When buying a high-end 4K QLED, the question arises, if it has to be the flagship of the 4K QLED series or if the next cheaper representative of the series will be equally convincing. The datasheet shows that the Q90T has some additional features that Samsung saved with the Q80T. But is this really reflected in the overall performance, or can one also confidently choose the cheaper Q80T? We’ll take a closer look at the two and show you what the difference is.
Samsung Q90T and Q80T compared
Which TV is better?
- Deep Black
- Contrast ratio: 10500:1
- Full Array Local Dimming (FALD)
- 96 dimming zones
- Max. brightness 1400 Nits
- FreeSync VRR
- 120Hz VA-Panel
- HDR10+
- Viewing angle
- No DTS
- No Dolby Vision
- Dirty Screen Effect
- Deep Black
- Contrast ratio 4200:1
- Full Array Local Dimming (FALD)
- VRR via FreeSync/HDMI Forum's VRR
- 120Hz VA-Panel
- HDR10+
- Viewing angle
- No DTS
- No Dolby Vision
- Corners appear darker
Detailed comparison: Samsung Q90T or Q80T
Comparison winner | |
Samsung Q90T QLED With the Q90T you get a true all-round television that produces a very respectable picture under almost all conditions. Despite the extended viewing angle, it has an incredibly high contrast ratio of 10500:1 and can also become very bright. The peak brightness is about 1400 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 - The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness , which makes the QLED produce an outstandingly good picture in bright rooms. HDRHigh Dynamic Range - image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content is also displayed brilliantly and bright highlights can be brought into focus very well. In dark rooms the picture quality is also excellent, even if there are other TVs like OLEDs that put the Q90T in its place. Compared to the Q80T, the picture quality of SDRStandard Dynamic Range - image/video with a conventional gamma curve (opposite: HDR) - "normal" videos and HDRHigh Dynamic Range - image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content is much better, so the flagship is clearly ahead. | Samsung QLED Q80T The Samsung Q80T QLED is a good TV for most content. It uses Samsung's Ultra Viewing Angle layer to extend the viewing angle - which is probably the biggest drawback of the cheaper models with VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panels. However, this layer also improves the TV's reflective properties, making it more suitable for the use in brighter surroundings. But the additional layer reduces the brightness of the TV, which is not too low at around 700 nitsSI unit of luminance: 1 nit = 1 cd/m2 - The best way of measuring and comparing a TVs brightness - but does not get nearly as bright as the Q90T. In dark surroundings, the VAVertical Alignment, type of LCD Panel panelThe panel is the actual screen of a television. There is different types of panels like OLED, LCD or Micro LED and different sub-types of LCD like VA or IPS. produces a good picture quality due to its high contrast ratio and deep blacks, which are further optimized by the Full Array Local Dimming feature. The Q80T can display HDRHigh Dynamic Range - image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) content quite nicely, but the peak brightness is not high enough to make the bright highlights really stand out. |
| Panel type | VA Panel | VA Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels Ultra HD (UHD) / 4K / 2160p | 3840 x 2160 pixels Ultra HD (UHD) / 4K / 2160p |
| Contrast ratio | 10500 :1 | 4200 :1 |
| Local Dimming | Full Array Local Dimming | Full Array Local Dimming |
| Frequency | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| VRR | FreeSync | FreeSync |
| Input Lag | < 11 ms | < 14 ms |
| Motion Handling | ||
| Color space coverage | ||
| Ø brightness | ||
| Max brightness | ||
| Reflections | ||
| Operating system | Tizen 5.5 | Tizen 5.5 |
| HDR10+ | ||
| Dolby Vision | ||
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| DTS | ||
| HDMI 2.1 | ||
| Improved viewing angle |
Comparison winner | |
Samsung Q90T QLED | Samsung QLED Q80T |
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Our conclusion: Very convincing performance, but still inferior in many areas
There’s no question, the Q80T is a great TV that can be used very flexibly and delivers a good performance. However, with the leading QLED model Q90T it can not quite hold its own in many categories. Its picture quality is clearly superior in both bright and dark environments, so all content can be displayed better on the Q90T. So if you want the best possible HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) performance the Q90T is the better choice. For those who are more into next gen gaming, the Q80T will also be a great choice. Both devices have everything you need – including the HDMI 2.1 interface for [email protected]. Surprisingly, the motion handlingDisplaying fast moving objects of the Q80T is slightly better with a response timeTime it takes for a pixel to change color below 3ms. But the Q90T makes up for this with a lower input lagTime it takes for the input signal to appear on the screen (delay), making both TVs feel very responsive. So it is really grumbling on a high level, as both TVs are very good – although the Q90T can be considered the winner due to the better picture quality.
