When you're looking to spend around $1,700 on a new TV, you want to make sure you're making the right choice. Let's dive into two of 2024's most compelling options: the Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED ($1,798) and the Sony BRAVIA 8 65" OLED ($1,698). Both are excellent TVs, but they take very different approaches to delivering a premium viewing experience.
Before we compare these specific models, it's helpful to understand the core technologies. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) represent two different paths to amazing picture quality. The Samsung QN85D uses tiny LEDs (called Mini-LEDs) combined with quantum dots to produce bright, vivid colors. The Sony BRAVIA 8 uses organic pixels that create their own light, allowing each pixel to turn completely off for perfect blacks.
These technologies have evolved significantly in recent years. Samsung's Mini-LED implementation has gotten more precise, with better local dimming (the ability to darken specific areas of the screen). Meanwhile, OLED panels have gotten brighter and more resistant to burn-in (where static images can leave a permanent mark).
The Samsung QN85D really shines (literally) in bright rooms. Its Mini-LED technology can pump out impressive brightness levels that help combat glare and make HDR content pop. In my experience testing TVs in showroom environments, QLED displays like the QN85D maintain vibrant images even under harsh fluorescent lighting.
The Sony BRAVIA 8 takes a different approach. While it can't match the Samsung's peak brightness, it delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast. This means that in a dark room or home theater setting, the Sony creates a more dramatic and immersive image. Walking into a dark room with an OLED playing a space scene is truly memorable - the stars look like they're floating in actual darkness.
Both TVs handle color beautifully, but in different ways:
For motion handling (how well the TV displays moving objects), both perform excellently. They feature 120Hz refresh rates and advanced processing to keep fast action smooth. Sports fans and gamers will be happy with either choice.
Both TVs are well-equipped for next-generation gaming, supporting:
The Samsung QN85D has an edge in its Gaming Hub, which includes cloud gaming services and a game bar overlay showing key information. However, the Sony BRAVIA 8 offers better integration with the PS5, including automatic HDR optimization.
I've used both systems extensively, and while I slightly prefer Google TV's interface, both are perfectly capable and user-friendly.
For dedicated home theater use, several factors become more important:
Both TVs feature good built-in sound systems, but most home theater enthusiasts will want external audio:
Both support eARC for connecting to advanced audio systems, making them equally capable as part of a larger home theater setup.
At similar price points (within $100 of each other), the value proposition comes down to your specific needs:
Consider these key factors:
After spending time with both TVs, I can confidently say they're both excellent choices. The Samsung QN85D is the more versatile option, especially if you're not sure about your viewing environment or have varied usage patterns. The Sony BRAVIA 8 offers the best pure picture quality, particularly for movie enthusiasts with controlled lighting.
Remember, there's no wrong choice between these two - they're both flagship models from industry leaders. Your decision should ultimately come down to your specific viewing environment and how you plan to use the TV most often.
| Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED ($1,798) | Sony BRAVIA 8 65" OLED ($1,698) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Fundamentally affects picture quality and room versatility | |
| Mini-LED QLED (better brightness, good for bright rooms) | OLED (perfect blacks, best for dark rooms) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daytime viewing | |
| Up to 1,500 nits (excellent for bright rooms) | Up to 800 nits (adequate for moderate lighting) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines depth and realism of image | |
| 5,000:1 (very good for LED) | Infinite (perfect blacks) |
| Color Volume - Affects vibrancy and accuracy of colors | |
| 100% with Quantum Dots (vibrant, punchy colors) | 99% DCI-P3 (more natural, cinema-accurate) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Gaming Hub | 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, PS5 Auto HDR |
| HDR Support - Affects compatibility with streaming content | |
| HDR10+ (no Dolby Vision) | HDR10, Dolby Vision (wider compatibility) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Tizen OS (Samsung ecosystem) | Google TV (more versatile, better recommendations) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 60W 4.2.2 channel with Dolby Atmos | 50W 2.1 channel with Acoustic Surface Audio+ |
| Power Consumption - Impacts electricity costs | |
| 240W typical (higher but brighter) | 180W typical (more efficient) |
| Best Use Case - Most important decision factor | |
| Bright rooms, mixed usage, gaming | Dark rooms, movies, wide viewing angles |
For dedicated home theaters, the Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED ($1,698) is superior due to its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. The Samsung QN85D ($1,798) is better suited for rooms with ambient light.
The Sony BRAVIA 8 delivers superior dark room performance thanks to its OLED technology. Each pixel can turn completely off, creating true blacks that LED TVs can't match.
The Samsung QN85D Neo QLED performs better in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness and anti-glare screen. It maintains vibrant images even with significant ambient light.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA 8 and Samsung QN85D support 4K gaming at 120Hz with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).
The Sony BRAVIA 8 generally offers a better movie-watching experience due to its superior contrast, Dolby Vision support, and more accurate color reproduction.
Both TVs feature eARC support and work excellently with external audio systems. They're equally capable as part of a complete home theater setup.
The Sony BRAVIA 8 is slightly less expensive at $1,698, while the Samsung QN85D is $1,798. The Sony offers better value for movie enthusiasts, while the Samsung provides more versatility.
The Sony BRAVIA 8 uses Google TV, offering better content recommendations and wider app compatibility. The Samsung QN85D uses Tizen OS, which excels in gaming features and Samsung ecosystem integration.
OLED TVs like the Sony BRAVIA 8 have a small risk of burn-in with static images, while the Samsung QN85D QLED has no burn-in risk.
The Samsung QN85D has an advantage for sports due to its higher brightness and excellent motion handling, making it easier to follow fast action in any lighting condition.
Both TVs should last many years with proper care. The Samsung QN85D might have a slight longevity advantage due to no burn-in risk, while the Sony BRAVIA 8 requires more careful use to maintain optimal performance.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA 8 and Samsung QN85D support standard VESA wall mounting. However, consider professional installation for optimal viewing angle and cable management in your home theater setup.
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: videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - electronics.sony.com - sony.com - store.sony.co.nz - sony.com - displayspecifications.com
