Samsung Q90 & Samsung Q80 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Q90 rather than the Samsung Q80.
Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Q90?
- The Samsung Q90 has a higher peak brightness capability for more impactful HDR highlights and better visibility in bright rooms, while the Samsung Q80 has lower peak brightness.
- Samsung Q90 features a more advanced full-array local dimming system for deeper blacks and reduced blooming in dark scenes, whereas the Samsung Q80 uses a less precise local dimming system.
- It comes with a higher number of local dimming zones to improve contrast accuracy in complex scenes, while the Samsung Q80 has fewer dimming zones.
- The Samsung Q90 includes a more advanced anti-reflection coating for clearer viewing with fewer screen reflections in well-lit environments, while the Samsung Q80 uses a standard anti-reflection layer.
- Samsung Q90 supports better off-axis viewing performance to maintain color accuracy and contrast from wider seating positions, whereas the Samsung Q80 shows more color and contrast degradation when viewed from the side.
- It has more refined HDR tone mapping for preserving detail in both bright highlights and dark shadows, while the Samsung Q80 applies less aggressive HDR processing.
- The Samsung Q90 comes with a slimmer and more premium chassis design for a cleaner wall-mounted appearance and improved cable management, while the Samsung Q80 uses a thicker and more conventional TV body.
- Samsung Q90 supports more consistent high-end gaming performance for demanding console and PC gaming scenarios, while the Samsung Q80 delivers slightly less stable gaming performance under the same conditions.
Maybe the Samsung Q80 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Q90. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Q90 | Samsung Q80 |
| Backlight Type | Full-Array Local Dimming Pro | Full-Array Local Dimming |
| Local Dimming Zones | Higher zone count | Lower zone count |
| Peak Brightness | Higher HDR brightness | Lower HDR brightness |
| Sustained Brightness | Higher full-screen brightness | Lower full-screen brightness |
| Contrast Control | More precise dimming | Less precise dimming |
| Black Uniformity | Improved uniformity | More blooming visible |
| Anti-Reflection Coating | Ultra Black Elite | Standard anti-reflection |
| Viewing Angle Layer | Advanced wide-angle filter | Basic wide-angle support |
| Panel Grade | Premium VA panel | Standard VA panel |
| HDR Tone Mapping | More aggressive dynamic mapping | Standard dynamic mapping |
| Shadow Detail | Better low-light detail | Reduced shadow detail |
| Motion Processing Tier | Higher motion interpolation tier | Lower motion interpolation tier |
| Gaming Input Lag | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| HDMI 2.1 Implementation | More consistent across ports | Limited or fewer ports |
| Build Thickness | Thinner chassis | Thicker chassis |
| Cable Management | External One Connect | Internal connections |
| Bezel Design | Ultra-slim premium bezel | Slim standard bezel |
| Price | Check Samsung Q90 Price | Check Samsung Q80 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Technology: Both televisions use QLED technology, which combines an LCD panel with a quantum dot layer to improve color brightness and saturation. This ensures vibrant colors and strong performance in both SDR and HDR content.
- Resolution: Each model features a 4K UHD resolution, delivering sharp detail and clarity across movies, games, and streaming content. This resolution is well suited for large screen sizes and modern high-quality content.
- Panel Type: Both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 use VA LCD panels, which are known for better native contrast compared to IPS panels. This helps produce deeper blacks and stronger image depth.
- Color Volume: Both models achieve full DCI-P3 color coverage, allowing them to reproduce a wide range of colors accurately. This is especially important for HDR movies and high-quality streaming content.
- HDR Support: Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 support HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. This ensures compatibility with most HDR content available from streaming services, broadcast TV, and UHD Blu-ray.
- Refresh Rate: Each TV has a native 120Hz refresh rate, enabling smoother motion for sports, fast-action scenes, and gaming. This also supports higher frame rates when connected to compatible devices.
- Motion Technology: Both models include Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator processing to reduce motion blur and judder. This improves clarity during fast-moving scenes such as sports or action films.
- Smart TV Platform: Both TVs run Samsung’s Tizen OS, providing access to major streaming apps and a consistent user interface. This allows easy navigation and regular software updates.
- Voice Assistants: Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 support multiple voice assistants, including Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This enables voice control for TV functions and smart home integration.
- Game Mode: Both models include a dedicated Game Mode to optimize picture settings and reduce latency. This improves responsiveness when playing console or PC games.
- Variable Refresh Rate: Each TV supports VRR, allowing the refresh rate to dynamically match the output of a compatible gaming device. This helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay.
- Auto Low Latency Mode: ALLM is supported on both models, automatically switching the TV into low-latency gaming mode when a console is detected. This simplifies setup for gamers.
- Filmmaker Mode: Both televisions include Filmmaker Mode, which disables excessive processing to display content as intended by creators. This results in more accurate color, motion, and contrast.
- Ambient Mode: Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 feature Ambient Mode, allowing the TV to display artwork, photos, or information when not actively in use. This helps the TV blend into the room decor.
- Screen Mirroring: Both models support screen mirroring from smartphones and other compatible devices. This enables easy sharing of photos, videos, and apps on the big screen.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity is available on both TVs, allowing wireless headphones, speakers, and peripherals to be connected easily.
- Wi-Fi: Each TV includes dual-band Wi-Fi for stable wireless connectivity. This supports smooth streaming and smart TV functionality.
- HDMI Inputs: Both models provide multiple HDMI ports for connecting consoles, media players, and sound systems. This ensures flexibility for multi-device setups.
- USB Ports: Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 include USB ports for media playback and accessories. This allows users to play files directly from external storage devices.
Common Features
| Feature | Samsung Q90 | Samsung Q80 |
| Display Technology | QLED | QLED |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Panel Type | VA LCD | VA LCD |
| Color Volume | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz native | 120Hz native |
| Motion Technology | Motion Xcelerator | Motion Xcelerator |
| Smart TV Platform | Samsung Tizen OS | Samsung Tizen OS |
| Voice Assistants | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Game Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Refresh Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Low Latency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Filmmaker Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Mirroring | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi | Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| HDMI Inputs | Multiple HDMI ports | Multiple HDMI ports |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Samsung Q90 Price | Check Samsung Q80 Price |