Samsung QN85A vs Q80T TV comparison 2021/04

Always owning the latest TV is a tempting thing. However, the question is whether the new models are even better than last year’s models. It is true that the QN85A has the new display technology with mini LED lighting, but does that make the picture that much better compared to the Q80T? The latter still relies on a VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panel, which performs much better in contrast and black value. Hence the question: Does it always have to be the latest?
Samsung QN85A
Samsung Q80T
vs
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Samsung QN85A and Q80T compared – Which TV is better?

Reflections Icon
Reflections
Image quality in bright environments and dealing with reflections
89%
Samsung QN85A 55"
75%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Viewing Angle Icon
Viewing Angle
Picture quality when sitting at an angle to the TV - Also relevant when sitting very close in front of a large TV.
74%
Samsung QN85A 55"
79%
Samsung Q80T 55"
SDR Image Quality Icon
SDR Image Quality
Picture quality when viewing material in SDR, i.e. anything that is not HDR.
71%
Samsung QN85A 55"
76%
Samsung Q80T 55"
HDR Image Quality Icon
HDR Image Quality
Picture quality when viewing material in HDR, so everything from HDR, HDR10, HLG to HDR10+ & Dolby Vision.
63%
Samsung QN85A 55"
62%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Movies & Series Icon
Movies & Series
Use of the TV for movies, series & documentaries - be it as stream, BluRay or in the TV program.
75%
Samsung QN85A 55"
74%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Gaming Icon
Gaming
Gaming performance of the TV especially for responsive games with focus on PS5 and Xbox Series X
96%
Samsung QN85A 55"
91%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Sports Icon
Sports
Suitability for watching soccer, Formula 1, Olympics and more, even with several persons
73%
Samsung QN85A 55"
74%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Equipment Icon
Equipment
Smart TV features, connections and general equipment of the TV
80%
Samsung QN85A 55"
80%
Samsung Q80T 55"
Samsung QN85A 55"
Samsung Q80T 55"
Rating v2.5
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Samsung QN85A 2021

The Neo QLED


Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections

With the new Neo QLEDs, Samsung brings a new display technology into play that features Mini LED illumination. This makes details in bright as well as in dark scenes much more visible and despite the switch to an IPS panel, the QN85A can boast a solid contrast ratio of ~2000:1 thanks to Full Array Local Dimming. In addition, there is a very good viewing angle, which is why looking from an oblique angle still looks good. Due to the fact that the QN85A reaches a peak brightness of ~1250 nits, especially HDR content is displayed wonderfully and rich in detail. Unfortunately, Dolby Vision still has to be waived. Nevertheless, the QN85A is perfectly suited for bright rooms, especially because it brings excellent reflection properties.

Samsung Q80T 2020

Last year's model


Direct LED with FALD
Direct LED with FALD
VA Panel
VA Panel
Wide Viewing Angle Layer
Wide Viewing Angle
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections

The 2020 Q80T continues to impress as a good TV for most content. Compared to the new QN85A, the Q80T has a VA panel, which produces a deep black and a contrast of up to 4220:1. Unfortunately, the viewing angle is quite low, but this is well compensated by the built-in wide viewing angle layer. HDR content looks good thanks to HDR10+, but Dolby Vision is missing here as well, which could dynamically optimize this content even more.

Detailed comparison: Samsung QN85A or Q80T

Reflections Icon
Reflections Comparison

With anti-reflective coating

Both the QN85A and the Q80T are well suited for watching in bright rooms because they have an anti-reflective coating built in that can minimize reflections very well. The QN85A’s peak brightness of 1250 nits is definitely worth mentioning here, which allows HDR content in particular to shine.

89%
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
Contrast
2000 :1
Max. Brightness
1250 Nits
Video technologies
75%
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
Contrast
4220 :1
Max. Brightness
710 Nits
Video technologies
Viewing Angle Icon
Viewing Angle Comparison

Significantly extended viewing angle

Thanks to the IPS panel, the QN85A has quite a wide viewing angle, which means that the picture still looks good even from a slanted sitting position. A VA panel is known for having a relatively narrow viewing angle, which is why the Q80T also has a wide viewing angle layer to significantly expand the viewing angle. Hence, you can enjoy a good picture even from an oblique angle.

74%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Viewing Angle
wide
IPS Viewing Angle
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
79%
Panel type
VA Panel
VA Panel
Viewing Angle
Wide Viewing Angle Layer
Wide Viewing Angle Layer
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
SDR image Icon
SDR image Comparison

Good TVs for SD content

SD content looks good on both TVs, whereby the VA panel of the Q80T is a bit more convincing with a high contrast and a deep black. However, the QN85A can counteract this problem well with Full Array Local Dimming. In addition, upscaling works great on both TVs, so low-quality content looks better.

71%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 576 Zones
Contrast
2000 :1
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
Energy consumption SDR
77 kWh / 1000 Hours
76%
Panel type
VA Panel
VA Panel
Backlight
Direct LED with FALD
Direct LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 48 Zones
Contrast
4220 :1
DCI-P3
ca. 87%
Energy consumption SDR
- not available -
HDR image Icon
HDR image Comparison

Q80T has the lead here

Both TVs have to do without Dolby Vision, which is why HDR content is not dynamically optimized. In a direct comparison, the Q80T’s picture looks slightly better thanks to the high contrast and deep black, which makes details look simply wonderful. However, the QN85A’s many dimming zones can illuminate the picture better, which makes details easier to see.

63%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 576 Zones
Contrast
2000 :1
Max. Brightness
1250 Nits
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
REC 2020
ca. 65%
Energy consumption HDR
162 kWh / 1000 Hours
Video technologies
62%
Panel type
VA Panel
VA Panel
Backlight
Direct LED with FALD
Direct LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 48 Zones
Contrast
4220 :1
Max. Brightness
710 Nits
DCI-P3
ca. 87%
REC 2020
ca. 69%
Energy consumption HDR
- not available -
Video technologies
Movies & Series Icon
Movies & Series Comparison

For daytime home theater enjoyment

Both TVs are perfectly suitable for watching movies and series, whereby the Q80T also provides a better contrast and a deep black value. However, if you watch during the day, you should rather go for the QN85A, since reflections are kept away much better. However, dialogs are clearly understandable on both and the sound even follows the movement on the screen due to the Object Tracking Sound feature. Nevertheless, you have to do without DTS on both TVs.

75%
HDR Image Quality
SDR Image Quality
Environment & Reflections
Tuner
Analog (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) DVB-T DVB-T2 DVB-C DVB-S DVB-S2
Twin Tuner
Audio
2.2.2 Channels with 60 Watt
Audio formats
HDMI ARC / eARC
/
74%
HDR Image Quality
SDR Image Quality
Environment & Reflections
Tuner
Analog (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) DVB-T DVB-T2 DVB-C DVB-S DVB-S2
Twin Tuner
Audio
2.2.2 Channels with 60 Watt
Audio formats
HDMI ARC / eARC
/
Gaming Icon
Gaming performance Comparison

Very good for next-gen gaming

Both TVs are perfectly suited for gamers and also deliver 4K@120fps for the new consoles thanks to the HDMI 2.1 interface. In addition, both TVs support VRR via FreeSync and can score with an average response time of 3 and 5 ms and an input lag of 10 and 13 ms, respectively. One advantage of the QN85A is that Full Array Local Dimming is now also enabled in Game mode and games also shine in a wonderful picture quality.

96%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 5ms
HDMI 2.1
1x Connections
Variable Refresh Rate
Input Lag 4K@60Hz +HDR
ca. 10ms
Input Lag 4K@120Hz
ca. 5ms
91%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 3.0ms
HDMI 2.1
1x Connections
Variable Refresh Rate
Input Lag 4K@60Hz +HDR
ca. 13.1ms
Input Lag 4K@120Hz
- not available -
Sports Icon
Sports performance Comparison

Fast and smooth

Due to the fast response time, both TVs are good candidates for watching sports events because movements are displayed smoothly. However, the QN85A’s low contrast can cause blooming in monochrome backgrounds, such as soccer.

73%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 5ms
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
74%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 3.0ms
DCI-P3
ca. 87%
Equipment Icon
Equipment Comparison

Small differences

Both the QN85A and the model from last year have very similar features. Both have a twin tuner, an HDMI eARC connection, as well as timeshift and a USB recording function. However, the QN85A is again compatible with Google Assistant and has the new Tizen 6.0 operating system, which works incredibly smoothly and intuitively.

80%
Operating System
Tizen 6.0
Bluetooth
Twin Tuner
Integrated soundbar
Audio
2.2.2 Channels with 60 Watt
HDMI ARC / eARC
/
Audio formats
USB recording PVR
HDMI 2.0
3
HDMI 2.1
1
USB 2.0
2
USB 3.0
Ethernet RJ45
1
3.5mm jack
Digital optical
1
Ci+ Slots
Ci+ 1.4
Timeshift
Apple Airplay
Apple Homekit
Assistants
Google Assistant
kompatibel
Amazon Alexa
integriert
Ambilight
One Connect Box
80%
Operating System
Tizen 5.5
Bluetooth
Twin Tuner
Integrated soundbar
Audio
2.2.2 Channels with 60 Watt
HDMI ARC / eARC
/
Audio formats
USB recording PVR
HDMI 2.0
3
HDMI 2.1
1
USB 2.0
2
USB 3.0
Ethernet RJ45
1
3.5mm jack
Digital optical
1
Ci+ Slots
Ci+ 1.4
Timeshift
Apple Airplay
Apple Homekit
Assistants
Ambilight
One Connect Box
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Our conclusion:
Only a few differences despite new display technology

Samsung does not advertise with the new Mini LED technology for nothing, because the QN85A and the Q80T only differ slightly otherwise. The biggest difference is probably the panel, which is completely different on both TVs. The IPS panel allows for a significantly higher peak brightness, but the VA panel from the Q80T performs much better in terms of contrast and black level. However, it can really shine in bright rooms as it handles reflections well.

When it comes to gaming, both devices are a pleasure to use, as they hardly differ from each other in this respect. Both have an HDMI 2.1 port, which makes 4K@120fps possible, and the motion handling is also convincing. The QN85A also has Full Array Local Dimming enabled in Game mode, which means you get good picture quality even when gaming. In terms of sound, both TVs have to do without DTS and the bass is rather poor on both. However, this can be easily remedied by connecting a soundbar.

In the end, the QN85A emerges as the winner in the comparison, even if you still get a very good mid-range TV in your living room with the Q80T. Especially users who like to watch during the day or in a very well-lit room will have fun with the Neo QLED. However, if you like to watch movies and series on your TV, the Q80T performs much better because it simply displays contrasts better and thus delivers a better picture.

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Samsung QN85A 2021
78%
Samsung QN85A
  • Full Array Local Dimming
  • Brightness 1250 Nits
  • AMD FreeSync
  • Response Time 5ms
  • Tizen 6.0
  • Contrast and black level
  • No Dolby Vision
  • No DTS
Samsung Q80T 2020
77%
Samsung Q80T
  • VA panel
  • Contrast 4220:1
  • Deep black
  • Response Time 3ms
  • HDMI Forum's VRR
  • No DTS
  • No Dolby Vision
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