Samsung continues to establish itself in the TV market with its QLED technology, offering a range of TVs to suit different budgets and needs. One of its more budget-friendly options, the Samsung Q60D, sits as the entry-level model in Samsung’s 2024 QLED lineup. Priced competitively, this TV brings solid picture quality and smart features, but with increasing pressure from budget mini-LED TVs that are bringing better technology at similar price points.
In this review, we will dive into the Samsung Q60D’s key attributes such as picture and sound quality, design, gaming performance, and smart features. Ultimately, we’ll assess whether this TV offers enough value to be a worthy option for consumers in 2024.
A Brief Overview of the Samsung Q60D
The Samsung Q60D is targeted toward consumers who want an affordable 4K QLED experience without breaking the bank. It comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 32 inches up to a massive 85 inches, making it versatile enough to fit various viewing needs. However, as much as the Q60D shines in certain aspects like design and color reproduction, it does have its limitations, particularly in sound quality and gaming features, which may sway some buyers toward competing models.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Refined picture detail: Crisp textures and solid picture quality are evident in the Q60D.
- Appealing design: A slim and sleek look adds a premium feel to this affordable QLED TV.
- Affordable price points: It offers decent value, especially when purchased during sales.
Cons:
- Limited sound performance: The built-in sound system lacks depth and bass.
- No VRR or 120Hz refresh rate: While it’s acceptable for casual gaming, serious gamers will find better options.
- Facing stiff competition: Entry-level mini-LED TVs, like those from Hisense and TCL, offer more advanced features for a similar price.
Picture Quality: Bright Colors and Good Contrast
One of the highlights of the Samsung Q60D is its 4K QLED display, which delivers punchy, vibrant colors and surprisingly sharp detail for its price range. Samsung’s use of Quantum Dot technology helps improve brightness and color accuracy compared to standard LED TVs.
Brightness and HDR Performance
When it comes to brightness, the Q60D performs adequately but not spectacularly. In Filmmaker Mode, the TV reaches around 417 nits of peak brightness, which is lower than some competing models like the Amazon Fire Omni QLED. This brightness level is acceptable for most viewing conditions but might struggle in particularly bright rooms or with HDR content that demands higher peak brightness.
The TV supports HDR10+ and HLG but lacks Dolby Vision support. This absence may not matter to everyone, but for movie enthusiasts who prioritize the highest quality HDR experience, Dolby Vision-enabled TVs like the Amazon Omni QLED are worth considering.
Color and Detail Performance
Color accuracy is another area where the Samsung Q60D shines. During our tests, the Q60D delivered rich and punchy colors, especially with 4K HDR content. Whether it was the reds in Star Wars: The Last Jedi or the vibrant cityscapes in Ready Player One, the Q60D produced colors that were both vivid and natural.
The Q60D also delivered excellent detail in textures, from character faces to intricate background elements in movies. However, it falls behind OLED and premium mini-LED models in shadow detail, particularly in very dark scenes like those in The Batman. In dimly lit rooms, black levels tend to become more grayish, which could detract from the overall viewing experience for those who prefer deep, inky blacks.
Sound Quality: Good Clarity but Lacking Bass
Sound quality is often a weak point for budget TVs, and the Samsung Q60D is no exception. While the 2.0-channel 20W speaker system delivers clear dialogue, particularly when watching movies like The Batman, it lacks the bass and depth needed for a full, immersive sound experience. Explosive moments like car chases and shootouts in Ready Player One lack the punch you’d get from a high-quality soundbar or a TV with more powerful built-in speakers.
For those who prioritize sound, the Samsung Q60D supports Q Symphony, which allows users to combine the TV’s built-in speakers with a compatible Samsung soundbar. We highly recommend pairing the TV with a soundbar for a more complete audio experience.
Gaming: Decent but Lacking Advanced Features
The Samsung Q60D is not specifically designed for gamers, but it does include some basic gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and a low input lag of 9.6ms, which is good for casual gaming. The TV also features Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which gives users access to cloud gaming apps like Xbox and Nvidia GeForce Now.
However, the Q60D lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, which means it cannot support 4K at 120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), two features that are important for those with next-gen consoles. If gaming performance is a priority, you might want to look at more gaming-friendly TVs like the TCL C805 or Hisense U7N, both of which support these advanced gaming features.
Design: Slim and Premium-Looking
One area where the Samsung Q60D punches above its weight is design. The TV has a slim profile with a nearly bezel-less display that gives it a sleek, modern look. Even though it’s an entry-level model, the Q60D manages to look more premium than its price would suggest.
The height-adjustable support feet are another nice touch, making it easy to fit a soundbar underneath the TV. However, the feet themselves feel a little cheap compared to more expensive models.
Smart TV Features: Samsung Tizen
As expected, the Samsung Q60D runs on Tizen, Samsung’s proprietary smart TV platform. Tizen is intuitive and easy to navigate, with all the major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus readily available. The platform is divided into various hubs, such as the Gaming Hub, Home, and Ambient Mode, allowing for easy access to both content and settings.
While the picture settings are extensive and allow for good customization, the audio settings are more limited, which is disappointing for those who like to tweak their sound preferences.
Value: Fairly Priced but Under Pressure from Mini-LEDs
The Samsung Q60D is priced to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Starting at $479.99 for the 32-inch model and going up to $1,699.99 for the 85-inch version, the Q60D offers solid value, especially when on sale. However, it faces stiff competition from mini-LED TVs like the Hisense U6N and TCL C805, both of which offer more advanced gaming features, better HDR performance, and Dolby Vision support.
While the Q60D is a good option for those who want a solid TV for everyday use, buyers who prioritize gaming or are looking for the best picture quality might find better value in other options.
Should You Buy the Samsung Q60D?
Buy it if:
- You want a solid budget TV: The Samsung Q60D offers good picture quality and a premium design at a reasonable price.
- You appreciate good color and texture detail: The Q60D delivers crisp textures and punchy colors that make it stand out in its price range.
- You’re a casual gamer: With low input lag and ALLM, the Q60D offers a decent gaming experience for non-competitive gamers.
Don’t buy it if:
- You want the best gaming experience: Without VRR and 120Hz support, serious gamers will be better off with a different model.
- You need better sound: The built-in speakers are lacking in bass and overall soundstage. Adding a soundbar is almost a necessity.
- You’re seeking the best value: While the Q60D is a solid performer, mini-LED TVs like the Hisense U6N offer more features for a similar price.
Final Verdict: A Good, But Not Great, Entry-Level TV
The Samsung Q60D is a respectable entry into the world of QLED TVs. It delivers good picture quality, solid design, and an intuitive smart TV platform. However, in a market where budget mini-LEDs are gaining ground, the Q60D is under pressure. It’s a fine option for those who are looking for a stylish and capable TV without diving into higher-end features, but more feature-packed alternatives are increasingly available at similar prices.
