In today’s world, where home entertainment is more central than ever, the television remains a focal point in many households. Among the myriad of brands vying for attention, Samsung stands out, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with television technology. From breathtaking display quality to intuitive smart features, Samsung TVs offer a holistic and immersive viewing experience.
In this article, 123 Review dives deep into the key features of Samsung TVs, the most popular models available in the United States, and essential buying tips to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features of Samsung TVs
Display Technology: QLED vs. OLED
When it comes to display technology, Samsung has made significant strides with its QLED (Quantum Dot LED) technology, which is a cornerstone of its television lineup. QLED TVs utilize quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles, to enhance the color and brightness of the display. This technology allows Samsung TVs to deliver vibrant colors and impressive brightness levels that stand out even in well-lit rooms. The ability to reach higher brightness levels is a key advantage of QLED over other technologies, including OLED.
On the other hand, OLED (Organic LED) technology, which is more commonly found in competitor brands, offers unique benefits, particularly in achieving perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. OLED panels individually light up each pixel, allowing for true black levels since the pixels can turn off completely. However, OLEDs generally have lower peak brightness compared to QLEDs, which can make them less ideal for bright environments.
Samsung’s QLED technology also boasts better longevity, with less risk of burn-in, a common issue with OLED displays where static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen over time. For many consumers, the choice between QLED and OLED comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize color vibrancy, brightness, and long-term durability, Samsung’s QLED is an excellent choice. However, if you’re drawn to deep blacks and high contrast, OLED might be more appealing, though you won’t find it in Samsung’s lineup.
Smart TV Capabilities and User Interface
In the era of streaming, smart TV capabilities are more important than ever, and Samsung’s Tizen operating system is at the forefront of this technology. Tizen is known for its fast, responsive interface, which allows users to effortlessly navigate through apps, live TV, and connected devices. The Smart Hub, a feature of the Tizen OS, organizes content intuitively, ensuring that your favorite shows, movies, and apps are just a click away.
Samsung’s Smart TVs are also integrated with Bixby, the company’s voice assistant, which lets you control your TV with simple voice commands. Whether you want to search for a specific movie, adjust the volume, or even control compatible smart home devices, Bixby is designed to make your viewing experience more convenient. Additionally, Samsung Smart TVs are compatible with other voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, offering flexibility for users already invested in those ecosystems.
Another significant aspect of Samsung’s Smart TV capabilities is the extensive app support. From popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ to more niche apps, Samsung ensures that you have access to a wide range of content. The TV also supports screen mirroring and multi-view features, allowing you to watch multiple streams or mirror your smartphone screen simultaneously, catering to the needs of modern viewers who often multitask while watching TV.
Sound Quality: Integrated vs. Soundbar Options
Sound quality is a crucial part of the viewing experience, and while Samsung TVs come equipped with decent integrated speakers, there’s room for enhancement, especially for audiophiles. Samsung’s integrated speakers are designed to deliver clear and balanced sound, but they may fall short for those who seek a more immersive audio experience. This is where Samsung’s soundbar options come into play.
Samsung offers a range of soundbars that pair seamlessly with their TVs, enhancing the audio quality to match the high-definition visuals. The Q-Series soundbars, for instance, are designed to work in harmony with Samsung’s QLED TVs. These soundbars support advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS, which create a three-dimensional soundstage, enveloping the viewer in cinematic sound. The Q-Symphony feature is another innovation that synchronizes the soundbar with the TV’s speakers, providing a fuller and more immersive sound experience by utilizing both sets of speakers simultaneously.
For users who prefer a simpler setup or have limited space, Samsung’s integrated speakers may suffice, especially with the addition of AI-enhanced sound features that adapt the audio output based on the type of content being played. However, for a truly cinematic experience, investing in a Samsung soundbar or a complete home theater system is highly recommended.
Gaming Features: Refresh Rate and Input Lag
Samsung TVs are not just about watching movies and shows; they are also a top choice for gamers. The gaming features packed into Samsung’s premium models make them ideal for those who want to get the most out of their gaming consoles. One of the key features is the high refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth gameplay. While most standard TVs operate at 60Hz, Samsung’s high-end models, like the QN90A, support refresh rates up to 120Hz. This higher refresh rate ensures that fast-moving images, such as those in action-packed games, remain clear and fluid, reducing motion blur and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Another important aspect for gamers is input lag, the delay between pressing a button on the controller and seeing the action on the screen. Samsung TVs are known for their low input lag, especially when Game Mode is enabled. This feature reduces the processing time, allowing for quicker response times, which is essential for competitive gaming. Furthermore, Samsung’s support for HDMI 2.1 enables features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which further optimize the gaming experience by matching the TV’s refresh rate to the frame rate of the game, minimizing screen tearing and providing a smoother gameplay experience.
The addition of FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility in some Samsung models ensures that the TV can synchronize with the output of gaming consoles or PCs, further reducing screen tearing and stuttering. These features make Samsung TVs a favorite among gamers who demand performance and responsiveness.
Popular Samsung TV Models in the United States
Samsung QN90A: Best High-End Model
The Samsung QN90A is widely regarded as one of the best high-end TVs available today, and for good reason. Combining Samsung’s QLED technology with Mini LED backlighting, the QN90A delivers stunning picture quality with exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The Mini LEDs allow for finer control over the backlighting, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter highlights, which is particularly noticeable when watching HDR content.
The QN90A also excels in terms of gaming, with support for 4K at 120Hz, low input lag, and advanced gaming features like FreeSync Premium Pro. It’s equipped with Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, ensuring that everything you watch looks its best. The processor also optimizes the picture based on the ambient light in the room, providing an optimal viewing experience regardless of the lighting conditions.
In addition to its picture quality and gaming features, the QN90A boasts an impressive design with a slim profile and virtually no bezels, making it a sleek addition to any living room. The TV also comes with Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology, which creates a more immersive sound experience by tracking the movement of objects on the screen and adjusting the sound accordingly.
Samsung Frame TV: Art Mode and Aesthetics
The Samsung Frame TV is a unique offering that combines the functionality of a television with the aesthetics of a piece of art. When turned off, the Frame TV can display curated artworks, personal photos, or a selection of classic art, turning your TV into a personalized art gallery. This feature, known as Art Mode, makes the Frame TV an ideal choice for those who want their television to blend seamlessly into their home decor.
The Frame TV’s slim profile and customizable bezels further enhance its appeal, allowing you to match the TV’s frame with the decor of your room. The One Connect Box, which houses all the connections, ensures that your setup remains clutter-free, with just a single, almost invisible cable connecting the TV to the box. This minimalist design approach is perfect for modern living spaces where aesthetics are just as important as functionality.
Despite its focus on design, the Frame TV doesn’t compromise on picture quality. It features a QLED display, ensuring that the art you display looks as vibrant and lifelike as the shows and movies you watch. The Frame TV also comes with all the smart features you’d expect from a Samsung TV, including the Tizen operating system, voice assistant integration, and a wide range of apps.
Samsung TU7000: Affordable Entry-Level Option
For those looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, the Samsung TU7000 is an excellent choice. As an entry-level 4K TV, the TU7000 offers solid performance for its price point, making it a popular choice among casual viewers and those looking to upgrade from an older HD TV.
The TU7000 features Samsung’s PurColor technology, which enhances the color range and provides a more natural viewing experience. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end models, the TU7000 still delivers a sharp 4K picture with good contrast and decent brightness. It’s a great option for watching movies, streaming shows, and even casual gaming.
In terms of smart features, the TU7000 runs on the Tizen operating system, providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services. It also includes Samsung’s Universal Guide, which helps you find content across various apps and services, making it easier to navigate and discover new shows and movies.
While the TU7000 lacks some of the advanced gaming features found in more expensive models, it still offers a decent gaming experience with a 60Hz refresh rate and relatively low input lag. It’s a solid choice for those who want a reliable 4K TV without breaking the bank.
Buying Tips: What to Consider When Purchasing a Samsung TV
Screen Size and Room Size
When choosing a Samsung TV, one of the first factors to consider is the screen size. The size of the TV should correspond to the size of the room and the distance from which you’ll be viewing it. Samsung offers a wide range of screen sizes, from compact 32-inch models to massive 85-inch screens. For a typical living room, a 55-inch to 65-inch TV is a popular choice, offering a good balance between size and viewing distance.
As a general rule, the larger the screen, the more immersive the viewing experience, but it’s important to ensure that the TV fits comfortably in your space. If you’re sitting closer to the screen, a smaller size might be more appropriate to avoid pixelation and ensure a clear picture. Conversely, if you’re sitting farther away, a larger screen can provide a more cinematic experience.
Resolution: 4K vs. 8K
Resolution is another key consideration when buying a Samsung TV. While 4K has become the standard for most new TVs, offering four times the resolution of Full HD, Samsung also offers 8K models for those looking to future-proof their purchase. 8K TVs offer an even higher resolution, with four times as many pixels as 4K, resulting in an incredibly sharp and detailed picture.
However, 8K content is still relatively scarce, so the benefits of 8K are most noticeable in upscaling lower-resolution content or for those who want the latest technology. For most consumers, a high-quality 4K TV like the Samsung QN90A or Frame TV will provide an excellent viewing experience with plenty of content available in native 4K resolution.
Connectivity and Ports
When purchasing a Samsung TV, it’s important to consider the connectivity options and ports available. Ensure that the TV has enough HDMI ports to connect all your devices, such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices. HDMI 2.1 is particularly important for gamers, as it supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, as well as features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
In addition to HDMI ports, look for other connectivity options such as USB ports, Ethernet, and optical audio outputs, depending on your setup. Wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also essential for streaming content and connecting wireless peripherals.
Price vs. Features
Finally, it’s important to balance the features you want with your budget. Samsung offers a wide range of TVs at various price points, so it’s important to determine which features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend. High-end models like the Samsung QN90A offer the best picture quality and advanced features, but they come at a premium price. Mid-range models like the Samsung Frame TV offer a good balance of performance and aesthetics, while entry-level models like the TU7000 provide solid performance at a more affordable price.
Consider how you’ll be using the TV, whether for watching movies, gaming, or as part of a home theater setup, and choose a model that best fits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Samsung TVs are a top choice for consumers looking for the ultimate viewing experience. With a wide range of models, from high-end options like the QN90A to the aesthetically pleasing Frame TV and budget-friendly TU7000, Samsung offers something for everyone. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology, smart features, and superior picture quality makes Samsung TVs a standout option in the crowded television market.
Whether you’re a cinephile, a gamer, or someone who simply enjoys watching TV with family and friends, Samsung has a TV that will meet your needs. By considering factors like display technology, smart features, sound quality, gaming performance, and budget, you can find the perfect Samsung TV to elevate your home entertainment experience.
