The Samsung Neo QLED QN85D is a mid-range television in Samsung's 2024 lineup that features advanced mini-LED backlighting for improved picture quality. It is designed to deliver vibrant colors and excellent contrast, especially when local dimming is enabled.

 Display and Picture Quality

The QN85D employs mini-LED technology to achieve higher brightness and better contrast. It has strong peak brightness levels, around 1,000 nits, which makes it suitable for viewing in bright environments. It also supports HDR10+ but lacks Dolby Vision. The color gamut coverage is wide, providing vivid HDR visuals, though some content may appear slightly undersaturated. The panel performs best when viewed head-on, as the picture quality degrades at wide angles, which is a typical limitation of VA panels.

Local dimming on this TV enhances black levels significantly, reducing blooming and delivering deep, inky blacks. The TV is especially suitable for HDR movie viewing in dark rooms, where it can bring out highlights effectively.

Gaming Features

The Samsung QN85D is also an excellent choice for gaming, equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K resolution at 120Hz, making it compatible with next-gen consoles. It boasts features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for a smooth gaming experience. The TV also has a very low input lag, and its fast response time helps reduce motion blur during intense gaming sessions.

 Smart Features and Connectivity

Running on Samsung's updated Tizen OS, the QN85D provides a clean and user-friendly interface. The software supports major streaming services and includes a Gaming Hub, allowing for cloud gaming from platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now. Voice control is integrated, with support for Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Additionally, the TV features Multi View, SmartThings integration, and support for Matter, making it compatible with a wide range of smart home devices.

Build and Audio

The TV comes with a sturdy pedestal stand, with room to accommodate a soundbar underneath. For audio, it uses a 2.2-channel speaker setup with 40W output and supports features like Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony for enhanced sound quality when paired with compatible Samsung soundbars. Dolby Audio support is present, but there is no Dolby Atmos or DTS compatibility.

Overall, the Samsung QN85D is a well-rounded option that delivers great performance for both everyday TV viewing and gaming. It offers many high-end features at a more affordable price compared to flagship models, making it an attractive choice for those looking to enter the mini-LED space without breaking the bank.