Samsung continues to innovate with its QLED lineup
As much as specs and marketing may detail a product, they won’t be able to help you if you are looking for a new TV, as choosing a new TV amidst the thousands of options can be one of the more overwhelming ventures. A “120 Hz refresh rate” or “HDR10+” are specs that, while may be important to some, don’t give the full picture of how a television performs in real world scenarios.
To help with this, Meredith Gallo, Sr. Editor of Testing and Research, and I spent a day at Samsung’s testing facility to examine in detail their newest products. Over the course of the day, we moved room-to-room, testing various TVs under different lighting conditions and putting them through a series of real-world tests to see how they performed where it matters most. Here are some observations.
In this article: Samsung Neo QLED 4K, Samsung Neo QLED 8K
Samsung Neo QLED 4K: the versatile performer
The new Samsung Neo QLED 4K line featured three TVs this year, an entry-point QN70F, an upgraded QN80F and a top-of-the-line QN90F model that we were able to test.
What stood out to us about the new QN90F was its versatility and balance. With its quantum dot technology, this TV was designed to deliver vivid colors, high brightness and excellent performance, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions like very brightly lit rooms.
During testing, we were consistently impressed by its ability to maintain a vibrant and clear picture, regardless of the lighting in the room. Compared to the QLED 4K model we tested last year, this year’s version showed clear improvements in several areas, including a brighter, more vivid display that features anti-glare technology.
Motion handling on this year’s QN90F also saw incremental improvements. Last year’s model was impressive, but this year’s version felt even smoother, especially with fast-paced content like sports. We tested it with a soccer match, and the action remained fluid and free of motion blur. And for the gamers out there, this TV includes an upgraded 165Hz refresh rate, an improvement that now makes this TV the perfect choice for sports fans and gamers who require responsive and lag-free visuals.
Each year, Samsung has been incorporating AI more and more into its TVs, and this year’s model benefits from an upgraded AI processor. Its new NQ4 AI Gen3 processor now analyzes content scene by scene to optimize color, contrast, sharpness and sound quality in real time. For example, during our tests with vibrant, colorful films, the TV’s AI processor ensured that every frame looked bright and lifelike, with greens, reds and blues that popped off the screen without feeling artificial.
A new feature added to this line was the addition of the Samsung Art Store. Made famous by Samsung’s “The Frame” line, the Art Store features thousands of works from artists like Basquiat to Dalí, or your favorite museums like The Met or MoMA and Art Basel.
In terms of design, the Neo QLED 4K strikes a balance between sleek modernity and practicality. It features slim bezels that mirror most other Samsung TVs, while its build quality felt sturdy and premium. Whether it’s mounted on the wall or set on its stand, the TV fits seamlessly into a variety of living room setups.
Overall, the Neo QLED 4K line remains one of the top choices for households looking for an impressive TV without the high pricetag. The incremental improvements Samsung has made this year — especially in AI-driven picture optimization — make it an even stronger contender for families, sports enthusiasts or anyone who needs a TV that performs well in bright environments.
Samsung Neo QLED 8K: the cutting-edge contender
The Samsung Neo QLED 8K represents the pinnacle of current TV technology, pushing the boundaries of resolution and clarity. With four times the resolution of 4K, this model is designed to deliver unprecedented detail and sharpness. Even though native 8K content is still rare, the Neo QLED 8K’s AI-powered upscaling technology impressed us during our testing.
When we played 4K content, the TV’s processing engine enhanced the picture to take full advantage of the display’s higher resolution. The result was sharper, crisper visuals with textures and details that felt almost lifelike, especially on a larger screen size.
Having tested last year’s Neo QLED 8K model, we noticed that Samsung has made major improvements in its AI-driven processing. This year, they included new AI features through Samsung Vision AI.
The AI upscaling this year is noticeably more refined and features a more seamless enhancement of lower-resolution content. The TV now uses deep learning to analyze and improve textures, edges and fine details in real time, making everything from streaming to gaming look better than ever before. This level of processing is especially important given the current lack of native 8K content — it ensures you’re still getting a premium experience even when watching 4K or 1080p content.
Like the Neo QLED 4K, the Neo QLED 8K excelled in bright rooms. Its high peak brightness made it easy to see every detail, even in a room flooded with overhead lighting. One new feature that Samsung brought to this line is the addition of glare-free technology. We tested the TV by aiming flashlights at it during dimly lit parts of a movie and it impressed as there was almost no glare.
A new Wireless One Connect Box was featured with this TV and it allows you to wirelessly connect all of your devices up to 10 feet away and the box will transmit 8K, 120Hz quality up to 10 feet away, so that you’re able to hide all of your cords and devices elsewhere while the TV sits flush against your wall.
One area where the Neo QLED 8K truly shined was in its new metal frame design. With ultra-thin bezels and a sleek profile, the TV feels high-end and almost futuristic. It’s the kind of device that becomes the focal point in any room, drawing attention even when it’s turned off. The build quality is equally impressive, with a solid, premium feel that matches its cutting-edge performance. With this year’s model, you’ll also get access to Samsung Art Store.
While the Neo QLED 8K is undeniably impressive, its appeal will depend largely on the viewer’s priorities. Without native 8K content, the benefits of the higher resolution may not be immediately apparent to everyone, especially on smaller screen sizes. However, for tech enthusiasts and early adopters who want the very best, the Neo QLED 8K delivers an experience that feels ahead of its time. With the year-over-year improvements in AI processing and upscaling, Samsung is making a strong case for why 8K TVs are worth considering, even in today’s 4K-dominated market.
Final thoughts
After spending the day testing the Neo QLED 4K and Neo QLED 8K models, it became clear that Samsung’s QLED lineup continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing TV landscape, which now includes AI.
Both models are excellent examples of how incremental improvements, particularly in AI-driven processing, can enhance the viewing experience across the board. The Neo QLED 4K stands out as a versatile, high-performance option that can handle everything from sports to movies to gaming. Its ability to maintain a bright, vibrant picture in any lighting condition makes it an excellent choice for busy households or shared spaces.
Meanwhile, the Neo QLED 8K showcases the future of TV technology. Its refined AI upscaling, incredible detail and cutting-edge design make it the perfect option for those who want to future-proof their setup and experience the best Samsung has to offer.
Ultimately, the choice between these two models will come down to your priorities as a consumer. If you’re looking for a reliable, all-around performer for everyday use, the Neo QLED 4K is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint. If you’re ready to invest in the next generation of TV technology and want a showpiece for your living room, the Neo QLED 8K is the way to go. Either way, Samsung’s commitment to innovation and AI integration ensures that its Neo QLED lineup remains at the forefront of the TV market. And as our testing proved, sometimes you need to see these TVs in action to truly appreciate how far the technology has come.
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