Samsung has established a reputation for producing top-tier televisions, and the mid-range Samsung Q80D QLED TV exemplifies versatility in its category. It excels in delivering the latest HDR films and is equipped with features that enhance the gaming experience.
The Samsung Q80D QLED TV also represents excellent value for its price. It boasts impressive picture quality, utilizing quantum dot technology for superior color volume and enhanced backlighting. However, the Q80D does have some limitations regarding HDR support.
While it lacks Dolby Vision, it compensates with HDR10 and HDR10+ capabilities. Unlike some of its rivals, the Q80D does not incorporate Mini-LED technology, which results in slight blurring during the brightest scenes. Nevertheless, the Q80D possesses several strengths that position it as a strong contender in the mid-range QLED TV market.
When compared to Mini-LED alternatives from brands like TCL and Hisense, the Q80D stands out with its robust sound system, vibrant color reproduction, and comprehensive gaming features. This combination provides an overall performance that competes well with more affordable models. In our review of the Samsung QE65Q80D QLED 4K HDR, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Q80D series.
Design
When unpacking and setting up the Samsung QE65Q80D 65-inch QLED TV, it is advisable to have at least one additional person assist you, as the unit weighs close to 23 kilograms. As anticipated for a television in this price category, the construction quality is outstanding.
The screen is bordered by thin bezels on three sides. The Samsung 65Q80D TV features a modern stand positioned centrally beneath the screen, making it suitable for a variety of surfaces. This allows for placement on nearly any piece of furniture. Additionally, wall mounting is an option; however, a VESA 400 x 300 bracket will need to be purchased for a 65-inch diagonal.
Features
The Samsung Q80D QLED TV is equipped with an LCD panel that incorporates full-array local dimming and a 4K Neural Quantum Processor, which enhances video upscaling and processing capabilities. While this processor is indeed state-of-the-art, the FALD local dimming technology lags behind, as many competitors in this price segment have transitioned to Mini-LED backlighting.
As with all Samsung TVs released in 2024, the Q80D operates on the Tizen 8 Smart TV platform. This interface features a top bar tailored to the user’s application preferences and login information, along with an advertising feed prominently displayed at the top of the main screen.
Although Tizen may not rival Google TV in functionality, it effectively serves its purpose. Users may encounter some minor frustrations within the operating system, such as advanced picture settings being somewhat hidden within the menus. Nevertheless, Tizen is primarily designed to cater to the needs of the average user.
The system also offers numerous options for optimizing content management. The Samsung remote control has seen minimal changes from previous versions; it is notably smaller, making it comfortable to hold but also easier to misplace. Despite its compact size, there is room for improvement in its design.
In today’s viewing habits, frequent channel changes are less common. However, the absence of an enter button on the remote for quick access to connected devices would significantly enhance navigation. The remote includes dedicated buttons for instant access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as a button for Samsung TV Plus.
Sound quality
The QE65Q80D QLED TV, despite its 40W output in a 2.2-channel configuration, delivers superior sound quality compared to many models equipped with a 2.0 system within the same price bracket. While other televisions often necessitate the purchase of soundbars for enhanced audio, the Q80D stands out by providing sufficient sound performance on its own.
Additionally, it features Dolby Atmos support, which enhances the audio experience with improved bass and clarity when required. Historically, the Q80 series has not faced significant sound-related criticisms, which is a positive aspect. However, it is important to note that while the sound includes bass, it does not offer a true multi-channel experience. For that level of audio immersion, an external soundbar or home theater system would still be recommended.
Image quality
The Samsung Q80D TV maintains its relevance due to its impressive brightness levels, achieving a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits. While this may be somewhat lower than the peak brightness offered by other brands utilizing mini LED technology, the Q80D effectively manages reflection dispersion.
In contrast, the Q80D outperforms basic OLED TVs in terms of peak brightness in both SDR and HDR modes, making it suitable for environments with significant ambient light. This capability also enhances its color accuracy, with classic animated films appearing exceptionally vibrant due to its 99% coverage of the Rec.709 color gamut.
A key strength of the Q80D lies in its support for various HDR standards. However, the absence of Dolby Vision support renders its HDR capabilities somewhat incomplete. The TV can handle signals in HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Gaming, HLG, and HDR10+ Adaptive formats. Unfortunately, it falls short when compared to the superior performance of Mini-LED alternatives.
Additionally, the Q80D exhibits a slight deficiency in color reproduction when displaying HDR content. Despite this, Samsung’s premium QLED models remain on the higher end of the price spectrum. Unlike the previous year’s Samsung Q80C series, the Q80D is equipped with an IPS panel, which results in slightly lower contrast compared to OLED TVs.
Nevertheless, the Q80D benefits from QLED technology, along with Direct Full Array and Real Depth Enhancer features that enhance contrast. Collectively, these technologies yield a contrast ratio nearing 1:2000, which, while not the highest, ensures that blacks appear genuinely black.
Game mode
Samsung stands out as one of the few manufacturers in the industry that offers gamers unparalleled access to cutting-edge gaming technology. The user-friendly Game Hub enhances the experience for connected gaming consoles and PCs, while also providing entry to cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia’s GeForce Now.
This means that you can enjoy fast-paced and immersive gaming experiences without the need for a dedicated gaming console or PC. Even in HDR mode, the Q80D delivers games with minimal latency, despite not supporting Dolby Vision. With four HDMI 2.1 ports and compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, this television ranks among the top choices for gaming enthusiasts.
Connections
The Samsung Q80D QLED TV is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, providing extensive gaming capabilities. With a native refresh rate ranging from 40 to 120 Hz, users with high-performance gaming PCs can fully optimize their gaming experience, achieving frame rates of up to 120 frames per second.
Additionally, the Samsung QE65Q80D QLED TV features two USB ports, one Ethernet port, a digital optical audio output, TV antenna inputs, and a CI+ 1.4 slot. However, it is important to note that the Q80D lacks an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which limits its compatibility with NextGen TVs. For wireless connectivity, it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth BT5.2.
Conclusion
The Samsung Q80D is an ideal choice for gamers, featuring compatibility with both FreeSync and G-Sync, along with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and a latency of just 9.6ms.
Gamers will appreciate the Game Hub integrated into Samsung’s offerings. Its high brightness and anti-glare coating make it well-suited for environments with significant ambient light. Beyond its exceptional gaming features, the Q80D also serves as a robust QLED display for casual entertainment and music listening.
The 2.2-channel, 40W speaker system is likely to impress most users. However, some may find the absence of Dolby Vision and Mini-LED backlighting to be drawbacks. Those seeking superior HDR performance might prefer competing Mini-LED models such as the TCL QM8 or Hisense U8KQ.
Samsung Q80D Specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
| Series | Q80D |
| Line / options | Samsung QE50Q80D, Samsung QE55Q80D, Samsung QE65Q80D, Samsung QE75Q80D, QE85Q80D |
| Image | |
| Standard | Ultra HD (UHD) / 4K / 2160p |
| Matrix type | IPS |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Permission | 3840 x 2160 |
| Matrix bit depth | 10 bit (8 bit + FRC) |
| Backlight | Direct LED (FALD) |
| Frame interpolation | 3800 PQI |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Contrast | 2000 to 1 |
| Refresh rate | 40 – 120 Hz |
| Delay / input lag | 9.6 ms |
| HDR standards | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming |
| 3D/Up-Scaling | No / Yes |
| Video | |
| Standard TV tuner (analog) | NTSC, PAL, SECAM |
| Standard TV tuner (digital) | DVB-T/T2, C, S/S2 |
| Video codecs | AV1, H.264, H.263, HEVC, VP9. VOB. H.265, MKV, TS. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VP9, ASF, M2TS, WMV, VP8 |
| Connections | |
| HDMI | 4 x HDMI v2.1 |
| Reception of TV signals | 1 x RF (terrestrial antenna), 1 x F-Type (satellite antenna) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Audio output | 1 x TosLink Optical (Audio) |
| USB | 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Internet | Ethernet RJ-45 / LAN |
| Additionally | DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, CI+ 1.4 slot |
| Sound | |
| Power | 40 W |
| System | 2.2 CH |
| Support | Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby AC-4 |
| Smart TV | |
| OS | Tizen 8.0 |
| Voice assistant | Alexa, Bixby |
| CPU | NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor |
| Memory | NA |
| Remote controller | TM2360G |
| Additionally | |
| Other | |
| VESA mount 400 x 300mm (65″) | |
| Front panel color: silver |