Samsung QLED Q80D

Q80D

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

Our verdict

7.1

Overall rating

Samsung Q80D is a very versatile television. It is certainly a device that can easily adapt to the needs of both gamers and those looking for equipment for everyday viewing. When it comes to the former – that is, gamers – the support for HDMI 2.1, 120 Hz refresh rate, and low input lag make playing on a console or PC pure pleasure. Additionally, the Game Bar feature allows quick changes to settings without the hassle of leaving the game – a small thing, but it makes a difference. It's also worth mentioning the fantastic feature of an efficiently working motion smoother that operates well in games. We get the impression that playing on such a television adds us a few FPS, which translates to an advantage in the game. During everyday use, the Q80D also performs very well. The Tizen system offers access to popular applications like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, so nothing is lacking here. The high brightness of the screen ensures that the television performs excellently even in well-lit rooms. A nice and interesting addition is the solar remote, which not only does not require battery replacement but also allows you to control other devices (e.g., set-top boxes, consoles, soundbars). When it comes to picture quality, the Q80D has a lot to offer. Although it lacks Dolby Vision support, after calibration, the colours look great, and the contrast and black level thanks to FALD (full-array local dimming) have made a huge impression on us, especially considering the television segment. With a VA panel enhanced with quantum dots (QLED), the colours on the Q80D can look truly splendid. Watching movies or series in the evening is a real pleasure – particularly if we care about good detail. However, there are little things that might be bothersome. The lack of a recording feature is certainly a limitation, although it may not be a problem for everyone. Another obvious issue will be its viewing angles. These are typical results for this type of panel, so one must reckon that at the expense of great blacks, the Q80D simply performs average when viewed from the side. Nevertheless, Samsung Q80D is an excellent television that works well in any situation. It offers outstanding picture quality, many useful features, and solid build quality for its price range. A few minor shortcomings do not take away from its charm, as overall it is a model that will comfortably meet the expectations of most users – both those who game on a console and those who simply enjoy evening screenings with good image quality.

Advantages

Great choice for gamers - lots of features, low input lag, 120Hz
High brightness of the panel - good performance during the day
Good black levels and contrast - VA panel with local dimming
Excellent tonal transitions
Advanced smart system "Tizen"
Pleasant sound from the built-in speakers

Disadvantages

Average viewing angles

No recording function
No DTS (may hinder connection to home cinema)

Movies and series in UHD quality

6.7
Classic TV, YouTube

6.7
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

6.6
Gaming on console

8.7
TV as a computer monitor

7.6
Watching in bright light

6.0
Utility functions

7.7
Apps

9.3
Sound quality

6.6

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 QLED Q80D Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

6.7/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 100 (10 x 10)

Review Samsung QLED Q80D Contrast and black detail

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

Result

37,350:1

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

8,850:1

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

Result

20,350:1

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

4,300:1

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

Result

3,800:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The Samsung Q80D television is equipped with a VA panel, which immediately affects the difference in contrast and black reproduction compared to IPS panels. VA panels offer significantly better contrast and deeper blacks, while IPS panels feature better viewing angles but worse contrast. In the case of the 55" model, the television has 100 local dimming zones, and it's worth noting that this number may vary depending on the screen size. Thanks to local dimming, blacks appear well, but it's important to mention that the algorithm of this technology combined with the limited number of zones can sometimes "go crazy". Bright objects may be dimmed to achieve better blacks. During a test scene from the film Oblivion, the lights blended into a single spot, regardless of the dimming settings, highlighting the limitations of this technology. In the film Sicario 2, large dimming zones were particularly noticeable, for example, with the small lights of a helicopter, indicating how large the areas controlled by a single dimming zone are. Despite these imperfections, local dimming technology still offers significantly better image quality than televisions without this feature or with edge lighting. With the ability to completely turn off individual zones, the television can provide a noticeable boost in brightness in selected areas, which can give the image a cinematic effect, especially in dark rooms.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Samsung QLED Q80D Brightness measurement

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

Result

927 nit

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

Result

423 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

612 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

242 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

856 nit

In the context of HDR, the Samsung Q80D television achieves very positive brightness results in the tested film scenes, where the frame is filled with light, reaching values from 600 to 900 nits, allowing the user to experience a great juiciness of the image. Such results allow the user to feel the difference between HDR and SDR quality. Unfortunately, problems arise in situations where small light effects occur against a dark background. In such cases (e.g. test pattern 4 from the film Sicario 2), a noticeable drop in brightness can be observed, caused by the large sizes of the dimming zones used here. This limitation, combined with the dimming algorithm, affects how the television handles small bright elements against a dark background. At that point, we may perceive an unwanted lack of brightness, and the HDR effect resembles that of SDR.

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

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

In the case of HDR effect, Samsung Q80D demonstrates its luminous capabilities, reaching 1100 nits, placing it among the top televisions. The television is equipped with both dynamic and static tone mapping, with the "active" option artificially boosting the image and potentially causing undesirable effects. Therefore, we recommend setting this option to "static", which also responds to dynamic metadata, allowing the television to perform excellently in the film "Pan". The Q80D is capable of reproducing the image well, although in some areas, such as distant clouds, details may be lost. Nevertheless, this is not too problematic, considering the scene was mastered at around 2800 nits, a value that is hard to find in any consumer television. In "Billy Lynn," the television presents significantly better image quality compared to the series from the same year, Q70D (Q74D/Q77D). The main character is portrayed correctly, without distortion in skin tones, and the intense light effects, such as fireworks, are rendered fully, avoiding merging into a single bright spot.

HDR luminance chart:

The Samsung Q80D television offers a variety of HDR formats, including static HDR10 and dynamic HDR10+, but unfortunately lacks support for Dolby Vision. In the case of static HDR, the television performs decently despite the absence of dynamic tone mapping. A good example is a scene with horses. Despite the lack of implementation of this feature, the television responds to metadata, allowing for image adaptation that reveals the background in the form of a forest as well as details on very bright elements, such as blades of grass protruding from the snow. The situation changes drastically when the same scene is presented using dynamic metadata (HDR 10+). At that point, the entire scene becomes significantly fuller, and previously lost details on bright backgrounds are better rendered, which greatly improves image quality in challenging conditions.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.8/10

The tonal gradation in the Samsung Q80D television is at an excellent level and can be considered one of its stronger points. Even in the most demanding scenes from the films we tested, it performs exceptionally well. Any potential issues with smoothing transitions in colours are minimal and subtle. The average viewer will most likely not notice them, which translates to an overall positive visual experience in everyday use.

Review Samsung QLED Q80D Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Samsung Q80D performs very well with low-quality materials. The noise reduction works on the principle of gentle grading, making it very effective in smoothing out unwanted image disturbances. Unfortunately, this same effectiveness also causes elements that should not be smoothed, such as film grain, to become blurred. For those who value a pliable, smoothed image more, this can be seen as a significant advantage, especially for lower-quality content.

When it comes to image scaling, Samsung Q80D stands out positively in this aspect, significantly enhancing viewing comfort. The television handles the conversion of lower-resolution materials well, improving their quality and detail. For example, in the attached image with the model, there are no visible artifacts or excessive fraying of branches, which attests to the advanced image processing technology.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.3/10

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: 69%

The Samsung Q80D television stands out very positively in terms of motion fluidity and motion blur reduction, primarily due to the applied 120Hz panel and above-average response time of the panel. Users have two options for adjusting fluidity: "Motion Smoothing," which allows for adjustment of smoothness on a 10-point scale, and "Blur Reduction," particularly effective at higher refresh rates, improving the sharpness of rapidly moving objects. In the UFO test, no motion blur is visible behind the moving object, and the image is not cloned forward, indicating a lack of overshoot effect.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The BFI (Black Frame Insertion) function, available on the Samsung Q80D, can enhance the perceived sharpness of motion at 60 fps, which is particularly useful during dynamic scenes. It works by inserting black frames between images, reducing the blur effect. However, it is important to note that using this function can be problematic due to noticeable image flicker or decreased brightness. In general, it is not recommended for everyday use.

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 Q80D television is a true gem for gamers. It is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is a rarity, especially in this price range. This allows users to enjoy features such as ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and 120Hz in 4K resolution. These features ensure smoothness and responsiveness of the image, which is a key aspect during dynamic gameplay. The television also supports HGIG (HDR Gaming Interest Group), enabling optimal display of HDR content in games. Additionally, it is equipped with a Game Bar that allows quick access to gaming settings. Users of Nvidia graphics cards will also be pleased thanks to the implementation of G-Sync. This feature eliminates stuttering and screen tearing. The only downside is the lack of support for Dolby Vision mode, which may be disappointing for users looking for this HDR format. It is also worth mentioning that since 2022, thanks to a partnership with Microsoft, Samsung televisions offer the Xbox Game Pass application, allowing for cloud gaming. This is an additional advantage for gamers who want to access a wide library of games without the need for a console.

Input lag

9.8/10

There isn't much to say here, the input lag at this level is simply remarkable. It's hard to achieve a better result that will satisfy gamers! The television performed excellently at every tested resolution and refresh rate, both in SDR and HDR.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 18 ms	2160p60: 16 ms
1080p120: 9 ms	2160p120: 8 ms
2160p60: 18 ms
2160p120: 9 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): 9ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Samsung Q80D works well as a computer monitor. Thanks to support for 4:4:4 chroma (which only functions in "Game" mode), text on the screen is clear and legible, which is very important for those who want to work on such a television with text documents or spreadsheets. One of the biggest advantages of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode, which is just 9 ms. This is a reference-level result that ensures smoothness and responsiveness, which is crucial for both gamers and those involved in video editing. The only issue we can point out is that there is a certain problem with displaying fonts on dark backgrounds. When we zoom in on the tested font image, we notice that the horizontal lines are darker compared to the vertical ones. This means that the sub-pixels in the television do not fully illuminate in this case. This could be due to an oversight by the manufacturer regarding the optimisation of the algorithm responsible for displaying thin lines, which affects the quality of details in displaying text on dark backgrounds. Nevertheless, Samsung Q80D is a very good choice as a PC monitor.

Viewing angles

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 82%

Samsung Q80D, equipped with a VA panel, unfortunately does not perform well in terms of viewing angles. When we watch the screen at a 45-degree angle, there is a noticeable loss of brightness. The image becomes less sharp, which can be problematic if we plan to watch television from different spots in the room. However, the VA panel has its advantages. When looking directly at the screen, black levels are deep and well-saturated. Furthermore, even at an angle, dark colours maintain their depth, which is a rarity for this type of panel.

TV efficiency during daytime

6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

The Samsung Q80D television stands out with very good brightness, averaging 550 nits, which is an impressive result, especially since it maintains this brightness across the entire screen surface. This makes the image clear and well-visible even in bright rooms, which is a big plus when watching television during the day. However, despite the satin coating of the panel, the television struggles somewhat with reducing reflections. In bright lighting conditions, unwanted glares can appear, which may disrupt viewing comfort. This is particularly noticeable when there are light sources in the room directly falling on the screen.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung QLED Q80D: 550 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: 1106

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: 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

The Samsung Q80D television offers a range of features that significantly enhance user comfort. The Tizen system is an advanced platform that provides users with an intuitive and smooth experience. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, navigation through apps and settings is quick and easy. Tizen supports a rich set of applications, including popular streaming services, allowing access to a wide variety of entertainment content without the need for additional devices, with the novelty for 2024 being support for the Polish language. It is also worth mentioning the solar remote, which is not only eco-friendly but also convenient for everyday use. The solar cell remote can easily control other devices such as home cinemas, decoders (e.g. Canal+), or game consoles, which poses quite a challenge for other manufacturers. Returning to the console, Samsung Q80D offers several features that may appeal to gamers. Above all, the television supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, which allows for smoother game displays, eliminating issues like tearing and stuttering. Additionally, due to its low input lag, gaming reactions are quick and precise. The Samsung Q80D is also equipped with a Game Bar function, which allows quick access to key gaming settings without the need to exit the game. From this level, we can check and adjust parameters such as VRR, input lag, frames per second (FPS), as well as screen ratios or sound settings. This enables gamers to continuously optimise their experiences by adjusting settings to the current gameplay needs. The television supports AirPlay, allowing for easy content streaming from Apple devices, and enables connection to various Bluetooth devices, such as mice or headphones, increasing its versatility. The only downside that can be considered is the lack of support for USB recording and the fact that the Q80D unfortunately does not support the DTS audio format. This means that if we have content encoded in this format, the device will not be able to correctly playback the audio track. This could pose a problem for those using Blu-ray discs or multimedia files that often use DTS to provide high-quality surround sound. To achieve full audio experiences, it may be necessary to use an external player or soundbar that supports this format.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

9.1/10

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 Q80D television is definitely one of its strong points. It handles almost all video and audio files we used in our tests exceptionally well. The only exceptions are the Dolby Vision format, which is not surprising, and less popular codecs. Additionally, it is worth noting the support for Polish characters and the ability to customise font colours. On the downside, the television performs somewhat worse with photo formats, as it only supports JPEG from the popular options, lacking support for formats like PNG or Apple HEIC.

Apps

9.3/10

Sound

6.6/10

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 Q80D television is equipped with a decent audio system boasting 40W power in a 2.2 configuration, providing quite good sound experiences. This system supports all popular Dolby codecs, allowing for the use of advanced audio formats while watching films or playing games. However, it is worth noting one drawback: the television does not support DTS functionality. Nonetheless, this lack can be circumvented by connecting an external audio system, which can significantly enhance sound quality and provide a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, Samsung offers a wide portfolio of soundbars that can be integrated with the television, as well as the Q-Symphony system, which allows for the synchronisation of sound between the television and the soundbar.

NQ4 Gen2 AI Processor: An advanced processor powered by artificial intelligence optimises both picture and sound, delivering the highest quality visual and audio experience.
AI 4K Upscaling: Technology that transforms lower resolution content to near 4K quality, ensuring even older materials look better on the big screen.
Direct Zone Dimming: Technology that provides deep blacks and pure whites through precise control of the backlighting in different areas of the screen, enhancing contrast and image detail.
120 Hz Refresh Rate: A high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, ideal for dynamic content such as games or sports broadcasts, eliminating blurriness and frame stuttering.
Quantum HDR Technology: Support for dynamic range that adjusts brightness and contrast depending on the content being displayed, offering more realistic and detailed images.
Tizen Operating System: An intuitive and fast Smart TV system providing access to a wide range of applications and streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and TVP Sport.
Dolby Atmos Technology: A built-in surround sound system delivers immersive audio experiences, making sound envelop the viewer from all sides.
Gaming Features: Support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and low input lag ensures smooth and responsive gameplay without delays or stutters.
Borderless Design: A modern look with minimal bezels around the screen, increasing the display area and the aesthetics of the device.

What particularly distinguishes this device in TV tests is the advanced contrast-enhancing technologies that perform exceptionally well in dynamic action scenes. Samsung Q80D test shows that colours are vibrant, and the picture is sharp even in bright external lighting.

In the Samsung Q80D test, it was noted that the Smart TV platform is intuitive and easy to use, allowing even less advanced users to fully utilise its potential. The system operates smoothly, and applications launch without delays. Additionally, the QE65Q80D test indicates voice control capability, significantly easing navigation through the menu and content searching. The QE65Q80D test shows that the sound in this model is decent but does not stand out against the competition. To fully enjoy excellent picture quality, it is worth considering purchasing an additional audio system. The Samsung Q80D test observed that the sound is well-balanced and does not distort even at higher volumes, which is a considerable advantage.

Samsung QLED Q80D

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