Samsung’s S85F OLED TV is the company’s 2025 entry-level OLED model, succeeding last year’s S85D. While it sits below the more advanced S90F and flagship S95F, the S85F still manages to deliver a compelling performance—especially in its 55- and 65-inch QD-OLED variants (models larger than 65 inches or sold outside the U.S. use WOLED panels instead). This TV stands as a strong rival to similarly priced models like the LG B4, offering a mix of premium panel technology and everyday usability.
Design & Build Quality
Samsung has maintained its elegant design language with the QE65S85F. With its graphite black chassis, ultra-slim 3.3 cm depth, and nearly invisible 0.8 cm bezels, this TV is built to impress whether it’s on or off. The rear panel, while made entirely of plastic, feels reasonably durable despite showing some flex when pressed.
Unlike its predecessor, this TV uses a brighter QD-OLED panel in 55- and 65-inch sizes.
Unlike the centrally-mounted stand found on the S90F, the S85F uses adjustable dual legs that provide solid support and flexibility in placement. Thoughtful cable management channels and clips are integrated into the rear, making wall mounting clean and hassle-free.
A welcome eco-conscious touch is the solar-powered remote control, which can also be recharged via USB-C. Although it lacks touch-sensitive buttons, it includes a smart shortcut key and retains a comfortable, minimalist design.
Picture Quality
The leap from the S85D to the S85F is substantial. With peak HDR brightness measured at 750 cd/m² (and manufacturer claims of up to 1,200 nits), the QD-OLED panel delivers excellent highlights and vivid color reproduction. Samsung’s quantum dot enhancement gives this OLED model a competitive edge over similarly priced WOLED TVs, especially in brightness and color volume.
Color gamut performance is impressive, with nearly full DCI-P3 coverage and about 80% of the BT.2020 space. Blacks are true and inky, thanks to self-emissive pixels, and blooming is virtually non-existent.
Picture accuracy is high out of the box, though calibration offers only modest improvements. The TV’s NQ4 AI Gen2 processor handles upscaling with finesse, and even SDR content gains a touch of HDR-like depth. Picture modes offer variety—Filmmaker Mode for purists, Dynamic for punchy visuals, and Standard for a balanced middle ground. Movie Mode also remains a strong choice.
The Samsung QE65S85F OLED TV boasts a super-modern look that feels right at home in any modern living space
Motion and Gaming Performance
Motion handling is generally strong, although the instantaneous 1ms response time can introduce stutter during slow camera pans. Samsung includes motion interpolation and Black Frame Insertion (BFI) to improve fluidity, and judder removal is automatic across all sources.
Gamers will find the S85F to be a capable performer. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro. Input lag is low, measuring just 10ms at 1080p/60Hz and around 32ms overall.
The Samsung 65S85F is a major improvement over its predecessor,
The pop-up Game Bar adds real-time info and useful tools like zoom, aim assist, variable aspect ratios (21:9 and 32:9), and a lag checker. While the S85F tops out at 120Hz—lagging behind the S90F’s 144Hz and the S95F’s 165Hz—it still offers a responsive, immersive gaming experience.
Smart Features
Running on the 2025 version of Samsung’s Tizen OS, the S85F offers a wide array of smart features. However, performance can occasionally lag when navigating menus, and some users may find the mandatory login requirement for apps frustrating.
Key smart features include:
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AI Live Translate for real-time subtitle translation
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Samsung TV Plus, offering hundreds of free streaming channels
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SmartThings Hub for connected home control
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Samsung Health with workout integration
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Alexa and Bixby voice assistants
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Knox Security for data protection
The platform is full-featured and especially rewarding for users already embedded in Samsung’s ecosystem.
Audio Performance
Audio quality is serviceable but not standout. Dialogue remains clear at moderate volumes, but distortion is noticeable at higher levels. Bass is lacking, and the overall soundstage feels thin for music and cinematic content.
However, Dolby Atmos support, Samsung’s Q-Symphony (for pairing with Samsung soundbars), and adaptive sound optimization do help improve the experience. For an audio upgrade, consider adding a soundbar—Samsung’s HW-Q995F is an excellent match.
Connectivity
The S85F doesn’t cut corners on connectivity. All four HDMI ports are full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1, one with eARC support. You’ll also find:
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2x USB ports
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Optical digital audio out
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Ethernet port
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RF input
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming and device connections
This generous port selection ensures compatibility with all your modern devices.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung S85F?
The Samsung QE65S85F is a well-rounded OLED TV that delivers strong performance at a reasonable price. While it lacks some of the premium touches of Samsung’s higher-tier models, it still punches above its weight—especially in image quality, gaming features, and smart capabilities.
Pros:
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Excellent QD-OLED picture quality
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Strong gaming performance with full HDMI 2.1 support
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Sleek design with flexible stand and cable management
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Rich smart TV feature set with free streaming (Samsung TV Plus)
Cons:
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No Dolby Vision support
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Tizen OS can be sluggish
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Audio performance is underwhelming
Final Rating: 8.5/10
If you’re after a bright, color-rich OLED display with solid all-around performance and don’t mind skipping Dolby Vision, the Samsung S85F is a superb option in 2025’s entry-level OLED lineup.
