Samsung’s Q80 Series 4K QLED Gets $300 Price Drop
If you’ve been a fan of Samsung’s lower-tier QLED HDTV models, perhaps it’s about time to jump in and see what the mid-tiers have to offer. And right now at Best Buy, you can even save some cash while doing so if you decide to pay up for the 65-inch Q80 Series, which is currently retailing for $1,500, a solid savings of $300.
If you’ve been a fan of Samsung’s lower-tier QLED HDTV models, perhaps it’s about time to jump in and see what the mid-tiers have to offer.
And right now at Best Buy, you can even save some cash while doing so if you decide to pay up for the 65-inch Q80 Series, which is currently retailing for $1,500, a solid savings of $300.
Compared to cheaper QLED models, know that the Q80 can handle reflections slightly better and has a wider viewing angle, though this is still lacking somewhat when placed side-by-side with OLED panels.
Despite not matching up with its OLED counterpart, the Q80 still excels in providing outstanding overall image quality with plenty-deep black levels. The high light output and full-array local dimming also work wonderfully well, so you’ll surely enjoy the lively and accurate colors.
Samsung’s backlight technology, known as Direct Full Array, is able to precisely control the amount of lighting across every part of the picture for incredible contrast, even in bright, sunlit rooms. Also, be prepared to be impressed by the set’s robust video processing capability—a welcomed boon for hardcore gamers waiting patiently for next-gen consoles and lovers of intense action films.
Not to be outdone, you’ll also be blessed with a true 120Hz panel, which does improve the TV’s overall motion performance, and know that it fully supports HDR content in HDR10+ and HLG formats. In short, you can be sure that the Q80 will provide a wonderful viewing experience, from everyday TV-watching to your weekend Netflix and Disney+ movies.
For the Q80 and other QLED models, Samsung employs its own built-in digital assistant Bixby—although many users have shared their frustrations with this feature. Bixby, unfortunately, doesn’t come close to the skills of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which can be found on rivals from LG to Sony. Keep in mind that the 2019 and later versions, though, will be able to respond to voice commands issued via Alexa and Google Assistant.
Much like its Korean archrival LG’s webOS platform, Samsung’s Tizen 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, it has access to run-of-the-mill apps like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, but a platform like Android TV or Roku will give you much more bang for your buck.
As for the design, the Q80 is classic Samsung. The panel is as thin as you can get for a QLED TV right now and it does exude a slick and refined look. This particular model even got rid of the wide-set legs that sometimes gave consumers problems if they were looking to use a more modest-size TV stand or table.
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.