Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

Neo QLED / QN85D / QNX1D

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

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Panel type: LCD VA | Brand: SAMSUNG | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Tizen | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

7.4

Overall rating

Samsung QN85D is the entry-level model in the Neo QLED series for 2024, but it certainly doesn’t come across as a "budget" option. It’s a television that combines modern technology with convenient smart features. During tests, the Tizen system operated smoothly, and integration with the SmartThings ecosystem made it easy to connect other devices in the home. If we use Apple devices, AirPlay works flawlessly, which is convenient, especially for viewing photos or videos from our phone. As for its performance during daily use, it simply works very well. The television handles viewing even in bright rooms – its brightness is sufficient that there’s no need to cover the windows. Additionally, the stable central stand not only looks good but also adds confidence that the device is standing securely and will definitely fit on smaller furniture. There is a lack of recording function, but the solar remote control, which operates decoders (e.g. Canal+) and the PiP function are practical additions that anyone who enjoys spending time watching regular television will appreciate. As for the picture – because that’s the most important thing in a TV – the QN85D makes a great impression. The VA panel provides very good blacks – especially if we watch the television head-on. Thanks to miniLED backlighting, the television better controls the light, resulting in much more detail visible in dark scenes. When it comes to motion fluidity, the television performs excellently thanks to the 120 Hz refresh rate – both games and matches are enjoyable to watch. If we’re gaming, low input lag combined with an excellent motion smoother and game bar will be a significant advantage – gameplay will be a pleasure. Samsung QN85D is a versatile television that will perform well for both everyday television watching and more demanding sessions or gaming on a console. Although it lacks some features, such as recording, its picture quality, motion fluidity, and smart capabilities definitely make up for these shortcomings. If we’re looking for a modern yet affordable Mini LED model, QN85D will be a very good choice.

Advantages

Nice contrast - Miniled backlighting
Very good for gamers - 120Hz, 4xHDMI 2.1, low input lag
Tizen operating system with SmartThings and AirPlay support – wide integration and flexibility
Very high brightness 825 cd/m² – good performance in bright rooms
Pleasant sound with noticeable bass

Disadvantages

No recording feature

Limited support for multimedia formats, no DTS audio format

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.6
Classic TV, YouTube

6.8
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.7
Gaming on console

8.9
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

7.3
Utility functions

7.7
Apps

9.3
Sound quality

7.0

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

7.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 120 (12 x 10)

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

107,750:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

27,100:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

62,500:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

8,750:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

4,950:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

Samsung QN85D for 2024 is the first model from the NeoQLED series to use a VA panel, offering significantly better blacks than IPS/ADS technologies. The 55-inch version has 160 dimming zones, which may not be an impressive number compared to competing models from China. In larger sizes, the number of zones is greater, which naturally translates to better contrast. The contrast results are good, but certain limitations are evident.

With smaller elements on the screen, the limited number of zones causes issues – the TV either tries to maintain a high brightness level, resulting in a halo effect around objects, or it dims too much, as observed in the test scene from the Pioneer disc. Additionally, in the same scene where the TV showcased its highest capabilities (Oblivion) in contrast, it also has significant problems with light separation. You can see how the TV struggles to maintain the best black at the cost of detail in the whites. You can't have it all. Both of these effects impact the perception of contrast, making the performance weaker in more challenging conditions. However, compared to TVs without local dimming technology, the results are very positive and can be surprising.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.3/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 94.6%, Bt.2020: 77.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

999 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

335 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

562 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

182 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

855 nit

Samsung QN85D leaves us with mixed feelings regarding HDR quality. It can shine in synthetic luminance tests, reaching even 1000 nits – which makes scenes like those from 'The Meg' or the start of 'Life of Pi', where the screen is all bright, look truly impressive. However, in practice, the device has its limitations – especially when smaller bright elements appear on the screen. In such moments, brightness noticeably drops, and the HDR effect loses its punch. At brightness levels around 200-300 nits, the magic of HDR simply fades away, not delivering spectacular effects. However, it’s not that the television completely disappoints – coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 95% is quite decent, although it doesn’t stand out against the best competitors. Colours are well-rendered, but it's clear that HDR could make a bigger impression if brightness could be better controlled.

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

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

We took a look at how the television handles really demanding scenes. The luminance chart showed that the television has quite a bit of power in reserve, so expectations were high. The scene from the film 'Pan' was rendered quite well – the separation of sunlight was noticeable, but the whole scene seemed a bit less contrasty compared to the reference image. On the other hand, sequences from the film 'Billy Lynn' performed brilliantly. The main character was portrayed with detail, such as minor imperfections on the skin, and the fireworks in the background did not merge into a uniform blur – the variety of colours in the fireworks was distinctly visible. This is a result of the television's high adaptive capabilities. While it might seem that the dynamic tone mapping feature could further improve image quality, we recommend turning it off – the image becomes too boosted, which doesn't necessarily add to its naturalness.

HDR luminance chart:

In the case of the Samsung QN85D television, it's worth looking at the difference between static HDR and dynamic HDR10+, as the same scene can look completely different depending on the type of metadata used. Take the first scene from the movie – with static HDR, there's a lack of detail, and the image blends into a uniform, bright patch and remains quite average. Fine elements aren't fully visible, and the whole image seems devoid of depth. However, with HDR10+, the same scene takes on a completely different dimension. You can clearly see more details, such as blades of grass, light reflections, and the forest in the distance, making the image far more natural and engaging. Thanks to dynamic metadata, lighting effects become more realistic, and details do not disappear even in challenging lighting conditions. Unfortunately, the television does not support Dolby Vision, which is currently one of the most popular HDR formats, and its absence is noticeable. Dynamic metadata could significantly improve image quality in many scenes, especially where static HDR struggles to maintain the right amount of detail and depth.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.6/10

When it comes to tonal transition fluidity on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s generally very good. The tonal transitions are smooth, and there are no significant artifacts. However, more demanding users may notice some issues in certain scenes. For example, when blending darker colours, like in the scene with the red sea, subtle shortcomings can be observed. Similarly, in the case of lighter colours – the scene from the film 'The Martian' shows slight gradation issues, leading to subtle but noticeable transitions between shades. Despite these minor shortcomings, most users should be satisfied. The results are of a high standard and in most cases provide smooth, natural transitions between colours.

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

When checking the fluidity of tonal transitions in low-resolution materials on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s worth noting the noise reduction feature, which significantly improves problematic tonal transitions. On the other hand, this feature also has its downsides – it removes film grain, which is an important element of many productions, giving them authenticity, and it can also soften the image. This may appeal to those who prefer a smoother picture; however, for lovers of the authentic look of films, using this feature should be considered carefully.

Regarding image scaling, the television performs very well. The model's figure is presented correctly, without noticeable distortions, and the branches in the background do not have excessive artificial sharpness, which is often a problem when scaling lower resolution materials. The high capabilities of the image processor are evident here, which can effectively process lower quality materials, ensuring good final quality.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: Yes

BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 75%

Samsung QN85D TV is equipped with a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, which should satisfy both gamers and sports enthusiasts by offering a smooth and dynamic image. There are options to enhance fluidity, such as the blur and judder reduction feature, which allows precise motion fluidity adjustments on a 10-point scale. The blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, making action scenes more readable, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the “judder” effect. Ghosting is generally well controlled, though minor imperfections can be visible in more demanding scenes, especially when an object moves against a dark background. Additionally, the TV offers a BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature at a 60 Hz refresh rate, which can significantly improve motion fluidity experience, although at the cost of image flicker, which might be bothersome for some users.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.5/10

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

The Samsung QN85D television is an excellent choice for gamers, offering a wide range of features that enhance the gaming experience and make it even more exciting. With a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, the image is incredibly smooth, which is crucial during dynamic scenes in action games. The television also boasts low input lag, allowing for nearly instant reactions to player commands, which translates into better control over characters and events on the screen.

In addition, the QN85D Samsung supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) technologies, which optimise image smoothness and reduce delays by automatically adjusting the television to the needs of gamers. Moreover, the Xbox app allows for cloud gaming without the need for a console, which is a big plus for those who want to enjoy their favourite titles without additional hardware – a feature that sets Samsung televisions apart.

The Auto Motion Plus Game feature is another aspect worth highlighting. This motion smoothing technology creates the illusion of more frames per second – as a result, games at 30 fps appear smoother, resembling gameplay at 45 fps, while games at 60 Hz come closer to 90 Hz. Most importantly, this feature does not introduce significant lag, ensuring that gaming comfort is not compromised. This allows gamers to enjoy a smoother image without compromising responsiveness.

Input lag

9.9/10

Samsung QN85D impresses when it comes to input lag value. The television achieves outstanding results – below 15 ms for 60 Hz content and around 10 ms for 120 Hz content. This allows gamers to enjoy instantaneous responses to their actions, especially in dynamic games where every millisecond counts. Such low input lag makes gameplay more responsive and natural, enhancing the overall experience while playing.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 14 ms	2160p60: 14 ms
1080p120: 10 ms	2160p120: 10 ms
2160p60: 14 ms
2160p120: 10 ms

Compatibility with PC

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Average

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 10ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Samsung QN85D could be a good option as a computer monitor. Thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4 (available only in "Game" mode), text on the screen is clear and easy to read, which is crucial for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. A major advantage of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode – just 9 ms, which is really impressive and provides high fluidity and responsiveness, making it suitable for both work and gaming. However, there are some drawbacks. When displaying fonts on a dark background, an issue arises – when zooming in on an image, it can be seen that the horizontal lines are darker than the vertical ones. This is due to the fact that the sub-pixels in those areas do not light up fully, which may be a result of oversight on the manufacturer's part in optimising the algorithm responsible for displaying thin lines. As a result, the quality of text on a dark background is not ideal. Despite this, the television still remains a very good choice as a PC monitor, especially considering the low input lag and support for chroma 4:4:4.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 84%

The Samsung QN85D television, due to its VA panel, has quite poor viewing angles. When viewed from the side, colours lose their intensity, and the image becomes noticeably less contrasted. This is a typical drawback of VA panels, which offer significantly worse picture quality when viewed from wider angles. However, directly in front of the television, the situation looks much better – the VA panel then provides deep blacks and better contrast, which is a big plus if the television is mainly watched while sitting directly in front of the screen.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.3/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

Samsung QN85D TV performs very well in bright daylight conditions. Although the satin panel moderately suppresses reflections, the brightness level of 825 cd/m² is truly impressive. Even in direct sunlight, the television handles itself very well, providing a clear and sharp image, and the largest external light sources do not pose a significant problem. This makes this model a good option for rooms with a lot of natural light.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D: 825 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 1120

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: Mini-LED QLED

TV features

7.7/10

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

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D TV features

Samsung QN85D offers a wide range of smart features, thanks to the Tizen platform. Users have access to applications and features such as SmartThings, allowing management not only of Samsung devices but also equipment from other brands, creating a complete smart home ecosystem. The TV also supports AirPlay, enabling convenient content streaming from Apple devices directly to the screen, enhancing flexibility and comfort in everyday use.

Model QN85D also stands out in terms of unique features. The TV features Daily+, offering a variety of daily content such as fitness exercises or workspace. Additionally, the attractive appearance of the TV, while not as slim as last year's models, still presents well. The central stand provides solid support and adds character to the device, giving the TV a more elegant look.

In terms of user features, the TV is equipped with a remote that controls set-top boxes, such as Canal+, allowing easy control of most home equipment with a single device. The TV also has a PiP (Picture-in-Picture) function, enabling simultaneous viewing of two image sources. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks that can be noticed is the lack of a recording function, which may be a significant downside for some users.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.9/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

The built-in player in the Samsung QN85D should satisfy most users. It handles popular video and audio formats without much trouble, offering solid support for the most commonly used codecs. However, more demanding users may notice some shortcomings – it is not possible to play photos in the HEIC format, popular in Apple devices, as well as a few other, less common photo formats.

Apps

9.3/10

Sound

7/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

The sound on the Samsung QN85D television is pleasant, with a subtle sense of bass and clarity across the entire volume range. This is thanks to the built-in 2.2 40W speakers. Unfortunately, the lack of support for the DTS audio format may be problematic for users wanting to enjoy a full sound experience. In such cases, it will be necessary to use an external player to get support for this format.

Neo QLED 4K: Neo QLED technology with 4K resolution delivers exceptional picture quality with vibrant colours and deep contrast.
Quantum Mini LED: The use of Quantum Mini LEDs allows for precise control of backlighting, resulting in better brightness and contrast control.
AI Processor NQ4 Gen2: An advanced processor supported by artificial intelligence optimises both picture and sound, providing the highest quality visual and audio experiences.
AI 4K Upscaling: Technology that transforms lower resolution content to quality close to 4K, making even older materials look better on the big screen.
HDR10+ Adaptive: Support for the dynamic HDR10+ Adaptive format, which adjusts brightness and contrast based on room lighting conditions, ensuring optimal picture quality.
Dolby Atmos: The built-in surround sound system delivers immersive audio experiences, making sound surround the viewer from all sides.
Motion Xcelerator Turbo+: A feature that improves the fluidity of fast-moving scenes, ideal for watching sports or action films, eliminating blurriness and image stuttering.
Gaming Features: Support for refresh rates up to 120 Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technologies, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and low input lag ensure smooth and responsive gameplay.
Tizen Operating System: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and TVP Sport.
Neo Slim Design: An ultra-slim profile and screen with minimal bezels create a modern and elegant look, maximising the display area.

Samsung QN85D – modern picture quality and functionality

Samsung QN85D is a TV that perfectly combines advanced technologies with an affordable price. In evaluating the Samsung QN85D, its image capabilities and smart features particularly stood out. The model Samsung QE65QN85D confirmed that thanks to Mini LED backlighting and a VA panel, the TV offers very good blacks and rich details in dark scenes. It is an ideal choice for both everyday TV viewing and high-quality movie sessions.

Excellent picture quality and motion fluidity

During the QN85D test, the TV impressed with excellent detail reproduction in both dark and bright scenes, thanks to Mini LED technology. The 120 Hz refresh rate makes the picture smooth and dynamic, making watching sports or playing on a console a pure pleasure. Samsung QN85D also indicates low input lag and the gamebar feature, making this model an ideal choice for gamers.

Functionality and user comfort

During our QE65QN85D test, the convenient smart features were appreciated. The Tizen operating system runs smoothly, providing access to many applications and integration with the SmartThings ecosystem. The AirPlay feature works flawlessly, allowing for easy content transfer from Apple devices. An additional advantage highlighted in our Samsung QN85D review is the stable central stand, which allows for positioning the TV even on smaller furniture.

Versatility in everyday use

Samsung QN85D stood out for its brightness, enabling comfortable viewing even in sunny rooms. Despite lacking a recording function, the TV compensates with practical solutions such as a solar remote and PiP feature. Samsung QE65QN85D shows that this television meets user expectations by offering modern features at an attractive price.

Samsung QN85D – a thoughtful choice

If you are looking for a modern TV that offers excellent picture quality, motion fluidity, and practical smart features, Samsung QN85D proves to be an outstanding choice. The model Samsung QE65QN85D demonstrates that this TV meets the demands of both cinema enthusiasts and gamers. QN85D is a versatile model that combines advanced technologies with everyday user convenience.

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

Samsung QN85D – modern picture quality and functionality

Excellent picture quality and motion fluidity

Functionality and user comfort

Versatility in everyday use

Samsung QN85D – a thoughtful choice