Samsung QLED TV Review Samsung Q80A Series 65-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Samsung QN65Q80AAFXZA immediately impressed me with its sleek TITAN BLACK finish and minimalist design. Its thin bezels and sturdy build make it an attractive addition to any living room. While setting it up, I noticed the stand’s unique footprint of 15.4 x 9.2 x 11.4 inches, which offers solid support despite its relatively small size. It blends perfectly into modern interiors without drawing excessive attention to itself. The 64.5-inch display size feels like the perfect medium—large enough for immersive viewing without being overwhelming.

Picture Quality That Stands Out

The DIRECT FULL ARRAY backlighting truly shines here—literally and figuratively. Watching dark, dramatic scenes, I was amazed by the deep blacks and vibrant whites, which felt more detailed than my older TV. The Quantum HDR 12X feature elevates the cinematic experience by enhancing the color range and contrast. I tested it with a few HDR movies, and the clarity was jaw-dropping. Every detail felt alive, from the subtle textures on characters’ faces to the vibrant hues of sprawling landscapes. The Quantum Dot technology, boasting 100% Color Volume, ensures you get a billion shades of color that stay true, even during bright scenes. It’s not just a claim—it’s something you can see and feel.

Sound That Moves With You

I wasn’t expecting much from the TV’s built-in speakers, but the Object Tracking Sound (OTS) system changed my mind. The sound literally moves with the action on-screen, creating a surround-sound-like experience without needing a soundbar. Whether it was the roar of a car racing across the screen or the subtle rustle of leaves, the 2.2.2CH 60W speakers delivered clear, immersive audio. For a built-in speaker system, this is as good as it gets. Of course, audiophiles might still prefer an external sound system for that extra punch, but for most people, this will be more than sufficient.

Performance and Smart Features

The Quantum Processor 4K ensures that everything you watch is upscaled to 4K. I streamed some older 1080p content, and the AI-based upscaling worked wonders. The clarity and detail improved noticeably, giving a fresh look to older shows and movies. What really stood out to me, though, was how smoothly the TV handled fast-paced action sequences without any lag or motion blur.

Another standout feature is the built-in Alexa. I didn’t have to fumble for the remote anymore—I could simply ask Alexa to change channels, search for shows, or even control other smart devices in my home. It’s a game-changer for multitasking. The voice recognition was mostly accurate, though there were a couple of moments where it didn’t catch my command perfectly.

Highlights

• Stunning 4K resolution with Quantum HDR 12X, making visuals incredibly vivid.
• DIRECT FULL ARRAY backlighting ensures deeper blacks and brighter whites.
• Object Tracking Sound (OTS) delivers an immersive audio experience.
• Built-in Alexa adds convenience, turning the TV into a smart home hub.
• AI-powered Quantum Processor 4K enhances content quality seamlessly.

Areas for Improvement

• The stand design, while sturdy, may not suit all TV furniture setups due to its narrow footprint.
• Sound quality, though impressive for built-in speakers, might lack the depth that external soundbars or systems offer.
• The interface, while generally smooth, occasionally felt slightly slower when switching between apps.

Product Alternatives

Comparing this to the LG CX OLED and Sony X90J, the Samsung TV holds its ground in several areas yet has room for improvement. The LG CX OLED is unbeatable when it comes to true black levels and infinite contrast, thanks to its OLED technology. However, the Samsung QLED excels in brightness, making it better suited for well-lit rooms. On the other hand, the Sony X90J offers fantastic image processing, but its sound system doesn’t quite match up to Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound.

If you’re looking for a TV with a brighter display and a slightly more robust sound system, the Samsung model might be the better choice. However, OLED enthusiasts who prioritize deep blacks may lean towards LG instead.

Price Performance

The value of this TV lies in its cost-efficiency. While it’s not the cheapest option in its segment, the combination of features like Quantum HDR 12X, 100% Color Volume, and Object Tracking Sound make it a worthwhile investment. It’s perfect for those who want a balance of premium picture quality and smart functionality without venturing into the ultra-high-end price bracket. For what it offers, it feels like money well spent.

Additional information