Remember agonizing over choosing a new TV? The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This review focuses on the Samsung QN85Q70A, aiming to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your home theater. We’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value, equipping you to make an informed decision.
Picture Quality and Display Technology
This section explores the Samsung QN85Q70A’s picture quality, focusing on its Neo QLED technology and its impact on viewing experience. We’ll also examine its HDR performance and color accuracy.
Neo QLED Technology
The Samsung QN85Q70A boasts Neo QLED technology, a significant advancement in LED display technology. Unlike standard QLED TVs, Neo QLED utilizes smaller, more precise LEDs for superior contrast and local dimming. This results in deeper blacks, brighter whites, and more vibrant colors. The mini-LEDs allow for more accurate control of backlighting, minimizing blooming (light bleed) around bright objects in dark scenes.
- Improved Contrast Ratio: The smaller LEDs enable more precise control over backlighting, leading to a significantly higher contrast ratio. This means you’ll experience deeper blacks and brighter whites, making images appear more lifelike.
- Enhanced HDR Performance: Neo QLED technology significantly improves HDR performance. The higher contrast ratio and precise backlight control make HDR content more impactful, with realistic highlights and details in both dark and bright areas.
- Wider Color Gamut: Neo QLED displays often have a wider color gamut than standard QLED TVs, resulting in richer, more accurate colors.
HDR Support and Performance
The Samsung QN85Q70A supports various HDR formats, including HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of HDR content from different streaming services and Blu-ray discs. The performance of HDR content on this TV is noteworthy due to its high peak brightness and accurate local dimming.
- High Peak Brightness: The Samsung QN85Q70A features a high peak brightness, making highlights appear dazzling and realistic, particularly in bright scenes.
- Local Dimming Precision: The precise local dimming afforded by the mini-LEDs ensures that dark scenes remain detailed and free from excessive blooming.
- HDR10+ Support: Support for HDR10+, a dynamic HDR format, further enhances picture quality by optimizing the HDR settings for each scene. This results in more accurate and lifelike HDR images.
Smart Features and User Experience
This section covers the smart features of the Samsung QN85Q70A, its user interface, and its ease of use.
Tizen Operating System
The TV runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, known for its intuitive interface and wide range of apps. Navigating the menus is generally straightforward, and finding your favorite streaming services is easy. Regular updates ensure that the OS remains current and secure.
- App Selection: Tizen offers access to a broad selection of popular streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
- User-Friendly Interface: The interface is generally considered intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all technical skill levels.
- Regular Updates: Samsung regularly releases updates for Tizen, adding new features and improving performance and security.
Voice Control and Smart Assistants
The Samsung QN85Q70A supports voice control through Bixby and other smart assistants. You can use your voice to search for content, change channels, adjust the volume, and control other smart home devices. This hands-free control adds a level of convenience.
- Bixby Integration: Bixby voice assistant is built-in, enabling voice commands to control various TV functions.
- SmartThings Integration: The TV seamlessly integrates with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, allowing control of other compatible smart home devices.
- Third-Party Assistant Support: Some models might offer integration with other smart assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa (check specifications).
Sound Quality and Audio Features
The Samsung QN85Q70A‘s built-in speakers provide decent sound for casual viewing, but for an optimal audio experience, consider investing in an external soundbar.
Built-in Speakers
The TV’s speakers offer acceptable sound quality for everyday use. While not exceptional, they are adequate for casual viewing. However, for a truly immersive audio experience, pairing it with a soundbar is recommended.
- Adequate Sound for Casual Use: The built-in speakers provide sufficient sound for watching regular TV shows and movies.
- Lacks Bass and Surround Sound: The built-in speakers generally lack deep bass and true surround sound effects.
- Soundbar Recommendation: For a significantly improved audio experience, we highly recommend pairing the TV with a soundbar or a home theater system.
Sound Enhancements
The Samsung QN85Q70A features several sound enhancement technologies aimed at improving the overall audio experience. These technologies aim to provide a more immersive and engaging sound. However, the limitations of the built-in speakers still apply.
- Object Tracking Sound (OTS): This technology attempts to create a more immersive sound experience by matching the audio to the on-screen action. However, without a separate sound system, its effect is limited.
- Adaptive Sound: This feature dynamically adjusts the sound settings based on the content being played. For instance, it may boost dialogue during quieter scenes.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Support for Dolby Digital Plus ensures that compatible audio sources are played with enhanced clarity and dynamic range.
Gaming Performance and Features
This section delves into the gaming capabilities of the Samsung QN85Q70A, highlighting features that enhance the gaming experience.
Low Input Lag
Low input lag is crucial for responsive gaming. The Samsung QN85Q70A generally offers low input lag, making it a decent option for gamers. However, for serious competitive gaming, checking specific input lag measurements for different game modes is advised.
- Game Mode: Activating the Game Mode minimizes input lag, ensuring quick and responsive gameplay.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Support for VRR (check specifications) further reduces screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): ALLM automatically switches the TV to the lowest latency mode when a gaming console is connected.
HDMI 2.1 Support
The Samsung QN85Q70A often features HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling support for higher refresh rates and wider bandwidth. This is critical for next-generation consoles and PCs offering 4K at 120Hz.
- 4K@120Hz Support: HDMI 2.1 allows for 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, delivering incredibly smooth and detailed gameplay.
- VRR Compatibility: Ensures compatibility with variable refresh rate technology from gaming consoles and PCs. This reduces screen tearing and stuttering.
- Higher Bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 provides higher bandwidth for transmitting more data, supporting the demands of high-resolution and high-refresh-rate gaming.
FAQ
What is the screen size of the Samsung QN85Q70A?
The Samsung QN85Q70A has an 85-inch screen. This large screen size makes it ideal for home theaters and large living rooms.
Does the Samsung QN85Q70A support Dolby Vision?
No, the Samsung QN85Q70A typically does not support Dolby Vision. It supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG instead.
What type of panel does the Samsung QN85Q70A use?
The Samsung QN85Q70A utilizes a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel. This type of panel provides good contrast but may exhibit some viewing angle limitations.
How many HDMI ports does it have?
The number of HDMI ports can vary slightly depending on the region, but it generally includes multiple HDMI ports supporting different features, including HDMI 2.1 ports. Consult the specific product specifications for confirmation.
Is the Samsung QN85Q70A good for gaming?
Yes, it offers features like low input lag, Game Mode, and often HDMI 2.1 for a decent gaming experience. The extent of its suitability for gaming depends on your specific needs and expectations, as there are more specialized gaming TVs on the market.
What is the refresh rate of the Samsung QN85Q70A?
The Samsung QN85Q70A typically has a 120Hz refresh rate. This contributes to smoother motion and clearer image quality, especially during fast-paced scenes and gaming.
What is the warranty on the Samsung QN85Q70A?
Warranty details vary by region and retailer. Check your purchase details or the official Samsung website for the specific warranty information provided.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung QN85Q70A presents a compelling option for consumers seeking a large-screen TV with excellent picture quality and a range of smart features. While its built-in speakers may require supplemental audio solutions, its strengths in picture quality, HDR performance, and gaming features make it a competitive choice. Consider your individual needs and budget to assess whether this model is the right fit for your home entertainment setup.