The QE65Q80B on test is great for gamers and its screen is bright, but there are some blooming issues.
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(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
T3 VerdictThe Samsung Q80B is an impressive option if your budget won’t stretch to Samsung’s higher-numbered Neo QLED Mini LED models. The Q80B’s vibrant picture performance is easy to like, there’s high frame rate gaming support, plus a solid smart platform with plenty of streaming options.
T3 Verdict
The Samsung Q80B is an impressive option if your budget won’t stretch to Samsung’s higher-numbered Neo QLED Mini LED models. The Q80B’s vibrant picture performance is easy to like, there’s high frame rate gaming support, plus a solid smart platform with plenty of streaming options.
Reasons to buy+Impressive high dynamic range (HDR) performance+4K 120Hz HDMI support for new-gen gaming+Tizen smart platform works well
Impressive high dynamic range (HDR) performance
4K 120Hz HDMI support for new-gen gaming
Tizen smart platform works well
Blooming evident on some content
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Parked defiantly on the lawns of similarly pricedOLED TVs, theSamsungQ80B QLED is a well-heeled 4K performer with obvious appeal to gamers and bright room viewers.
If you thought your next TV might be an OLED, then the Q80B is here to potentially change your mind. Here’s our full review, assessing whether it’s a more sensible buy than thetop-end QN95Balso in the range…
Samsung Q80B: Price & Availability
The Samsung Q80B is available in 50-, 55-, 65-, 75 and 85-inch screen sizes (QE50Q80B, QE555Q80B, QE65Q80B, QE75Q80B, and QE85Q80B), priced at £799, £1399, £1999, and £2499 respectively. To get a lower cost it’s worth checking ourSamsung discount codes.
In the US, these same models sell for $999, $1199, $1499, $2199, and US$3299.
In Australia it’s available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inches, priced at AUDS$1799, AUD$2299, AUD$2999 and AUD$3999.
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Samsung Q80B review: What’s new?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
We hauled the 65-inch Q80B model onto our test bench, so that’s your reference point, although we expect the pros and cons to be very similar for smaller and larger panels too.
If you want plenty of streaming services on tap, you’ve come to the right place. The Q80B runs Samsung’s Tizen smart platform, which is well-stocked and stable. These days Tizen sports a full-screen Home interface, with rails of curated content and easy access to a comprehensive range of apps, includingNetflix,Disney+, Prime Video, Britbox, Now, Britbox andApple TV+.
The final big selling point is the Samsung Game Hub, from which you can stream a variety of games. Latency is excellent: we measured input lag at 10.1ms (1080/60) with Game mode selected, and 13.4ms if you opt for Game Motion Plus, which includes some beneficial picture enhancement.
Samsung Q80B review: Image & Sound Quality
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Q80B exhibits all the attributes we’ve seen from previous Samsung QLED models. Its images are inherently bright, with well-saturated hues and diamond-etched detail. It’s particularly well suited for daytime TV and sports.
The screen’s black level performance benefits from a direct full array backlight, which influences its high dynamic range (HDR) handling.
While obviously not able to deliver OLED-style black depth, letterbox movie bars are better than grey.
If you prefer, you can disable this mode for a more conventional preset selection, comprising Filmmaker Mode, Dynamic, Standard, and Movie.
The Q80B’s HDR performance is very impressive. We measured 980 nit peak brightness (using a standard 10 per cent patch). That’s good enough to negate tone mapping on most TV content. HDR support covers HDR10+ and HLG.
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Low level shadow detail is fair for this class of screen, with some smudging of dark detail. Colour fidelity is strong, as we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s Quantum Dot screens. However, there is clear blooming when bright whites sit against a black background.
The result is rewardingly wide and high audio, with aggressive steering. The set is also compatible withSamsung Q-Symphony-enabled soundbars – here’s T3’slist of the best soundbars for Samsung TVs.
Samsung Q80B review: Design & Usability
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Tipping the scales at a hefty 24.1kg, this QLED TV is finished in dark grey and the bezel is wafer thin. A Samsung logo is placed centrally above a squared-off, textured, metal pedestal stand.
All four HDMIs support v2.1 features (although the 50-inch model is an exception if you’re looking at that) and handle 4K 120Hz inputs withALLM(Auto Low Latency Mode), Nvidia G-Sync andFreeSync Premium Procompliance. There’seARC on HDMI 3.Additionally there are two USB ports, a digital optical audio input, Ethernet connection, and both satellite and terrestrial tuners. There’s also a common interface slot if you need it.
Navigation is intuitive and sprightly, and there’s a choice of two remote controls to move you around the interface, one a standard zapper and the other a slim solar-powered alternative. Both remotes have quick-access buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Samsung TV Plus.
Samsung Q80B review: Verdict
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Audio performance is surprisingly good though. You won’t feel the need for a soundbar right out of the gate.
Overall, we rate the Q80B a superior QLED TV with a good deal of future-proofing built in. It’s not as refined as the Q95B, but the step-down in price fully reflects that.
Also consider
If you can forego the larger size then you could buy a smaller Samsung QN95B, which is at the top-end of this series, delivering even more precision and brightness. Otherwise from the OLED side of the fence the LG C2 is hard to ignore.
Today’s best Samsung Q80B, Samsung QN95B and LG C2 OLED dealsSamsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Q80B, Samsung QN95B and LG C2 OLED dealsSamsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Q80B, Samsung QN95B and LG C2 OLED dealsSamsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Q80B, Samsung QN95B and LG C2 OLED deals
Samsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all prices
Samsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all prices
Samsung Q80B$769$697.95ViewSee all prices
Samsung Q80B
Samsung Q80B
$769$697.95View
$769$697.95
$697.95
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Low StockSamsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all prices
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Samsung QN95B Neo QLED$2,297.99$1,268.60ViewSee all prices
Samsung QN95B Neo QLED
Samsung QN95B Neo QLED
$2,297.99$1,268.60View
$2,297.99$1,268.60
$1,268.60
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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