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 base model in the Neo QLED series for 2024, but it certainly does not come across as "budget". It is a television that combines modern technology with convenient smart features. During tests, the Tizen system worked 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 when viewing photos or videos from a phone. As for how it performs in daily use, it simply works very well. The television handles viewing even in a bright room—its brightness is sufficient so that windows do not need to be covered. Additionally, the stable central stand not only looks good but also adds assurance that the device stands firmly and will definitely fit on many smaller pieces of furniture. It is true that it lacks recording features, but the solar remote control, which operates decoders (e.g. Canal+), and the PiP function are practical additions that everyone who enjoys spending time with regular television will appreciate. When it comes to picture quality—because that is the most important aspect in a television—QN85D makes an excellent impression. The VA panel provides very good black levels—especially when watching the television head-on. Thanks to miniLED backlighting, the television better controls the lighting, and consequently, much more detail is visible in dark scenes. As for motion fluidity, with a 120 Hz refresh rate, the television performs excellently—both games and sports matches are enjoyable to watch. If we are playing games, the low input lag combined with the excellent motion smoothing and game bar will be a significant advantage—the gameplay will be a pleasure. Samsung QN85D is a versatile television that will perform well both in everyday television watching and during more demanding screenings 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 are looking for a modern yet affordable Mini LED model, QN85D would be an excellent choice.

Advantages

Great 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 function

Limited multimedia format support, 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, featuring a VA panel that offers significantly better blacks than IPS/ADS technologies. The 55-inch version has 160 dimming zones, which may not seem impressive compared to competing models from China. In larger sizes, the number of zones increases, which naturally translates into better contrast. The contrast performance is good, but certain limitations are evident.

With smaller screen elements, the limited number of zones causes issues – the television either tries to maintain a high level of brightness, leading to a halo effect around objects, or dims too much, as observed in the test scene from the Pioneer disc. Additionally, in the same scene where the television showcased its highest capabilities (Oblivion), it also struggles significantly with light separation. You can see how the television fights to maintain the best black at the expense of detail in the whites. It's a trade-off. Both of these effects influence the perception of contrast, making the performance weaker in more challenging conditions. However, compared to televisions 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 brightness tests, achieving up to 1000 nits – which makes scenes like those from the film 'The Meg' or the beginning of 'Life of Pi', where the screen is entirely 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 impact. At brightness levels around 200-300 nits, the magic of HDR simply fades away, failing to deliver spectacular effects. However, it's not the case that the television completely disappoints – a DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 95% is quite decent, although it does not stand out against the best competitors. Colours are well-reproduced, but it's clear that HDR could make a bigger impression if brightness were better controlled.

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

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

We examined how the television performs with truly demanding scenes. The luminance chart showed that the television has a significant power reserve, so expectations were high. The scene from the film 'Mr' was rendered quite well – the separation of sunlight was noticeable, but the whole scene seemed somewhat less contrasty compared to the reference image. In contrast, the sequences from the film 'Billy Lynn' performed excellently. The main character was depicted with detail retention, such as minor imperfections on the skin, and the fireworks in the background did not merge into a uniform blob – a clear diversity of colours from the fireworks was visible. This is a result of the television's high adaptive capabilities. Although it might seem that the dynamic tone mapping function could further improve the image quality, we recommend turning it off – the image becomes overly boosted, which does not necessarily add to its naturalness.

HDR luminance chart:

In the case of the Samsung QN85D television, it is 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 film – with static HDR, detail is lacking, and the image merges into a uniform, bright patch and remains rather average. The finer elements are not fully visible, and the overall effect seems flat. However, with HDR10+, the same scene takes on a completely different dimension. Clearly, there is more detail visible, such as blades of grass, reflections of light, and the forest in the distance, making the image much more natural and engaging. Thanks to dynamic metadata, the lighting effects become more realistic, and details do not disappear even in more 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 felt. Dynamic metadata could significantly improve the picture quality in many scenes, especially where static HDR struggles to maintain an appropriate level of detail and depth.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.6/10

When it comes to the fluidity of tonal transitions on the Samsung QN85D television, it is generally very good. The tonal transitions are smooth, and no significant artifacts are visible. However, more demanding users may notice some issues in certain scenes. For example, when blending darker shades, as in the scene with the red sea, slight imperfections can be observed. Similarly, with lighter colours – the scene from the film 'The Martian' shows minor gradation issues, leading to subtle yet noticeable transitions between hues. Despite these small shortcomings, most users should be satisfied. The performance is at a high level and, in most cases, delivers 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 smoothness of tonal transitions in low-resolution materials on the Samsung QN85D television, it is 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 more smoothed image; however, for lovers of the authentic look of films, using this feature should be considered carefully.

As for 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. You can see the high capabilities of the image processor, 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 fans by providing a smooth and dynamic picture. There are options to enhance fluidity, such as the motion blur and judder reduction feature, which allows for precise adjustment of motion smoothness on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, making action scenes clearer, while judder reduction smooths movement, eliminating the "stuttering" effect. Smearing is generally well controlled, although there are occasional minor shortcomings that may be visible in more demanding scenes, particularly when an object moves against a dark background. Additionally, the TV offers a BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature at 60 Hz, which can significantly improve the experience of motion fluidity, although at the cost of image flicker, which may be bothersome to 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 refresh rate of 120 Hz, the image is incredibly smooth, which is crucial during dynamic scenes in action games. The television also features low input lag, ensuring that reactions to the player's commands are nearly instantaneous, translating to better control over the character 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 fluidity and reduce delays by automatically adjusting the television to meet the needs of gamers. Furthermore, the Xbox app allows access to cloud gaming without the need for a console, which is a significant advantage for those who want to enjoy their favourite titles without additional hardware – a solution that sets Samsung televisions apart.

The Auto Motion Plus Game feature is another element worth highlighting. This motion smoother creates the impression of a higher frame rate – as a result, games running at 30 fps appear smoother, resembling gameplay at 45 fps, while games at 60 Hz come close to 90 Hz. Most importantly, this feature does not introduce significant lag, ensuring that the gaming experience remains undisturbed. This allows players to enjoy a smoother image without compromising on responsiveness.

Input lag

9.9/10

Samsung QN85D impresses when it comes to input lag value. The television achieves remarkable results – below 15 ms for 60 Hz content and around 10 ms for 120 Hz content. As a result, gamers can enjoy instantaneous reactions 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 gaming.

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

The Samsung QN85D can be a good option as a computer monitor. Thanks to the support for 4:4:4 chroma (available only in "Game" mode), the text on the screen is sharp and easy to read, which is crucial for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. A significant advantage of this model is also the exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode – just 9 ms, which is really impressive and provides high smoothness and responsiveness, beneficial for both work and gaming. However, there are some drawbacks. When displaying fonts on a dark background, a problem arises – when we zoom in on the 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 these areas do not fully illuminate, which may result from a manufacturer oversight in optimising the algorithm responsible for displaying thin lines. As a result, the quality of text on a dark background is not perfect. Despite this, the television remains a very good choice as a PC monitor, especially considering the low input lag and support for 4:4:4 chroma.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 84%

The Samsung QN85D television, due to the applied VA panel, has rather poor viewing angles. When viewed from the side, the colours lose intensity, and the picture becomes noticeably less contrasty. This is a typical disadvantage of VA panels, which offer significantly worse picture quality when viewed from wider angles. However, straight on, 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 viewed 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 screen moderately reduces reflections, the brightness level of 825 cd/m² is truly impressive. Even in strong sunlight, the television handles very well, providing a clear and sharp image, and the largest external light sources pose no 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 functions such as SmartThings, allowing them to manage not only Samsung devices but also equipment from other brands, creating a complete smart home ecosystem. The television also supports AirPlay, enabling convenient content streaming from Apple devices directly to the screen, which enhances flexibility and comfort in everyday use.

The QN85D model also stands out in terms of unique features. The television includes Daily+, offering diverse content daily such as fitness exercises or workspace options. Additionally, the attractive appearance of the television, although not as slim as last year's models, still looks good. The central stand provides solid support and adds character to the device, giving the television a more elegant look.

When it comes to usability features, the television is equipped with a remote control that works with decoders such as Canal+, allowing easy control of most home equipment with one device. The television also includes a PiP (Picture-in-Picture) function, enabling users to watch two image sources simultaneously. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks that can be noticed is the absence 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 major issues, providing 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, which is popular on Apple devices, as well as several 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 throughout the 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 audio experience. In such cases, it will be necessary to use an external player to gain 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 LED diodes allows for precise control of the backlighting, resulting in better control of brightness and contrast.
AI Processor NQ4 Gen2: An advanced processor supported by artificial intelligence optimises both picture and sound, providing top-quality visual and audio experiences.
AI 4K Upscaling: Technology that transforms lower-resolution content to a quality close to 4K, ensuring that even older materials look better on a large screen.
HDR10+ Adaptive: Support for the dynamic HDR10+ Adaptive format, which adjusts brightness and contrast according to the lighting conditions in the room, ensuring optimal picture quality.
Dolby Atmos: The built-in surround sound system delivers immersive audio experiences, making sound envelop the viewer from every direction.
Motion Xcelerator Turbo+: A feature that improves the fluidity of dynamic scenes, perfect for watching sports or action films, eliminating blurring and stuttering of the picture.
Gaming Features: Support for a refresh rate of 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 display area.

Samsung QN85D – modern picture quality and functionality

Samsung QN85D is a television that perfectly combines advanced technologies with an affordable price. In evaluating Samsung QN85D, its picture capabilities and smart functions particularly stood out. The model Samsung QE65QN85D has proven that with Mini LED backlighting and a VA panel, the television offers very good blacks and rich details in dark scenes. It is an ideal choice for both everyday television watching and high-quality movie screenings.

Excellent picture quality and motion fluidity

During the QN85D test, the television impressed with its excellent reproduction of details 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 pure enjoyment. Samsung QN85D also indicates low input lag and the game bar function, 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 function works perfectly, allowing easy content sharing from Apple devices. An additional advantage highlighted in our Samsung QN85D review is the stable central stand, which allows the television to be placed even on smaller furniture.

Versatility in everyday use

Samsung QN85D stood out for its brightness, enabling comfortable viewing even in sunny rooms. Despite the lack of recording functionality, the television compensates with practical solutions like a solar remote and PiP function. Samsung QE65QN85D shows that this television meets the expectations of users, offering modern features at an attractive price.

Samsung QN85D – a thoughtful choice

If you're looking for a modern television that offers outstanding picture quality, motion fluidity, and practical smart functions, Samsung QN85D demonstrates that it is an excellent choice. The model Samsung QE65QN85D proves that this television will meet 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