Samsung Q60D vs Q80D: Which is a Better Investment?
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
Samsung Q60D and Q80D are some of the company's top QLED television models, each offering a unique set of features at different price points. The Q60D is the more budget-friendly option, while the Q80D is the more premium offering with more advanced capabilities.
In this comparison, we'll explore the similarities and differences between the two models to help you determine which one is the better investment for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Samsung Q80D justifies its higher price with superior Direct Full Array backlighting, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos audio, and advanced gaming features like FreeSync Premium Pro. The Q60D offers solid basic performance and smart features, but the Q80D delivers better picture quality, sound, and gaming experience for demanding users.
Samsung Q60D
2024 Budget QLED 4K TV
✓ Quantum Processor Lite 4K
✓ 100% Color Volume
✓ Motion Xcelerator
✓ Built-In Alexa
Samsung Q80D
2024 Premium QLED 4K TV
✓ NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
✓ Direct Full Array
✓ Motion Xcelerator Turbo
✓ FreeSync Premium Pro
Display
Samsung Q80D
Samsung Q60D uses Dual LED backlighting, which helps improve contrast and color accuracy by using two different color temperature LEDs. While this is good enough, it doesn't quite match the impressive Direct Full Array backlighting used in the Q80D.
Direct Full Array employs more LEDs distributed uniformly across the entire panel and positioned directly behind the display for brighter whites, deeper blacks, and superior contrast.
Samsung Q80D also features Quantum HDR + that improves upon the Quantum HDR of the Samsung Q60D, providing better HDR performance so you can see more details in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
In addition, while both TVs have Motion Xcelerator technology for delivering smooth motion, the Q60D features a standard Motion Xcelerator while the Q80D uses a more advanced Motion Xcelerator Turbo, which can process and display content at 120 frames per second. This is thanks to the Q80D's higher refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the Q60D with a more limited 60Hz refresh rate.
Samsung Q60D
Some other display features that give the Q80D an edge include the Real Depth Enhancer for enhanced contrast, HDR Brightness Optimizer for better HDR performance, and EyeComfort Mode for reduced eye strain. These are not available on the Q60D.
The only two display features that both TVs share in common are Quantum Dot technology for true-to-life color and 4K AI Upscaling for enhanced image quality of non-4K content. However, even those similarities are not quite equal.
The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor in the Q80D is more powerful and thus can deliver better upscaling, image quality, brightness, and overall display performance compared to the less powerful Quantum Processor Lite 4K on the Q60D.
Audio
Samsung Q60D vs Q80D
A TV's processor doesn't only impact image quality but also audio performance, so the Q80D's more powerful processor enables it to deliver better audio quality compared to the Q60D. The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor on the Q80D also allows support for Dolby Atmos, which delivers immersive 3D surround sound.
Surround sound on the Q60D only relies on the Object Tracking Sound (OTS Lite) feature, which the Q80D also offers. OTS Lite synchronizes the audio with the movement on the screen, but does not provide true 3D surround sound like Dolby Atmos.
Both TVs also offer an Adaptive Sound feature, which optimizes the audio output based on the content being played. However, the Q80D features the Pro version, which also tailors the audio based on the characteristics of the room instead of just the content.
Furthermore, the Q80D adds an Active Voice Amplifier. It enhances dialogue clarity by amplifying voices when there are background noises.
Lastly, the Samsung Q80D has an edge with a 2.2-channel speaker, which adds two extra subwoofers for deeper and more powerful bass. Meanwhile, the Q60D uses a 2.0-channel speaker setup, which only has two main speakers without dedicated subwoofers.
Smart Features
Samsung Now+ on Samsung Q80D
Using Tizen OS as the smart platform, both the Samsung Q60D and Q80D offer roughly similar smart features, including voice control through Bixby or the built-in Alexa, smart home control for SmartThings or Matter devices, a web browser for accessing online content, a wide selection of popular streaming apps and services, and more.
One small difference is that the Q80D supports Samsung Now+. It is a feature that provides a dashboard of information when you say "Hi Bixby" while the screen is off. It's a handy way to quickly access information without having to fully power on the TV.
Gaming Features
Samsung Q60D vs Q80D
One key advantage that the Q80D has in terms of gaming features is the FreeSync Premium Pro it offers, which is a variable refresh rate (VRR) technology that helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for a smooth gaming experience. Therefore, the Q80D is the better choice for serious gamers who demand responsive gameplay for competitive gaming.
However, other basic gaming features are similar on both TVs. The Auto Game Mode automatically switches the TV to a low latency mode for gaming, the Gaming Hub provides access to cloud gaming services, while the Game Bar provides quick access to essential gaming settings.
Connectivity
Samsung Q60D
Both smart TVs offer two USB-A ports, but the Q80D has four HDMI ports compared to the Q60D's three HDMI ports. Moreover, all the HDMI ports on the Q80D support 4K/120Hz, while the Q60D's HDMI ports max out at 4K/60Hz.
The Q80D's additional HDMI port and higher HDMI input rate give you more flexibility to connect multiple high-performance devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and more.
Samsung Q60D vs Q80D
Final Thoughts
Samsung Q80D
The choice between the Samsung Q60D and Q80D ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a more affordable QLED TV with solid performance, the Q60D may be the better option. However, if you're willing to invest in a more premium model with advanced display, audio, and gaming features, the Q80D is the clear winner.
The Q80D's superior backlighting, HDR performance, motion handling, Dolby Atmos support, and FreeSync Premium Pro make it the better choice for those seeking a high-end home entertainment experience.
If you like to read more about Smart TV, check out our other relevant guides here:
Samsung Q60D vs Q70D
Samsung Q70D vs Q80D
Samsung Q80D vs QN85D
Samsung Q60C vs Q60D
Samsung Q70C vs Q70D
Samsung Q80C vs Q80D
Author
Naila Syifa
Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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