Samsung Q80D vs QN85D: Which Should You Choose?
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
The Samsung Q80D and QN85D are some popular models in Samsung's smart TV lineup. The Q80D is the most premium model in the 2024 QLED TV lineup. While the QN85D is not the highest-end model among its peers, it sits in the Neo QLED TV category, which comes at more premium pricing than the Q80D and its QLED TV siblings. This makes it a difficult choice between the two models.
But in this comparison, we'll explore the similarities and differences between the two TVs so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Key Takeaways
The QN85D stands out with its mini LED backlighting for superior contrast, brightness, and HDR performance compared to the Q80D's standard full array backlighting. However, both TVs are largely on par in audio, gaming features, and smart features powered by Tizen OS.
Samsung Q80D
2024 Premium QLED 4K TV
✓ NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
✓ Direct Full Array
✓ Adaptive Sound Pro
✓ AI Auto Game Mode
Samsung QN85D
2024 Neo QLED 4K TV
✓ NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
✓ Quantum Matrix with Mini LEDs
✓ Neo Quantum HDR
✓ Dolby Atmos and OTS Lite
Display
Samsung Q80D
Samsung Q80D and QN85D use the same NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, which means they have similar image processing capabilities. Both TVs can upscale content to 4K resolution and share some similar features.
These include Motion Xcelerator Turbo for smooth motion handling up to 120Hz, Real-Depth Enhancer for improved contrast, and HDR Brightness Optimizer for enhanced details in dark scenes.
However, with different backlighting technology, the overall image quality is different on both TVs. The Q80D uses Direct Full Array backlighting, which means it places LED lights directly behind the screen and spreads them across the entire display panel, providing more precise local dimming and better contrast than edge-lit models.
Samsung QN85D
The QN85D also uses a similar backlight mechanism but uses mini LEDs instead of standard ones, resulting in a higher number of dimming zones. Known as Quantum Matrix with Mini LEDs, this technology allows the QN85D to control light more precisely, reduce blooming, and enhance details.
The difference in backlighting also results in a difference in HDR performance. Mini LEDs on the QN85D allow it to achieve better contrast, and with a wider color gamut, the QN85D looks better on HDR content. That's why HDR technology on the QN85D is called Neo Quantum HDR, a step up from the Quantum HDR + on the Q80D.
Furthermore, the QN85D is equipped with a range of additional display features. For example, Auto HDR Remastering can convert content to HDR-like quality. AI Customization Mode automatically adjusts picture settings based on the content you're watching. On the largest 85-inch model, the QN85D also features Supersize Picture Enhancer, which uses AI to optimize the image quality for a super large screen.
Audio
Samsung Q80D
The difference in audio performance for both TVs is perhaps not as striking as the difference in their display technologies. This is because both TVs are equipped with the same set of audio features.
They use a 2.2-channel speaker system that outputs 40 watts of audio. Adaptive Sound Pro can analyze the audio content and the room's characteristics, then optimize the sound accordingly.
To deliver immersive surround sound, both the Samsung Q80D and QN85D support Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite, which makes the audio sound like following the action on the screen. 360 Audio mode can also be enabled to experience surround sound from all directions, but it requires paired Galaxy Buds.
Smart Features
Samsung Q80D vs QN85D
Overall, the Samsung Q80D and QN85D offer similar smart TV experience. Tizen OS powers the smart platform, providing access to a wide range of apps and services, voice control, and smart home integration. Samsung TV Plus is also included, providing access to a selection of free live and on-demand channels.
For voice control, both TVs feature Bixby and built-in Alexa, but you can also connect the TV with compatible Alexa and Google Assistant smart speakers.
For managing and controlling smart home devices, both TVs use Samsung's SmartThings platform, which supports Matter and allows for seamless integration with a wide range of smart home devices.
The new Samsung Now+ feature on both the Q80D and QN85D further enhances the smart home experience. This feature displays information cards on your TV while the screen is off, providing a quick glance at smart home device information and more.
Gaming Features
Samsung Q80D vs QN85D
The QN85D is said to have a faster response time than the Q80D, making it smoother for fast-paced gaming. However, in terms of overall gaming features, both TVs are quite on par.
They equally support Freesync Premium Pro for tear-free and stutter-free gaming, Gaming Hub for access to cloud gaming services, and Game Bar for quick access to gaming settings and tools.
There are also more premium features like Al Auto Game Mode and Minimap Auto Detection. The former optimizes the settings automatically depending on the game genre, while the latter can automatically detect and enlarge the minimap during gameplay.
Samsung Q80D vs QN85D
Final Thoughts
Samsung QN85D
While the Samsung Q80D and QN85D share similar core features, the QN85D offers some notable upgrades, particularly in display technology. The QN85D's use of mini LED backlighting allows for improved contrast, HDR performance, and overall image quality compared to the Q80D's direct full-array LED backlight. The QN85D also has additional display features like Auto HDR Remastering and Supersize Picture Enhancer that further enhance the display performance.
In other key areas like audio, smart home integration, and gaming, both TVs are largely on par in features.
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 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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