When it comes to high-end TVs in 2024, two standout options are the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV and the Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV. Both represent the latest in display technology, but they take quite different approaches to delivering that perfect picture. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The television market has evolved dramatically in recent years. While basic 4K TVs have become surprisingly affordable, premium models have pushed into new territory with enhanced processing, better contrast, and smarter features. The key technologies competing at the high end are OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and QLED (Quantum Dot LED), each with distinct advantages.
OLED technology, used in the Panasonic model, creates light directly in each pixel, allowing them to turn completely off for perfect blacks. QLED, as used in the Samsung, uses traditional LCD technology enhanced with quantum dots and mini-LED backlighting for improved brightness and color.
The Panasonic OLED, released in late 2023, represents some of the latest advances in OLED technology. Each pixel creates its own light, which means when displaying black, those pixels are actually off - creating what we call "infinite contrast." This technology excels in:
However, OLED does have some limitations:
Samsung's 2024 QN85D uses their latest Neo QLED technology, which combines:
This creates some distinct advantages:
Having tested both TVs in various conditions, I can say their performance differences become most apparent in specific scenarios:
The Samsung QN85D really shines here (pun intended). Its higher brightness (around 1,500 nits peak) easily overcomes sunlight and room lighting. The anti-reflective coating is particularly effective at reducing glare. Colors remain vibrant even in bright conditions.
The Panasonic OLED still performs well but doesn't have quite the same punch in bright environments. Its peak brightness (around 1,000 nits) is still good but not quite as impressive in daylight.
This is where OLED technology truly excels. When watching movies in a dark room, the Panasonic's perfect blacks and infinite contrast create an absolutely stunning image. Shadow detail (the ability to see details in dark scenes) is noticeably better than the Samsung.
The Samsung still performs admirably in dark rooms, but you might notice some slight blooming (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds) that you won't see on the OLED.
Both TVs support 4K gaming at 120Hz (meaning they can display up to 120 frames per second), which is perfect for the latest gaming consoles. They both include:
The Samsung has a slight edge in input lag (around 5ms versus 9ms), while the Panasonic has better motion clarity due to OLED's faster response time.
The Samsung QN85D at $1,797 represents excellent value in the premium TV market. You're getting top-tier brightness, great gaming features, and strong all-around performance for significantly less than OLED options.
The Panasonic OLED at $2,799 commands a premium price but delivers the absolute best picture quality possible, especially for movie watching in controlled lighting conditions.
For dedicated home theater use, the Panasonic OLED has several advantages:
However, if your home theater space has ambient light or serves multiple purposes, the Samsung's brightness advantage might be more important.
Both TVs showcase significant improvements over previous years:
Consider these key factors when choosing between these TVs:
Both TVs represent excellent choices in their respective categories. The Panasonic OLED delivers the ultimate picture quality for those who can appreciate (and afford) it, while the Samsung Neo QLED offers tremendous value and versatility.
For most users, the Samsung's combination of performance and value makes it the more practical choice. However, if you're a serious movie enthusiast with a controlled viewing environment and the budget to match, the Panasonic OLED delivers an unmatched viewing experience.
Remember that both TVs are significant investments that should last several years, so choosing the one that best matches your specific viewing environment and habits is more important than saving money in the short term.
| Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV | Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Fundamental difference that affects overall performance | |
| OLED (perfect blacks, infinite contrast, better viewing angles) | Neo QLED (brighter, no burn-in risk) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for bright room viewing and HDR impact | |
| 1,000 nits (good for controlled lighting) | 1,500 nits (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Price - Consider if the premium is worth it for your viewing habits | |
| $2,799 (premium price for ultimate quality) | $1,797 (excellent value proposition) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines depth and realism of image | |
| Infinite (true blacks, best for movies) | Very High (mini-LED local dimming, but not quite OLED) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR, 9ms input lag | 4K/120Hz, VRR, 5ms input lag (slightly better) |
| Processor - Affects upscaling and motion handling | |
| HCX Pro AI Processor MKII (cinema-tuned) | NQ4 AI Gen2 (excellent for bright content) |
| Color Volume - Important for HDR content | |
| 100% DCI-P3 (professional grade accuracy) | 100% DCI-P3 (quantum dot enhanced) |
| Best Use Case - Choose based on your primary viewing environment | |
| Home theater, dark room viewing | Bright rooms, mixed usage |
| Risk Factors - Long-term durability considerations | |
| Minimal burn-in risk (requires some care) | No burn-in risk (more durable) |
The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV is superior for dedicated home theater use due to its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. OLED technology excels in controlled lighting conditions, making movies and shows look more cinematic.
The Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV costs $1,797, while the Panasonic OLED is priced at $2,799 - a $1,002 difference. The Samsung offers better value, but the Panasonic delivers premium picture quality.
The Samsung QN85D performs better in bright rooms with its 1,500 nit peak brightness and anti-reflective coating. It maintains vibrant colors and clear picture quality even with significant ambient light.
Yes, both the Panasonic OLED and Samsung Neo QLED support 4K/120Hz gaming with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The Samsung has slightly lower input lag at 5ms versus 9ms.
The Panasonic OLED offers superior viewing angles, maintaining picture quality even at extreme side angles. This makes it ideal for wider seating arrangements in home theaters.
While the Panasonic OLED has improved burn-in protection, there's still a small risk with static images. The Samsung Neo QLED has no burn-in risk due to its LCD-based technology.
The Panasonic OLED provides a superior movie-watching experience with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and professional-grade color accuracy, especially in controlled lighting conditions.
The Panasonic OLED supports Dolby Vision HDR, while the Samsung QN85D uses HDR10+ instead. Both formats provide excellent HDR performance, though Dolby Vision is more widely supported in streaming content.
Both offer comprehensive smart platforms, but the Samsung Neo QLED has a more refined and user-friendly interface with Gaming Hub and better app support. The Panasonic's platform is capable but more basic.
Yes, both the Panasonic OLED and Samsung Neo QLED support standard VESA wall mounting. The Samsung is slightly heavier but both are suitable for wall installation.
The Samsung QN85D performs better for sports due to its higher brightness and excellent motion handling, especially in bright rooms where sports are typically watched. Both TVs handle motion well, but the Samsung's brightness gives it an edge.
Both TVs are built to last, but the Samsung Neo QLED may have better longevity due to no burn-in risk. The Panasonic OLED should last many years with normal use, but requires more careful usage habits to prevent burn-in.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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: youtube.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com - tomsguide.com - shop.panasonic.com - store.in.panasonic.com - rtings.com - applianceplus.co.nz - rtings.com - store.in.panasonic.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com
