Samsung TVs

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 lineup compared

Samsung uses the term Auto Motion Plus to describe motion smoothing. Strictly speaking, this term summarises a series of functions that help you to display fast image sequences more clearly. Current Samsung models have the corresponding options for this in the Sharpness settings.

If a Samsung TV has the Infinity One design, the housing of this model is not only particularly flat, but also completely even on the back. The depth can be significantly less than 20 millimetres. When mounted on the wall, the slim appearance contributes to an more ordinary look.

Based on the Infinity One design, selected Samsung televisions have a so-called Infinity Screen. Of course, the panel is not endless, but has an almost invisible, extremely narrow edge. Depending on the seating position and the distance, the frame around the display is almost unnoticeable.

A special method of motion smoothing is hidden behind this. When activated, the television continuously inserts blank frames between the displayed content. To accomplish this, the backlight is regularly switched off and on again. This creates repeated pauses during playback. As a result, the picture appears clearer. We also speak of this function as black frame insertion.

Since 2021, Samsung has been selling television models called Neo QLED, which have a backlight system based on so-called mini LEDs. This concept is combined with Quantum Dots, see the term QLED. In addition to conventional 4K TVs, this technology is also used in the manufacturer’s more expensive 8K devices.

That’s how Samsung describes its upscaling technology for content that is below 4K or 8K resolutions. It is an AI-based process that adds pixels to the image. This makes it possible to display a comparatively low-resolution image in a higher definition. Lite variants are cheaper and support a refresh rate of only 60 hertz. Other versions support up to 144 hertz, have increased clock rates, can have different graphics units and other additional changes in detail.

As part of the OTS feature, the audio playback takes place on the basis of object tracking. In this case, the sound is arranged through the speakers in a way that the playback is constantly at the current position of the object. However, as the TV device gets bigger, the effect becomes more noticeable. Samsung differs between three performance levels: OTS Lite, OTS+ and OTS Pro. Stereo sound is generally not supported.

Along with selected high-end TVs, Samsung has already been selling a peripheral device labelled “One Connect Box” since 2013. The special feature: All ports, such as HDMI or USB, are located in one central place, which you can position around your TV if necessary. Usually, the additional device is placed on the back of the stand. A smaller slim version was released with the 2021 model year.

TVs called QD-OLED are based on an adapted panel with a self-luminous pixel structure. As with QLED models, nanoparticles are used as an additional element. This allows the devices to combine perfect black, high contrast and a finer colour representation.

If we break down this marketing name into its main components, we first get the “Q” as an identification for the Quantum Dot technology. This provides the TV with additional nanoparticles that act as colour filters and thus ensure a larger colour space. On the other hand, we get “LED” as a reference to the type of backlighting. Note: Conventional QLED TVs do not have mini-LEDs and are partly manufactured by Samsung without the so-called local dimming.

If the Samsung model is promoted with Q-Symphony, it is possible to operate the TV simultaneously as a center speaker within a larger sound system. If you connect a compatible soundbar, the internal speakers of the television do not switch off, but are synchronised with the sound bar. The result is a better surround sound. Bluetooth also ensures a wireless connection between the devices.

An additional marketing term you might come across is Quantum HDR. In general, Samsung uses it to describe the combination of Quantum Dots, see QLED, and an HDR-capable screen. Technically, this basically means more displayable colours and a brighter display. The peak brightness of the panel according to Samsung is indicated by the value at the end. You then only have to multiply this by 100 to get the manufacturer’s specification.

The name Quantum Matrix Technology Pro will mean little or nothing to the average consumer. In fact, it simply refers to the way the background illumination works using extremely small and flat mini-LEDs. Samsung uses this technology in TVs of the Neo QLED series. Compared to conventional QLED models, the light control of the display is more precise. The result is generally a higher contrast value and a deeper black.