Samsung Neo QLED QN85A vs Samsung Neo QLED QN85B TV comparison 2023/01

An in-house comparison between Samsung’s mid-range is the headline for this comparison article. The Samsung Neo QLED QN85A vs Samsung Neo QLED QN85B are on the agenda. The two devices launched in 2021 and 2022 are positioned directly below the high-end class and have a lot to offer.
Samsung QN85A
Samsung QN85B
vs
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Samsung Neo QLED QN85A and Samsung Neo QLED QN85B compared – Which TV is better?

Reflections Icon
Reflections
Image quality in bright environments and dealing with reflections
89%
Samsung QN85A 65"
70%
Samsung QN85B 65"
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 65"
68%
Samsung QN85B 65"
SDR Image Quality Icon
SDR Image Quality
Picture quality when viewing material in SDR, i.e. anything that is not HDR.
71%
Samsung QN85A 65"
83%
Samsung QN85B 65"
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 65"
80%
Samsung QN85B 65"
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 65"
80%
Samsung QN85B 65"
Gaming Icon
Gaming
Gaming performance of the TV especially for responsive games with focus on PS5 and Xbox Series X
96%
Samsung QN85A 65"
95%
Samsung QN85B 65"
Sports Icon
Sports
Suitability for watching soccer, Formula 1, Olympics and more, even with several persons
73%
Samsung QN85A 65"
72%
Samsung QN85B 65"
Equipment Icon
Equipment
Smart TV features, connections and general equipment of the TV
80%
Samsung QN85A 65"
81%
Samsung QN85B 65"
Samsung QN85A 65"
Samsung QN85B 65"
Rating v2.5
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Samsung QN85A 2021

Mid-range TV with high brightness


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

There is no question that the Samsung Neo QLED QN85A can shine brightly. The panel of this mid-range TV from 2021 can withstand bright light conditions and makes this TV a good choice for well-lit rooms. Mini-LEDs with multi-zone illumination ensure a deep black level and provide a good picture quality combination with the so-called Full Array Local Dimming.

Samsung QN85B 2022

Clear outlines thanks to mini LEDs


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

The Samsung Neo QLED QN85B from 2022 is not quite as bright as its predecessor. To compensate for this, the QN90B’s and QN95B‘s smaller sibling puts its purchase arguments in another field and attempts to convince prospective buyers with a better-tuned picture performance and some other features.

Detailed comparison: Samsung Neo QLED QN85A or Samsung Neo QLED QN85B

Reflections Icon
Reflections Comparison

Advantages on the side of the QN85A

The QN85A’s anti-reflective coating does a good job overall and visibly minimizes the intensity of highlights and bright object contours.

Compared to the 2021 TV, the QN85B does not perform quite as convincingly and has to take a back seat to its predecessor in this category.

89%
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
Contrast
2000 :1
Max. Brightness
1250 Nits
Video technologies
70%
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
Contrast
8280 :1
Max. Brightness
1160 Nits
Video technologies
Viewing Angle Icon
Viewing Angle Comparison

Only little color shifting on both sides

Both the QN85B and QN85A offer consistent viewing angle stability and show only minor drawbacks in color shift even from high angles.

Paleness also only occurs to a very small extent. Thus, both displays remain largely accurate even when viewed from the side and allow for larger viewing sessions in front of the screen.

74%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Viewing Angle
wide
IPS Viewing Angle
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
68%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Viewing Angle
wide
IPS Viewing Angle
Reflections
Layer against reflections
Layer against reflections
SDR image Icon
SDR image Comparison

Strong luminosity already at SDR

The models display image content that is displayed in the SDR color space with a considerably high luminance overall.

The system only intervenes in large, bright scenes and adjusts the brightness automatically so that the TVs do not get too warm and get damaged. This helps the two mid-range TVs effectively overcome even strong ambient light.

71%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 792 Zones
Contrast
2000 :1
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
Energy consumption SDR
101 kWh / 1000 Hours
83%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 720 Zones
Contrast
8280 :1
DCI-P3
ca. 83%
Energy consumption SDR
101 kWh / 1000 Hours
HDR image Icon
HDR image Comparison

An additional selling point for the 2021 model

As soon as the high-contrast format is required, the QN85A can set itself apart a bit from the successor and still gain a few percent. However, both panels handle bright details well.

However, larger areas look comparatively darker than fine image details. The 85-inch version of the 2021 also has a VA panel that produces about 200 nits less than the smaller versions.

63%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 792 Zones
Contrast
2000 :1
Max. Brightness
1250 Nits
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
REC 2020
ca. 65%
Energy consumption HDR
193 kWh / 1000 Hours
Video technologies
80%
Panel type
ADS Panel
ADS Panel
Backlight
Mini LED with FALD
Mini LED with FALD
Local Dimming
Full Array Local Dimming with 720 Zones
Contrast
8280 :1
Max. Brightness
1160 Nits
DCI-P3
ca. 83%
REC 2020
ca. 64%
Energy consumption HDR
148 kWh / 1000 Hours
Video technologies
Movies & Series Icon
Movies & Series Comparison

Good foundations with cutbacks

Since both devices use a backlight as a basis, you do not get the perfect black known from OLED TVs. The QN85B in particular cannot get rid of the so-called blooming.

Bright objects thus get a layered shine around their edges. A VA panel works in each of the 85-inch sizes. Therefore, you get a better uniformity in terms of black value. However, the TVs do not offer a bad picture performance at all.

Both offer a wide range of streaming options. The audio performance is rather modest and should be a temporary solution at most. As usual, we recommend using an eARC-compatible soundbar solution. None of the TVs support Dolby Vision or IMAX compatibility.

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
/
80%
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

Next-gen gaming: No problem

In order to make extensive use of the features of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S console generation, Samsung provides all the necessary instruments. Besides fast response time and short input path, the selection also includes panels that can handle 120 frames per second.

Sufficient bandwidth comes into play with HDMI 2.1 standard. However, you only get one of them on the QN85A and have to change the connection in case of doubt. The QN85B offers much more room and comes with four of these interfaces. However, G-Sync compatibility is only available in the 2022 model.

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
95%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 5ms
HDMI 2.1
4x Connections
Variable Refresh Rate
Input Lag 4K@60Hz +HDR
ca. 11ms
Input Lag 4K@120Hz
ca. 6ms
Sports Icon
Sports performance Comparison

No perfect image homogeneity

The sometimes uneven illumination of backlit models is a weak point of LED LCD TVs. This manifests itself in color differences in the display of uniform areas on the screen. The corner areas can also be affected and appear significantly darker to the viewer.

The mini-LED panels of these TVs are not completely exempt from this either. While the QN85B still performs quite well, the corners of the QN85 are a bit darker. This can affect the large-screen display of playing fields or tracks in motor sports broadcasts. The intermediate image calculation works well on both devices.

However, both TVs cannot avoid isolated artifacts in fast scenes. Slight blurring can occur especially in dark areas and fast image movements.

73%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 5ms
DCI-P3
ca. 86%
72%
Frequency
120Hz
Response Time
ca. 5ms
DCI-P3
ca. 83%
Equipment Icon
Equipment Comparison

Large bandwidth and one flaw

With one exception, the equipment frame does not reveal any significant differences. Thus, you will find a twin tuner, USB recording, PVR and eARC for uncompressed sound playback in addition to all important connections. The speaker configuration also remains the same. Apple Airplay is available.

However, you will have to do without the Homekit function. The useful One Connect Box against cable clutter is reserved for the 4K and 8K upper class. The mentioned exception refers to the number of HDMI 2.1 ports. The QN85A only has one port of this type. An additional three are available on the QN85B.

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
81%
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
HDMI 2.1
4
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
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Our conclusion:
Luminosity vs outlines

Generally, both Samsung TVs are on the same level and do not show any significant differences. The Samsung Neo QLED QN85A’s minor brightness advantage and the slightly better handling of reflections are among the most noteworthy differences.

However, the Samsung Neo QLED QN85B has more HDMI 2.1 ports, less blooming and a lower energy consumption in HDR mode.

Both TVs have a sufficiently high luminance for reasonable use in bright lighting conditions. In the end, you get a pretty good balance between a sufficient picture quality and a fair purchase price, although it does not quite measure up to the top end.

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Samsung QN85A 2021
78%
Samsung QN85A
  • 120 Hz IPS Panel
  • Mini LED Backlight
  • HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
  • VRR via FreeSync Premium Pro
  • Input Lag ~10ms
  • Peak Brightness ~1240Nits
  • Reflection handling
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Contrast Ratio 1960:1
  • Less deep black
  • Dirty Screen Effect
Samsung QN85B 2022
79%
Samsung QN85B
  • Can get very bright
  • Viewing angle stable
  • Reflective behavior
  • Outstanding gaming features with HDMI 2.1
  • Uneven colors (possibly annoying during sports)
* Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping costs. Please note that prices shown here may have changed in the meantime. All data without guarantee. Most of the time, these are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and buy through this link, we get a commission from the relevant online store or provider. The price does not change for you.
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