Samsung QLED Q80B Series 65-Inch Smart TV review featuring 4K UHD brilliance

Description

A Deep Dive into the SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED Q80B Series (QN65Q80BAFXZA)

Testing out the SAMSUNG Q80B Series QLED TV has been quite the experience. As someone who loves technology and indulges in binge-watching sessions, this TV felt like a playground for both visuals and sound. While there are plenty of things to love about it, there are also a few quirks you might want to consider. Let me break it down for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Titan Black finish of this TV is sleek and modern, and it fits effortlessly into almost any living room aesthetic. Measuring 64.5 inches diagonally, it’s large enough to make a statement but not so overwhelming that it dominates the room. The flat panel design, combined with its thin bezels, feels premium. At 61.3 pounds, it’s a bit hefty, so you might need a hand setting it up, but the build quality definitely justifies the weight.

One feature I appreciated was the ambient light sensor, which adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the lighting in the room. It’s subtle but effective, especially during daytime use. The TV stand is sturdy and doesn’t wobble, but if you prefer wall mounting, the slim profile makes it a great candidate for that.

Visual Performance

What immediately blew me away was the DIRECT FULL ARRAY technology. The contrast between deep blacks and vibrant whites is stunning. Watching movies with high dynamic range felt almost cinematic, thanks to Quantum HDR 8X. The colors just pop, and there’s an undeniable richness to the visuals. I tested it with a mix of content, from colorful animated films to dark, moody dramas, and the TV handled both effortlessly.

The Quantum Processor with 4K Upscaling is another highlight. Even older HD content looks sharper and more vibrant, which is great for someone like me who still enjoys revisiting older shows. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a wide, immersive viewing experience, perfect for gaming and streaming alike.

Sound Quality You Can Feel

Let’s talk about the 2.2.2CH built-in speakers. While many TVs falter in the sound department, this one goes a step further with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound. The sound seems to follow the action on screen, which is both immersive and thrilling. I noticed this the most during action-packed sequences—it felt like the sound was moving around me, adding depth to the overall experience.

That said, if you’re an audiophile, you might still want to invest in a dedicated soundbar. While the built-in speakers are impressive for a TV, they can’t quite match the power and clarity of external audio systems.

Smart Features and Usability

The multiple voice assistants built into this TV are a massive convenience. Whether you’re team Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby, you’ll have no trouble navigating the smart interface. I personally used Alexa, and it was seamless to switch between apps, adjust settings, or even control other smart devices in my home.

Running on the Samsung Tizen operating system, the interface is smooth, intuitive, and packed with apps. Setting up streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ was a breeze, and the browser functionality was a nice bonus for quick searches. One thing I noticed is that the TV boots up quickly, which is always a plus when impatience takes over.

Key Benefits

• Stunning picture quality thanks to Quantum HDR and 4K Upscaling.
• Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos enhancing the viewing experience.
• User-friendly smart features, including multiple voice assistants and a responsive interface.

Areas for Improvement

While the SAMSUNG Q80B Series is a fantastic TV overall, there are a few areas for improvement:

• Hefty weight might make installation tricky for one person.
• While the speakers are good, audiophiles may find them lacking compared to standalone sound systems.
• Price point could be a concern for budget-conscious buyers, as premium features come at a cost.

Competing Brands

In its category, the Q80B Series faces stiff competition. One notable rival is the LG OLED C2 Series, which offers superior black levels and a slightly slimmer design. However, the Samsung QLED holds its own with a brighter panel, making it a better choice for well-lit rooms. Another contender is the Sony X90K, which excels in motion handling and detail but doesn’t quite match Samsung’s smart features or voice assistant integration.

Compared to others, the Q80B stands out in brightness and versatility, but if you’re a purist looking for the deepest blacks, an OLED option might be worth considering.

Bang for the Buck

Considering the premium features packed into this model, the price-to-quality ratio feels justified. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the combination of cutting-edge technology, smart features, and immersive sound makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their entertainment setup.

For someone who values vivid visuals and seamless usability, this TV offers a lot more than just a screen—it’s an experience. Whether it’s worth every penny depends on how much you prioritize features like HDR, smart assistants, and sound quality in your home setup.

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