Hisense U8NQ vs Samsung S85D

Direct compare

U8NQ

S85D

Available screen sizes: 65”75”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: VIDAA

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

7.7

7.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.3

    7.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.0

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.9

    8.4

  • Gaming on console

    8.5

    9.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.0

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    8.7

    5.3

  • Utility functions

    8.6

    7.7

  • Apps

    8.6

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    7.0

    7.0

Advantages

  • High contrast - miniLED backlighting

  • Great brightness - perfect for daytime use

  • Awesome for gamers - 144Hz, VRR, ALLM

  • Low input lag

  • Very good built-in speakers

  • Outstanding contrast - OLED

  • Tizen system – fast and intuitive

  • Solar remote – control of other devices (e.g. decoder)

  • Excellent viewing angles – OLED

  • High motion fluidity – 120 Hz panel

  • Lots of functions for gamers

  • Unusual design

  • Price

Disadvantages

No like
  • The VIDAA operating system has some shortcomings in music applications such as Spotify and Tidal

  • It has issues with font visibility on PC

  • No recording feature from the built-in tuners

  • Average SDR brightness – 310 nits

  • No support for DTS audio tracks

Our verdict

Hisense U8NQ is an example of a television that shows the brand is not intending to stay in the shadow of the competition. Thanks to MiniLED technology, it has achieved a really high level of contrast and deep blacks. This is particularly noticeable in films – dark scenes look vivid, and bright elements in HDR stand out with intensity. Interestingly, the television supports many formats, including the most popular one - Dolby Vision, which emphasizes details that could be missed on other screens. Of course, there are times when, in more demanding scenes, the details of smaller elements may be reproduced a bit weaker, but the overall image is very good. During everyday use, Hisense U8NQ is quite a comfortable and versatile television. The ability to record programs and support for AirPlay are definitely plus points. The remote control is classic, simple, but very intuitive to use. As for the VIDAA operating system – it runs quickly and without major delays; however, we won’t find all the apps here, such as Spotify or Tidal. If someone uses these platforms daily, the lack might be noticeable, though it won't be a key issue for many. When it comes to motion on the screen, the U8NQ holds up well. The 144 Hz panel and VRR and ALLM features ensure that the television performs smoothly in both dynamic films and during gaming. The gameplay was enjoyable, and the low input lag and stable image allowed for enjoyment of every detail – even in fast, intense games. Hisense U8NQ is a television that proves it can compete with Korean manufacturers shoulder to shoulder. It offers really solid picture quality and practical features - of course, despite a few minor drawbacks. In its price category, it performs excellently and can be a good choice for both movie enthusiasts and gamers.

Samsung S85D is Samsung's entry-level OLED model for 2024, but it certainly doesn't feel "budget". From the very first contact, the TV demonstrated that OLED technology makes a difference. Deep blacks, excellent contrast, and great viewing angles make watching your favourite films and series pure pleasure, no matter where you sit. It's a screen that can truly immerse you in the action. The Tizen operating system is another strong point of Samsung S85D. It's simple, intuitive, and runs smoothly. Switching between apps like Netflix and YouTube takes a moment, and the ability to support AirPlay and Bluetooth provides plenty of options for connecting other devices. The solar remote not only doesn't need charging, but we also had no trouble using it to control the set-top box or soundbar – these are small details that make daily usage easier. Like any TV, S85D has its minor shortcomings. The lack of a recording feature can be noticeable, especially if we like to go back to our favourite shows or films. The absence of support for DTS soundtracks may require purchasing and directly connecting a Blu-ray to an external audio system. If we want to fully utilise this codec, it's worth keeping this in mind. SDR brightness, while sufficient in most cases, may not always meet expectations in brighter rooms. It's a TV that shows its best side in the evening – that's when the OLED black and contrast really impress. Despite these few drawbacks, S85D left us with very positive impressions. It’s a model that proves excellent picture quality and great technological solutions don't have to come with a high price tag. If we're looking for a TV that performs well in everyday use as well as during evening screenings without ruining our budget, then Samsung S85D OLED is a great choice. It's a device that gives the feeling that we've made a good investment, offering really a lot for a reasonable amount.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

8.4/10

10/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1600 (40 x 40)

Contrast:

Review Hisense U8NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

244,000:1

Review Hisense U8NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

85,000:1

Review Hisense U8NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

40,500:1

Review Hisense U8NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

21,850:1

Review Hisense U8NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

15,350:1

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Hisense U8NQ is a television with a VA panel and advanced Mini LED backlighting. The 65-inch version has as many as 1600 local dimming zones, significantly improving image quality, especially in managing brightness and contrast. Larger TV sizes have more zones, naturally enhancing contrast. Hisense U8NQ achieves a contrast ratio of up to 250,000:1, allowing for deep blacks and clear details in both bright and dark parts of the image. Thanks to Mini LED technology, the television effectively controls brightness, making details in darker scenes more visible.

Sometimes, in more demanding shots where small, bright elements appear against a dark background, a halo effect may occur—a subtle glow around objects. Such an effect can be observed, for example, in the film "Sicario 2," where the glows around tiny lights can be somewhat bothersome. It may also happen that elements can appear subdued but at the cost of better blacks—visible effect on the test scene from the Pioneer Kuro disc. Despite these minor flaws, the use of Mini LED makes the Hisense U8NQ offer very good image quality. The television performs excellently when watching films in a dark room—the blacks are truly deep, and the contrast is clear, allowing one to fully enjoy details even in the darkest scenes.

Samsung S85D is a television that truly makes a difference when it comes to picture quality. The blacks are so deep it’s hard to believe, and the contrast makes even the most demanding scenes – like those from the film “Oblivion” – look incredibly lifelike. Thanks to OLED technology, dark areas of the screen are perfectly black, without any unwanted glow or blooming.

It’s worth highlighting that, similar to some variants of the S90D model, the Samsung S85D uses a WOLED panel supplied by LG. This panel is a key element that contributes to the amazing contrast quality, which is particularly noticeable in scenes with high dynamic lighting, making it the perfect choice for lovers of high production quality films and series.

HDR effect quality

6.4/10

5.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 82.0%
DCI P3: 98.9%, Bt.2020: 74.6%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Hisense U8NQ Brightness measurement

Result

1630 nit

Review Hisense U8NQ Brightness measurement

Result

359 nit

Review Hisense U8NQ Brightness measurement

Result

932 nit

Review Hisense U8NQ Brightness measurement

Result

249 nit

Review Hisense U8NQ Brightness measurement

Result

1331 nit

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

Result

570 nit

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

Result

580 nit

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

Result

666 nit

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

Result

629 nit

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

Result

283 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung S85D

Hisense U8NQ

Hisense U8NQ demonstrates its capabilities in HDR, achieving a luminance score on the chart exceeding 2000 nits. In the first, third, and fifth scenes where the screen is covered in light, the television showcased very high brightness, which is impressive and allows you to enjoy the full effect of HDR. Unfortunately, in the second and fourth scenes, such as those from the film "Sicario 2," the television encounters issues maintaining brightness, resulting in disappointing scores around 250 nits. Although the large number of dimming zones should theoretically help, the algorithm responsible for their control does not always work perfectly—bright, small elements like the moon or helicopter lights are too dimmed, which takes away from the typical HDR effect. Instead of blinding brilliance, we receive a more subdued light that does not convey the full potential of HDR. Nevertheless, the television deserves commendation for its very good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 97%. This makes colours vibrant, and most movie scenes look really good, significantly enhancing the viewing quality.

Brightness is a key parameter in televisions, and the S85D Samsung model offers a level comparable to other OLEDs from a few years ago. Though it doesn't impress in this regard, its huge advantage is a very competitive price. A peak brightness of 600 nits provides good image quality in HDR conditions, giving users a taste of cinema-like experiences in the comfort of their home. However, as with many budget OLED models, the biggest problem is very bright, full-screen scenes – in such moments, like the final shot from the movie "The Meg," the television can lose as much as half of its brightness, which is noticeable compared to more expensive OLED models. Despite this, the television offers an impressive DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 99%, allowing for the display of vibrant and accurate colours.

Factory color reproduction

5.1/10

6.6/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The Filmmaker mode on the Hisense U8NQ television can be described as the most accurate mode present in this model. Despite its accuracy, it has significant errors in reproducing the reference image, which we will describe now. In the case of HD content, the white balance shows a distinct dominance of red, causing the image to appear overly pinkish and warm. In the comparison photo below, you can see how this effect impacts the presentation of content. The brightness characteristic also leaves much to be desired—a too low gamma causes the screen to be excessively brightened, and blacks appear washed out, making the overall image seem cooler than it should be.

For 4K HDR content, the problem is the opposite—the white balance shows too much dominance of blue, making the image take on an artificial quality and seem unnaturally sharp. All these deviations for both HD and 4K HDR content can be confirmed using the Colour Checker test, which clearly shows how the colours deviate from the correct patterns.

The Filmmaker mode on Samsung's S85D does indeed offer the best factory settings, but it is not without flaws, particularly evident in colour reproduction. The white balance graph for HD and HDR content shows clear issues – both red and blue colours are significantly weakened, leading to a dominance of green. The result is an unnatural yellowish tint that can affect the perception of realistic scenes. The Color Checker test clearly shows that the colour samples deviate from the expected values – for HD materials, the colours tend to be overly saturated, with a marked shift towards green, which is also evident in the white balance graph. Conversely, for 4K HDR content, the colours appear too dull and lacking in depth, causing the image to lose its appeal and naturalness. This effect is particularly noticeable in delicate scenes where colour precision plays a key role, which can be disappointing for discerning viewers who expect faithful reproduction of details and colour intensity.

When it comes to brightness, the gamma graph for HD content looks quite good; however, there is a clear spike at the end, exceeding the value of 2.4. Although this is not a major issue in most scenes, in more demanding sequences it can affect the clarity of bright details. For 4K content, the EOTF curve, responsible for rendering brightness, proves to be problematic. The initial part of the graph shows a slight spike. This phenomenon can result in excessive boosting of brightness in the brightest areas of the image, leading to a loss of detail in very bright scenes.

Although Samsung S85D offers quite decent factory settings, especially in Filmmaker mode, it is worth considering manual adjustment of settings to improve some imperfections, particularly in colour reproduction.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.4/10

8.7/10

The white balance for both 4K and HD content has been heavily adjusted, significantly improving the image quality. While some errors are still visible, they are not large enough to greatly affect the perception of the image. A notable improvement can also be seen in the gamma brightness characteristic — the image is no longer excessively bright, resulting in more natural blacks and better contrast.

However, like with many other Hisense models, there are noticeable issues with the EOTF curve, which is responsible for managing brightness in high-quality materials. Although it may seem correct at first glance, when the filter is applied to the "EOTF in films" chart, it is evident that the TV is somewhat "playing around" with 4K content. It is clear that the EOTF curve is significantly below the reference level, leading to an overall dimming of the image compared to the reference. We noticed this effect in previously tested scenes from the films "Pan" and "Billy Lynn." While it is not a serious issue, it is worth paying attention to. It could be significant for those seeking a display with the most faithful image reproduction. Despite this error, the image will be more enjoyable for most. Colours are represented better, and the overall image quality is significantly improved.

After calibration, the Filmmaker mode on Samsung S85D really impressed. The white balance, regardless of the type of content, has improved significantly, resulting in more natural colours. The Color Checker test shows that colour reproduction errors are now minimal and rarely exceed acceptable values, which indicates precise colour reproduction. The factory colour representation left a lot to be desired, but now the situation has significantly improved – colours are natural, accurate, and look as if they have been precisely rendered according to the creators' intentions. This is a huge step forward compared to earlier generations, where colours were often distorted or too intense.

The brightness characteristics have also benefited from calibration – it's now more vivid and precise. The gamma, although reasonably good before, has become even more stable, providing a deeper, more natural image. The EOTF curve has been flattened, allowing details in dark areas to be more visible, and the contrast is better balanced. Thanks to all these improvements, the television delivers an image close to reference quality, which definitely enhances the enjoyment of watching films and HDR content.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.1/10

7.2/10

Hisense U8NQ offers excellent smoothness in tonal transitions. The image is very well balanced, and the transitions between different shades of colour are almost flawless. For more discerning viewers, slight banding can be observed in darker colours; however, these imperfections are minimal and do not significantly affect the overall picture quality. The tonal smoothness is at a very high level, making viewing content on this television exceptionally enjoyable, with no noticeable issues in gradients and colour transitions.

Samsung OLED S85D handles tonal transitions very well. There are no major issues, and transitions between different colour levels are smooth and natural. The only minor drawback is slight problems around the reds, where in some scenes, you can notice a bit of interference. Nevertheless, the overall effect is very positive – the television performs excellently with most material.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

7.4/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
No
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In the context of smoothing tonal transitions, the Hisense U8NQ unfortunately struggles. The "Smooth and Gradient Picture" feature does not yield noticeable effects — there is no improvement in any setting, which is disappointing, especially in demanding scenes with a lot of subtle tonal transitions.

As for the digital processing, or so-called upscaling, the scene with the model is rendered correctly — her outline is clear, without significant cropping. Similarly, thin lines, like tree branches, have slight jaggedness, but the overall image looks plastically and softly, providing a good impression. Unfortunately, there is also an issue with so-called overscan, which results in cropping of the image at the edges. This can be annoying when watching content such as news, where the bottom information bars may be partially invisible.

Samsung S85D does a great job of scaling images and smoothing tonal transitions. Like other Samsung models, the television offers three noise reduction modes: off, standard, and high. While it improves gradation well, it unfortunately also removes film grain, which many viewers desire to give the image a cinematic character. This grain often adds authenticity and a certain rawness to films that is lost once it is smoothed out. Removing the grain can make the image appear too sterile and smooth, which takes away some of the charm of the original film material. When it comes to image scaling, the Samsung S85D excels at displaying lower resolution content – the model in the photo and the branches in the background were shown correctly, without major issues with jagged edges. The only noticeable downside is the presence of overscan, which can sometimes cut off parts of the image, which may not appeal to everyone.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.4/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
52%
49%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Hisense U8NQ is equipped with a 144 Hz panel, making it an excellent choice for both sports and gaming. The TV will also satisfy movie fans, as it features a built-in "Ultra Motion Smoothness" enhancer that allows users to control the smoothness of the image — you can choose whether you prefer a more "framey" picture or a smoother, cinematic effect. This provides great flexibility in adjusting the motion quality to individual viewer preferences.

As befits an OLED television, Samsung S85D offers excellent motion fluidity. Equipped with a 120 Hz panel and a fast response time, the TV delivers very smooth playback of dynamic scenes without visible blurring. For movie enthusiasts, there is a feature called "Picture Clarity Settings," which allows for adjusting the image smoothness to individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction enhances the sharpness of fast-moving objects, while motion smoothing eliminates the "judder" effect for a smoother motion. This way, every user can set the appropriate level of clarity that best suits their taste, from a more cinematic effect to clearer, smoother movements.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8.5/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Hisense U8NQ offers everything a player might need for comfortable gameplay. The television supports a refresh rate of 144 Hz, ensuring an incredibly smooth image, especially in dynamic action games. The VRR (variable refresh rate) feature allows the image to adjust to variable frames per second, eliminating stuttering and tearing, translating to exceptionally smooth gaming. Additionally, the television is equipped with the ALLM (auto low latency mode) feature, which automatically switches the TV to game mode, minimising input lag. This means players can enjoy responsive gameplay without needing to manually adjust settings.

Hisense U8NQ also supports Dolby Vision, which is important for gamers who value high image quality, high contrast, and deep colours in games that support this format. The television also features a "Game Bar" — a function that allows quick access to essential settings during gameplay, significantly enhancing user convenience.

However, it is worth noting that despite its rich set of features, the Hisense U8NQ does not offer support for the HGiG standard, which is a popular HDR format in gaming. This may be disappointing for players expecting optimal detail reproduction in HDR scenes. Nonetheless, the other features of the television make the Hisense U8NQ a solid choice for console gaming enthusiasts, offering fluidity, high contrast, and user convenience.

Samsung S85D OLED is an excellent choice for gamers thanks to its many modern features that make gameplay easier and more enjoyable. The TV has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect the latest consoles without worrying about limitations in image quality or frame rates. This means support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, which is ideal for modern titles. Additionally, the Samsung S85D has an ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature that automatically activates low latency mode when it detects a gaming device. This means you don’t have to manually switch settings – the TV takes care of ensuring fast response times, which is crucial in games where every second counts.

The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) feature and G-Sync support are additional elements that make gameplay smoother. VRR adjusts the refresh rate to match the frame rate generated by the console or computer, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This is especially useful in fast-paced games where the frame rate can fluctuate. Auto Motion Plus Game is a feature that Samsung introduced with gamers in mind, and it’s worth appreciating. It makes the picture in games smoother – 30 frames per second looks like 45, and 60 Hz gains in smoothness, giving an effect close to 90 Hz. At the same time, there’s no significant increase in input lag, which remains below 25 ms, making this feature stand out compared to others available on the market. Gamers can enjoy smoother visuals without worrying about reduced responsiveness.

Samsung has also thought of something extra – the TV has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, which means you can game in the cloud without needing a console. It’s a great solution for those who want to enjoy gaming without investing in additional hardware. All you need is an internet connection, and you have a massive library of games at your fingertips. This makes Samsung S85D an excellent choice for both casual and more advanced gamers.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
18 ms
14 ms
1080p120
10 ms
5 ms
2160p60
18 ms
14 ms
2160p120
10 ms
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

Input lag in Hisense U8NQ is at a remarkable level, maxing out at 18 ms, which is an excellent result even in Dolby Vision mode (16ms). This achievement is worth highlighting, as Dolby Vision mode often increases latency in other TV models, but here it has been successfully avoided. Thanks to the low input lag, gameplay is smooth and responsive, which both casual gamers and more advanced users will appreciate.

Samsung S85D achieves excellent results in terms of input lag, regardless of refresh rate or resolution. This means that the screen responses are nearly instantaneous, which is particularly important in fast-paced, dynamic games. Gamers can rely on the TV's lightning-fast response to controller movements, providing an edge in competition and greater satisfaction in gameplay. Low input lag is a definite advantage of this model, making the Samsung S85D OLED an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Compatibility with PC

8/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Poor
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
10ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Hisense U8NQ offers full support for chroma 4:4:4, which ensures good readability of fonts, especially when working with text. Overall, the image quality and visibility of characters are at a satisfactory level. However, it is worth noting an issue related to the display of fonts on a dark background (similar to the U7N model) — in this situation, the letters become practically invisible, and only the vertical subpixels are visible.

Samsung S85D performs very well as a computer monitor. With clear visibility of text, regardless of the background type, using it is convenient and comfortable. Chroma 4:4:4 support ensures precise reproduction of text and graphics, which is essential for office work, browsing the internet, or editing documents. Samsung S85D is a versatile television that easily serves as a monitor for everyday use. We deducted 0.4 points for the WRGB layout, as is common with every television with such a sub-pixel arrangement.

Viewing angles

3.1/10

7.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
71%
28%

The viewing angles on the Hisense U8NQ are typical for a VA panel. Unfortunately, they leave a lot to be desired. The television lacks a wide viewing angle coating, resulting in a significant drop in picture quality when viewed from an angle. Colours become washed out, and brightness noticeably decreases. It is best suited for viewing directly from the front. This is a limitation that needs to be considered, especially if we plan to watch television in a larger group where viewers may be seated at different angles.

The viewing angles on the Samsung S85D are excellent, as expected from OLED. The picture remains crisp and doesn't lose quality even when watched at a wide angle, making the TV perfect for larger rooms and shared viewing with family or friends. The only TVs that offer better viewing angles are those with QD-OLED organic matrices or MLA OLED.

TV efficiency during daytime

8.7/10

5.3/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung S85D: 313 cd/m2

Hisense U8NQ: 1236 cd/m2

Hisense U8NQ is equipped with a panel featuring a glossy finish, which moderately reduces reflections. Despite this, a brightness level of 1200 cd/m² is impressive and ensures that the television performs very well even in bright rooms. Thanks to such high brightness, watching content during the day is not a problem, and the picture remains clear and readable even with a large amount of external light.

Samsung S85D performs quite well with reflections thanks to the matte screen's satin finish, which effectively dampens them. Unfortunately, the SDR brightness of 310 nits is rather average, meaning the TV's effectiveness may be limited in very bright rooms. It’s not an impressive result, so this model will definitely perform better during evening viewing when such brightness will be sufficient. During the day, to achieve better comfort, it may be necessary to draw the blinds or curtains.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
v0000.07.60B.O0205
1120
Image processor

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Hisense U8NQ

Samsung S85D

TV features

8.6/10

7.7/10

  • Operating system
    VIDAA
    Tizen
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Hisense U8NQ offers many practical features. The television supports the ability to record programs, allowing for saving favourite content and playing it back at a convenient time. Additionally, support for AirPlay is available, enabling easy streaming of multimedia from Apple devices directly to the TV screen. The Bluetooth function allows for connecting various peripheral devices, such as headphones or speakers, which further enhances user comfort. Hisense U8NQ is also equipped with a simple yet functional voice control system that makes navigating the menu and selecting content easier.

The VIDAA operating system runs quite smoothly. There are plenty of applications available, but unfortunately, it lacks music apps like Spotify or Tidal. It's worth keeping this in mind to avoid being forced to purchase additional devices.

In terms of design, Hisense U8NQ presents a modern look with narrow bezels and an elegant stand. Although the device is not one of the slimmest on the market, its appearance is still stylish and will easily fit into most interiors. While the thickness of the casing may be slightly greater compared to the top models of competitors, the aesthetic finishing and solid construction make the television look good in the living room.

Samsung S85D runs on the Tizen operating system, which is intuitive and provides easy access to many apps and streaming services. The system offers smooth and quick navigation, significantly improving the comfort of using the television. The TV is equipped with a solar-powered remote control, which allows for the control of other devices, such as set-top boxes or home theatre systems, enabling the operation of all home equipment with one device. In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S85D supports AirPlay, making it easier to stream content from Apple devices, and it has a built-in Bluetooth module that enables the connection of peripheral devices, such as keyboards, headphones or speakers.

When it comes to everyday use of the television for regular TV shows, the S85D model offers several useful features but also has some drawbacks. One of its advantages is the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) function, which allows for simultaneous viewing of two contents – for example, a match in a small window while the rest of the screen shows a favourite series. This is a convenient solution for those who want to stay up-to-date with various programs. However, it is disappointing that there is no recording capability from the built-in tuners. This limitation makes it impossible to save favourite programs or movies for later, which can be a problem for those who want to flexibly adjust their TV watching to their schedule - however, we believe that the absence of this feature is becoming less of a burden, as users now have wide access to various content online, making the need for recording less significant.

The design of the OLED Samsung S85D stands out with its distinctive, rounded shape at the back, setting it apart from most OLED televisions that typically have a flat back. This unusual design gives it a unique look and attracts attention, making the television appear modern and elegant. The package includes a remote control, a CI+ module, a stand in the form of two feet, and a power cable, allowing for a quick and convenient start to using the television without the need to purchase additional accessories.

Playing files from USB

8/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
No
Yes
6 Mpix
No
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

With the Hisense U8NQ, the built-in media player handles most popular video and audio formats, making it a very versatile solution for users. However, there are some shortcomings in less common image formats, such as Apple's HEIC. For typical formats like JPEG or MP3/4, the television performs flawlessly, easily meeting the multimedia needs of most users.

Playing multimedia files on Samsung S85D will satisfy most users. The television offers wide compatibility with popular video, audio, and image file formats, providing smooth playback from both USB media and local networks. The built-in media player operates efficiently and is easy to use, although there may be issues with some less common formats.

Apps

8.6/10

9.3/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

7/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7/10
    7/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    Yes
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

Hisense U8NQ performs quite well. Both low and high tones can be heard, which makes the sound full and balanced. Even at higher volume levels, the television handles without major distortions, which is a big plus. The sound is strong enough to fill the room, which will satisfy most users who do not have an external audio system. Although the built-in speakers do not match the sound quality of home theatre systems, they are more than adequate for everyday TV viewing or movies.

Samsung S85D OLED offers quite decent sound, even though the built-in speaker system is not particularly impressive (2x10W). The television supports Dolby Atmos technology, which provides spatial sound, however, it does not support the DTS format. The sound is clear and sufficient for everyday use, although for more demanding users it may be advisable to connect an external audio system for a fuller and more dynamic sound.