When It Comes to Samsung’s 2023 TV Range, Bigger is Better
When you next come to upgrade your TV, it is time to think big.
Increasingly, we’re supersizing our viewing, as demand grows for TVs 75-inches and larger.
In 2019, 75-inch screens represented 22 percent of the Aussie TV market, says Samsung(1). In 2023, that segment hit 34 percent, with 85-inches showing the biggest boom(2).
Once you’ve clocked one of these glorious flatscreen monsters up close, it’s easy to see why…
The global shift to 4K resolution panels has quadrupled pixel density, which means you can sit close without enduring unwanted picture artefacts, or increase the size of the panel relative to your favourite seating position, to better appreciate picture quality.
If you’re a home cinema fan, or just addicted to sports and gaming, then a supersized screen makes every night seem special.
Worried that you might not have room for a big TV? It’s worth remembering that TV bezels have shrunk dramatically over the past few years. Upgraders shouldn’t be looking for a comparable screen size when updating, because it’s often possible to fit a larger screen size in the space occupied by an older, smaller panel.
Measure up before you shortlist your options, or you could be sorry.
Samsung’s research shows that almost half of TV owners who purchased a TV in 2022 (43 percent) wish they'd gotten a larger screen. Conversely, 95 percent of large screen owners (that’s to say 75-inch or above) are either happy with the size of their TV or wish that they'd gone even bigger(3).
Samsung has a wide range of screens up to 77-, 85- and 98-inches, embracing a variety of incredible display technologies, including OLED and Mini LED with Quantum Dot colour. For those who like to watch movies in a dark, theatre environment, there is QD-OLED, and when bright viewing is required, QLED and Neo QLED are the ideal solution.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend big, to go large.
The jumping on point for Samsung’s QLED TV range is the Q60C. All QLED screens feature a colour expanding quantum dot layer, to improve LED vibrancy.
The Q60C is a super slim, edge-lit model that’s available in a variety of screen sizes, including 75- and 85-inches, priced at $2,899 and $4,619 respectively (at time of publication).
Behind the glass is a Crystal UHD 4K processor, and a Lite version of Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound system. HDR10+(4) and HLG come as standard, but it’s worth noting that this TV is not 4K 120Hz capable, so high end gamers might want to consider the step-up Q70C series.
Also available in 75- and 85-inch screen sizes, the Q70C models are edge-lit like the Q60C but enjoy 4K 120Hz HDMI support, making them a great option for PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X/S owners - priced at $3,499 and $5,249 respectively (at the time of publication).
The Samsung QLED Q80C 4K TV brings premium Quantum-dot technology to a massive 98-inch form factor to deliver supersized home cinema experiences. Image simulated for illustrative purposes
Of course, if you really want to bring the cinema experience home, why stop at a paltry 85-inch screen?
Samsung’s Q80C is a jaw-dropping 98-incher that couples a full array backlight with a Neural Quantum Processor 4K, for HDR precision and smooth gradations. This mighty giant also offers 40W of Dolby Atmos cinema-style audio, 4K 120Hz gaming support and the Tizen smart platform with Samsung Gaming Hub. It retails for $649 (at the time of publication). Toppy? Yes, but remember a few years ago a panel this size would have set you back many multiples of that!
The 85-inch Neo QLED 8K Smart TV delivers Samsung’s flagship technology in big screen sizes. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.
Samsung Neo QLED
Which brings us neatly to Neo QLED. So what’s the difference between regular QLED and Neo QLED TVs? It’s all about the backlight, baby!
Neo QLED TVs utilise leading-edge mini LED technology. Imagine thousands of pin-prick LEDs, under individual direction…
Not only are Mini LED TVs typically brighter than LED backlit screens, but they offer excellent HDR with precise lighting control. That means minimal blooming (seen as a halo around bright objects on a dark background), and clearly defined image boundaries, for greater clarity.
This year’s Neo QLED screens also feature a raft of additional innovative technologies. A shape adaptive filter spreads light differently by zone, thereby emphasising bright highlights and dark shadows(5).
New algorithms have also improved black level performance, while contrast mapping has increased from 12-bit resolution to 14-bit, which effectively quadruples brightness levels.
What’s more, Samsung’s Neo QLED range includes both 4K and 8K models – the future starts here!
The Neo QLED range kicks off with the QN85C. Available in screen sizes up to 85-inches, this big-screen model runs a Neural Quantum Processor 4K, packed with ingenious AI technologies able to analyse and enhance images in real time.
Gamers will appreciate 4K 120Hz gaming on all four HDMI inputs, and there's also a six-channel 60W Dolby Atmos audio sound system with OTS audio. The 75-inch QN85C sells for $5,199, with the 85-inch model priced at $6,999 (at time of publication).
The Samsung QN90C offers impressive 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.
Offering slightly higher HDR brightness than the QN85C, is the QN90C. This series tops out at 85-inches (yours for $7,899 at time of publication). This model also has anti-glare screen technology(6), meaning it’s easier to place within a room, plus an eight speaker sound system.
If you want to further future-proof your viewing, buying an 8K resolution screen rather than 4K makes sense. Samsung offers its 8K QN900C flagship, which is available in 65-, 75- and 85-inch screen sizes, for $7,549, $9,879 and $12,699 respectively (at time of publication).
Buyers can expect incredible HDR brightness(7), a stunning Infinity screen design and an Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+) system with 12 built-in speakers.
The QN900C supports a 144Hz refresh rate on top of 4k 120Hz gaming support, via Samsung’s new, compact One Connect Box(8). Rather than connecting your gear to the back of the TV, you plug it directly into the One Connect Box, which enables the TV to be mounted on the wall with minimal gaps. This links to the panel using a single lead, which also delivers power, and can be incorporated within the set’s pedestal stand.
Admittedly, there’s not a lot of native 8K content around, but the TV’s 8K Neural Quantum processor, can use artificial intelligence to upscale 4K (and lesser) sources, helping to take full advantage of the higher pixel count that 8K affords(9).
The Samsung OLED S95C delivers incredible detail including bright whites and pure blacks. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.
Samsung OLED
If QLED doesn’t float your boat, then Samsung has OLED models which are perfect for home cinema use, thanks to their deep blacks and high dynamic range.
There are two OLED models in Samsung’s 2023 line-up, both of which use high brightness, wide colour QD-OLED panel technology – the flagship S95C, and its cheaper stablemate, the S90C. Both are both available in 77-inch screen sizes, and are priced at $9,299 and $7,899 respectively (at time of publication).
The top of the range S95C claims incredible HDR brightness and also comes with a One Connect Box, which can simplify wall mounting. The S95C also boasts a luxurious LaserSlim design, just 11.2mm deep, and has a 70W multichannel OTS+ sound system.
The S90C is considerably cheaper, and doesn’t offer the same level of brightness, but it’s a cracker of an OLED all the same, with excellent colour fidelity, strong blacks, the same well-specified Tizen smart platform and Object Tracking Sound Lite.
While OLED is a favourite screen technology for cinephiles, both these models have console appeal too, supporting 4K 120Hz and 144Hz variable refresh rate gameplay(10).
The Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K Smart TV pairs with the Q-Series Q990C soundbar (sold separately) to deliver a truly cinematic experience. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.
Big screens need big sound
And if you really want to bring cinema sound home, consider partnering your new screen with a Samsung soundbar. Samsung TVs that support Q-Symphony can be partnered with Q-Symphony-enabled soundbars, a combo that allows both the soundbar and TV speakers to work in unison.
This makes for a larger and immersive soundstage, which spreads sound further. And to help tune TVs and soundbars to your viewing environment, there’s also Sound Pro, an automatic room equalisation technology.
Whatever screen technology suits your needs, Samsung has it covered with affordable big screen QLED to sumptuous 8K Mini LED – all from the Global No.1 TV brand for 17 years running(11). Your next TV journey begins here…
For more information visit Samsung
Footnotes
[1] Samsung Quick Insights: Big Screen, conducted by Nature research, March 2022. Australians aged 18+. All involved in TV purchase decisions. All either own a TV or non-TV rejecters (would own at some point in next 5 years). N=1,003.
[2] Source: Samsung Internal market simulation insights: Average across Jan – April 2023.
[3] Samsung Quick Insights: Big Screen, conducted by Nature research, March 2022. Australians aged 18+. All involved in TV purchase decisions. All either own a TV or non-TV rejecters (would own at some point in next 5 years). N=1,003.
[4] The Range of Quantum HDR claims luminance based on internal testing standards and is subject to change according to viewing environment or specific conditions.
[5] Picture quality may vary depending on quality and resolution of source content and viewing options.
[6] Some glare may still be present depending on location of installation.
[7] The Range of Quantum HDR claims luminance based on internal testing standards and is subject to change according to viewing environment or specific conditions.
[8] Requires compatible gaming PC supporting 4K resolution, 144Hz motion rate and Variable Refresh Rate. Picture quality will vary depending on quality and resolution of source content. 120fps is dependent on external source supporting HDMI 2.1.
[9] Picture quality of upscaled content will vary depending on the quality and resolution of source content.
[10] Requires compatible gaming PC supporting 4K resolution, 144Hz motion rate and Variable Refresh Rate. Picture quality will vary depending on quality and resolution of source content. 120fps is dependent on external source supporting HDMI 2.1.
[11] Source – Omdia, Jan-2023. Based on overall TV market share by manufacturer on an annual unit & revenue basis.
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
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