For the ultimate immersive experience, we recommend getting either an OLED or a QLED panel. The deep contrast, true-to-life picture quality, and rich and accurate colors are leagues ahead of an LED television.  These also come with the latest technologies to support gaming on the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, making them next-gen ready.

That said, there are a few things you should be well versed in before you take that plunge. We’ve made a short guide to help you find the best premium  TV under 1 lakh.

PREREAD

Panel type: It is easy to get confused between QLED and OLED given the similar name and price tag. But, on the contrary, these are quite different technologies. QLED, short for Quantum LED, is a type of LED that was popularized by Samsung and can be seen on a bunch of different TV models from manufacturers like Samsung, TCL, and Vizio.

QLED panels still use the backlight technology seen in regular LEDs with an extra film of tiny phosphorescent crystals that glow when hit with light. This allows to create accurate colors on the screen, unlike traditional LCDs. However, similar to traditional LEDs, QLED struggles with producing deep blacks. To counter that, manufacturers build dimming zones within the panel that can have varied brightness depending on the content being displayed. This helps overcome the challenge of producing deep blacks to some extent.

QLED can be classified in largely two categories – edge-lit and array backlighting. The former is usually better at avoiding issues like bleeding, poor contrasts, and inconsistent blacks. Within array backlighting, the higher number of dimming zones, the better.

OLED, on the other hand, is a different technology altogether. Each pixel on an OLED panel can produce its own light and color, meaning, it doesn’t require any backlight. Not only does this produce excellent colors, but it also allows individual pixels to shut down when creating blacks, thus offering much deeper blacks and much higher contrast.

That said, OLED panels are susceptible to screen burn-in. Burn-in happens when a static image (such as a channel logo) is displayed on the screen for a long period of time. This usually leaves an etching of the static part on the screen permanently. While modern TVs use a number of technologies to overcome this challenge, it hasn’t been addressed completely. So if you tend to watch the same channel for hours, an OLED panel runs the risk of a burn-in.

In short, OLED televisions are better than QLED at contrast and producing blacks. They also excel in other areas such as response time and refresh rate. QLEDs beat OLEDs as far as peak brightness is concerned. Also, QLED TVs are much cheaper.

Then, there’s also what Samsung called Neo QLED – which uses mini-backlighting compared to traditional backlighting. This allows for more dimming zones in the TV which results in better contrast and deeper blacks. Of course, it still doesn’t match up to the blacks on an OLED but improves upon general QLED technology.

On the other hand, LG’s QNED is again a mini LED technology that relies on an IPS panel compared to Samsung’s Vertically Aligned LCD. While the former has better-viewing angles, the latter has better contrast. In the grand scheme of things, QNED and Neo QLED are similar.

Refresh rate: Most of these televisions support a 60Hz refresh rate at 4K and that should be enough for movie and TV viewing experience. However, gamers might want to push that further and there are some models that can push 4K at 120FPS. That requires HDMI 2.1 standard which is essential for 120fps 4K gaming.

There’s also a variable refresh rate (VRR)  that allows the television to replicate the refresh rate pumped out by the PC or the console. Most TVs these days tend to support it.

Most OLEDs are built the same but QLEDs aren’t: The thing with OLED panels is that they are pretty much consistent. You won’t find two OLED models with a lot of differences in the quality of panels. Whatever difference that may exist would instead be driven by the processing power of the chip inside.

That’s not true for QLED panels though. Since QLED are essentially LCD panels, there’s a significant difference in quality as the price goes up. Things like the number of dimming areas behind the screen, backlit system, viewing angle, and screen reflectivity change as the price of the TV increases.

So now that you’ve had a basic brief on the technology, let us look at some of the best models in this budget below.

Xiaomi 55 Inch O55M7-Z2IN

• 55 inch 4k OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
• 30w 8 speakers setup with Dolby Atmos
• Android 11
• HDMI 2.1*3 (HDMI 1 with eARC)
• 3GB RAM, 32GB storage
• 17.0kg
• Model year – 2022

OLEDs aren’t easy and not everyone has been able to do them. Nonetheless, Mi has taken a shot at offering a budget-friendly OLED for the masses that has been built with quality in mind.

The design has been well thought and the TV looks sleek and well-built.  At its thinnest, it’s just 5mm thin, which makes it fragile but beautiful.  The bezels are barely noticeable and add to the immersion while the ports are tucked behind carefully.

The TV comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. There’s a ton to offer in terms of features such as the three HDMI 2.1 ready ports, WiFi6, and AirPlay 2 support. The TV flaunts 8 speakers in total (four active and four passive) to create immersive Dolby Atmos enriched sounds, which adds to the immersion.

It is an OLED so of course the picture quality is great. The panel has a good contrast and covers 98.5% DCI-P3 wide color gamut. In layman’s terms, this means better color reproduction and popping visuals. Unfortunately, not a lot of info was available on the peak brightness but given it’s an OLED panel, we aren’t too optimistic.

Unfortunately, being a 60Hz panel limits the gaming potential of this TV.  While it won’t make much of a difference if you’re playing your regular games on consoles on the TV, it might feel inadequate for competitive gaming.

Ultimately, we feel like the Mi OLED is a compelling proposition for the asking price. Being an OLED works strongly in its favor and it has arguably better looks and audio compared to the LG A3.

LG A3 OLED 55 inch

• 55 inch 4k OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate
• Peak brightness – N/A but expected to be around 560 nits
• Dolby Vision, HDR10 Pro, HLG
• 20w 2.0 channel speakers
• WebOS 23
• HDMI 2.0b*3 with eARC
• 14.3kg
• Model year – 2023

The LG A3 OLED TV is the successor to 2022’s A2 and boasts remarkable technical capabilities, delivering a high-quality viewing experience. With its outstanding picture quality, solid sound performance, and user-friendly interface, it stands out as a competitive option in the OLED TV market.

The TV’s α7 Gen6 AI Processor 4K enhances the appearance of content, particularly in handling SDR and HDR material. While it may not match the brightness levels of higher-end models, the A3 still offers captivating visuals, capturing a wide color gamut and delivering impressive black levels, characteristic of OLED technology.

The A3 performs well in terms of audio, with its 20W downward-firing speakers providing clear and detailed sound. While bass may be limited, this is a common trait in slim TV designs. The TV excels in managing dialogue, action sounds, and music even in complex scenes.

Gaming potential is somewhat constrained due to the TV’s 60 Hz refresh rate. Nevertheless, its input lag performance is commendable, offering a responsive gaming experience. The inclusion of LG’s Game Optimizer Mode allows for game-specific adjustments, enhancing the gaming visuals and experience.

The webOS interface is intuitive and well-organized, making navigation and access to various features seamless. The TV supports popular HDR formats like HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, further enhancing the visual quality and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of content.

In conclusion, the LG A3 OLED TV is technically impressive, offering exceptional picture quality, sound performance, and user-friendly features. While it may lack certain advanced gaming features and the absolute highest brightness levels, it presents a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality OLED TV experience without focusing solely on the price point. Don’t confuse it with the much better C3

Samsung Frame LS03B 55 inch

• 55 inch 4k QLED display with 100Hz refresh rate and VRR support
• Around 500 nits peak brightness, no local dimming zones
• HDR10+ Certified, HDR10, HLG
• 40w 2.0.2 channel speakers
• Tizen OS
• HDMI*4 (HDMI 4 for 2.1, HDMI 3 for eARC)
• 16.9kg
• Model year – 2022

Samsung’s The Frame (2022) TV masterfully merges artistic flair with technical prowess, catering to connoisseurs of design and performance. The TV’s svelte 24.9mm depth and flat rear panel harmonize seamlessly with wall-mounted setups, bolstered by the ingenious One Connect box that streamlines cable management. The ability to personalize bezels adds an extra layer of customization.

The matte display is a standout feature, adept at mitigating glare in well-lit environments. Despite intermittent sluggishness, the Tizen interface provides an extensive array of streaming apps and gaming functionalities. Equipped with HDMI 2.1 inputs, the TV accommodates 4K/120Hz gaming, while its Art Mode impeccably showcases curated artwork.

The TV excels in picture quality, offering vibrant colors and commendable peak brightness. However, its performance in handling black depth, particularly in HDR content, is somewhat constrained. The OTS audio system yields impressive sound quality, delivering remarkable spaciousness and clarity.

Samsung’s The Frame (2022) TV exemplifies a harmonious amalgamation of artistic expression and technical finesse. While its pricing might deter some, its distinctive blend of aesthetics and performance makes it a compelling option for those seeking a television that transcends conventional boundaries.

The post Best Premium TV (with reviews) under Rs One Lakhs in India – January 2024 appeared first on Gizmopolitan.

While not as expensive as their OLED counterparts, QLED TVs from most premium brands such as Samsung command a hefty premium over their LED offerings. But as technology has become more commoditized, the market has become flooded with more affordable alternatives from brands like TCL, Mi, and many others, offering the QLED experience almost at the cost of regular LED televisions. This raises a natural question: can these budget-friendly QLEDs truly compete with the premium offerings from industry giants like Samsung and LG?

Once you start using these more affordable QLEDs, that can start for as low as $300 (Rs 25,000) it becomes apparent that not all QLEDs are created equal. Brands such as TCL and Mi, though boasting QLED technology, often fall short of delivering on the promises associated with the acronym. Color reproduction issues, subpar black levels, and uniformity problems like bleeding become a part of the viewing experience. You will find the colors to be often washed and not as popping as you’d see on a more expensive QLED. These TVs often have poor contrast ratios as well, where true blacks are rarely achieved due to diminished dynamic range.

Uniformity, or the consistency of color and brightness across the entire display, is another area where budget QLEDs tend to falter. Bleeding issues, where light spills into adjacent areas of the screen, can be a common problem. This not only distracts from the viewing experience but also diminishes the perceived quality of the display.

But why is there such a huge difference between cheaper and more expensive QLEDs when the difference isn’t that great in OLEDs? There is no one answer. Usually, cheaper QLEDs come with edge-lit dimming compared to full array lighting on the more expensive models. Edge-lit QLEDs even from premium brands like Samsung (case in point, the Frame) are known to have uniformity issues, leading to light bleeding and a reduction in contrast levels. Also, the recent premium QLED  come with technologies like mini-LED, which ensures several hundred local dimming zones, thus, better contrast. The panel quality is also better on more premiemly priced televisions which results in better viewing angles.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that all QLEDs that aren’t Sony, Samsung, or LG are bad. A quick look at Rtings.com for QLEDs from TCL, HiSense, and other more affordable brands show that some of the more high-end offerings from these brands do score well. Conversely, not everything that Samsung or LG touches is gold either. I’ve had my Samsung Frame and the dirty screen effect on the TV makes me want to throw it in the trash bin.

What to do as a buyer?

For those considering a QLED TV, it is advisable to approach the decision with caution. Raising the budget to invest in a reputable brand like Samsung, LG, or even exploring more premium options such as OnePlus can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience. We don’t mean to say brands like TCL cannot offer compelling TVs. But we don’t think a lot of people would be willing to invest Rs 80,000 on a TCL. While cost may be a determining factor, the long-term satisfaction derived from a higher-quality QLED is likely to outweigh the initial savings offered by cheaper alternatives.

Conclusion

In the quest for the perfect television, it is crucial to recognize the distinctions within QLED technology. Cheaper QLEDs may fall short of delivering the promised visual prowess, leading to disappointment for unsuspecting consumers. While the allure of affordability may be tempting, investing in a trusted brand ensures a superior viewing experience that truly captures the essence of QLED technology. As the market continues to evolve, discerning consumers must be vigilant in distinguishing between the genuine QLED experience and the diluted imitations that threaten to diminish the technology’s reputation

The post Are affordable QLED TVs a match for LG and Samsung? appeared first on Gizmopolitan.

The whole point of this post is to share how I find OLED to be way superior even if that means settling for a TV with a smaller size. We will dissect the fundamental aspects that elevate OLED to the throne as the superior choice. We’ll scrutinize its remarkable black levels, exceptional HDR content performance, and unparalleled contrast abilities. While QLED does have its merits, we will uncover why OLED remains the gold standard for those who demand the finest viewing experiences.

True Blacks and Contrast Performance

To truly grasp the supremacy of OLED in the OLED vs. QLED showdown, it’s imperative to understand the inner workings of these technologies. At the heart of OLED’s brilliance lies its unique ability to achieve true black levels. This is accomplished by having each pixel emit its light, allowing for the complete extinguishing of individual pixels when necessary. On the flip side, QLED relies on LED backlighting, which lacks the granularity required to turn off specific pixels.

The significance of OLED’s capacity becomes evident when immersing yourself in low-light or dark scenes. OLED TVs excel in rendering shadows with precision, offering a depth and richness that QLED TVs struggle to replicate. In such scenarios, OLED’s pixel-level control stands out as its defining advantage and is able to deliver an immersive and lifelike viewing experience. This advantage is further magnified when consuming high-contrast scenes, where OLED’s ability to deactivate pixels on a per-pixel basis results in an unparalleled feast for the eyes.

HDR Content

High Dynamic Range (HDR) content promises a broader spectrum of colors and heightened brightness.  There are different standards like the HDR10 and the Dolby Vision. While QLED TVs do an admirable job of presenting vibrant and colorful HDR content, OLED takes it a step further. Thanks to its pixel-level control, OLED achieves brighter highlights and deeper shadows simultaneously, contributing to a more authentic and engrossing HDR experience. Imagine a scene like a moon in a black starry sky. The QLED will suffer with blooming, but the OLED will produce it nearly perfectly.

When basking in the glory of HDR content on an OLED TV such as the LG CX, one can’t help but notice the nuanced details in both the brightest and darkest corners of the screen. This enhances the authenticity of the content and underscores why OLED is the go-to choice if you are finicky about the picture quality.

QLED Lighting Technologies

Leading manufacturers like Samsung have invested substantially in improving the performance of QLED TVs through innovative lighting technologies. These advancements include edge lighting, full array lighting with local dimming, and the more recent Neo QLED technology. While these strides have undoubtedly enhanced the performance of QLED TVs, especially in well-lit rooms, they grapple with inherent challenges when it comes to delivering profound blacks and impeccable contrast.

For instance, edge-lit QLED TVs have been known to contend with uniformity issues, leading to light bleeding and a reduction in contrast levels. While full array lighting with local dimming mitigates some of these issues, it still falls short of OLED’s precision in controlling individual pixels.

Cost and Burn-In Considerations

An imperative factor in the OLED vs. QLED deliberation is cost. OLED TVs, particularly those in larger sizes, tend to carry a heftier price tag than their QLED counterparts. This cost differential often prompts consumers to scrutinize whether OLED’s enhanced picture quality justifies the steeper investment.

Additionally, it’s worth acknowledging that OLED TVs are susceptible to a phenomenon known as burn-in. This occurs when static images or logos are displayed for extended periods, potentially resulting in a lasting imprint on the screen and affecting long-term image quality. However, it’s crucial to note that recent OLED models have implemented preventive measures to minimize this risk, making it less of a concern for most users.

Size Matters: OLED for Smaller Screens

While OLED’s superiority in picture quality is undeniable, screen size plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. OLED TVs tend to become considerably more expensive as screen sizes exceed the 65-inch mark. This pricing discrepancy underscores the significance of size when choosing between OLED and QLED. If you’re seeking a television under 65 inches, OLED remains an attractive choice, even if it entails a slight premium. However, for those in pursuit of massive screens, QLED might offer a more cost-effective solution.

Conclusion

In the ongoing contest between OLED and QLED technologies, OLED stands as the unequivocal champion for those who demand the zenith of picture quality. While QLED TVs possess their strengths, they simply cannot measure up to OLED’s depth, richness, and contrast performance. Whether you’re reveling in movies in a dimly lit room or immersing yourself in vibrant HDR content, OLED stands as the undisputed choice for a truly exceptional viewing experience. If you find yourself in the market for a new TV and prioritize picture quality above all else, the investment in an OLED TV is one that you won’t regret.

Having tried multiple QLED TVs, be it with full array lighting or edge lighting, the quality has always fallen short for me when compared to my rather old OLED. I even tried the newer Neo QLED at retail shops and felt that they were held back for the same reasons despite being comparable in price to OLED screens. In my experience, the difference in quality becomes even more noticeable in dark settings where the blacks on QLED don’t appear as dark as they do in the day. I’d say, if you usually watch TV during the day, or in a bright room, a QLED might be a more cost-effective proposition for you.

OLED’s capacity to generate true blacks, deliver outstanding HDR performance, and provide unrivaled contrast renders it the ultimate choice for home entertainment enthusiasts. While cost and the potential for burn-in are factors to weigh, OLED’s merits shine through, especially for screens under 65 inches in size. Ultimately, your choice between OLED and QLED should be informed by your unique requirements, viewing environment, and budget. OLED’s exceptional picture quality transforms it into an investment that elevates your entire television-watching experience, underscoring the fact that in the realm of television technology, not all screens are created equal.

The post After trying multiple QLED TVs, I can’t recommend them over OLEDs appeared first on Gizmopolitan.

Well, of course, our job is to help you find a good television and in this post we will look at some of the best televisions 55 inches across diagonally that can fit well in your living room. We will only be looking at OLED and high-end QLED televisions since they are pretty much the best of what technology has to offer. These high-end windows bring images to life with their popping accurate colors and deep contrast. You can pretty much expect features like 4K, the latest operating system, and stunning picture quality.

However, here are a few other things you need to keep in mind before we look at the various models under Rs 200,000 (2 lakhs).

PREREAD

Panel type: It is easy to get confused between QLED and OLED given the similar name and price tag. But, on the contrary, these are quite different technologies. QLED, short for Quantum LED, is a type of LED that was popularized by Samsung and can be seen on a bunch of different TV models from manufacturers like Samsung, TCL, and Vizio.

QLED panels still use the backlight technology seen in regular LEDs with an extra film of tiny phosphorescent crystals that glow when hit with light. This allows to produce much accurate colors on the screen, unlike traditional LCDs. However, similar to traditional LEDs, QLED struggles with producing deep blacks.

OLED, on the other hand, is a different technology altogether. Each pixel on an OLED panel can produce its own light and color, meaning, it doesn’t require any backlight. Not only does this produce excellent colors, but it also allows individual pixels to shut down when creating blacks, thus offering much deeper blacks and much higher contrast.

In short, OLED televisions are better than QLED at contrast and producing blacks. They also excel in other areas such as response time and refresh rate. QLEDs beat OLEDs as far as peak brightness is concerned. Also, QLED TVs are much cheaper.

Refresh rate: Most of these televisions support 60Hz refresh rate at 4K and that should be enough for movie and TV viewing experience. However, gamers might want to push that further and there are some models that can push 4K at 120FPS. That requires HDMI 2.1 standard which isn’t really as prevalent as you’d imagine. Only 2020 models and some LG models from 2019 support the new HDMI standard which is essential for 120fps 4K gaming.

There’s also variable refresh rate that allows the television to replicate the refresh rate pumped out by the PC or the console. Most TVs don’t support it but a few models which do have been called out below.

Most OLEDs are built the same but QLEDs aren’t: The thing with OLED panels is that they are pretty much consistent. You won’t find two OLED models with a lot of difference in quality of panels. Whatever difference that may exist would instead be driven by the processing power of the chip inside.

That’s not true for QLED panels though. Since QLED are essentially LCD panels, there’s a significant difference in quality as the price goes up. Things like the number of dimming areas behind the screen, backlit system, viewing angle, and screen reflectivity change as the price of the TV increases.

So now that you’ve had a basic brief on the technology, let us look at some of the best models in this budget below.

LG OLED55CXPTA

LG is usually considered amongst the best, if not the best, when it comes to OLED televisions. It’s only fair since LG also sells its OLED panels to other manufacturers like Sony.

The OLED55CXPTA is from the updated lineup for 2020 and builds on the feature list that its predecessor had to offer from 2019. These include 4K resolution (you knew that already), support for HDR 10 Pro and Dolby Vision HDR, an α9 Gen 3 Intelligent Processor, and the ability to play 4K@120P, 10-bit content.

On the audio side, you get 40W speakers and a 20W subwoofer system.  AI Acoustic Tuning setting allows you to calibrate the audio according to the dimensions of the room by taking inputs from the microphone on the remote. It also supports Dolby Atmos on its 2.2 setup.

Being a smart TV, it comes with LG’s own webOS operating system. While it may not be able to compete with Android or Samsung’s Tizen in terms of app count, you will find most of the apps already present on the app store. For those missing, you can consider a streaming device to fill that gap. The television also supports both Google and Amazon Alexa voice assistants.

The remote senses your hand motions and brings up a pointer on the screen even when you’re not pointing the remote at it. It’s pretty convenient when going through the settings or using an OTT app.

Not much has changed when you compare to last year’s C9 though. That’s not really a bad thing though, since the C9 was much ahead of the competition even in 2019.  Major changes include a next-gen processor, Dolby Vision IQ support. G-Sync certification, support for black frame insertion at 120Hz (C9 only supported BFI at up to 60Hz), and webOS 5.0. Similar to the C9, you get Alexa built-in, Apple AirPlay2, and HDMI 2.1 support. The last one should be huge for gamers, especially those looking for next-gen gaming.

LG claims the new processor inside allows for better upscaling and light adjustment. What makes the TV standout though is support for HDMI 2.1 which unlocks a whole bunch of features such as 4K 120fps gaming, variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode, and enhanced audio through eARC which can support up to 32 audio channels. The other good news is that there are 4 of these ports so your devices won’t be fighting for the same port.

You can expect top-notch display quality with LG OLEDs being the best in the industry and that’s something most of the reviews call out. Peak brightness for HDR content goes up till 740 nits, which, while may not compare to QLEDs, is adequate.

Speaking about the physical dimensions, CX’s panel is less than a quarter-inch thick, reaching under 2 inches towards the bottom. It weighs 18.9 kilos without the stand. Adding the stand takes the weight to 23kg.

All in all, we see the LG OLED55CXPTA as a great option. Being the best LG has to offer, it has most of the bells and whistles you would require and offers great picture quality across movies and gaming. The only thing it lacks is support for HDR10+, which honestly, doesn’t look like much of a deal-breaker.

LG OLED55BXPTA

If you look at the specs, the LG OLED55BX is more or less similar to the CX. It has got the same OLED panel as its more expensive sibling. Yet there are some subtle differences that justify the higher price tag on the CX.

Talking about the things that the BX has in common with the CX first, both come with a 55 inch 4K OLED panel. Both offer the same webOS experience. The BX also offers 4K 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 support just like the CX. The audio also remains the same as the CX. Finally, there’s also support for VRR and NVIDIA’s G-Sync.

You also get the same LG Magic Remote, which, as we mentioned before, it a true joy to use.

What makes the BX different is the slightly less powerful α7 Gen 3 processor. While numerous reviews point that it does not make much of a difference, CX has slightly better lighting control and contrast. The CX also has a slightly more bright panel. At peak HDR brightness, the BX only manages to hit close to 400 nits, while the CX goes up to 740 nits. Lastly, only HDMI 3 & 4 on the BX support the new 2.1 standard.

Our advice? If the price gap is significant, go for the BX instead. The marginal improvement in picture quality isn’t worth an extra $500.

SONY 55A8G

Next on the list is another OLED champion from Sony released in 2019. The 55A8G comes with top of the line features including 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG playback capability, and Android Oreo with built-in Google Assistant.

The OLED panel here has been sourced from LG so, unsurprisingly, it is top-notch. The blacks are deep as you would expect and the colors shine out really well. Although, the default colors are a little on the cool side and might require some calibration. The peak brightness goes up to 800 nits which, while perfectly adequate, cannot be compared to QLED televisions from Samsung. However, like the LG C9, it lacks support for HDR 10+.

For audio, Sony uses proprietary Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio which uses actuators affixed to the back of the TV to create sound using the screen.  In layman’s terms, the technology gives the illusion of the voice coming from the part of the screen where it is emanating from. The effect seems to hold its own in close spaces but might struggle a little in large open rooms.

While console games should be largely satisfied with the TV’s performance, the 55A8G does lack some features seen on the LG C9. For one, the refresh rate maxes out at 60Hz at 4K. There’s no HDMI 2.1 support either that could have allowed the higher refresh rate. There’s no support for any screen syncing tech like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync for VRR. Input lag is also a little on the higher side at 40ms, which is not the best that we have seen in the market.

To conclude, the A8G is an excellent TV with the ability to reproduce colors and contrast excellently on the screen. While it should cover the needs of most people who only watch movies and media content on the television, we feel that gamers should be better off with the LG C9, which is not only better, but also cheaper.

Samsung 55Q95T

Samsung has taken a different road compared to Sony or LG and offers its best as QLED instead of OLED TVs. Now, don’t get us wrong, QLED technology can be excellent too. It’s just we find OLED to offer much better picture quality.

While the Q95 is the successor to the Q90 from 2019, it isn’t really as Samsung has shifted its focus to 8K TVs. That said, it’s still a good piece of technology with ost bells and whistles.

Like most Samsung TVs, the design is something to behold. The television is truly slim. And we don’t mean just at the top. Thanks to One Connect box, which is a separate unit housing all the ports and cables, the main television set is a monolith of uniform thickness that is connected externally with just a single cable. This makes the whole setup extremely neat, especially, when you mount it on a wall.

The One Connect box houses 4 HDMI ports, out of which, one is capable of supporting eARC, while the other can support 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM (auto low-latency mode). While the HDMI ports lack 2.1 certification, Samsung says they meet every technical specification and requirement. Other connectivity features include USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth and support for Apple AirPlay 2.

The 55Q95T features a 55 inch 4K QLED panel with direct full-array backlight that supports local dimming in up to 120 zones. Where it beats the OLEDs clearly is in brightly lit rooms and settings where the QLED panels can deliver up to 1700 nits peak brightness in real-world use. It also supports a wide array of HDR standards, including HDR10+ but misses out on Dolby Vision, which is arguably better than the HDR10+. That said, the TV produces excellent HDR content with deep blacks and brightly lit details. The motion smoothness has also been improved over the Q90. All in all, the picture quality is excellent and the blacks almost match those seen on the OLED panels.

Samsung has also added anti-reflection screen and Ultra Viewing Angle technology to improve the viewing experience. Gamers should rejoice since the Q80 offers a variable refresh rate (VRR) and has one of the best input lag in the market (10ms), well ahead of the OLED panels. There’s support for AMD’s Freesync but G-Sync certification is still in the process.

The TV comes with Tizen which is Samsung’s homegrown answer to Android. You don’t need to worry much since you will find most of the most frequently used apps on the app store.

On the audio front, you get a total of six speakers for a combined output of 60W along with a subwoofer. The processor inside the television can optimize the audio experience for your room by taking inputs from the microphone on the remote. Newly introduced Object Tracking Sound (OTS) uses six speakers and 60W of amplification for a more immersive experience.

There are a few things that are missing though. The lack of Dolby Vision is a sore point, given the standard is supported on a number of leading streaming services. Also, Samsung is using 8-bit panels on its 2020 4K range and reserving 10-bit panels for 8K. Audio also lacks Dolby Atmos support, which a number of competitors offer.

Samsung 55Q80R/55Q80RAK

Samsung has taken a different road compared to Sony or LG and offers its best as QLED instead of OLED TVs. Don’t get us wrong, QLED technology can be excellent too. It’s just we find OLED to offer much better picture quality.

The 55Q80RAK features a 55 inch 4K QLED panel with direct full-array backlight that supports local dimming in close to 90 zones. It beats the OLEDs clearly in brightly lit rooms and settings where the QLED panels can deliver up to 1,250 nits peak brightness. It also supports a wide array of HDR standards, including HDR10+. That said, it misses out on Dolby Vision, which is arguably better than the HDR10+. Also, people concerned with screen burn-in on OLEDs can rest assured with this unit since burn-in is prevalent in OLED panels.

Gamers should rejoice since the Q80 offers a variable refresh rate (VRR). It also has one of the best input lag in the market (15-17ms) which is well ahead of the OLED panels.

The TV comes with Tizen which is Samsung’s homegrown answer to Android. You don’t need to worry much since you will find most of the most frequently used apps on the app store.

On the audio front, you get two speakers for a combined output of 40W along with a subwoofer.

However, there are a few areas where the Samsung 55Q80R does fall behind. It only supports HDMI 2.0, which means there’s no support for 4K 120Hz or eARC. Also, the display, while good, doesn’t hold a candle to OLED panels when comparing contrast and the ability to create blacks. The lack of Dolby Vision is a sore point as well. The reviews also mention room for improvement in the native audio

MODELS WE INTENTIONALLY LEFT OUT

Anything before 2019: Technology moves fast and 2 years is a lot of time for things to have changed considerably. We have left out televisions from before 2019 since either most of them have been discontinued or their successors offer much better features for the same price.

Samsung Q70: A QLED from Samsung which sits below the Q80 in the lineup. While it’s a decent television, it doesn’t stand to the big boys. From the reviews, we have gathered that the viewing angle is poor and the surface is rather reflective. The HDR while great doesn’t stand to the other models on the list. The local dimming, while present, is inferior to OLEDs on the list.

Samsung The Frame: The Frame is something that definitely looks like a piece of art more than a television. This one is a QLED again and comes with a customizable bezel. However, brightness levels are much lower compared to the Q80. The color accuracy is also a little off the mark. Those are good enough reasons in our book to not have it here.

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