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 does not come across as "budget". From the very first contact, the television demonstrated that OLED technology makes a difference. The deep blacks, excellent contrast and great viewing angles make watching favourite films and series pure pleasure, no matter where we are sitting. It is a screen that truly captivates you in the action. The Tizen operating system is another strong point of the Samsung S85D. It is simple, intuitive, and runs smoothly. Switching between apps like Netflix or YouTube takes no time, and the support for AirPlay and Bluetooth provides numerous options for connecting other devices. Not only does the solar remote not require charging, but we also easily used it to control the decoder and soundbar – these small details make daily usage easier. Like any television, the S85D has its minor shortcomings. The lack of recording functionality can be noticeable, especially if we enjoy revisiting favourite shows or films. The absence of support for DTS audio tracks may require purchasing and directly connecting a Blu-ray player to an external audio system. If we want to make full use of this codec, it is worth keeping this in mind. SDR brightness, while sufficient in most cases, may not always meet expectations in brighter rooms. This is a television that shows its best side in the evening – that’s when the OLED black and contrast truly impress. Despite these few drawbacks, the S85D left us with very positive impressions. It is a model that proves that excellent picture quality and superb technological solutions do not have to be paired with a high price. If we are looking for a television that works well for everyday use as well as evening viewings, and at the same time won’t ruin our budget, then the Samsung S85D OLED is an excellent choice. It is a device that gives the feeling that we have invested our money wisely, offering a lot for a reasonable amount.

Advantages

Excellent contrast - OLED
Tizen system – fast and intuitive
Solar remote – control of other devices (e.g. decoder)
Outstanding viewing angles – OLED
High motion fluidity – 120 Hz panel
Many features for gamers
Unusual design
Price

Disadvantages

No recording function from 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 black is so deep it's hard to believe, and the contrast ensures that even the most demanding scenes – like those from the film "Oblivion" – look incredibly realistic. Thanks to OLED technology, the dark areas of the screen are perfectly black, without any unnecessary glow or overexposure.

It's worth noting 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 quality of contrast, which is particularly noticeable in scenes with a high dynamic range of light, making it an ideal choice for fans of films and series with high production quality.

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 levels comparable to other OLEDs from a few years ago. Although it does not impress in this regard, its enormous advantage is the very competitive price. A peak brightness of 600 nits ensures good image quality in HDR conditions, giving users a taste of cinematic experiences in the comfort of their home. However, as with many budget OLED models, the biggest issue is very bright, full-screen scenes – in such moments, like the final scene from the film “The Meg,” the television can lose even half of its brightness, which is noticeable compared to more expensive OLED models. Despite this, the television offers impressive coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 99%, allowing for vibrant and accurate colours to be displayed.

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 during particularly challenging film scenes, where the image reaches very high brightness levels. The television adapts exceptionally well to the changing picture, which is particularly evident in dynamic shots. Thanks to its high adaptive capabilities, the scene from the film "Pan" looks absolutely stunning, with details remaining clear even at high brightness levels. Similarly, in scenes from the film "Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk," the play of shadows and lighting effects are rendered very accurately. The only flaw that can be noticed is the characteristic red skin tones; however, the overall visual effect remains at a very high level. The impressions from these scenes are striking, making the television ideal for screenings full of special effects. The Samsung S85D features dynamic tone mapping, which typically helps in better adapting the image to changing lighting conditions. However, as with other Samsung models, we recommend setting this option to static. Enabling dynamic tone mapping causes excessive screen brightness, 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 various HDR formats. In the case of static HDR, the image may appear too bright, making it difficult to see details in bright scenes. HDR10+ comes to the rescue, improving detail visibility – you can see blades of grass and the forest in the distance. Dynamic metadata allows for a clearer picture even at lower brightness on the television. Although HDR10+ performs excellently, it is a pity that this model does not support Dolby Vision, which is more popular among content creators. Dolby Vision could bring a lot to a television with such brightness.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.2/10

Samsung OLED S85D performs very well with the smoothness of tonal transitions. There are no major issues, and the transitions between different colour levels are smooth and natural. The only minor drawback is slight issues around the reds, where in some scenes, subtle disturbances can be noticed. Nevertheless, the overall effect is very positive – the television handles most materials excellently.

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 performs excellently in scaling images and smoothing tonal transitions. Like in other Samsung models, the television offers three noise reduction modes: off, standard, and high. Although it effectively improves gradations, 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, which is lost after smoothing. Removing the grain can make the image look too sterile and smooth, which detracts from the charm of the original film material. When it comes to scaling images, the Samsung S85D handles lower resolution content beautifully – the model in the picture and the branches in the background were displayed correctly, with no major issues with edge aliasing. The only noticeable drawback is the presence of overscan, which can sometimes cut off parts of the image, which may not please 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 fast response time, the television provides very smooth playback of dynamic scenes without visible ghosting. For movie enthusiasts, there is a feature called "Image Clarity Settings," which allows adjusting the fluidity of the image to individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction enhances the sharpness of rapidly moving objects, while motion smoothing smooths out movement, eliminating the "judder" effect. This way, every user can set the appropriate level of clarity that best suits their taste, from a more cinematic effect to sharper, 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 facilitate and enhance gameplay. The television 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) feature that automatically activates low latency mode when it detects a gaming device. This means you don’t have to manually switch settings – the television takes care of ensuring a fast response time, 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 the number of frames generated by the console or computer, 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 is worth appreciating. With it, the image in games becomes smoother – 30 frames per second look like 45, and 60 Hz gains in fluidity, creating an effect close to 90 Hz. At the same time, there is no significant increase in input lag, which remains below 25 ms, making this feature stand out among others available on the market. Gamers can enjoy a smoother image without worrying about a decline in responsiveness.

Samsung has also ensured something extra – the television has a built-in Xbox Game Pass app, which means you can play in the cloud without needing to own 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 huge library of games at your fingertips. This makes Samsung S85D a fantastic choice for both casual gamers and those who are more advanced.

Input lag

9.9/10

Samsung S85D achieves excellent results in terms of input lag, regardless of the refresh rate or resolution. This means that the screen responses are almost instantaneous, which is particularly important in fast-paced, dynamic games. Gamers can count on the television's lightning-fast response to controller movements, providing an advantage in competition and greater satisfaction from gameplay. Low input lag is a definite advantage of this model, making the Samsung S85D OLED the perfect 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. Thanks to the clear visibility of text, regardless of the type of background, using it is convenient and comfortable. The support for 4:4:4 chroma ensures precise rendering of text and graphics, which is important for office work, browsing the internet, or editing documents. Samsung S85D is a versatile television that also easily serves as a monitor for everyday use. We deducted 0.4 points for the WRGB layout, as is the case with any 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 is fitting for an OLED. The image remains sharp and does not lose quality even when viewed from a wide angle, 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

5/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Very Good

Samsung S85D handles reflections quite well thanks to the satin finish 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 performance 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 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 operates on the Tizen operating system, which is intuitive and provides easy access to numerous applications and streaming services. The system offers smooth and quick navigation, significantly enhancing the comfort of using the television. The television is equipped with a solar remote control that allows the operation of other devices, such as set-top boxes or home theatre systems, enabling control of all home equipment with a single device. In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S85D supports AirPlay, facilitating content sharing from Apple devices, and includes a built-in Bluetooth module, allowing for the connection of peripheral devices such as keyboards, headphones, or speakers.

When it comes to everyday use of the television for regular TV, the S85D model offers several useful features but also has certain shortcomings. One of its advantages is the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) function, which allows simultaneous viewing of two content sources – for example, a match in a small window while the rest of the screen displays a favourite series. This is a convenient solution for those who want to stay updated with various programmes. However, the lack of recording capabilities from the built-in tuners is disappointing. This limitation means that favourite programmes or films cannot be saved for later, which may be an issue for those who wish to flexibly adjust their TV viewing to their schedule – however, we believe that the absence of this feature is becoming increasingly less burdensome, as users currently have wide access to various online content, making the need for recording less significant.

The design of the OLED Samsung S85D is distinguished by its characteristic rounded shape at the back, setting it apart from most OLED televisions, which typically have a flat rear. This unconventional design gives it a unique appearance and attracts attention, resulting in a television that looks 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 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 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 user-friendly, 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, although the built-in speaker set 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 to achieve a fuller and more dynamic sound.

OLED Panel – OLED technology allows for precise backlighting of each pixel, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colours, resulting in higher contrast than traditional LED televisions.
AI Processor NQ4 Gen2 – An advanced processor supported by artificial intelligence, optimising both image and sound, adapting them to the displayed content to ensure the highest quality reception.
Perceptional Color Mapping – A technology providing excellent colour accuracy, resulting in more realistic and vivid images.
HDR10+, HLG and OLED HDR+ – Support for advanced HDR formats, enabling the display of content with a wide dynamic range and high image quality.
Dolby Atmos® – A surround sound system that, along with additional upward-firing speakers, provides multidimensional sound, allowing immersion in the action.
OTS Lite (Object Tracking Sound Lite) – Object tracking sound technology that analyses the image and emits sound from appropriate directions, creating a more immersive experience.
Adaptive Sound Pro and Active Voice Amplifier Pro – Features that automatically adjust sound to the surrounding conditions and the type of content being played, providing optimal audio experiences.
Tizen OS – An intuitive Smart TV operating system offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, allowing content personalisation and easy navigation.
Support for voice assistants Alexa and Google Assistant – The ability to control the television with voice commands thanks to integration with popular voice assistants.
AMD FreeSync™ Premium – 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 of content from different positions without losing image quality.
Anti-Reflective Coating – A special screen coating that minimises light reflections, allowing comfortable viewing of content even in bright rooms without distracting glare.
KNOX Security – A platform protecting passwords and other sensitive data from malware and information leaks.

Samsung S85D – perfect OLED quality at a reasonable price

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

OLED technology in Samsung S85D amazes

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

Smooth operation of the 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 Samsung S85D from the competition. The solar remote control, which does not require charging, additionally facilitates daily use, and Samsung S85D proves its versatility in controlling other devices.

Comfortable viewing at the highest level

During the assessment of Samsung QE65S85D, we emphasised that the SDR brightness is sufficient in most conditions, but the true potential of Samsung S85D OLED reveals itself in the evening. It is then that the image captivates with details, contrast, and natural colours. However, if you are looking for a television that will perform well both in everyday use and during evening screenings, Samsung S85D will be an ideal choice.

Minor drawbacks can be managed

Despite the lack of recording features, which we mention in our review of the Samsung S85D, and the absence of support for DTS audio, the television earns recognition due to its image quality and functional solutions. Samsung suggests connecting an additional audio system for a complete sound experience.

Why choose Samsung S85D?

In summary, Samsung S85D OLED is a television that combines top-quality image with functional additions at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a television that will offer excellent picture quality, intuitive operation, and modern technologies, Samsung S85D will be a great choice. It is an investment that will ensure years of reliable operation 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 Samsung S85D amazes

Smooth operation of the Tizen system

Comfortable viewing at the highest level

Minor drawbacks can be managed

Why choose Samsung S85D?