Samsung S85D

S85D

Available screen sizes: 55”65”77”

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Panel type: WRGB OLED | Brand: SAMSUNG | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Tizen | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

7.8

Overall rating

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.

Advantages

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 recording feature from the built-in tuners
Average SDR brightness – 310 nits
No support for DTS audio tracks

Movies and series in UHD quality

7.7
Classic TV, YouTube

8.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

8.4
Gaming on console

9.4
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

5.0
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 S85D Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

10/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Review Samsung S85D Contrast and black detail

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

Result

∞: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

∞:1

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

Result

∞: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

∞:1

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

Result

∞:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

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.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.4/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 98.9%, Bt.2020: 74.6%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Samsung S85D Brightness measurement

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

Result

570 nit

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

Result

580 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

666 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

629 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

283 nit

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.

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

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

Now we will conduct a test of the Samsung S85D television in particularly difficult cinematic scenes, where the image reaches very high brightness levels. The television adapts excellently to the changing picture, which is particularly noticeable in dynamic shots. Thanks to its high adaptive capabilities, the scene from the film "Pan" looks absolutely amazing, with details remaining clear even at high brightness levels. Similarly, in scenes from "Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk," the play of shadows and lighting effects are rendered very faithfully. The only drawback that can be noticed is the characteristic red skin tones; however, the overall visual effect remains at a very high level. The experience from these scenes is striking, making the television ideal for screenings filled with special effects. The Samsung S85D features dynamic tone mapping, which usually helps in better adapting the image to changing lighting conditions. However, as with other Samsung models, we recommend setting this option to static. Turning on dynamic tone mapping causes excessive brightness of the screen, which can deviate from the reference image and negatively affect the quality of bright scene reproduction.

HDR luminance chart:

Tests conducted on the Samsung S85D show differences in image quality when using different HDR formats. In the case of static HDR, the image can appear overly bright, making it difficult to see details on bright screens. HDR10+ comes to the rescue, improving detail visibility – you can see blades of grass and a forest in the distance. Dynamic metadata allows for a clearer image even at lower brightness on the TV. While HDR10+ performs excellently, it's a shame that this model does not support Dolby Vision, which is more popular among content creators. Dolby Vision could offer a lot to a TV with such brightness.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.2/10

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.

Review Samsung S85D Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.4/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

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

8.5/10

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: 49%

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.

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

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

9.9/10

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.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 14 ms	2160p60: 14 ms
1080p120: 5 ms	2160p120: 5 ms
2160p60: 14 ms
2160p120: 5 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: Very Good

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 5ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: RWBG

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

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

7.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 28%

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

5/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

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.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung S85D: 313 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 1120

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

OLED Panel – OLED technology enables precise backlighting of each pixel, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colours, resulting in higher contrast than traditional LED TVs.
NQ4 Gen2 AI Processor – An advanced processor supported by artificial intelligence that optimises both image and sound, adapting them to the content being displayed to ensure the highest quality reception.
Perceptional Color Mapping – A technology providing excellent colour precision, resulting in more realistic and vivid images.
HDR10+, HLG, and OLED HDR+ – Support for advanced HDR formats, allowing for the display of content with a wide dynamic range and high image quality.
Dolby Atmos® – A surround sound system that, along with additional overhead speakers, provides multidimensional sound, allowing you to immerse yourself in the action.
OTS Lite (Object Tracking Sound Lite) – A sound technology that tracks objects, analysing the image and emitting sound from the appropriate directions, creating a more immersive experience.
Adaptive Sound Pro and Active Voice Amplifier Pro – Features that automatically adjust sound based on environmental conditions and the type of content being played, ensuring optimal audio experiences.
Tizen OS – An intuitive Smart TV operating system offering access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing content personalisation and easy navigation.
Support for Alexa and Google Assistant – The ability to control the TV with voice commands thanks to integration with popular voice assistants.
AMD FreeSync™ Premium – An image synchronisation technology that reduces tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.
Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle – A feature that allows comfortable viewing from various positions without loss of image quality.
Anti-Reflective Coating – A special screen coating that minimises light reflections, allowing comfortable viewing even in bright rooms without distracting glare.
KNOX Security – A platform that protects passwords and other sensitive data from malware and information leaks.

Samsung S85D – perfect OLED quality at a reasonable price

Samsung S85D is the latest OLED TV model from Samsung for 2024, combining top-quality image quality with functional solutions. At first glance, the Samsung S85D OLED impresses with deep blacks and excellent contrast, making watching movies and series a delightful experience. Our review of the Samsung QE65S85D confirms that the TV offers great viewing angles, making every spot in the lounge perfect for watching.

OLED technology in the Samsung S85D is impressive

In everyday use, the Samsung S85D OLED proves to be a model designed to meet the needs of the most demanding users. The Samsung S85D excels during evening viewings when the depth of black and contrast are most evident.

Smooth operation of Tizen system

The tested Samsung QE55S85D shows that the Tizen operating system is another strong point of this model. Smooth transitions between applications, such as Netflix or YouTube, and intuitive operation are features that distinguish the Samsung S85D from the competition. The solar remote, which doesn’t need charging, further simplifies daily use, and the Samsung S85D demonstrates its versatility in controlling other devices.

Comfort viewing at the highest level

During the evaluation of the Samsung QE65S85D, we emphasised that SDR brightness is sufficient in most conditions, but the true potential of the Samsung S85D OLED reveals itself in the evening. It is then that the image delights with detail, contrast, and natural colours. However, if you are looking for a TV that performs well in both everyday use and during evening screenings, the Samsung S85D will be the perfect choice.

Minor drawbacks can be managed

Despite the lack of recording functions, which we mention in our review of the Samsung S85D , and the absence of support for DTS sound, the TV gains recognition for its image quality and functional solutions. Samsung suggests connecting additional audio systems for a complete sound experience.

Why choose Samsung S85D?

In summary, the Samsung S85D OLED is a TV that combines top image quality with functional additions at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a TV that offers excellent picture, intuitive operation, and modern technologies, the Samsung S85D will be a great choice. It is an investment that will provide years of reliable performance and unforgettable experiences.

Samsung S85D

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 S85D – perfect OLED quality at a reasonable price

OLED technology in the Samsung S85D is impressive

Smooth operation of Tizen system

Comfort viewing at the highest level

Minor drawbacks can be managed

Why choose Samsung S85D?