Choosing Between Samsung's 2024 Neo QLED TVs: QN90D vs QN85D

When it comes to high-end TVs in 2024, Samsung's Neo QLED lineup stands at the forefront of LCD technology. Today, we're comparing two impressive 65-inch models: the premium Samsung QN90D ($2,700) and the more affordable Samsung QN85D ($1,700). Both TVs were released in March 2024, representing Samsung's latest advances in TV technology.

Understanding Neo QLED Technology

Before diving into the comparison, let's quickly understand what makes Neo QLED special. These TVs use tiny LED lights (called Mini LEDs) for backlighting, combined with quantum dots for color. Think of it like having thousands of precisely controlled flashlights behind your screen, allowing for incredibly bright highlights while maintaining deep blacks. It's a significant improvement over traditional LED TVs, offering better contrast and more vivid colors.

Picture Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The QN90D and QN85D both deliver stunning picture quality, but there are notable differences. The QN90D's superior local dimming (the ability to dim specific screen areas independently) results in better contrast and deeper blacks. This is particularly noticeable when watching movies in a dark room.

One of the biggest differentiators is viewing angle performance. The QN90D uses Samsung's latest wide-angle technology, making it ideal for large living rooms where people might watch from different positions. The QN85D, while still excellent, shows more noticeable picture degradation when viewed from the side.

For HDR content (shows and movies with enhanced brightness and color range), both TVs perform admirably. However, the QN90D's higher peak brightness makes HDR content pop more dramatically. You'll notice this especially in scenes with bright highlights, like sunlight reflecting off water or fireworks against a night sky.

Gaming Features: Ready for Next-Gen

Both TVs are gaming powerhouses, supporting features that gamers will love:

• 4K resolution at high refresh rates (120Hz for smooth motion)
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to prevent screen tearing
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for reduced input lag
• HDMI 2.1 ports for the latest gaming consoles

The QN90D has a slight edge with its 144Hz capability for PC gaming and marginally faster response time. For most console gamers, though, the QN85D's capabilities will be more than sufficient.

Sound Quality and Home Theater Integration

Interestingly, the less expensive QN85D actually has a more powerful sound system (60W vs 40W) with more channels (4.2.2 vs 2.2). Both support Dolby Atmos, but if you're planning to use the TV's built-in speakers, the QN85D has an advantage.

However, for a proper home theater setup, you'll likely want to pair either TV with a dedicated sound system. Both models integrate well with external audio equipment through their eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) HDMI ports, which allow for high-quality audio passthrough to soundbars or AV receivers.

Smart Features and Daily Use

Both TVs run Samsung's latest Tizen operating system, offering access to all major streaming services and smart home integration. The interface is snappy thanks to the new NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, and both support voice control through multiple assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby).

Value Proposition

At $1,000 less, the QN85D represents excellent value for most users. It delivers 90% of the QN90D's performance at a significantly lower price point. However, the QN90D justifies its premium for specific use cases:

• Large viewing areas where people watch from different angles
• Dedicated home theater rooms where picture quality is paramount
• Competitive gaming setups where every millisecond counts

How to Decide

Consider your specific needs:

1. Room Layout:
2. Wide seating arrangement? Choose QN90D
3. Primary straight-on viewing? QN85D is fine

1. Budget Priority:
2. Maximum performance regardless of cost? QN90D
3. Best value while maintaining excellent quality? QN85D

1. Usage Pattern:
2. Mainly movies and TV shows? Either works well
3. Competitive gaming? Slight edge to QN90D
4. Bright room with lots of windows? Both handle reflections well

1. Home Theater Setup:
2. Dedicated theater room? QN90D's superior contrast and local dimming shine
3. Mixed-use living room? QN85D offers great performance at better value

Real-World Performance

Having spent time with both TVs, I can say they're both impressive pieces of technology. The QN90D's superior viewing angles and contrast are noticeable in side-by-side comparisons, but the QN85D's picture quality is still exceptional for its price point.

For most people, the QN85D hits the sweet spot of performance and value. Its picture quality will impress all but the most demanding viewers, and the money saved could go toward a quality sound system or streaming subscriptions.

However, if you want the absolute best and budget isn't a primary concern, the QN90D is the superior TV. Its better viewing angles and contrast make it particularly well-suited for dedicated home theater rooms or large living spaces where premium picture quality matters from every angle.

Remember, both TVs represent the latest in Samsung's Neo QLED technology, and either choice will provide an excellent viewing experience for years to come. The main question is whether the QN90D's incremental improvements are worth the significant price premium for your specific situation.

Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Deals and Prices

Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Deals and Prices