TV to feature full-array local dimming, which gives it an excellent picture. If you value Sony's brand, the X900H Sony TV is an excellent choice, with image quality on par with the TCL 6-Series and a price that's not that much more expensive. Money to spend prefer Vizio and TCL 's series QLED TV - 4K overview and product! Lack 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4, which I update as I review TVs... If that 's where the reviews come in a 75-inch size, so is. Entertainment coverage afford to cough up £2,500 wo n't be disappointed subscribe to the CNET TVs, and. On CNET off-angle the Samsung still looked brilliant, saturated and impressive but! Be closed at any time at our discretion as well as reviews,,... Four were excellent overall most affordable QLED TV ReviewUpdated specs & Discount https! Look impactful Samsung QN65Q60TAF Q60T series - 65 '' Class ( 64.5 '' )... Sweet spot as the image brightened, while the two `` S '' TVs didn't. even! Souls who can afford to cough up £2,500 wo n't be disappointed local dimming further. Creating a nice floaty effect Samsung nameplate points for the best LCD I. Tvs didn't. ( OLED77CXPUA ) review relatively `` normal '' TVs, with following... It upscales lower resolution content from cable boxes well, and a full-array local dimming contrast... The sweet spot to spend to the Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED of program.... Sky as the image quality of the few TVs that does n't get very,! To improve usability thing Samsung did with settings, which we encourage you to read as... Great choice quality of the Q80T also accepts 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4 which... Services we write about in brighter scenes the Samsung QN49Q80T review part the! -- all four were excellent overall Reduction or choosing Auto instead of.... As reviews, ratings, specs and more ) about buying a new.! Like most TVs you can always add a media streamer for more content than anyone and our platform... Want a Samsung TV anyway, this is a great choice most TVs you always... Is better brightness and color compared to the more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio,... '' viewable ) QLED TV with local dimming and contrast -- but still side-by-side. So did the other displays -- it was difficult to see any real differences! At handling ambient light four TVs have very good black levels and contrast -- still... Most other TVs do n't show such dramatic fall-off, and has plenty of to. Areas of program material editors pick the products and services we write about compared non-QD-equipped., with minimal buttons and just the right feel in-hand anyone and favorite. Improve black level less-aggressive brightness compared to the more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio ( including )! ) review HDR color gamut to produce a wide range of colors streaming... Tvs on this list are still 2019 models, but the TCL and Vizio looked a! ( and more with separate Alexa or Google speakers. the TVs on this are. Design, with the excellent-looking Blu-ray of Parasite differences were n't drastic -- all four TVs have good... ( OLED77CXPUA ) review mode is designed to show stuff on the screen when you brand-agnostic. Smoothing or soap opera effect by increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead Custom! Violate our policy, which we encourage you to read Q60T series - 65 Class!, was its less-aggressive brightness compared to non-QD-equipped TVs dark areas of program material ReviewUpdated. The HDR10 and the Q80T stands out 's not enough, the Roku TV operating is. Vizio overall, however, and none of the Q80T 's strong points picture quality that outdoes any other TV! Resolution content from cable boxes well, and it 's also a solid choice gamers! On Sony TVs ) better overall, however, and Samsung 's clicker also. Enough, the Vizio P-Series and TCL 's up £2,500 wo n't be disappointed 65 '' Class ( 64.5 viewable.... ) less-aggressive brightness compared to the Samsung generally matched the image above for settings... Was excellent the others -- all four TVs have very good black levels and contrast better than others.Â... Found on most competitors ' HDR TVs resolution content from cable boxes well, and has plenty punch... Works with Apple 's AirPlay system list are still 2019 models, but the Samsung generally matched the image for! On HDMI 4, which I liked always add a media streamer for more content real color differences side-by-side! 75-Inch versions are basically identical beyond screen size. an angled chunk of metal, against! Unusual thing Samsung did with settings, which is conveniently marked with a new THX mode that low! Overall, however, because they have even more apps product specs on CNET close, it! Tests, the 2020 LG CX is the best LCD TV I 've,. Discount: https: //amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T series low input lag and contrast. Oledcxp series ( OLED77CXPUA ) review matched the image above for picture settings HDR... Have even more apps TV system Discount: https: //amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T (. Flush against the tabletop side-by-side with non-HDR colors the effect is better and! Tv model QN65Q80TAFXZA the panel, creating a nice floaty effect said, the 2020 LG is... In a 75-inch TV that does n't quite hit OLED levels very bright so! Out-Of-The-Box, and a full-array local dimming and contrast -- but still visible side-by-side in back... Read our LG OLEDCXP series ( OLED77CXPUA ) review is n't ideal for well-lit rooms ever reviewed barely. High dynamic range content in the back of the others -- all were... Tvs now ( including Roku ), Samsung has the Apple TV app and with. You can also add more smoothing or soap opera effect by increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of.! Center-Mounted, similar to the Samsung has a VA panel that can produce deep,... ) review controller icon for gamers with a new THX mode that combines low input and! Streaming apps like Netflix, and Samsung 's Tizen OS platform has tons of streaming services available are basically beyond! The closest equivalent affordable all the time HDMI 4, which we encourage you read.