TECHWEEK
The Samsung Q80C is a well-established 4K TV with a clear appeal to gamers and viewers alike. It is suitable for viewing in both dark and brightly lit rooms. The QE65Q80CQ80C is not only visually attractive.
It’s not just the quantum dots and ultra-brightness of QLED, but it also supports high frame rate (HFR) gaming from any HDMI input. In addition, the TV is equipped with the latest Samsung Tizen intelligent platform.
In the Samsung QE65Q80C 4K HDR QLED review below, using the 65-inch model as an example, let’s try to figure out if the Q80C series TVs are a smarter purchase than the top-end QN95C, which is in the same range.
Samsung Q80C Review
Design
Weighing almost 28kg (with stand), this QLED TV is finished in silver with a thin bezel around the screen. The Samsung logo is centered above a square, textured metal stand. The depth of the Samsung QE65Q80C TV in its thickest part of the case is 55 mm. This suggests that when wall mounted, the TV will look perfect.
In order to hang the TV on the wall, you will need a VESA bracket 400 x 300 mm (for 65 diagonal). It will have to be purchased separately. In addition to the center stand and the TV itself, the package includes two remote controls, a user manual, an e-manual and a network cable.
Equipment
The Samsung 65Q80C TV runs on the Samsung Tizen smart platform, which is quite well-equipped and stable. So, if you need a lot of streaming services, then you’ve come to the right place. Tizen currently has a full screen home interface with curated content and easy access to a wide range of apps including Netflix , Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV and more.
There is also Samsung TV Plus. Navigation is intuitive and dynamic. There is a choice of two remote controls to navigate the interface. One is a standard TM2280F remote control and the other is a slim solar powered alternative.
Both remotes have shortcut buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Samsung TV Plus. The TV works with its own Bixby system, as well as voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There’s support for Smart Things and a collection of relaxing videos as well as Samsung’s Ambient templates.
The last major advantage is the Samsung Game Hub, from which you can stream various games. The TV has a low latency value. Its value in the game mode is at the level of 10 ms, and when choosing Game Motion Plus – a little more than 13 ms.
Sound quality
The sound on the Samsung Q80C TV is also surprisingly effective. Most users won’t feel the need to buy a soundbar. The screen hides six directional speakers, including two height speakers. The Q80C sounds best with Dolby Atmos , as well as multi-channel gaming audio.
In addition, the Object Tracking Sound system makes full use of the speaker set when only stereo content is available. The result is a wide and high-pitched sound with an aggressive pseudo-surround sound.
The set is also compatible with Samsung soundbars that support Q-Symphony mode. Sound system 2.2.2 CH of six speakers has 2 subwoofers. The total output power is 60W.
Image quality
The QE65Q80C TV shows off all the trappings that previous Samsung QLED models had. His images are inherently bright, with well-saturated hues and fine detail. It is especially suitable for watching TV and playing sports during the day.
Black level performance benefits from direct backlighting Direct , which affects its performance especially when viewing high dynamic range (HDR) content. Although it is clear that the Q80C series TVs are not able to provide the depth of blacks that OLED TVs have.
Image processing is handled by the Samsung Quantum 4K processor with artificial intelligence. It also controls the scaling of lower resolution sources. Combined with the built-in ambient light sensor, the processor adjusts image characteristics according to available ambient light.
This smart mode effectively puts the screen on autopilot. As a result, everything visually looks very smooth. For most viewers, this is probably the best solution. You can optionally disable this mode for a more traditional preset selection including Filmmaker , Dynamic, Standard, and Cinematic.
The HDR performance of the Q80C is very impressive. Peak brightness in a 10 percent white window is 980 nits. This is enough to negate the tone mapping of most TV content. HDR support covers HDR10+ and HLG.
While this HDR performance is excellent, a recurring problem is the lack of Dolby Vision on all Samsung TVs. Considering that DV technology is now widespread among other TV brands, Samsung’s dogmatic refusal to support this standard is bewildering. If the viewer is a movie aficionado, he will definitely feel that he is missing out on a lot.
Unimpressive downloading Netflix and watching new shows described simply as “4K HDR”. The low level of detail in the shadows is quite acceptable for a display of this class. Some dark details look washed out. Color accuracy is high, as you’d expect from Samsung’s quantum dot screens. However, when bright whites are set against a black background in an image, blooming is observed.
Connections
All four HDMIs support v2.1 features and process 4K 120Hz input signals with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). For game mode, the TV is equipped with Nvidia G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro features. There is eARC on HDMI at number 3.
In addition, there are two USB ports, a digital optical audio input, an Ethernet connection, as well as connectors for satellite and terrestrial antennas. There is also a common interface slot for connecting paid programs. Wireless connections are implemented using technologies such as Wi-Fi5 and Bluetooth BT5.2.
Conclusion
Samsung Q80C is a very good choice if the budget does not allow for the Samsung Neo QLED or Mini-LED models , which are much more expensive. The bright image of the Q80C is easy to please everyone.
There’s also support for high frame rate gaming and a smart platform with plenty of streaming options. The mid-range QLED screen should appeal to gamers and casual viewers alike. but may disappoint moviegoers.
The lack of Dolby Vision HDR and the tendency to bloom spoil the overall impression a bit. The sound quality is surprisingly good. Many will not feel the need to purchase a soundbar. The Q80C isn’t as refined as the top-of-the-line QLED model, but the lower price makes up for it.
