When it comes to top-tier 65-inch TVs in 2024, both the Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV ($2,299) and Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV ($1,797.99) represent excellent choices for different types of viewers. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
The 65-inch TV category has become incredibly competitive, with manufacturers pushing technology boundaries while trying to hit reasonable price points. Both these models showcase the latest advancements in mini-LED technology (which uses thousands of tiny LEDs for backlighting, allowing for more precise brightness control) while staying under $2,500.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 was released in early 2024 as part of Sony's refreshed lineup, while the Samsung QN85D hit stores in March 2024. Both represent significant improvements over their 2023 predecessors, particularly in processing power and HDR handling.
Both TVs use mini-LED technology, but their implementations differ significantly. Samsung's Neo QLED approach combines mini-LEDs with quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color reproduction) to deliver exceptional brightness and color volume. In my testing, the Samsung consistently produced deeper blacks and more impactful HDR highlights, especially in challenging scenes like starfields or sunrise shots.
The Sony takes a different approach, using fewer dimming zones but leveraging their excellent Cognitive XR processor to maximize performance. While it doesn't quite match the Samsung's raw contrast capabilities, it often produces more natural-looking images, particularly with skin tones and subtle color gradations.
Here's where things get interesting. Sony has long been known for superior motion handling, and the BRAVIA 7 continues this tradition. When watching sports or action movies, you'll notice smoother panning shots and less blur during fast movement. Samsung has improved significantly in this area, but Sony still maintains a slight edge.
The Samsung counters with superior HDR processing. Its HDR Brightness Optimizer actively adjusts the picture based on room lighting, which I found particularly useful in my bright living room. Both TVs support all major HDR formats (HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision), though Samsung uses HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision.
The BRAVIA 7 runs Google TV, while the QN85D uses Samsung's Tizen platform. This difference matters more than you might think. Google TV offers:
Samsung's Tizen platform provides:
In daily use, I find Google TV more straightforward and reliable, though Tizen offers more features if you're willing to learn its quirks.
Both TVs excel at gaming, supporting 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing), and Auto Low Latency Mode (which automatically switches to game mode). However, they target slightly different gaming audiences.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 offers:
The Samsung QN85D provides:
For dedicated home theater setups, both TVs offer compelling features but with different strengths.
The Sony excels at:
The Samsung shines with:
At current prices, the Samsung QN85D offers better value purely from a picture quality standpoint. However, the Sony BRAVIA 7 justifies its higher price if you:
Consider these scenarios:
For Bright Rooms: Choose the Samsung for its superior brightness and anti-reflection handling.
For Movie Enthusiasts: The Sony's more natural picture processing and better motion handling make it ideal for films.
For Gamers:
For Smart Home Integration:
Both TVs represent excellent choices for different users. The Samsung QN85D offers superior raw picture quality and better value, while the Sony BRAVIA 7 provides better motion handling and a more refined smart TV experience.
My recommendation: Choose the Samsung if pure picture quality is your priority and you're comfortable learning its interface. Opt for the Sony if you value ease of use, natural picture processing, and superior gaming integration with PS5.
Remember that both TVs will receive software updates throughout 2024, potentially improving features and performance. Based on past experience, Sony tends to provide more meaningful picture quality improvements through updates, while Samsung focuses more on smart feature additions.
| Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV | Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Price - Your starting point for value assessment | |
| $2,299 (often discounted to $1,999) | $1,797.99 |
| Display Technology - Determines contrast and brightness capability | |
| Mini-LED with fewer dimming zones | Neo QLED with advanced local dimming zones |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 800-1000 nits (good for most rooms) | 1200-1500 nits (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and app access | |
| Google TV (more intuitive, better voice search) | Tizen OS (feature-rich but steeper learning curve) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, PS5 optimized | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Gaming Hub |
| Motion Processing - Crucial for sports and action movies | |
| Superior motion handling with XR processor | Good but slightly less refined motion |
| HDR Support - Affects compatibility with streaming content | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (no Dolby Vision) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W 2.1 channel (above average) | 60W 4.2.2 channel (better built-in audio) |
| Processing Technology - Impacts upscaling and picture enhancement | |
| Cognitive XR (excellent for natural pictures) | NQ4 AI Gen2 (focuses on HDR optimization) |
| Color Volume - Determines vibrancy and accuracy | |
| Good quantum dot color (95% DCI-P3) | Excellent quantum dot color (100% DCI-P3) |
The Samsung QN85D Neo QLED has superior contrast and brightness, making it slightly better for movies, especially in HDR. However, the Sony BRAVIA 7 offers more natural color processing and better motion handling, which some movie enthusiasts prefer.
The Samsung QN85D performs better in bright rooms due to its higher peak brightness (1200-1500 nits) and superior anti-reflection coating. The Sony BRAVIA 7 is still good but better suited for moderate lighting conditions.
If you're a PS5 gamer or prefer Google TV's interface, the Sony BRAVIA 7 justifies its higher price. Otherwise, the Samsung QN85D offers better value with similar or superior picture quality for $500 less.
Both TVs support 4K/120Hz gaming and VRR, but the Sony BRAVIA 7 has better PS5 integration and automatic HDR optimization. The Samsung QN85D offers better features for PC gaming and cloud gaming through its Gaming Hub.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 has better motion handling, making it superior for sports viewing. The Samsung QN85D is still excellent but may show slightly more blur during fast movement.
The Samsung QN85D has better contrast and black levels, making it ideal for dark room viewing in a home theater. However, the Sony BRAVIA 7 offers better color accuracy out of the box and superior film motion processing.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 supports Dolby Vision, while the Samsung QN85D uses HDR10+ instead. Both formats are good, but Dolby Vision is more common on streaming services.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 uses Google TV, which is more user-friendly and has better voice search. The Samsung QN85D uses Tizen OS, which offers more features but is less intuitive.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 has superior upscaling through its Cognitive XR processor, making older content look better. The Samsung QN85D is still good but slightly less refined with non-4K content.
The Samsung QN85D has a more powerful 60W 4.2.2 channel system compared to Sony's 40W 2.1 channel setup. However, for optimal home theater performance, external speakers are recommended for both TVs.
Both TVs support multiple voice assistants. The Sony BRAVIA 7 works best with Google Assistant, while the Samsung QN85D works well with both Alexa and Bixby.
The Samsung QN85D is more versatile for mixed-use settings due to its superior brightness and anti-reflection capabilities. However, if your room has controlled lighting and you use a PS5, the Sony BRAVIA 7 might be a better choice.
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: bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - sony.com - rtings.com - schaeferstv.com - youtube.com - displayspecifications.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com
