- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- 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
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
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Panel technology: WRGB OLED Brand: SAMSUNG Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Tizen Model year: 2024
Our verdict
7.8
Overall rating
The S85D is the 2024 entry-level OLED model from Samsung, which offers a lot for its reasonable price tag.
Thanks to OLED technology, you can enjoy excellent contrast, deep blacks, and impeccable viewing angles, ensuring a comfortable watch from anywhere in the room.
The Tizen operating system provides easy access to applications and streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. At the same time, the solar remote permits control of other devices in the home - such as a satellite decoder, console, and more.
Its AirPlay feature allows for connection to iPhones, iPads and Macs and Bluetooth support enables wireless pairing with headphones, soundbars and gaming controllers.
The design of the Samsung S85D stands out among its peers due to its unusual, rounded shape at the back, giving the TV an elegant appearance. High compatibility with other devices allows for easy transition into a home entertainment system without major issues.
However, no device is without flaws. The lack of recording functionality and DTS audio support means that users who prefer this codec will need an external audio system, and the average SDR brightness may affect viewing in very bright rooms.
Despite these slight imperfections, the Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a modern, versatile TV with outstanding picture quality. It offers many features that significantly enhance the user experience, leaving a positive impression. A lot for a little – the Samsung S85D proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy premium viewing from your TV.
Advantages
Excellent Contrast: Thanks to OLED technology, you get deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Fast and Intuitive: The Tizen operating system provides a smooth and user-friendly experience.
Solar Remote: Conveniently controls other devices like decoders and gaming consoles.
Wide Viewing Angles: OLED ensures a great view from any seat in the room.
Smooth Motion: Equipped with a 120 Hz panel for fluid and clear motion, perfect for action scenes.
Ideal for Gamers: Packed with features designed to enhance the gaming experience.
Distinctive Design: A unique look that sets it apart from other models.
Affordable Price: Offers premium features without the premium price tag.
Disadvantages
No recording function from built-in tuners
Average SDR brightness – 310 nits
No support for DTS audio tracks
Movies and series in UHD quality7.7
Classic TV, YouTube8.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.4
Gaming on console9.4
TV as a computer monitor7.6
Matrix brightness5.3
Utility functions7.7
Apps8.6
Sound quality7.0
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Competing TVs in this price range
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
Where to buy
No links
Contrast and black detail
10/10
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
The Samsung S85D delivers exceptional black levels and contrast, making it worthy of top ratings. Leveraging OLED technology, it achieves infinite contrast, ensuring that dark scenes are displayed with perfect blacks and no halo effect. In demanding scenes, like those from the movie Oblivion, the TV shows a flawless separation of light and shadow, resulting in an incredibly lifelike image. Notably, the S85D uses a WOLED panel supplied by LG, similar to certain variants of the S90D model. This panel significantly enhances the contrast quality, especially in scenes with high dynamic range, making it an excellent choice for fans of visually striking films and series.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
5.4/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 98.9%, Bt.2020: 74.6%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
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 an important factor in televisions, and the S85D offers a level similar to older OLED models. While it’s not outstanding in this area, it comes at a very competitive price. With peak brightness at 600 nits, HDR content looks sharp, delivering a hint of cinematic quality at home. Like many budget OLEDs, though, very bright, full-screen scenes—such as the final shot in The Meg—may cause the brightness to drop by nearly half, which is noticeable compared to pricier models. However, with 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage, the S85D delivers vibrant, accurate colours.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
We now test the Samsung S85D in challenging movie scenes with exceptionally high brightness levels. The TV adapts well to changing visuals, especially in dynamic shots. Thanks to its impressive adaptability, scenes from Pan look stunning, with clear details even at high brightness. Similarly, scenes from Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk showcase a faithful play of light and shadow. The only minor drawback is a slightly red hue in skin tones, though the overall visual quality remains high, ideal for scenes rich in special effects. The Samsung S85D also includes dynamic tone mapping, which usually helps the image adjust to lighting conditions. However, as with other Samsung models, we recommend using static tone mapping, as the dynamic setting can cause excessive brightness that detracts from image accuracy in bright scenes.
HDR luminance chart:
Tests on the Samsung S85D reveal noticeable differences in image quality across HDR formats. Static HDR can cause the picture to look overly bright, making details in brighter scenes harder to discern. HDR10+ improves detail visibility, allowing you to see blades of grass or a distant forest. The dynamic metadata provides a clearer image, even at lower brightness settings. While HDR10+ performs well, it’s unfortunate that this model lacks Dolby Vision support, a format favoured by many content creators. Dolby Vision could further enhance a TV with this level of brightness.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: HDR10+
Factory color reproduction
6.6/10
The Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D offers the best factory settings, but it is not free from flaws, particularly noticeable in colour reproduction. The white balance chart for HD and HDR content shows clear issues – both red and blue are significantly weakened, leading to a dominance of green. The result is an unnatural yellowish glow that can affect the perception of realistic scenes. The Colour Checker test also highlights issues, with colour samples deviating from expected values – for HD materials, colours tend to be too saturated, with a noticeable shift towards green, as seen in the white balance chart. In contrast, for 4K HDR content, colours appear too dull and lack depth, diminishing the attractiveness and naturalness of the image. 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 chart for HD content produces positives, but there is a noticeable spike at the end, exceeding a value of 2.4. Although this is not a major problem in most scenes, in more demanding sequences it can affect the clarity of bright details. For 4K content, the problematic aspect is the EOTF curve, responsible for delivering brightness. The initial part of the chart shows a small spike. This phenomenon can result in excessive boosting of brightness in the brightest areas of the image, leading to loss of detail in very bright scenes.
Although the Samsung S85D’s factory settings are reasonable, especially in Filmmaker mode, it is worth considering a manual adjustment of settings to improve some imperfections, particularly in color reproduction.
Color reproduction after calibration
8.7/10
After calibration, Filmmaker mode on the Samsung S85D truly stands out. White balance adjustments across all content types yield significantly more natural colour reproduction. In the Colour Checker test, colour reproduction errors are minimal and well within acceptable limits, reflecting precise and true-to-life hues. Factory settings fell short in this regard, but now colours appear realistic, as though accurately rendered according to the creators’ intent. This marks a substantial improvement over previous generations, where colours often appeared distorted or overly saturated.
Brightness also benefits from calibration, becoming sharper and more refined. The Gamma, already fairly consistent, is now even more stable, delivering a deeper and more natural image. Adjustments to the EOTF curve enhance detail visibility in darker areas and improve contrast balance. With these refinements, the television provides a nearly reference-quality image, greatly enriching the experience of movies and HDR content.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
7.2/10
The Samsung S85D handles tonal transitions very well. There are no major issues, and the transitions between different color levels are smooth and natural. The only minor drawback is slight problems around the reds, where in some scenes you can notice minor disturbances. Nevertheless, the overall effect is very positive – the television performs excellently with most materials.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7.4/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
Samsung S85D performs excellently in image scaling and smoothing tonal transitions. Like other Samsung models, the TV 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. Grain often adds authenticity and a certain rawness to films, which is lost after smoothing. Removing grain can make the image look too sterile and smoothed out, which takes away some of the charm of the original film material. As for image scaling, the Samsung S85D handles lower resolution content perfectly – the model in the photo and the branches in the background are shown correctly, without significant jagged edge issues. The only noticeable drawback is the presence of overscan, which can sometimes cut off parts of the image, which may not be to everyone's taste.
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 expected from an OLED television, the Samsung S85D offers excellent motion fluidity. Equipped with a 120 Hz panel and a fast response time, the television delivers very smooth playback of dynamic scenes without visible blurring. For movie enthusiasts, there is a feature called "Image Clarity Settings," which allows you to adjust motion fluidity to individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the "stuttering" effect. This allows every user to 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
- G-Sync:
Yes
The Samsung S85D is an excellent choice for gamers due to its many modern features that facilitate and enhance gameplay. The TV has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect the latest consoles without worrying about image quality or frame rate limitations. 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) function that automatically switches to low latency mode when it detects a gaming device. This way, you don't have to manually switch settings—the TV takes care of ensuring a quick response time, which is crucial in games where every second counts.
The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) feature and G-Sync support are further elements that make gameplay smoother. VRR adjusts the refresh rate to match the frame rate generated by the console or PC, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This is particularly useful in dynamic games where the frame rate can fluctuate. Auto Motion Plus Game is a feature that Samsung has introduced with gamers in mind, and it's worth appreciating. Thanks to it, the image in games becomes smoother—30 frames per second looks like 45, and 60 Hz gains fluidity, approximating a 90 Hz effect. Meanwhile, there is no significant increase in input lag, which remains below 25 ms, distinguishing this feature from others available on the market. Gamers can enjoy smoother visuals without worrying about a decline in responsiveness.
Samsung has also taken care of something extra—the TV has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, which means you can play in the cloud without the need for a console. This is a great solution for those who want to enjoy gaming without investing in additional hardware. All you need is internet access, and you have a vast library of games at your fingertips. This makes the Samsung S85D a great choice for both casual gamers and more advanced ones.
Input lag
9.9/10
The Samsung S85D achieves excellent results in terms of input lag, regardless of refresh rate or resolution. This means that the screen responses are almost instantaneous, which is particularly important in fast-paced, dynamic games. Players can count on the television's lightning-fast response to controller movements, providing an advantage in competition and greater satisfaction with the gameplay. Low input lag is a significant advantage of this model, making the Samsung S85D 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
The Samsung S85D performs very well as a computer monitor. Thanks to the clear visibility of the fonts, regardless of the background type, using it is convenient and comfortable. The 4:4:4 chroma support ensures precise reproduction of text and graphics, which is important during office work, web browsing, or document editing. The Samsung S85D is a versatile television that easily serves as a monitor for everyday applications.
Viewing angles
7.7/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 28%
The viewing angles on the Samsung S85D are excellent, as befits an OLED. The image remains sharp and does not lose quality even when viewed at wide angles, making the television perfect for larger rooms and watching together with family or friends. The only televisions that offer better viewing angles are those with QD-OLED or MLA OLED panels.
TV efficiency during daytime
5.3/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Very Good
The Samsung S85D performs quite well with reflections thanks to the satin coating of the panel, which effectively dampens them. Unfortunately, the SDR brightness of 310 nits is rather average, meaning that in very bright rooms, the TV's effectiveness may be limited. This is not an impressive result, so this model will definitely perform better during evening viewing when such brightness will be sufficient. During the day, to get better comfort, it may be necessary to draw the blinds or curtains.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Samsung S85D: 313 cd/m2
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
The Samsung S85D runs on the Tizen operating system, which is intuitive and provides easy access to many applications and streaming services. The system offers smooth and fast navigation, significantly improving the comfort of using the TV. The television is equipped with a solar remote control that allows for the control of other devices, such as decoders and home theater systems, enabling the management of all home equipment with a single device. In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S85D supports AirPlay, making it easier to stream content from Apple devices, and has a built-in Bluetooth module that allows for the connection of peripheral devices such as keyboards, headphones, or speakers.
When it comes to everyday use of the television for regular TV viewing, the S85D model offers several useful features, but it also has some shortcomings. 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 and a favorite series on the rest of the screen. This is a convenient solution for those who want to keep up with various programs. However, the lack of recording capability from the built-in tuners is disappointing. This limitation means that favorite shows or movies cannot be saved for later, which can be problematic for those who want to flexibly adjust their TV watching to their schedule – however, we believe that the absence of this function is becoming less burdensome as users now have wide access to various content online, making the need for recording less significant.
The design of the Samsung S85D television is distinguished by its characteristic, rounded shape at the back, setting it apart from most OLED TVs, which usually have a flat back. This unusual design gives it a unique look and attracts attention, making the TV appear modern and elegant. The package includes a remote control, a CI+ module, a stand in the form of two legs, and a power cable, allowing for quick and convenient usage of the television without the need to purchase additional accessories.
Playing files from USB
8.9/10
| 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 the Samsung S85D will satisfy most users. The television offers wide compatibility with popular video, audio, and image file formats, ensuring smooth playback from both USB drives and the local network. 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
Sound
7/10
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 Samsung S85D delivers decent sound quality, despite its built-in speaker system (2x10W) not being particularly remarkable. It supports Dolby Atmos technology, which enhances spatial audio, although it does not accommodate the DTS format. The sound is clear and adequate for everyday use; however, connecting an external audio system is recommended for those seeking a richer and more dynamic audio experience.