Samsung QLED Q80A Series 65-Inch Smart TV review with Quantum HDR insights

Description

Design and Build Quality

I must admit, the sleek design and TITAN BLACK finish of the Samsung QN65Q80AAFXZA immediately caught my eye. Its minimalistic frame feels modern without being too over-the-top, and it blends seamlessly into both a living room and a smaller home theater setup. The assembly was painless, and the sturdy stand provided excellent stability for the TV’s size, though I preferred mounting it on the wall for a cleaner look. While the dimensions (56.9 x 35.7 x 11.4 inches with the stand) fit quite well in my space, I can see how the size might be a concern for tighter areas. It’s definitely a centerpiece, and if you’re into aesthetics, this TV doesn’t disappoint.

One small gripe I have is the weight—at 61.3 pounds, it’s not exactly feather-light, so moving it around solo isn’t ideal. But then again, with a 64.5-inch screen, it’s a compromise I’m willing to make.

Performance and Picture Quality

The Quantum HDR 12X and Direct Full Array technology blew me away. Watching a dark, atmospheric movie like Blade Runner 2049 was an entirely different experience. The contrast between deep blacks and pure whites made every scene pop, and the colors were nothing short of vibrant. Thanks to the 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot, I could see an incredible range of shades that felt lifelike, almost like peeking out a window instead of staring at a screen.

Motion clarity? No complaints there either. Even during fast-paced sports, I noticed no ghosting or blurriness. The Quantum Processor 4K did an admirable job of upscaling older content to near-4K quality. I tested it with a few grainy YouTube videos, and while it wasn’t a miracle worker, the improvement was noticeable. That said, the adaptive picture feature was a bit hit or miss; in changing lighting conditions, it occasionally overcompensated, making the screen either too dim or too bright.

Audio Quality

The Object Tracking Sound (OTS) feature is one of those things I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it. The idea of sound following the action on screen may sound gimmicky, but it genuinely enhances immersion. During an intense action scene, I could swear the audio was moving across the room as objects flew around.

However, I did notice that while the built-in 6-speaker system with 60W output is impressive for a TV, it struggles to deliver the deep bass you’d expect during explosions or music-heavy scenes. If you’re an audiophile, I’d recommend pairing it with a soundbar or surround sound system for a fuller experience.

Smart Features and User Experience

The integration of Alexa was a pleasant surprise, and it worked seamlessly. I used it to launch apps, adjust the volume, and even control my smart lights without any hiccups. The voice commands were responsive, and the hands-free option made it convenient when I was too lazy to reach for the remote.

Navigating through the smart interface was smooth, thanks to the Tizen operating system. Apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ loaded quickly, and I appreciated how intuitive the menu layout was. However, I did encounter a minor annoyance: the occasional lag when switching between inputs. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth mentioning.

Key Benefits

• Stunning picture quality with Quantum HDR 12X and Direct Full Array technology.
• Exceptional color accuracy with 100% Color Volume in the DCI-P3 color space.
• Immersive sound experience with Object Tracking Sound (OTS).
• Alexa built-in for hands-free control and smart home integration.
• User-friendly interface powered by Tizen OS.

Critiques

• Audio could use more bass, especially for action-heavy scenes.
• Adaptive picture feature occasionally over-adjusts brightness levels.
• Input switching lag can interrupt an otherwise smooth experience.

Competing Products

In the world of QLED TVs, the Samsung QN65Q80AAFXZA holds its ground well, but there’s stiff competition. For instance, LG’s OLED models offer deeper blacks and infinite contrast, making them a favorite for movie buffs. However, they lack the brightness and color volume that this Samsung model excels at.

Compared to Sony’s Bravia lineup, the Samsung TV outshines in terms of smart features and ease of use. Sony’s processing might be slightly better for upscaling content, but the difference is marginal unless you’re a videophile.

Lastly, Vizio’s P-Series Quantum TVs are a more budget-friendly option, but the compromise comes in the form of fewer features and less robust build quality. The Samsung product doesn’t feel like a “budget” option in any way, even though it’s priced competitively against these rivals.

Price Performance

For the features it offers, this TV strikes an excellent balance between quality and cost. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the inclusion of AI-powered upscaling, premium HDR, and built-in Alexa makes it a solid investment. You’re essentially paying for a high-end viewing experience without diving into ultra-premium pricing.

Would I recommend this as a “smart spending” choice? Absolutely, especially if you value a vivid display, robust smart features, and a design that complements your living space.

Additional information