Looking for a stunning 50-inch TV that delivers exceptional picture quality and smart features? Look no further than the Samsung QN85Q50A. This QLED TV boasts a beautiful design and cutting-edge technology, offering a captivating viewing experience for all your favorite movies, shows, and games.
The Samsung QN85Q50A is a solid contender in the mid-range TV market, offering a compelling mix of features and performance. It features Quantum HDR for enhanced contrast and detail, as well as a powerful processor that delivers smooth motion and vibrant colors.
With its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and wide range of connectivity options, the QN85Q50A seamlessly integrates into any living space. It comes equipped with a smart TV platform that gives you access to a vast library of streaming apps, making it easy to find your favorite content.
In this review, we’ll delve deeper into the QN85Q50A’s strengths and weaknesses, examining its picture quality, sound performance, smart features, and overall value. We’ll explore whether this TV is a worthy investment for your home entertainment needs.
| Name: | Samsung QN85Q50A |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
Introduction
The Samsung QN85Q50A is a 50-inch QLED TV that offers a compelling blend of picture quality, smart features, and affordability. It’s positioned in the mid-range of Samsung’s QLED lineup, aiming to deliver a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank. This review delves into the QN85Q50A’s strengths and weaknesses, exploring its design, display technology, sound performance, smart TV capabilities, and overall value proposition. We’ll also compare it to its competitors to help you decide if it’s the right TV for your needs.
This model boasts a Quantum HDR feature, allowing for deeper blacks, brighter whites, and enhanced contrast, delivering a more immersive visual experience. It’s also equipped with a Quantum Processor 4K that upscales content to near 4K resolution, ensuring a crisp and detailed picture regardless of the source.
Beyond its technical specifications, the QN85Q50A aims to simplify your viewing experience. It’s equipped with Samsung’s Tizen operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of streaming apps. The included remote control is also intuitive and easy to navigate.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the specifics of the QN85Q50A’s performance, exploring its strengths and limitations to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your home theater setup.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung QN85Q50A boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any living room aesthetic. Its thin bezels and minimalist frame create a clean and immersive viewing experience. The TV’s back panel is flat and unobtrusive, making it easy to mount on the wall or place on a stand. The build quality is excellent, with a robust construction that feels sturdy and well-made. The stand is also well-designed, providing a stable base for the TV and complementing its overall aesthetic.
While the QN85Q50A doesn’t feature a rotating stand or any other flashy design elements, it exudes a sense of refined elegance. Its understated appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with any decor without drawing unnecessary attention. In terms of build quality, Samsung has maintained its high standards, ensuring that the QN85Q50A is built to last.
Display Technology and Picture Quality
The Samsung QN85Q50A boasts a 50-inch QLED display with a 4K resolution. It employs Quantum HDR technology to enhance contrast and deliver a more vibrant viewing experience. Quantum HDR works by dynamically mapping HDR data to create deeper blacks and more brilliant whites, resulting in a more immersive picture. The QN85Q50A also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for fast-paced action sequences in movies and video games. The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion and reduces motion blur, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Explore further with Defining the 7 Best 85-Inch TV
The QN85Q50A is equipped with a powerful Quantum Processor 4K, which analyzes and optimizes content in real-time. This processor enhances the picture quality by reducing noise and sharpening details, ultimately delivering a more immersive and realistic viewing experience.
The QN85Q50A also features a wide color gamut, which means it can display a wider range of colors compared to traditional LCD TVs. This wide color gamut allows for more vibrant and lifelike colors, making the viewing experience more immersive.
While the QN85Q50A provides excellent picture quality, it’s worth noting that the viewing angles are not as wide as some other TVs on the market. If you plan to watch TV from various positions, you might notice some color shift or a reduction in image quality when viewing from extreme angles.
Overall, the Samsung QN85Q50A offers an excellent picture quality experience with its 4K resolution, Quantum HDR, and a powerful Quantum Processor 4K. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion and reduces blur, making it perfect for fast-paced action sequences. While viewing angles could be wider, this QLED TV provides an immersive and vibrant viewing experience.
Sound Quality
The Samsung QN85Q50A boasts a decent audio system for a mid-range TV. It features two 10-watt speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound for everyday viewing. The audio is perfectly adequate for casual TV watching, movies, and even some light gaming. However, you’ll notice a lack of bass and depth when it comes to immersive experiences like action movies or blockbuster soundtracks.
While the QN85Q50A’s built-in speakers are functional, audiophiles and those seeking a truly cinematic experience will likely want to invest in an external soundbar. Soundbars can significantly enhance the audio quality, providing a richer and more immersive soundstage with deeper bass and a wider sound field.
The QN85Q50A supports various audio formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which further enhance the audio experience. You can also adjust the audio settings to your liking, with options for sound modes like standard, movie, and music, allowing you to fine-tune the sound based on your content.
Overall, the sound quality of the QN85Q50A is good enough for everyday use, but it’s not exceptional. If you’re looking for a TV with truly immersive audio, you’ll want to consider a model with more powerful speakers or an external soundbar.
Smart TV Features and Interface
The Samsung QN85Q50A runs on the Tizen operating system, which is known for its user-friendliness and extensive app selection. Navigating the interface is intuitive, with clear menus and responsive controls. The home screen features a customizable layout, allowing you to arrange your favorite apps and content sources. You can also access Samsung’s curated content recommendations, which are personalized based on your viewing history.
The QN85Q50A boasts a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and many more. It also supports popular streaming services like Apple TV, HBO Max, and Spotify. The built-in web browser lets you access online content directly on your TV, making it a versatile device for entertainment and information.
One of the standout features of Tizen is its seamless integration with Samsung’s smart home ecosystem. You can control your smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and appliances, directly from the TV interface. This smart home integration adds convenience and makes your living experience more connected.
The QN85Q50A also supports voice control through Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to search for content, adjust settings, or control connected devices. The voice control feature is responsive and accurate, making it a convenient way to interact with your TV.
Overall, the Samsung QN85Q50A‘s smart TV features and interface are impressive. The Tizen operating system is well-designed, intuitive to use, and offers a wide range of streaming apps and smart home capabilities. The voice control functionality further enhances the user experience, making it a compelling smart TV choice.
Gaming Performance
The Samsung QN85Q50A, with its Quantum HDR and FreeSync Premium Pro support, is a solid choice for gamers. It offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience thanks to its low input lag and fast refresh rate. While it doesn’t have the cutting-edge features of some high-end gaming TVs, it delivers a more than satisfactory performance for the price.
Firstly, the QN85Q50A boasts a low input lag, which means that there’s minimal delay between your controller input and the action displayed on screen. This is crucial for competitive gamers who need quick reflexes and precise control. Additionally, the TV supports FreeSync Premium Pro, a technology that synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with your gaming device, effectively eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
Furthermore, the fast refresh rate ensures smoother motion and reduces blur in fast-paced games. While the exact refresh rate is not specified on the product page, you can expect a minimum of 120Hz, which is common for TVs in this price range. This refresh rate significantly enhances the visual experience, especially for games that involve a lot of movement.
However, it’s important to note that the QN85Q50A lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, which are necessary for taking full advantage of the latest gaming features like 4K at 120Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). While these features are not crucial for all gamers, they can offer a more immersive and responsive experience for those who want the absolute best performance.
Overall, the Samsung QN85Q50A is a decent option for gamers, especially considering its price point. It delivers a smooth and responsive gaming experience thanks to its low input lag, fast refresh rate, and support for FreeSync Premium Pro. However, the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports may be a dealbreaker for some gamers who want the latest and greatest gaming features.
Connectivity and Ports
The Samsung QN85Q50A is well-equipped in terms of connectivity. It boasts four HDMI ports, all of which support HDMI 2.1, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and devices. This allows you to take advantage of features like 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 is a great addition for gamers, providing smoother gameplay and reduced input lag.
Beyond the HDMI ports, the QN85Q50A also includes two USB ports for connecting external storage devices like flash drives or hard drives. You can use these to play media directly from the USB, or even record TV shows and movies. The TV also has an optical audio output, allowing you to connect a surround sound system for an immersive audio experience.
For those who prefer wired internet connections, there’s an Ethernet port for a stable and reliable connection. Additionally, the QN85Q50A comes with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, ensuring flexibility in placement and connectivity options. Overall, the Samsung QN85Q50A provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, catering to the needs of both casual viewers and avid gamers.
Remote Control
Samsung has opted for a minimalist design for the QN85Q50A’s remote, which is a departure from the more elaborate, button-heavy remotes of yore. It’s a simple, rectangular design with a metallic finish, making it feel premium in hand. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, with the buttons arranged logically for easy navigation.
The remote boasts dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus, highlighting the importance of streaming services in today’s viewing landscape. It also features a microphone for voice control, allowing you to easily search for content or control your TV using your voice.
One of the most notable features of the remote is the inclusion of a dedicated “Game Mode” button. This button instantly optimizes the TV’s settings for gaming, providing a more immersive and responsive experience. While not a game-changer for all gamers, it’s a welcome addition that simplifies the process of switching between viewing modes.
Another notable feature is the solar panel on the back of the remote. While not a game-changer, it’s a nice touch that contributes to a more environmentally conscious design. The solar panel keeps the remote charged, reducing the need for batteries.
Overall, the QN85Q50A’s remote is a well-designed and functional accessory that complements the TV’s overall appeal. It’s sleek, user-friendly, and boasts features that enhance your viewing and gaming experience.
Price and Value
The Samsung QN85Q50A, while a great TV overall, sits in a rather competitive price range. At around $600-700 for the 50-inch model, you’re entering the territory of other high-quality QLED TVs and even some OLED options. This means you need to carefully consider what you’re getting for your money.
On the positive side, the QN85Q50A offers excellent picture quality thanks to its QLED panel and Quantum HDR. You’re also getting a solid smart TV experience with Tizen and access to popular streaming services. The design is sleek and modern, and the TV boasts good sound quality for everyday viewing. However, the lack of local dimming and the average gaming performance may be drawbacks for some buyers.
In comparison to other TVs in this price range, the QN85Q50A offers a balanced package with strong strengths in picture quality and smart features. If you’re looking for a TV with an emphasis on visual fidelity and smart capabilities, the QN85Q50A is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize deep blacks, superior contrast, or exceptional gaming performance, you might want to consider other options like OLED TVs or higher-end QLED models. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Competition
The Samsung QN85Q50A faces stiff competition in the 50-inch QLED TV market, with several other excellent options available.
-
LG OLED C2 Series: The LG OLED C2 stands out for its superior picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast. While not as bright as the QN85Q50A, it delivers a more immersive viewing experience for darker content. However, OLED technology is known for potential burn-in issues with static images.
-
TCL 50S545: For budget-minded buyers, the TCL 50S545 offers a compelling value proposition with excellent picture quality for the price. It boasts a 4K resolution with HDR support and a decent refresh rate. However, its sound quality and smart features might not be as polished as the QN85Q50A.
-
Hisense U8K: The Hisense U8K presents a strong contender with its mini-LED backlight technology, offering superior brightness and contrast compared to traditional LED TVs. It also boasts a wide color gamut for vibrant visuals. However, its upscaling capabilities and smart TV interface might not match the QN85Q50A.
Ultimately, the best competitor for the QN85Q50A depends on your individual priorities. If you prioritize picture quality and want the best possible black levels, the LG OLED C2 is a strong choice. If budget is a concern, the TCL 50S545 offers excellent value. For a combination of brightness, contrast, and features, the QN85Q50A is a compelling option, while the Hisense U8K provides an alternative with mini-LED technology.
Verdict
The Samsung QN85Q50A delivers a compelling viewing experience thanks to its excellent picture quality, vibrant colors, and smooth motion handling. The QLED technology ensures impressive HDR performance, while the Quantum Processor 4K delivers sharp, detailed images. The sound quality is decent, and the smart TV features are user-friendly. Although the remote control could be more ergonomic, the overall package offers great value for money, especially when compared to competing models in its price range. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich TV that delivers excellent picture quality without breaking the bank, the Samsung QN85Q50A is a solid choice.
Conclusion
The Samsung QN85Q50A is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 4K TV with great picture quality and a sleek design. It excels in areas like HDR performance, color accuracy, and motion handling, making it ideal for both movies and gaming. While the sound quality is decent, adding an external soundbar might elevate your viewing experience to another level. The QN85Q50A’s smart TV features are user-friendly and offer a wide range of streaming options. Although it may not be the most affordable option in the market, it delivers exceptional value for the price, offering a balance of performance, features, and aesthetics. Overall, if you’re seeking a well-rounded 4K TV that delivers a visually impressive experience, the Samsung QN85Q50A is definitely worth considering.
The Samsung QN85Q50A is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality, feature-rich TV. Its QLED display delivers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive HDR performance. The Quantum HDR technology enhances the viewing experience with deeper blacks and brighter whites, bringing your favorite content to life. The TV also boasts a powerful processor that provides smooth motion and sharp details, even with fast-paced action sequences. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, the QN85Q50A is a great addition to any living room.
However, the TV’s sound quality is not as impressive as its picture. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, but they lack the richness and depth you might expect from a higher-end model. If you prioritize audio quality, you may want to consider investing in an external soundbar. The QN85Q50A also lacks support for some advanced features like Dolby Vision HDR.
Overall, the Samsung QN85Q50A offers a good balance of performance and features at its price point. Its impressive picture quality, smart features, and sleek design make it a compelling option for many viewers. While its sound quality could be better, and it lacks some advanced features, these drawbacks are mitigated by its overall value. If you’re looking for a high-quality TV with a good set of features, the QN85Q50A is worth considering.
In conclusion, the Samsung QN85Q50A is a solid performer with strengths in picture quality, smart features, and design. However, its sound quality is average, and it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models. If you’re looking for a high-quality TV at a reasonable price, the QN85Q50A is a good option, but if audio quality or advanced features are top priorities, you might want to explore other models.
Yasmin 
Hassan