Sometimes, it can really be a toss-up when trying to decide between a QLED or an OLED HDTV set.

Both are undoubtedly great choices, but if you’ve already made up your mind that you’re going to purchase a Samsung QLED set, look no further than the sixty-five-inch Q60R Series, which is currently retailing for $1,800. 

If you do decide to splurge on this wonderful panel, then you will quickly discover that the Q60R offers a premium viewing experience, thanks largely to its next-generation QLED technology and excellent overall image quality that boasts plenty-deep black levels. You can rest assured that this HDTV will be the centerpiece of your living room for years to come.  

Powered by an intelligent 4K processor, this TV set’s panel takes full advantage of its high light output—a major strength of QLEDs—and works extremely well with HDR that will surely take your movie-watching experience to another level.

Your immersive gaming experience will also be ramped up with Real Game Enhancer and AMD FreeSync, as the display has the ability to eliminate any chance of screen tearing and stuttering. The end result is noticeably smoother gameplay—no matter how graphics-intensive the first-person shooter or sports games are.

You can consider yourself good to go while waiting to get your hands on the next-generation consoles from PlayStation and Xbox next month.

The Q60R’s only real downside is its smart TV platform, which is powered by Tizen. First introduced in 2015 after years of development, the Tizen OS, much like Korean archrival LG’s webOS, has a pleasant stripped-down interface but it really lacks any real punch that is needed for today’s data-heavy streaming TV world.

Yes, Tizen offers access to popular, run-of-the-mill apps like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, but a platform like Android TV or Roku TV will surely give you much more bang for your buck. 

Despite these shortcomings, know that you no longer have to rely solely on the much-hated virtual assistant Bixby for voice control, as industry heavyweights Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are now compatible with this TV.   

Also know that the Q60R works with the SmartThings app, which enables you to control and monitor your TV and connected devices via your smartphone. The wand-style, thoughtfully designed remote feels comfortable in your hand and makes it simple to control basic functions.

Finally, don’t forget about the ultra-cool Ambient Mode that makes it possible to display a digital photo or artwork that matches the wall behind the panel.  

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Minneapolis-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek, and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.  

Image: Reuters