Samsung Q65Q8FN Review

Samsung Q8
The QLED series from Samsung builds on the Premium UHD series by adding a wider color gamut via Quantum Dot film and Quantum Dot color. It has excellent black levels and contrast and will capture the intended increased brightness and color of HDR content. This years model focuses more on an anti-reflective screen combined with better contrast through the new Q Contrast Plus technology. Has 240 motion rate.

Differences between the Q7 and Q8 QLED TVs

One of the key differences between the two series is the inclusion of the high end Ultra Black Panel in the Q8.
Ultra Black Elite Panel: Samsung is marketing this panel feature which is included only in the Q8 and Q9 QLEDs for those of us that do not adjust room light conditions when watching TV. This technology built in the Ultra Black panel increases brightness while decreasing glare by using micro dots on the surface of the panel to help redirect light from surroundings that would otherwise cause glare on the screen.
The other differences are minute with the Q8 having one less USB port (2), a slightly different stand, and a price poing between $300 and $400 more than the Q7.

What is QLED? Differences with OLED

This new Quantum Dot technology from Samsung makes a play on the OLED lettering but without the OLED technology. OLED and QLED may seem similar as acronyms, but are as different of TV technologies and LCD vs. plasma.
QLED (quantum light emitting diode) is a souped up LCD (liquid crystal display) with LED backlighting and a Quantum Dot QDEF layer between the LCD panel and the LED backlighting. OLED TV technology is lit by the organic light emitting diodes themselves rather than by a backlight and employs no LCD panel. It's actually more similar to plasma TV technology in this way.
The difference this year in Samsung's QLED offering and last year's Nano Crystal technology is improvements in the QDEF layer or quantum dot layer whichever you want to call it. The quantum dot layer is a stack of ultra thin film located between the LCDs (liquid crystals) and the front protective glass or plexi layer.
Samsung has added a metal alloy element to the quantum dot layer that enhances brightness luminance up to 1500 to 2000 nits. Samsung has done this without destroying color volume – or the ability to deliver accurate color at very bright levels. Indeed, tests of the Q8 show that they succeeded in this endeavor. Samsung's QLED TVs can also read the interior ambient room light conditions and change the brightness needs of the TV to optimize viewing. Think dark room/light room. While adjusting brightness for room light levels technology has been around for a couple of years, this Q8 may do it best.

Strengths

  • Contrast and Black Levels are excellent for an LED TV
  • Best in class color performance competition with OLED
  • Black Uniformity (no light coming through at corners)
  • Competent Anti-reflective technology
  • Dark Shadow Detail
  • Brighter than other UHD LED TVs due to Quantum layer
  • Strong LED edge lighting produces top notch light flow-through for dynamic images
  • HD programming upconversion looks great in 4K
  • Very low input lag in Game mode
  • Excellent at handling fast motion
  • Q Engine core processor makes the Smart Hub run very smooth and fast
  • Tizen OS Smart TV is fast, easy to use, has essential Apps
  • Appearance of the TV is great from any angle
  • Smart remote voice function works well to speed browsing or searching
  • Great anti-screen glare properties
  • 120Hz processing (240 Motion Rate)

Weaknesses

  • Side angle viewing angle contrast and saturation loss (still)
  • AutoMotion Plus really highlights unnatural effects to 2D shows and movies
  • Not as bright as some other HDR compatible TVs
  • Local Dimming from edge lit LEDs not very effective

Neutral

  • One cable connection

Picture Quality Rating: 93/100

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