Samsung Q80 vs Q90 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureSamsung Q90Samsung Q80
Backlight TypeFull-Array Local Dimming ProFull-Array Local Dimming
Local Dimming ZonesHigher zone countLower zone count
Peak BrightnessHigher HDR brightnessLower HDR brightness
Sustained BrightnessHigher full-screen brightnessLower full-screen brightness
Contrast ControlMore precise dimmingLess precise dimming
Black UniformityImproved uniformityMore blooming visible
Anti-Reflection CoatingUltra Black EliteStandard anti-reflection
Viewing Angle LayerAdvanced wide-angle filterBasic wide-angle support
Panel GradePremium VA panelStandard VA panel
HDR Tone MappingMore aggressive dynamic mappingStandard dynamic mapping
Shadow DetailBetter low-light detailReduced shadow detail
Motion Processing TierHigher motion interpolation tierLower motion interpolation tier
Gaming Input LagSlightly lowerSlightly higher
HDMI 2.1 ImplementationMore consistent across portsLimited or fewer ports
Build ThicknessThinner chassisThicker chassis
Cable ManagementExternal One ConnectInternal connections
Bezel DesignUltra-slim premium bezelSlim standard bezel
PriceCheck Samsung Q90 PriceCheck 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

FeatureSamsung Q90Samsung Q80
Display TechnologyQLEDQLED
Resolution4K UHD4K UHD
Panel TypeVA LCDVA LCD
Color Volume100% DCI-P3100% DCI-P3
HDR SupportHDR10, HDR10+, HLGHDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Refresh Rate120Hz native120Hz native
Motion TechnologyMotion XceleratorMotion Xcelerator
Smart TV PlatformSamsung Tizen OSSamsung Tizen OS
Voice AssistantsBixby, Alexa, Google AssistantBixby, Alexa, Google Assistant
Game ModeYesYes
Variable Refresh RateYesYes
Auto Low Latency ModeYesYes
Filmmaker ModeYesYes
Ambient ModeYesYes
Screen MirroringYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Wi-FiDual-band Wi-FiDual-band Wi-Fi
HDMI InputsMultiple HDMI portsMultiple HDMI ports
USB PortsYesYes
Price Check Samsung Q90 Price
Check Samsung Q80 Price

FAQ

Do both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 use the same display technology?
Both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 use QLED technology based on LCD panels with a quantum dot layer, ensuring high brightness levels and vibrant color reproduction across both models.

Are Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 equally suitable for gaming?
Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 are both well suited for gaming, as they support 120Hz refresh rates, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and HDMI 2.1 features, though Samsung Q90 typically delivers slightly more consistent performance.

Do both models support the same HDR formats?
Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 both support HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, allowing them to display a wide range of HDR content from streaming services, broadcast TV, and UHD media.

Is there a difference in picture quality between Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80?
While both TVs deliver high-quality images, Samsung Q90 generally provides better contrast control, deeper blacks, and higher brightness, whereas Samsung Q80 offers strong but slightly less refined picture performance.

Do Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 use the same smart TV system?
Both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 run on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, providing access to popular streaming apps, a smooth user interface, and regular software updates.

Are viewing angles similar on Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80?
Samsung Q90 usually maintains color and contrast better at wider viewing angles due to higher-tier panel enhancements, while Samsung Q80 experiences more visible color shift when viewed from the side.

Do both TVs support voice control features?
Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 both support voice control through Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free operation and smart home integration.

Is the design quality the same on both models?
Samsung Q90 typically features a slimmer, more premium design with enhanced cable management options, while Samsung Q80 uses a simpler and slightly thicker chassis design.

Can both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 handle bright room environments?
Both models perform well in bright rooms thanks to QLED brightness levels, though Samsung Q90 usually handles reflections better due to a more advanced anti-reflection coating.

Do Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 support Filmmaker Mode?
Both televisions include Filmmaker Mode, which disables unnecessary processing to present movies and shows closer to the creator’s original intent.

Is motion handling similar between Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80?
Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 both provide smooth motion handling for sports and fast action, although Samsung Q90 generally benefits from slightly more refined motion processing.

Are the connectivity options the same on both TVs?
Both Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 include multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, Bluetooth, and dual-band Wi-Fi, offering flexible connectivity for external devices and accessories.

Do both models support screen mirroring and casting?
Samsung Q90 and Samsung Q80 both support screen mirroring, allowing users to share content from compatible smartphones and devices directly onto the TV screen.

Which model is better for long-term premium use?
Samsung Q90 is generally better suited for long-term premium use due to its higher brightness capability, superior contrast handling, and more premium overall construction, while Samsung Q80 remains a strong value-focused alternative.