Compare QLED televisions: which Samsung TV is right for you

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Samsung QLED TVS have amazing picture quality with outstanding colour and contrast and come in a range of sizes and styles to suit any room in any home. The biggest challenge when looking at the range of Samsung QLED TVs at Best Buy is deciding which one is perfect for your home.

This article should help. First it explains what “QLED” technology is and the key features. Then it will compare the latest QLED TV models to help you make the purchasing decision that is right for you.

Scroll down to see a chart comparing Samsung QLED television models

What is QLED?

Samsung QLED technology uses Samsung’s Quantum Processor, which consists of 33 million pixels that offer crystal clear pictures with 4K resolution or, in the case of the latest 8K models, resolution that’s four times that of 4K. Samsung’s Quantum Processor enables 4K or 8K-like picture quality regardless of the source quality of the original content, upscaling so you get an improved picture no matter what you’re watching.

Quantum Dots, a semiconductor material that emits light, along with a database of learned patterns, work together to create a truly immersive viewing experience.

Picture Quality Features of Samsung QLED TVs

As noted, Samsung QLED TVs use Quantum Dots and, with premium models, deep learning AI and upscaling that will analyze every detail of a scene and upscale the picture if the source isn’t actually 4K or 8K.

The direct full array 32X backlight in the top-line models continuously switches on and off depending on the light and dark in the scene so you get deeper blacks and the best possible colour contrast while you’re watching everything from sports to action films to the daily news.

When playing games, many QLED TV models have features like Real Game Enhancer+ and a Dynamic Black Equalizer that provides more visibility in dark scenes and can even help find hidden details. Other features gamers will appreciate in some models include low input lag and FreeSync (VRR), which reduces lag time so you get smooth game play without annoying broken graphics or jumpy motions.

Other clever picture quality features you’ll find in Samsung QLED TVs include Adaptive Picture, which auto adjusts brightness levels based on the conditions in the room, Quantum HDR 32X, which helps enhance the picture in areas that are too bright or dark, ultra-viewing angle so you can see the picture in crisp detail no matter where you’re sitting, and two special layers that minimize leakage so light is spread evenly throughout the panel.

Audio Features of Samsung QLED TVs

The picture is only half the equation; the audio experience needs to match. And while you might have external speakers, Samsung QLED TVs don’t slouch when it comes to built-in audio quality, developed, engineered, and tested in the Samsung Audio Lab in California.

All Samsung QLED TVs feature Active Sound Optimizer+ that provides a realistic, cinematic experience. Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+), found in the premium models, can track motion in every scene to provide a lifelike, three-dimensional audio experience using just the TV’s built-in speakers.

Other features found in certain models include Active Voice Amplifier, which identifies distracting noises around you and automatically boosts the volume of dialogue so you can hear it without interruption; and Adaptive Sound+, which analyzes scenes, separating and classifying sounds to render them perfectly according to each scene. Use a compatible QLED TV with a compatible Samsung soundbar and you can also enjoy Q-Symphony for a seamless and integrated surround sound experience.

Design Features of Samsung QLED TVs

Design-wise, Samsung QLED TVs are gorgeous, slim, and fit with any décor. They can be wall mounted or placed on the included stand, either way offering a minimalist design.

The Infinity Screen results in a nearly invisible bezel that shrinks the black edges to almost nothing, allowing you to focus on what really matters: what’s on the screen.

The ultra-slim frame sees the TV tilted back slightly on its stand, or wall-mounted without any gap. The invisible connection further allows the TV to lay flush against the wall for a seamless look.

A really cool design feature with Samsung QLEDs is Ambient Mode+, which blends the TV with its background when it’s off, replicating the pattern of your wallpaper, for example, paint, or even a work of art.

Smart Features of Samsung QLEDs

Let’s not forget that Samsung QLED TVs are smart TVs, too, offering effortless access to favourite streaming services without external devices. You can also surf the Web right from your TV, communicate with other compatible smart devices in the home, and more.

All Samsung QLED smart TVs operate on the Tizen OS and have Bixby, Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants built in. With Bixby, you can see show recommendations, search for programming by title, and control connected smart home devices. With Alexa, you can change channels, play music, see your front door security camera view (with compatible products), and even get sports score updates. Google Assistant support means you can change channels, adjust volume, control playback, and more using the “Hey Google” command.

Additionally, Samsung QLED TVs include the SmartThings Dashboard which lets you manage all of your connected devices on one screen to both monitor and control them. Another neat feature is Multi-View for watching what is on your TV and a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone at the same time.

Comparing Samsung QLED TVs: Which One Is Right For You?

As noted above, there are some features that every Samsung QLED TV model comes with and some that are reserved for premium models.

The 4K QLED line-up starts with the Q60T (available in 43’’, 50’’, 55’’, 58’’ Best Buy Exclusive, 65’’, 75’’, 85’’) and Q70T (available in 55″, 65″, 75″, and 85″) with edge-lit dual-LED technology. From there, it moves up to the Q8DT Best Buy Exclusive series (available in 55’’, 65’’, 75’’), Q80T (available in 49’’, 55’’, 65’’, 75’’, 85’’) and Q90T (available in 55’’, 65’’, 75’’ and 85’’) which upgrade to the direct full array LED technology.

If you’re choosing among these three models, consider how important picture quality is to you. If you want the best of the best, and you plan to watch a lot of content in 4K through compatible streaming services, 4K Blu-ray discs, or a cable/satellite set-top box and the appropriate subscription, invest in the model that will get you the best possible picture, which is the Q80T or Q90T. Gamers will also appreciate added features in these models, including Real Game Enhancer+, Auto Game Mode, VRRT, AMD FreeSync, and G-SYNC (these gaming features are also found in the Q70T).

Samsung premium TVs offer the best of the best in performance

If you want to get the best of the best, consider Samsung’s more premium, top-line 8K QLED TV models. There’s the Q800T, Q900T, and Q950T series TVs, the former two of which come in 65″, 75″, and 85″ sizes and the latter that only comes in an 85-incher.

The aforementioned Quantum HDR 32X is one of the stand-out features in the Q900T and Q950T (the Q800T comes with Quantum HDR 24X). Those two have direct full array 32X and the Q800T has direct full array 24x. It really depends what type of content, the quality of the source material, how close you’re sitting, and what size TV you get in terms of how much you’ll notice these upgrades.

All three of these QLED TVs series have 8K resolution; so, while there might not be a ton of 8K content available right now, the upscaling capabilities ensure everything has looks better. If you plan to keep the TV for a while, this will futureproof your investment as well; when 8K content becomes the standard, you’ll be able to enjoy it in all its glory.

You’ll get the new 2020 version of the Quantum Processor 8K with AI machine learning described above with all three of these TVs, along with features like Active Sound Optimizer, built-in voice control compatibility with Bixby, Alexa, and Google, the Tizen smart TV interface, and Real Game Enhancer+ and Auto Game Mode. So, it’s really a matter of preference and budget in terms of which you choose.

If you really want to “go big or go home,” futureproof your home with a large screen 8K QLED TV from Samsung. The Q900T series is available in different size options as mentioned above, and although the Q950T is only available in 85’’, it has one invisible connection and no gap wall-mount to ensure your big screen is mounted flush against the wall.

Product	Samsung Q60T	Samsung Q70T	Samsung Q8DT / Q80T / Q90T
Sizes	43″ 50″ 55″ 58″ (Exclusive) 65″ 75″ 85″	55″ 65″ 75″ 82″ 85″	49″ (Q80T Only) 55″ 65″ 75″ 85″ (55″/65″/75″ Q8DT Exclusive)
Contrast	Quantum HDR Edge Lit Dual-LED	Quantum HDR Edge Lit Dual-LED	Quantum HDR 12X (Q8DT & Q80T) / 16X (Q90T) Direct Full Array 12X (Q8DT & Q80T) / 16X (Q90T)
Colour Technology	Quantum Dot	Quantum Dot	Quantum Dot
Processor	Quantum Processor 4K Lite	Quantum Processor 4K (AI Machine Learning)	Quantum Processor 4K (AI Machine Learning)
Sound/Audio	2ch / 20W	2ch / 20W	2.2.2ch / 60W (Q80T) / 4.2.2ch / 60W (Q8DT/Q90T)
Smart Platform	Tizen	Tizen	Tizen
Smart Features	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby
Special Features	Ambient Mode+ Active Sound Optimizer+ Multi View	Ambient Mode+ Active Voice Amplifier / Object Tracking Sound Multi View	Ambient Mode+ Active Voice Amplifier / Object Tracking Sound Multi View
Gaming Features	Gaming Enhancer Auto Game Mode (10ms)	Real Game Enhancer+ Auto Game Mode VRR AMD FreeSync G-SYNC	Real Game Enhancer+ Auto Game Mode VRR AMD FreeSync G-SYNC
Suggested Soundbar Pairing	Samsung Q60R	Samsung Q70R	Samsung Q80R / Samsung Q90R

Product	Samsung Q800T	Samsung Q900T	Samsung Q950T
Sizes	65″ 75″ 82″	65″ 75″ 85″	85″
Contrast	Quantum HDR 24X Direct Full Array 24X	Quantum HDR 32X Direct Full Array 32X	Quantum HDR 32X Direct Full Array 32X
Colour Technology	Quantum Dot	Quantum Dot	Quantum Dot
Processor	Quantum Processor 8K (2020 ver) (AI Machine Learning) New Gen2	Quantum Processor 8K (2020 ver) (AI Machine Learning) New Gen2	Quantum Processor 8K (2020 ver) (AI Machine Learning) New Gen2
Sound/Audio	4.2.2ch / 70W	4.2.2ch / 70W	4.2.2ch / 70W
Smart Platform	Tizen	Tizen	Tizen
Smart Features	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby	Built in Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby
Special Features	Ambient Mode+ Active Voice Amplifier Object Tracking Sound+ Multi View	Ambient Mode+ Active Voice Amplifier Object Tracking Sound+ Infinity Screen	Ambient Mode+ Active Voice Amplifier Object Tracking Sound+ Infinity Screen One Invisible Connection & No Gap Wall-Mount
Gaming Features	Real Game Enhancer+ Auto Game Mode VRR AMD FreeSync G-SYNC	Real Game Enhancer+ Auto Game Mode VRR AMD FreeSync G-SYNC	Real Game Enhancer+ Auto Game Mode VRR AMD FreeSync G-SYNC
Suggested Soundbar Pairing	Samsung Q80R	Samsung Q90R	Samsung Q90R