Samsung’s affordable Neo QLED range, known as the QN85C, introduces mini-LED backlighting at a more accessible price point. Although it doesn’t match the impressive brightness and glare-resistant screens of its higher-tier Samsung Neo QLED counterparts, the QN85C series excels in gaming and movie-watching. When assessing its value in a competitive budget mini-LED landscape, it presents a compelling choice due to its enticing design and robust feature set.
Advantages:
- Exceptional “infinite” contrast
- Boasts 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Outstanding gaming capabilities and performance
Disadvantages:
- Some instances of backlight blooming
- Offers only average peak brightness
- Slightly more expensive compared to budget alternatives
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Overview:
Samsung’s QN85C is the entry-level Neo QLED series. It boasts a QLED display with a mini-LED backlight, offering enhanced brightness and local dimming. However, specific performance can vary between models.
Impressive Features:
The QN85C shares many features with the step-up QN90C series. It includes a Neural Quantum Processor for upscaling, support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG HDR formats (excluding Dolby Vision), the Samsung Gaming Hub, and four HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming consoles.
Performance Comparison:
While the QN85C lacks the high peak brightness and anti-glare screen of the QN90C, it performs well in dimly lit environments, competing with pricier models and top-tier 4K TVs.
Design and Extras:
The QN85C shines in design with its slim profile and stylish hexagonal stand. It features a solar-powered remote and a 2.2.2-channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos support, complemented by compatibility with Samsung soundbars for immersive audio.
Value Considerations:
The QN85C falls in between the more feature-packed QN90C and budget mini-LED TVs from brands like TCL or Hisense. While it doesn’t offer the absolute best value, its overall performance, intuitive smart TV interface, and excellent gaming features make it a compelling option.
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Price and Release Date:
- Released on February 21, 2023
- QN43QN85C: $1,099 / AU$1,999
- QN50QN85C: $1,199 / AU$2,499
- QN55QN85C: $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$1,999
- QN65QN85C: $1,699 / £1,599 / AU$2,499
- QN75QN85C: $2,199 / £2,799 / AU$3,299
- QN85QN85C: $2,599 / AU$4,499
The QN85C TVs belong to Samsung’s entry-level Neo QLED series, featuring a distinctive mini-LED backlight. The QN90C series, priced slightly higher, offers improvements in picture and sound quality, along with an integrated ATSC 3.0 “NextGen” TV tuner.
The QN85C series is available in various screen sizes, ranging from 43 inches to 85 inches. In the US, the full range is accessible, while the UK market currently offers 55, 65, and 75-inch options. Prices have decreased by 15% to 30%, depending on the screen size, since their initial availability in February 2023, and further reductions are expected as the year progresses.
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Specs:
- Screen type: QLED with mini-LED
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- HDR support: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Audio support: Dolby Atmos
- Smart TV: Tizen
- HDMI ports: 4 HDMI 2.1
- Built-in tuner: ATSC 1.0
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Features Overview:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mini-LED backlight with local dimming | Improves contrast |
| Native 4K with HDR10+ dynamic range | Enhanced image quality |
| Gaming Hub for cloud gaming | Convenient gaming access |
Samsung’s QN85C series TVs boast QLED displays with mini-LED backlighting and full-array local dimming. They employ the Neural Quantum Processor from QN90C models to upscale HD content to 4K resolution and Neo Quantum HDR+ for dynamic high dynamic range image processing. HDR support includes HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, omitting Dolby Vision. While it features a Wide Viewing Angle, it’s not as potent as the QN90C’s Ultra Wide Viewing Angle for off-center viewing.
The Tizen smart TV interface handles streaming and smart home control, offering Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant support. An Ambient mode showcases various images when the TV is idle or allows you to upload your own.
The QN85C series embraces Samsung’s NeoSlim Design, featuring a built-in 2.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system. Object Tracking Sound syncs audio with onscreen action, while Q-Symphony 3.0 combines TV speakers with an external Samsung soundbar for an immersive experience.
Gamers benefit from Samsung’s Gaming Hub, facilitating access to Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, Utomik, and other cloud gaming services. Bluetooth game controllers are compatible, and four HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K 120Hz input from consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Features Score: 4.5/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Picture Quality:
| Aspect | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Average peak brightness | Satisfactory for dim or dark room viewing |
| Deep blacks with detailed shadows | Excellent contrast and shadow definition |
| Some backlight blooming | The minor skew towards red, easily corrected with gamma adjustment |
| Color balance and correction | Minor skew towards red, easily corrected with gamma adjustment |
| Color space coverage | DCI-P3: 93.5%, BT.2020: 70.1% |
| Anti-glare screen | Absent, not ideal for bright room use |
| Wide Viewing Angle | Effective for off-center seating |
| Motion handling | Good detail and minimal judder in motion scenes |
The 65-inch QN85C TV offers adequate peak HDR brightness, sufficient for dim or dark room viewing. It delivers deep blacks with well-defined shadows, thanks to its local dimming. However, some backlight blooming is noticeable, particularly in high-contrast scenes.
In Movie picture mode, there’s a slight red skew in color balance, correctable with a gamma adjustment. Color space coverage is decent, matching that of the QN90C, but falls behind budget mini-LED TVs like TCL and Hisense.
Notably, the QN85C lacks an anti-glare screen, making it less suitable for bright room use due to potential screen reflections. However, its Wide Viewing Angle feature is effective for maintaining contrast and color saturation off-center.
Motion handling is commendable, with minimal judder in motion scenes. High-quality HDR tone mapping ensures good highlight detail.
Picture Quality Score: 4/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Sound Quality:
| Aspects | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| 2.2.2-channel Atmos speakers | Impressive spatial sound with a 60W power source |
| Limited bass | Built-in speakers lack deep bass |
| Q-Symphony feature | Enhanced experience when paired with Samsung soundbar |
The QN85C impresses with its slim design and decent built-in sound. Its 2.2.2-channel speaker system, compatible with Dolby Atmos, is powered by 60 watts. It also offers a Bluetooth headphone output for private listening.
Movies sound spacious, and the Object Tracking Sound Plus feature enhances dialogue and sound effects’ direction across the screen. You can increase the volume significantly without compression, although the built-in speakers lack bass.
Sound mode options are limited to Standard and Amplify, with Amplify boosting sound across the frequency range for increased volume and clarity. To unlock the best audio experience, consider pairing the QN85C with a Dolby Atmos soundbar, particularly a Samsung Q- or S-Series model, to utilize the Q-Symphony feature.
Sound Quality Score: 4/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Design:
| Design Features | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| NeoSlim design | Shared with QN90C series, sleek and slim at 1 inch |
| Center-mounted hexagonal plate stand | Sturdy support, desktop monitor appearance |
| Solar-powered remote with built-in mic | Battery-free operation, voice control, no backlit buttons |
The QN85C series mirrors Samsung’s QN90C models, featuring the NeoSlim design and a center-mounted hexagonal plate stand. With a slim profile of around 1 inch, the TV’s side view is elegant, and the stand offers a secure base with a desktop monitor aesthetic.
On the side, you’ll find the TV’s input section, including 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), USB, optical digital audio, and RF antenna connections. Unlike the QN90C, the QN85C series has an ATSC 1.0 tuner, lacking support for ATSC 3.0 ‘NextGen TV’ broadcasts.
Samsung’s compact solar-powered remote doesn’t require batteries and can draw power from your home’s wireless network. While it lacks backlit buttons, the central trackpad allows on-screen navigation and the built-in mic enables voice commands.
Design Score: 4.5/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Smart TV & Menus:
- Utilizes the Samsung Tizen interface
- Supports Bixby voice commands, along with compatibility with Alexa and Google
- Offers comprehensive and user-friendly menus
Samsung’s Tizen interface, like many smart TV platforms, presents a bustling but highly customizable interface. Notably, you can personalize the central row of streaming apps on the home screen for quick access to your frequently used apps.
The home screen further showcases movie and TV show recommendations, categorized by recently added, trending, and free streaming options, leading to the Samsung TV Plus portal for live TV and free channels.
Additional features like the Samsung Gaming Hub and Ambient Mode provide versatility. The latter offers a variety of images and designs for display when the TV is idle. Customization extends to uploading your images via the Samsung SmartThings app, which also manages smart home devices.
Switching inputs is straightforward by selecting the Connected Devices tab, and the Settings tab allows adjustments for picture and sound modes. While some advanced settings require multiple steps, basic adjustments like brightness and contrast are easily accessible.
Smart TV & Menus Score: 4.5/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Gaming:
- Supports 4K 120Hz with VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro
- Exceptionally low 9.8 ms input lag
- Features Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud-based gaming
Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs, including the QN85C series, are renowned for their compatibility with PS5 and Xbox Series X. All four HDMI 2.1 ports accommodate 4K 120Hz input from next-gen consoles, while also offering VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro support. In Game mode, the input lag impressively measures at 9.8ms, matching the QN90C.
The Game Bar menu, accessible by pressing the Play/Pause button, allows adjustments to game settings, resolution, and frames per second.
A unique feature is the Gaming Hub, which serves as a gateway to cloud gaming apps, including Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, Utomik, Anstream Arcade, and Blacknut. You can also connect a Bluetooth gaming controller, access recently played games, and receive recommendations based on your gaming history.
Gaming Score: 5/5
SAMSUNG QN85C TV Value Assessment:
The Samsung QN85C, priced at $1,699 / £1,599 / AU$2,499, offers just-average value compared to its step-up counterpart, the QN90C Neo QLED. Spending a bit more on the QN90C provides higher peak brightness and an anti-glare screen, essential for daytime sports viewing, along with advanced audio and an ATSC 3.0 digital TV tuner.
Competition arises from budget mini-LED models such as the Hisense U8K and TCL QM8 Class, which cost significantly less than the QN85C. They have similar features but lack Samsung-specific additions like Wide Viewing Angle and Gaming Hub, offering only two HDMI 2.1 ports. While price favors the budget options, the QN85C stands out with a superior design.
Value Score: 3/5
Should You Buy the Samsung QN85C TV?
- If you seek a more affordable Samsung mini-LED TV with competitive performance.
- If gaming is a priority, given its four HDMI ports and support for VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro.
- If you plan to use a Samsung soundbar, benefit from the Q-Symphony feature.
Avoid the Samsung QN85C TV if:
- You desire a very bright TV for daytime use, as it lacks the brightness and anti-glare screen of higher-end models.
- Your budget is limited, as budget mini-LED competitors offer better peak brightness but fewer features.
- You prefer a basic TV experience, as the Tizen interface may be complex for some users; Roku or Google TV options could be more suitable.
ALSO CONSIDER: Comparison of 65-inch TVs
| Features | Samsung QN85C | Samsung QN90C | LG C3 | Hisense U8K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (65-inch) | $1,699 | $2,299 | $2,600 | $1,399 |
| Screen type | QLED with mini-LED | QLED with mini-LED | OLED | QLED with mini-LED |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR support | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Smart TV | Tizen | Tizen | webOS 23 | Google TV |
| HDMI ports | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 4 HDMI 2.1 | 4 (2 x HDMI 2.1) |
| Built-in tuner | ATSC 1.0 | ATSC 3.0 | ATSC 1.0 | ATSC 3.0 |
This table offers a comparison of 65-inch TVs, providing an overview of their key features, including price, screen type, refresh rate, HDR support, smart TV platform, HDMI ports, and built-in tuner type. Each TV has its unique set of attributes to consider.