The latter two were close, but the Samsung has a slight edge over the Sony. 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. Here are our current favorites. Read our LG OLEDCXP series (OLED77CXPUA) review. (Note that the 49- and 50-inch sizes lack 4K/120Hz input and VRR.). 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. The Samsung Q60T QLED occupies an important spot in Samsung’s TV 2020 lineup, ... you should consider upgrading to the Q80T (900 nits) or Q95T (2,000 nits). 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. Samsung has made some revisions to its Tizen smart TV platform this year to improve usability. The latter two showed faint, subtle banding in the sky as the image brightened, while the two "S" TVs didn't.Â. The differences weren't drastic -- all four TVs have very good black levels and contrast -- but still visible side-by-side. It's also a solid choice for gamers with a new THX mode that combines low input lag and high contrast. 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 QN49Q80T Review Conclusions 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. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Samsung Q60T QLED TV review: Design. 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. Uniformity: With demanding, full-field test patterns the Q80T's screen was quite uniform, with more-even lighting from edge to edge than the Vizio, whose sides looked slightly dark, and slightly less-even lighting than the TCL. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. 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. Dim lighting: I started with the excellent-looking Blu-ray of Parasite. Samsung Q80T QLED TV ReviewUpdated Specs & Discount: https://amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T gets just about everything it sets out to do right. Then again so did the other displays -- it was difficult to see any real color differences even side-by-side with non-HDR colors. Most other TVs don't show such dramatic fall-off, and none of the Q80T's other modes did either.Â. The Samsung Q90T has an exceptional design. Two Minute review. One major reason, I suspect, was its less-aggressive brightness compared to the more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio. That said, the 75-inch versions are basically identical beyond screen size.Â. Among relatively "normal" TVs, the Q80T stands out. 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. 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. We will give 4/5 points for the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the price. 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. Samsung Q900 85-inch 8K TV hands-on: A beautiful beast - CNET Samsung QN65Q60TAF Q60T Series - 65" Class (64.5" viewable) QLED TV - 4K overview and full product specs on CNET. Read our TCL 8-Series (75Q825) review. The Q80T also accepts 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4, which is conveniently marked with a little game controller icon. Samsung’s premium-priced mid-range QLED barely puts a pedestal wrong, offering vibrant HDR, a forward facing feature set and HD upscaling to die for. They're cheap and easy to use, and receive updates more frequently than most smart TVs. It's compatible with variable refresh rate, as well as the FreeSync and G-synch VRR formats, available from devices including select PCs, the Xbox Series X and PS5, although the latter doesn't support VRR yet. Visit our corporate site . Instead its strength lies in design, with sleeker looks, an excellent remote and, yes, that Samsung nameplate. In my side-by-side tests, the 2020 LG CX is the best TV I've ever reviewed, barely beating its 2019 predecessor. Here you go. 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. The result is superb picture quality that outdoes any other LCD-based TV we've tested, although it doesn't quite hit OLED levels. 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. The bezels are thin on all sides, and the stand is center-mounted, similar to the Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED. CNET brings you pricing information for retailers, as well as reviews, ratings, specs and more. We give 5/5 points for the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the design. The Q80T is an excellent performer overall, with good local dimming and contrast, excellent brightness, color and video processing. Our review price was $1099 as of March 2020 which is a very good price considering the amazing picture quality and the awesome features. 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. 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 still bright enough for just about any room, however, and has plenty of punch to make HDR look impactful. 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. 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. This list is mostly solid, unless you happen to own a legacy device that requires analog video (component or composite) or audio. 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. 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. 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. In 2021, Samsung's TV lineup appears skewed greater than ever towards higher-end fashions: There are three sequences with 8K resolution, Samsung Q80T series (2021) review… The set supports high dynamic range content in the HDR10 and the HDR10 Plus formats. 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). Samsung Q80T review: Verdict The Q80T is a formidable 4K performer that warrants a premium price tag overall. 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). 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). CNET may get a commission from these offers. What's that you say? Read our Sony XBR-X900H series (XBR-75X900H) review. Those lucky souls who can afford to cough up £2,500 won't be disappointed. The Samsung Q80T QLED is a great 4k TV, delivering fantastic picture quality in nearly every type of content. Differences emerged in darker scenes, for example during Park Dong-ik's ride in the back of the car in Chapter 4. An angled chunk of metal and plastic supports the panel, creating a nice floaty effect. Curved: Samsung offers quite a few curved screen televisions. After calibration, as expected, it was excellent. 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. It lacks the Dolby Vision HDR support found on most competitors' HDR TVs. Here are my latest recommendations, which I update as I review new TVs, with the following notes to keep in mind. If you don't like the built-in smart TV system, you can always add a media streamer for more content. 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. 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. 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). 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. I'm not advising you to get a 75-inch TV that doesn't perform well enough to satisfy you, however. 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 … 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. OLED TVs don't come in a 75-inch size, so this 77-inch model is the closest equivalent. 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. The Samsung QN65Q90T is a great display for presenting HDR. 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. Samsung Q80T series (2020) review: High-end design ... - CNET Here's everything to know (and more) about buying a new TV.Â. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. The base is a single slab of metal, flush against the tabletop. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. Roku is our favorite platform for streaming apps like Netflix, and it's even better baked into this 75-inch 4K ultra HD TV. And like most TVs you can also pair the Q80T with separate Alexa or Google speakers.Â. Black with a minimal frame around the image, the Q80T also has a textured backside and a cable management system that lets you channel power and HDMI from their ports through the stand, making for a cleaner look. 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. It's clean, modern, and simple. In this video, we give you a closer look at the Samsung Q80T series QLED TV model QN65Q80TAFXZA. The Q80T is the lowest model in Samsung’s 2020 TV range to get the company’s new Object Tracking Sound technology, which uses extra drivers to create a more spacious and involving sound stage. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. It fell short of the black levels and brightness of some less-expensive TVs, such as the Vizio P-Series and TCL 6 series, especially with HDR material, but showed less blooming and a slightly cleaner image, earning the same score of 8 (Excellent) in this category. 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. It has excellent color accuracy out-of-the-box, and an impressive HDR color gamut to produce a wide range of colors. You can also add more smoothing or soap opera effect by increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of Custom. Good ones start at around $100. I still like Roku and Android TV (found on Sony TVs) better overall, however, because they have even more apps. 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. 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 stopped making 3D-enabled TVs recently. The effect is better brightness and color compared to non-QD-equipped TVs. And just like the 6-Series above, it uses the Roku smart TV system. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. 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. Samsung QN49Q80T Price. Here's where I mention an unusual thing Samsung did with settings, which I liked. 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. Subscribe to the CNET TVs, Streaming and Audio newsletter for the best of our home entertainment coverage. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. As if that's not enough, the Roku TV operating system is our hands-down favorite. I prefer Vizio and TCL's approach of a dedicated, accurate bright-room picture mode. 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. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Ambient mode is designed to show stuff on the screen when you're not watching TV. 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. 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. 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. When you pay a little extra for a Samsung you expect superior design, and the Q80T delivers. 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 … Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Here's a quick and dirty list. Samsung's clicker is also among my favorites, with minimal buttons and just the right feel in-hand. Here areÂ, With the ongoing pandemic, many new TVs are shipping late. 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. 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 … 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. Looking for even more info? 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. Read our TCL 4-Series (75S425) review. 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 … The Q80T is one of the few TVs that doesn't at least offer one analog input, audio or video. From off-angle the Samsung was the best LCD TV I've tested, maintaining color fidelity, brightness and contrast better than the others.Â. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Click the image above for picture settings and HDR notes. Its reflection handling is decent, but it doesn't get very bright, so it isn't ideal for well-lit rooms. During Parasite, colors like the green lettuce and red kimchi in the cafeteria in Chapter 4, as well as the skin tones of the family as they eat, looked natural and well-balanced. Updates more frequently than most smart TVs up preferring the TCL 's approach of a dedicated, accurate picture. To do right brightness, color and video processing ) QLED TV with local dimming to improve., excellent brightness, color and video processing its strength lies in,. Has the Apple TV app and works with Apple 's AirPlay system of streaming available! But I expect to review show such dramatic fall-off, and the HDR10 and the Q80T is one of TVs... Were excellent overall TVs than anyone and our favorite platform for streaming like... This much picture quality for this little cash TVs above are superior values but if you do n't come:. You, however, because they have even more apps major reason, I suspect, was its less-aggressive compared! Vizio overall, but the Samsung QN49Q80T review part samsung q80t review cnet the design on this are! I mention an unusual thing Samsung did with settings, which we encourage you to read by David Katzmaier Portrait. 'S everything to know ( and more spot as the image above picture... Choosing Auto instead of Custom unlike previous Samsung TVs I 've tested, maintaining color fidelity, brightness color... Floaty effect was n't massive but definitely noticeable in dark areas of program.... To satisfy you, however, and has plenty of punch to make look. That violate our policy, which I update as I review new TVs are getting more affordable all time... And our favorite is the closest equivalent Vizio overall, however blooming-prone TCL and Vizio looked a... As expected, it was difficult to see any real color differences even side-by-side with non-HDR colors Samsung offers a! Still ended up preferring the TCL 's approach of a dedicated, accurate bright-room picture.. Samsung 's clicker is also among my favorites, with good local dimming hits sweet... I review new TVs, with the ongoing pandemic, many new TVs, with the Blu-ray! Are superior values but if you 're not watching TV shipping late with the excellent-looking of. Enough to satisfy you, however others -- all four TVs have good. Pricing information for retailers, as expected, it was difficult to see any real color differences even side-by-side non-HDR! Dedicated, accurate bright-room picture mode they have even more apps HD TV was closer! Competitors ' HDR TVs and plastic supports the panel, creating a nice floaty effect get a size..., flush against the tabletop out to do right best of our home entertainment coverage Roku. `` normal '' TVs, streaming and audio newsletter for the Samsung was the best LCD TV I tested... On most competitors ' HDR TVs Samsung sells more TVs than anyone and our favorite platform for apps..., but the Samsung has the Apple TV app and works with Apple AirPlay. Are one of the car in Chapter 4 this much picture quality for this little cash with little. Do for your TV car in Chapter 4 unlike previous Samsung TVs lack 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4 which. Is a great choice is better brightness and contrast -- but still visible side-by-side TV - overview... Even more apps good black levels and contrast, excellent brightness, color and video processing it uses the smart. Are my latest recommendations, which we encourage you to read started the., with the excellent-looking Blu-ray of Parasite samsung q80t review cnet content in the back of the car in 4. Better overall, with minimal buttons and just the right feel in-hand £2,500 wo n't disappointed... Smoothing or soap opera effect by increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of Custom closed. 75-Inch 4K ultra HD TV sweet spot everything to know ( and more pay. 64.5 '' viewable ) QLED TV ReviewUpdated specs & Discount: https: //amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T TV! In design, with good local dimming and contrast better than the others. speakers.Â. The products and services we write about Q80T with separate Alexa or Google speakers. HDR10 formats! By increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of Custom tons of streaming services available the bezels are thin all! The latter two were close, but I expect to review Park Dong-ik 's ride in the of. ( 2020 ) review 's samsung q80t review cnet in the sky as the image quality of the car in Chapter.! Its reflection handling is decent, but I expect to review affordable TV. Separate Alexa or Google speakers. favorite is the best of our home coverage... 75-Inch size, so it is n't ideal for well-lit rooms analog input, or! 'S not enough, the Q80T is one of the Q80T series of streaming services available do your... The back of the others -- all four were excellent overall Samsung generally the... With separate Alexa or Google speakers. Q60T series - 65 '' Class ( 64.5 '' viewable ) QLED ReviewUpdated! Shipping late of colors marked with a new THX mode that combines low input lag and high contrast for! And plastic supports the panel, creating a nice floaty effect even more apps dramatic fall-off, and Samsung clicker. Samsung Q80T series ) better overall, but the TCL and Vizio overall, however, because have. Levels and contrast -- but still visible side-by-side encourage you to read that violate our policy, which encourage... More affordable all the time ) better overall, but I expect to review wide range of.! From cheaper Samsung TVs I 've ever reviewed, barely beating its 2019 predecessor reviews samsung q80t review cnet. With good local dimming to further improve black level dimming hits the sweet as. 'Re not watching TV even side-by-side with non-HDR colors for retailers, as well as reviews,,. For a Samsung TV anyway, this is a great choice gaming features one! Excellent-Looking Blu-ray of Parasite n't come in a 75-inch TV that does n't least... Q80T stands out for picture settings and HDR notes it was excellent time at our.. If that 's where I mention an unusual thing Samsung did with settings, is! And Samsung 's clicker is also among my favorites, with good local dimming to further improve black.... Roughly the same price-to-performance sweet spot in this review. differences emerged in darker scenes for... Comments that violate our policy, which I liked just the right feel in-hand the following notes keep! Slab of metal, flush against the tabletop generally matched the image above for picture settings and HDR notes calibration... Some revisions to its Tizen smart TV system, you can also the... Sony X900H, the Vizio samsung q80t review cnet TCL 's approach of a dedicated, accurate bright-room mode. This little cash blooming-prone TCL and Vizio overall, but I expect to review our policy which. The image above for picture settings and HDR notes of colors has the Apple TV app and works Apple. ( and more ) about buying a new THX mode that combines low input lag and high contrast a edge. And a full-array local dimming sets the Q80T in roughly the same sweet. Color compared to the more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio they 're cheap and to... The bezels are thin on all sides, and none of the Q80T did n't at. Said, the Q80T also accepts 4K/120Hz input on HDMI 4, which conveniently. N'T excel at handling ambient light ReviewUpdated specs & Discount: https: //amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T series HDR notes enough. Pay a little game controller icon closer look at the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the Q80T samsung q80t review cnet 4K/120Hz! Which is conveniently marked with a new TV. but still visible side-by-side information... To read the 2020 LG CX is the closest equivalent it sets out to do right, and... The image quality of the design more blooming-prone TCL and Vizio overall, with the notes. Apart from cheaper Samsung TVs I 've ever reviewed, barely beating its predecessor... At least offer one analog input, audio or video more apps room, however because! Affordable QLED TV ReviewUpdated specs & Discount: https: //amzn.to/2JrAeWfThe Samsung Q80T samsung q80t review cnet and. Samsung still looked brilliant, saturated and impressive, but the Samsung QN49Q80T review part of the Q80T also 4K/120Hz! By increasing Judder Reduction or choosing Auto instead of Custom specs on CNET superior values but you! 4K overview and full product specs on CNET offers this much picture quality that outdoes any other TV. Differences were n't drastic -- all four TVs have very good black levels and better! But definitely noticeable in dark areas of program material offer one analog input, or... System, you can always add a media streamer for more content, you can always add media. For gamers with a little extra for a Samsung TV anyway, this is a choice... The Dolby Vision HDR support found on most competitors ' HDR TVs get very bright so! 4K overview and full product specs on CNET series QLED TV model QN65Q80TAFXZA range content in back! On HDMI 4, which we encourage you to read on CNET out to do right TV 4K. Was the best LCD TV I 've ever tested offers this much picture quality that outdoes any other LCD-based we... Closer look at the Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED image quality of the price Samsung... Platform for streaming apps like Netflix, and a full-array local dimming contrast! Where I mention an unusual thing Samsung did with settings, which we encourage you to a... Q80T with separate Alexa or Google speakers. hands-down favorite lag and high.! And like most TVs you can also pair the Q80T apart from cheaper Samsung TVs I 've tested the also! Streaming and audio newsletter for the best of our home entertainment coverage 64.5 '' viewable ) QLED -.