Samsung Q80C vs Q80D: What's Different?
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
Both the Samsung Q80C and Q80D are on the higher end of Samsung's QLED TV lineup, but the Q80C is an older 2023 model while the Q80D is a newer 2024 model. In this comparison, we'll highlight the key differences between the two smart TVs to help you decide which one provides the most bang for your buck!
Key Takeaways
The Samsung Q80D improves upon the Q80C with its upgraded NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, HDR Brightness Optimizer, Adaptive Sound Pro, and 360 Audio support. While sharing core features, the Q80D's enhanced processing power and additional minor features like Samsung Now+ and AI Auto Game Mode make it the more capable option, not just for watching, but also for gaming and smart home integration.
Samsung Q80C
2023 Premium QLED 4K TV
✓ Neural Quantum Processor 4K
✓ Direct Full Array
✓ Dolby Atmos & OTS Lite
✓ Adaptive Sound+
Samsung Q80D
2024 Premium QLED 4K TV
✓ NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
✓ Direct Full Array
✓ Adaptive Sound Pro
✓ AI Auto Game Mode
Display
Samsung Q80D
Samsung Q80C and Q80D feature Quantum Dot technology that delivers 100% color volume, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors across a wide range of brightness levels. The Quantum HDR + on both TVs offers an impressive HDR performance, while the Motion Xcelerator 120Hz ensures smooth and clear motion handling.
Direct Full Array backlighting in the Q80D has also been used in the Q80C, providing superior local dimming and contrast compared to edge-lit LED panels. To further enhance contrast, both TVs feature Real Depth Enhancer, which analyzes where the viewer's eyes are focused and adds depth and contrast to the image accordingly.
Despite these many similarities, one difference sets the two TVs far apart – the processor. A TV's processor is like its brain that powers all its functions and performance, so a stronger processor can make a significant difference in the overall user experience.
The Q80D features NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, a step up from the Q80C's Neural Quantum Processor 4K. While both can upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, the Q80D's newer and more powerful processor allows for better image quality and faster performance, including improved brightness, color, clarity, and contrast.
The Q80D also features HDR Brightness Optimizer, ensuring bright and detailed images even in dark scenes.
Audio
Samsung Q80C vs Q80D
Both TVs use a 2.2-channel speaker with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite, providing immersive surround sound that matches the action on screen. They also equally offer a Q-Symphony feature that synchronizes the TV's speakers with a connected Samsung soundbar for even more immersive audio.
However, remember that the Q80D has a more powerful processor? This also impacts the audio performance, with the Q80D delivering better and more optimized audio compared to the Q80C. For example, while the Q80C has Adaptive Sound+, the Q80D has Adaptive Sound Pro. It is a feature that optimizes the audio output based on the content being played and the room environment.
In addition, the Q80D adds a new feature called 360 Audio. It delivers surround sound from all directions when using a compatible Galaxy Buds paired with the TV.
Smart Features
Samsung Now+ on Samsung Q80D
Samsung Q80D does introduce small upgrades to the smart features, such as the addition of Samsung Now+. It provides information cards about the weather and connected smart home devices, resembling a smart display or hub for your connected home.
However, in terms of overall smart features, both TVs are equally smart. The Tizen OS provides a user-friendly and responsive smart TV experience, with access to a wide range of popular streaming apps, seamless integration with SmartThings and Matter smart home devices, and voice control support with the built-in Alexa, Bixby, or via connected Alexa and Google Assistant smart speakers.
Gaming Features
Samsung Q80C vs Q80D
Samsung Q80C and Q80D support 120Hz refresh rate, so they can handle high-frame-rate gaming on the latest game consoles. FreeSync Premium Pro is also supported on both TVs to minimize screen tearing and provide a smooth gaming experience.
If you don't have a gaming console, Gaming Hub provides access to popular cloud gaming services, allowing you to stream high-quality games directly to your TV. There is also a Game Bar that provides quick access to gaming-related settings and information.
The Game Bar on both TVs is overall similar with just minor adjustments. For example, the Q80D has Minimap Auto Detection that you can enable on the settings. It automatically locates the Minimap and zooms in on it, so you don't have to manually locate it.
The Q80D also features AI Auto Game Mode. It adjusts the game settings automatically based on the genre of the game you are playing to optimize the performance.
Samsung Q80C vs Q80D
Final Thoughts
Samsung Q80C
The Q80D's improved processor and additional features like HDR Brightness Optimizer, Adaptive Sound Pro, and 360 Audio give it a noticeable edge over the Q80C in terms of overall performance and user experience. Minor feature upgrades like Samsung Now+, Minimap Auto Detection, and AI Auto Game Mode also enhance the overall value proposition of the Q80D compared to the Q80C.
While the two TVs share many similarities, the Q80D's upgrades make it the more capable and future-proof option for those seeking the best QLED experience from Samsung's TV lineup.
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 Q60D vs Q80D
Samsung Q80D vs QN85D
Samsung Q60C vs Q60D
Samsung Q70C vs Q70D
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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