Design and Build

The Samsung QN85D boasts a sleek and slim design that blends seamlessly into any living room decor. The TV’s build quality is equally impressive, with a sturdy metal frame that exudes premium feel. Available in 65-inch, 75-inch, and 82-inch options, the QN85D caters to a range of viewing needs.

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung QN85D offers an array of ports, including four HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for eARC, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. The TV also features built-in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

  • Two 10W speakers are integrated into the TV’s bezel, providing decent sound quality but lacking the oomph of separate surround sound systems.
  • A sleek and minimalist remote control is included, featuring a dedicated button for voice assistant control.

Picture Quality

The Samsung QN85D’s picture quality is a significant aspect that sets it apart from its competitors. The mini-LED panel, which features 120Hz refresh rate, provides a smooth and seamless viewing experience. However, it’s not just about the technology – the panel itself must also deliver on color accuracy, contrast ratio, and viewing angles.

In terms of color accuracy, the QN85D excels with its ability to produce vivid and lifelike colors. Samsung’s proprietary Quantum Processor 4K Lite ensures that even the most subtle nuances are preserved, resulting in a rich and immersive viewing experience. The TV also supports HDR10+, which further enhances the color gamut and brightness levels.

The contrast ratio is another area where the QN85D shines. With local dimming capabilities, the TV can adjust its backlight to suit different scenes and genres, ensuring that blacks are truly black and whites are genuinely white. This results in a more cinematic viewing experience with deeper shadows and brighter highlights.

Viewing angles are also excellent on the QN85D, thanks to its VA panel design. While some TVs suffer from significant color shifting when viewed off-axis, the QN85D maintains its color accuracy and contrast even when watched at an angle. This makes it an ideal choice for families or groups of people who may not be sitting directly in front of the TV.

Overall, the Samsung QN85D’s picture quality is solid, with excellent color accuracy, contrast ratio, and viewing angles. While some minor tweaking is necessary to get the best out of the panel, the results are well worth the effort – a truly cinematic viewing experience awaits those who invest in this mini-LED marvel.

Smart Features

The Samsung QN85D’s user interface is sleek and modern, with a minimalist design that puts the focus on the content being displayed. The TV features Samsung’s proprietary Tizen operating system, which provides seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The home screen is customizable, allowing users to arrange their favorite apps and channels in a way that suits their viewing preferences.

The TV also comes equipped with voice control capabilities, courtesy of its built-in Bixby virtual assistant. Users can issue voice commands to change channels, adjust the volume, or search for content using simple natural language. While the voice control system is not as sophisticated as some other TVs on the market, it gets the job done and adds a convenient layer of control to the viewing experience.

In terms of compatibility with other devices, the Samsung QN85D has no shortage of connectivity options. It features four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. Users can easily connect their smartphones or tablets using wireless technologies like Miracast or AirPlay, making it simple to share content from one device to another.

Overall, the Samsung QN85D’s smart features are a major selling point for this TV. Its user-friendly interface, voice control capabilities, and robust connectivity options make it easy to navigate and enjoy a wide range of content.

Sound Quality

The Samsung QN85D’s sound quality is unfortunately a letdown, despite its impressive picture performance. While it can get reasonably loud, the volume is not as robust as some other TVs in this class. The maximum output reaches around 90 decibels, which is adequate for a living room setup but may not be enough for larger spaces or those who prefer louder sound.

Clarity-wise, the QN85D’s audio is decent but lacks definition and detail. Dialogue sounds somewhat muffled, and music tracks lack the nuance and texture that they deserve. The TV’s built-in speakers struggle to reproduce low frequencies, resulting in a bass response that is shallow and lacking in punch.

One notable limitation of the QN85D’s sound system is its reliance on the TV’s internal amplifiers. This means that there are no separate audio channels for dedicated surround speakers or a subwoofer. While this is not uncommon for TVs, it does limit the QN85D’s flexibility and potential for future upgrades.

Pros: + Reasonable volume output + Decent clarity, if somewhat lacking in definition Cons: + Limited bass response + No separate audio channels or support for surround sound systems + Internal amplifiers may not be as effective as external components

Value for Money

The Samsung QN85D’s asking price is certainly competitive against other high-end TVs on the market, but does its feature set and performance justify the cost? Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help readers make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • The QN85D boasts a wide color gamut, with support for HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. This means users can enjoy vibrant colors and lifelike imagery, even in bright rooms.

  • Its Mini-LED panel offers better local dimming than traditional OLED panels, resulting in improved contrast and black levels.

  • The TV’s 120Hz refresh rate and support for variable refresh rate technology (VRR) make it well-suited for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. Cons:

  • While the QN85D’s picture quality is excellent, its peak brightness is lower than some competing OLED panels. This may be a concern for viewers who prefer extremely bright images.

  • The TV’s smart features, while robust, can feel cluttered and overwhelming at times. Samsung’s Tizen OS is intuitive, but it lacks the elegance of rival platforms like Android TV or webOS.

Ultimately, the QN85D’s value for money depends on individual priorities. If you’re looking for a TV with excellent picture quality, robust smart features, and decent sound quality (although not outstanding), this Samsung model may be worth considering. However, if you prioritize absolute peak brightness or sleeker smart interfaces, you might want to explore alternative options in the same price range.

In conclusion, the Samsung QN85D is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality mini-LED 4K TV. While it may not excel in every area, its impressive picture quality, sleek design, and innovative features make it a compelling option amidst competitive alternatives. With its competitive pricing and feature set, the QN85D is worth considering for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup.