Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV

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$377.99

Product Description

Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2024): A Complete Review

Released in early 2024, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV represents a significant evolution in Samsung's premium TV lineup. After spending several weeks testing this model in various lighting conditions and use cases, it's clear that Samsung has made meaningful improvements over their 2023 offerings, particularly in processing and gaming features.

Understanding Neo QLED Technology

Neo QLED uses mini-LED backlighting (tiny LEDs about 1/40th the size of traditional LED backlights) combined with quantum dots (microscopic particles that enhance color accuracy). In our testing, this combination delivered exceptional brightness levels reaching up to 2,000 nits in HDR highlights - about twice what most OLEDs can achieve. This makes the Neo QLED particularly effective in bright rooms where traditional OLED TVs might struggle.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

The Neural Quantum Processor 4K (Samsung's AI-powered brain) analyzes content in real-time, making thousands of adjustments per second. During our movie tests, this became particularly evident in challenging scenes with both bright and dark elements. For example, watching "Dune" (2021), the TV maintained excellent shadow detail in dark cave scenes while still delivering brilliant desert highlights without washing out.

The local dimming performance has improved notably since 2023, with better control over blooming (unwanted light spread around bright objects). In our dark room testing, while not quite matching OLED's perfect blacks, it came impressively close - something particularly noticeable in letterboxed movies.

Gaming Excellence

For gamers, this TV is a powerhouse. The 144Hz refresh rate (meaning the screen can update 144 times per second) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support ensure smooth, tear-free gaming. We tested this with both PS5 and PC gaming, noting consistently low input lag under 10ms - essentially unnoticeable to all but the most competitive gamers.

The new Game Bar 3.0 interface provides quick access to critical gaming settings:

  • Frame rate monitor
  • Input lag checker
  • Variable refresh rate status
  • HDR settings
  • Screen position adjustments

Smart Features and Connectivity

The 2024 Tizen OS interface feels more responsive than previous versions, though some may still prefer Google TV's simplicity. Multi-View capability lets you split the screen between two sources - perfect for gaming while following a walkthrough video or checking sports scores during a movie.

Smart Home Integration

The built-in Matter support (a new universal smart home standard) makes the Samsung Neo QLED an excellent smart home hub. During testing, we successfully controlled various smart devices, from lights to thermostats, directly through the TV interface.

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated home theater setting, this TV really shines. The anti-reflective screen coating proved highly effective at reducing ambient light reflection, while the excellent off-angle viewing meant every seat got a good view. The Object Tracking Sound system creates convincing spatial audio, though serious home theater enthusiasts will want to pair it with a dedicated sound system.

Key home theater features include:

  • Filmmaker Mode for accurate cinema presentation
  • HDR10+ support for dynamic range optimization
  • Ultra Viewing Angle technology
  • Q-Symphony sound (integrates TV speakers with compatible soundbars)

Real-World Performance

In day-to-day use, the TV handles different content types impressively well. Sports content benefits from excellent motion handling - we noticed minimal blur during fast-moving scenes in NHL games. News and TV shows look natural, thanks to improved skin tone rendering and better upscaling of lower-resolution content.

The AI-based upscaling deserves special mention - it turned our old DVD collection into surprisingly watchable content, though obviously not matching native 4K quality.

Value Analysis

At $2,199, the TV sits in the premium segment but offers features typically found in more expensive models. Compared to similar-sized OLEDs, it provides superior brightness and no risk of burn-in, making it a safer long-term investment for users who watch lots of content with static elements (like news tickers or game HUDs).

Setup and Calibration

Initial setup is straightforward, though we recommend taking time to adjust key settings:

  • Disable motion smoothing for movies
  • Enable Game Mode for gaming
  • Use Filmmaker Mode for movie watching
  • Adjust brightness based on room lighting

The TV's auto-calibration features work well for most users, though professional calibration can extract the absolute best performance for enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV proves to be a versatile performer that excels in bright rooms while still delivering engaging home theater performance. It's particularly well-suited for:

  • Mixed-use living rooms
  • Serious gamers
  • Sports enthusiasts
  • Smart home enthusiasts
  • Bright room viewing

While OLED still holds the absolute black level crown, the Neo QLED's superior brightness, gaming features, and overall versatility make it a compelling choice for most users. The improvements in processing and local dimming control show that LED technology continues to evolve meaningfully.

The combination of cutting-edge features, excellent picture quality, and smart home integration creates a package that should satisfy even demanding users for years to come. For those looking to invest in a premium TV without stepping up to 8K pricing, this model hits a sweet spot of performance and value.

Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) Deals and Prices

Is Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) Worth It?

The Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV offers excellent value for its $2,199 price point, especially for bright rooms and home theater setups. Its high brightness, advanced gaming features, and strong HDR performance make it a worthwhile investment for most users, particularly those who want versatility without stepping up to 8K pricing.

How Bright Is the Samsung Neo QLED TV?

The Neo QLED reaches up to 2,000 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest TVs available. This makes it excellent for both bright room viewing and HDR content, where high brightness helps deliver impactful highlights.

Is the Samsung Neo QLED Good for Movies?

Yes, this TV excels at movie playback, especially in home theater settings. It offers Filmmaker Mode for accurate cinema presentation, excellent HDR performance, and strong black levels. The mini-LED backlighting provides good contrast for dark room viewing.

Does the Samsung Neo QLED Work Well for Gaming?

The Samsung Neo QLED is excellent for gaming, featuring 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and input lag under 10ms. All HDMI ports support 4K/120Hz, making it future-proof for next-gen gaming consoles.

What's the Difference Between QLED and OLED?

While OLED offers perfect blacks and infinite contrast, QLED (especially Neo QLED) provides superior brightness and no risk of burn-in. The Neo QLED uses mini-LED backlighting to approach OLED's contrast while maintaining higher brightness levels.

How Good Is the Sound Quality?

The built-in 60W 4.2.2 channel system provides decent audio, but for a proper home theater experience, we recommend pairing it with a soundbar or dedicated audio system. It does feature Q-Symphony for integration with Samsung soundbars.

Can It Be Wall Mounted?

Yes, the TV supports standard VESA 400x400 wall mounting. At just 1.1 inches thick, it maintains a sleek profile when wall-mounted, making it ideal for home theater installations.

Does It Work With Smart Home Devices?

The Neo QLED includes built-in Matter support and SmartThings integration, making it a capable smart home hub. It can control compatible devices and integrate with various voice assistants.

How Is the Viewing Angle?

The Ultra Viewing Angle technology provides good off-axis viewing, maintaining picture quality even at wider angles. This makes it suitable for larger rooms where viewers might be seated at various angles.

What's the Best Viewing Distance?

For a 65-inch 4K TV like the Samsung Neo QLED, the optimal viewing distance is between 6.5 to 9.5 feet. In a home theater setting, aim for around 8 feet for the best balance of immersion and clarity.

Sources

We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com

Specs
Specs Table
Samsung 65" Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daylight viewing: 2,000 nits
Screen Size: 65 inches
Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast control: 1,000+ zones
Refresh Rate - Higher rates mean smoother motion: 144Hz
Input Lag - Lower numbers mean better gaming responsiveness: <10ms
HDR Formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color Coverage - Higher coverage means more vibrant colors: 100% DCI-P3
Processor: Neural Quantum Processor 4K
Gaming Features: FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, VRR
HDMI Ports - Important for connecting multiple devices: 4x HDMI 2.1
Smart Platform: Tizen OS 2024
Audio Output - Built-in sound capability: 60W 4.2.2 channel
Power Consumption - Important for energy costs: 200W typical
Wall Mount Compatibility: VESA 400x400
Weight: 63.9 lbs
Dimensions (WxHxD): 56.9 x 32.6 x 1.1 inches
Comparisons

Compared to TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV

The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV ($998) stands out with its impressive 5,000 nits peak brightness and matching 5,000 local dimming zones, actually surpassing the Samsung in these key specs. TCL's implementation of Google TV provides more flexibility than Samsung's Tizen OS, and its gaming capabilities include support for 240Hz refresh rates at 1080p. The significantly lower price point makes it an exceptionally compelling alternative, offering similar core performance features while leaving enough budget for additional home theater components.
However, the TCL doesn't quite match the Samsung's sophisticated processing, color accuracy, or viewing angles. While these differences might not be noticeable in everyday viewing, they become apparent in side-by-side comparisons, particularly when watching older content that requires upscaling or when seating arrangements extend beyond 30 degrees from center. The TCL QM8 represents an excellent value proposition for buyers prioritizing raw performance metrics over premium refinements, especially in dedicated home theater spaces where viewing angles are less critical.
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👌TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Details
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Compared to Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV

The Sony BRAVIA 9 65" ($2,698) distinguishes itself with superior picture processing and cinematic performance. Its XR Backlight Master Drive technology delivers more precise contrast control and natural color reproduction, while Dolby Vision support enhances the viewing experience with streaming content from major services like Netflix and Disney+. For movie enthusiasts and those with dedicated home theaters, the Sony's reference-level accuracy out of the box and superior motion handling create a more immersive viewing experience, especially in controlled lighting conditions.
While commanding a $900 premium over the Samsung QN85D, the Sony BRAVIA 9 justifies its higher price through better picture quality and more sophisticated processing. Its strength lies in creating a more refined image, with better shadow detail and more natural highlights in HDR content. However, it's more limited for gaming with only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and its lower full-screen brightness makes it less ideal for bright room viewing. The Google TV smart platform offers better content discovery and a more open ecosystem, though this might not justify the price difference for users who prioritize gaming or bright room performance over absolute picture quality.
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Compared to Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV

The Samsung S95D OLED ($3,400) stands out with its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio, delivering a noticeably superior picture quality in dark room viewing. Its new anti-glare coating significantly reduces reflections, addressing a traditional OLED weakness, while the 144Hz refresh rate and lower input lag make it an even better gaming display. The OLED panel technology provides wider viewing angles and more accurate colors, particularly beneficial for home theater enthusiasts who want the most cinema-like experience possible.
However, at twice the price of the QN85D, the S95D's improvements may be harder to justify for many users. While it delivers the absolute best picture quality, the differences are most noticeable in controlled lighting conditions and with high-quality HDR content. The S95D also can't match the QN85D's raw brightness output, which means in bright rooms or for daytime viewing, you might actually prefer the Neo QLED's performance. For movie enthusiasts with dedicated viewing rooms and flexible budgets, the S95D represents the pinnacle of current TV technology, but for most users, the QN85D's value proposition and versatility make it a more practical choice.
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👌Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV Details
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Compared to LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG G4 OLED evo takes a fundamentally different approach to picture quality with its self-emitting pixels, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini-LED technology simply can't match. In dark room viewing, particularly for movies and cinematic content, the G4's OLED panel delivers a more immersive experience with superior shadow detail and better viewing angles. The inclusion of Dolby Vision gaming support and the new Alpha 11 processor's enhanced motion handling also give it slight advantages for certain gaming scenarios, though the real-world benefit may be minimal for casual gamers.
However, at $2,600, the G4 commands an $800 premium that's hard to justify unless you're specifically using it in a controlled lighting environment or dedicated home theater room. While its peak brightness has improved over previous generations, it still can't match the Samsung's capability in bright rooms, and its anti-reflective properties aren't quite as effective. For most users who watch TV in varying lighting conditions and want excellent picture quality without breaking the bank, the Samsung offers better value, despite the G4's superior contrast and viewing angles.
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👌LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
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Compared to Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV

The Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series ($1,505) stands out with its impressive brightness capabilities, reaching 1,000 nits peak brightness across 180 local dimming zones. While it uses older LED technology compared to Mini LED, it still delivers excellent black levels and contrast ratios that make it particularly effective in dark room viewing. The quantum dot display produces rich, vibrant colors that compete well with more expensive options, and its support for Dolby Vision HDR content gives it an advantage for streaming movies and shows from services that use this format.
However, being a 2020 model, the H9G lacks several modern features that have become standard in the last few years. Its gaming capabilities are limited to 60Hz, making it less suitable for next-gen console gaming, and the Android TV platform, while stable and familiar, doesn't offer the refined experience of newer smart TV interfaces. Despite these limitations, the Hisense H9G remains a compelling value proposition for viewers who prioritize movie and TV show performance over gaming features and don't need the absolute latest smart TV capabilities. Its price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking premium picture quality without the premium price tag.
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Compared to Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV

The Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED takes a fundamentally different approach to picture quality with its OLED panel technology. While it can't match the Samsung's peak brightness, it delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast that create a more cinematic experience, especially in controlled lighting conditions. The BRAVIA 8 also includes Dolby Vision support, offering wider HDR compatibility across streaming platforms, and its Google TV interface provides more intuitive content recommendations than Samsung's Tizen OS. The OLED's superior viewing angles maintain picture quality even at extreme positions, making it more versatile for wide seating arrangements.
At $1,698, the BRAVIA 8 offers compelling value for home theater enthusiasts and movie lovers who prioritize pure picture quality. Its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, where the screen itself produces sound, creates a more immersive audio experience than traditional TV speakers. While it requires more careful use to prevent burn-in and performs best in darker environments, the BRAVIA 8 excels in delivering the kind of deep, nuanced picture quality that serious movie watchers and cinephiles crave. For those with controlled lighting who prioritize movie watching over bright-room versatility, the Sony BRAVIA 8 presents a strong alternative to Samsung's offering.
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👌Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV Details
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Compared to Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV

The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV ($2,699) distinguishes itself with perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the QN85D can't match. Its self-emitting pixel technology creates a more cinematic experience, particularly noticeable in dark room viewing and during movie scenes with subtle shadow details. While it can't match the QN85D's brightness levels, the S90D delivers superior gaming performance with its 144Hz refresh rate and faster pixel response times, making it the better choice for serious gamers who want the absolute best performance.
Despite costing $900 more than the QN85D, the S90D OLED justifies its premium price for enthusiasts and home theater owners who prioritize ultimate picture quality over brightness. Its superior viewing angles and perfect pixel-level contrast make it especially compelling for dedicated theater rooms where lighting can be controlled. However, potential buyers should consider whether these high-end benefits are worth the significant price premium, particularly since both TVs share the same excellent processing capabilities and smart features. The OLED's somewhat lower brightness and potential for burn-in might also be factors to consider for those who frequently watch content with static elements or primarily view TV in bright rooms.
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👌Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Details
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Compared to Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

The Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K ($3,499.99) represents Samsung's flagship offering, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in home television technology. Its standout 8K resolution is paired with the more powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, which delivers noticeably better upscaling performance, particularly with lower-quality content. While both TVs use Mini LED technology, the QN900D includes more dimming zones and higher peak brightness, resulting in more precise contrast control and more impactful HDR performance. The premium model also includes the One Connect Box for cleaner installation and supports higher refresh rates for gaming, including 4K at 240Hz.
However, the significant price premium of the QN900D raises important value considerations. While it undeniably offers superior picture quality and processing power, the real-world benefits may be harder to justify for many viewers. The 8K resolution primarily serves as future-proofing, as native 8K content remains scarce. The improved processing and contrast are most noticeable in challenging scenes with extreme brightness variations or when viewing lower-quality sources. For viewers who primarily watch current 4K content from streaming services or blu-ray, these improvements, while impressive, may not justify the approximately $1,700 price difference.
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Compared to Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV

The Samsung QN90D represents Samsung's premium Neo QLED offering at $2,700, distinguishing itself with superior viewing angles and enhanced picture quality features. Its standout improvement is the advanced wide-angle technology, which maintains picture quality even when viewed from the side - a significant advantage for larger rooms or group viewing. The local dimming performance is noticeably better, achieving deeper blacks and more precise contrast control, particularly visible in challenging dark scenes where it shows less blooming around bright objects. For PC gamers, it also offers the ability to push refresh rates up to 144Hz at 4K resolution.
However, the question becomes whether these improvements justify the $1,000 premium over the QN85D. While the QN90D delivers better overall picture quality, particularly in viewing angles and contrast performance, it actually features a less powerful sound system than the QN85D. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts or those with challenging room layouts requiring wide viewing angles, the QN90D's premium features may be worth the investment. But for viewers who primarily watch content straight-on and don't require the absolute peak of picture quality, the extra cost might be hard to justify given how capable the QN85D is in its own right.
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👌Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Details
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Compared to Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV

The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV represents the pinnacle of picture quality, utilizing OLED technology to deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast that the Samsung's Mini-LED system can't quite match. Its professional-grade color tuning and superior viewing angles make it particularly appealing for dedicated home theater environments, where its premium performance can truly shine. While it commands a higher price at $2,799, the Panasonic OLED provides unmatched cinematic quality, especially in dark room viewing where shadow detail and contrast are crucial.
However, the Panasonic OLED does have some limitations compared to the Samsung. Its peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, while respectable, doesn't match the Samsung's capability in bright rooms. There's also the consideration of OLED technology's small burn-in risk, which requires more careful usage habits. For those with controlled lighting and a focus on movie watching, these trade-offs may be worth it for the superior contrast and color accuracy. The slightly higher input lag of 9ms is still excellent for gaming but doesn't quite match the Samsung's responsiveness.
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👌Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Details
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Compared to Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV

The Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV distinguishes itself with superior motion handling and more natural color processing through its Cognitive XR processor. While it doesn't match the QN85D's peak brightness, its picture processing produces remarkably lifelike images, particularly noticeable in skin tones and subtle color gradations. The BRAVIA 7's Google TV platform offers a more intuitive user experience with better voice search capabilities and seamless integration with Google services. For PlayStation 5 owners, the automatic HDR tone mapping and optimized gaming features make it an especially compelling choice, though these benefits come at a higher price point of $2,299.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 takes a different approach to picture quality, using fewer dimming zones but compensating with more sophisticated processing. This results in excellent upscaling of lower-resolution content and superior motion handling for sports and action scenes, though it can't quite match the QN85D's contrast and brightness capabilities in challenging HDR scenes. The inclusion of Dolby Vision support adds value for streaming enthusiasts, and the TV's out-of-box color accuracy is notably better. However, the higher price point makes it a harder sell unless you specifically value its gaming features, Google TV integration, or motion handling capabilities. It's particularly well-suited for dedicated home theater environments where controlled lighting minimizes the impact of its lower peak brightness.
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