Review: Samsung QN85D (TQ75QN85D)

The QN85D is the 2024 version of one of Samsung’s most popular premium models ever – and with the exception of the design model The Frame, this is one of the best sellers. It introduces the so-called Neo QLED technology, which basically means that the screen has a more advanced MiniLED backlight with local dimming – which usually means better contrast. The Samsung display also has a more advanced video processor to control it all.

Samsung QN85D

Design-wise, Samsung is a sight to behold with its slim design. The screen is impressively thin for an LCD TV and has a smooth back with no protruding parts. Therefore, it will also be fine for wall mounting. However, this monitor does not have a separate junction box, which you will find on some other Samsung models.

Ease of use and features

The Samsung model has a very good level of features. The smart Tizen user interface has a clear menu system and we like that the TV responds quickly to commands when we press the remote control. The QN85C is actually noticeably faster than the TCL. The only downside of the tiny remote control is that it can easily get lost between the sofa cushions!

The app selection is exemplary and in addition to the obligatory selection of streaming services, there’s also Samsung’s ad-funded TV+ with plenty of sports and entertainment channels, including treats like Baywatch: Remastered. But alas, those darn commercials…

Samsung also boasts excellent connectivity – the best in the test – as all four HDMI inputs support 4K/120 Hz video signals. The QN85D is also suitable for gamers, with support for VRR and a separate Game Bar where all the settings are in one place. The Samsung display also has a built-in Smart Hub, which can be used to remotely control connected devices in a smart home – for example, shades and lighting can be controlled via the TV screen.

Image quality

The Samsung monitor immediately impresses with its excellent image quality: Here we are in a different class to, for example, its little brother Q77D/Q74D, which we have previously tested. This can be seen first and foremost in the fact that there is a clear improvement in contrast and brightness. So if you’re wondering whether MiniLED and local dimming make a noticeable difference, the answer is a resounding YES.

When it comes to image processing, Samsung uses a very powerful video processor (NQ4 AI Gen 2) with a host of smart features. The TV can analyse the picture and learn which picture settings you prefer for different genres. You can then choose your own “AI-adapted” picture setting, which automatically adjusts the picture when it detects sports or films, for example.

This time it’s actually more than just lip service, in practice we found the AI setting to be quite useful as you don’t have to keep changing settings.

The overall picture quality is crisp and detailed, and Samsung excels at really effective noise cancellation and super-smooth motion. Which makes this a great TV to watch sports on. The European Football Championship broadcasts were exemplary, with impressively precise ‘ball handling’ and good sharpness on the move.

The QN85D also delivers very good colour reproduction in movie mode: colours in movie mode are very neutral and balanced with no excessive saturation anywhere. The Calman measurements also revealed a very accurate colour space and a grey scale with very low delta deviations. On the other hand, the Samsung QN85D doesn’t have as strong contrast and brightness as its competitor from TCL.

What is conspicuous by its absence is – typical for Samsung – support for the HDR format Dolby Vision. The TV only supports regular HDR10 and HDR10+. This has been the case for a number of years and it doesn’t seem to change with the 2024 generation. When displaying HDR content from Netflix, Disney+ or other sources, the QN85D has to rely on tone mapping, which in most cases does not provide as detailed contrast.

Sound quality

On the audio side, the Samsung QN85D boasts an extended sound system, with strategically placed speakers around the screen. The soundstage is clearly bigger and wider, with more surround effect than average. Speech reproduction is clear, and down in the bass there is good fullness in music and sound effects. Still, a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar would be recommended, and in this regard, it may make sense to choose a Samsung soundbar – such as the Q810D, which we have good experience with.

Conclusion

The QN85 series from Samsung has traditionally been one of the best in the premium class, and this year’s QN85D delivers very high performance in all areas. In terms of design and usability, this is a winner – but the picture quality is also top notch. We’re particularly impressed with the smart picture settings that customise the image to the viewer’s needs. Gaming enthusiasts are well catered for here, and if we were to take one of the monitors home to watch the European Football Championship and the Olympics, it would probably be the Samsung QN85D.