Samsung Neo QLED TV 2023 REVIEW: Taking binge-watch sessions to the next level
While all your favorite movies and series can be streamed from your smartphone, nothing compares to the viewing experience you get from watching it on a nice TV.
There are different types of TVs like OLED, QLED, and mini-LED, which may be confusing as you get varying image quality from these screens. But let's focus on the QLED TVs, specifically Samsung's Neo QLED line, which PhilSTAR L!fe got to test.
ICYDK, QLED TV is similar to a regular LED but it has tiny nano particles called quantum dots—thus its name—to give pictures a color boost. This results in a brighter screen with vivid colors and crisp image quality. Is watching TV more enjoyable on this high-luminance screen?
Design and specs
Samsung's Neo QLED series comes in different sizes and in this review, we got to try the 65-inch 4K QN85C smart TV.
The TV evokes a sleek look with its slim bezels, which go to the edge of the screen. While a 65-inch screen is big, the QN85C is slim even from the side as its back is entirely flat. It also has a heavy hexagon stand that feels sturdy.
At the back are two USB-A ports, four HDMI inputs, an ethernet port, and an optical port. The TV also supports WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2, and Dolby Atmos.
The QN85C has a 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and it runs on a Neural Quantum Processor 4K.
User experience
Watching on the TV has been an enjoyable experience, not only because of its size but because of how bright the picture is thanks to HDR.
Among the shows I binge-watched on this screen is Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender and I loved how great the contrast is and how I could see all the details even in the background. This came in handy while playing games and it made me appreciate the gorgeous graphics more.
The QLED TV also outputs vivid colors and motion looks buttery smooth because of the 120Hz refresh rate. Its size helps make viewing it from any angle enjoyable still—no need for you and your buddies to gather in one spot to get the best view.
Upon opening the TV, you're greeted by a home screen displaying your apps and favorite content in one place. Apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video come pre-loaded on the TV but if you want to add others, you can easily download from the Play Store.
I use an Apple TV to stream content at home and I was impressed with how seamlessly the QN85C integrated the device. A shortcut for the Apple TV was even created in the menu.
The remote also made accessing streaming apps easier as it came with buttons for Netflix, Disney+, etc. Typing and scrolling, however, isn't as intuitive as I'd like, especially when typing titles of films and series when searching, but at least there's some support for dictation with a press of a button. Additionally, the remote can be charged two ways—with solar energy and USB-C. No batteries needed!
Like other smart TVs, the Samsung Neo QLED also has a built-in browser so you can read websites if you want. In addition, I was delightfully surprised when I learned I could also AirPlay from my laptop straight to the TV, without needing to connect through the Apple TV. This came in handy when I wanted to show pictures to my family.
Audio-wise, the TV churns out decent sound with its speaker. It sounds whole and gets bassy but mids tend to be lacking. Paired with a Soundbar, however, and you get a more cinematic experience.
Verdict
The Samsung Neo QLED TV QN85C is premium all throughout—from its look to its picture and even its price. According to the Samsung website, the 65-inch model we got to review is worth P129,999 but it's currently on sale for P94,499. It also comes in 55-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.
If you have the money to splurge for it to elevate your home theater, this smart TV is a good choice.