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Samsung Q800T vs Q90T Review (QN65Q800T vs QN65Q90T, QN75Q800T vs QN75Q90T)

by on July 5, 2020
 



Samsung Q800T vs Q90T Review

The Samsung Q800T is the lowest models of the Samsung’s 2020 QLED TV that uses 8K display. On the other hand, the Samsung Q90T is the top models of the Samsung’s 2020 QLED TV that uses 4K display. They both have deep black, wide color gamut, smooth color gradient, excellent peak brightness, etc that makes their performance is excellent for any usage. And of course, the main difference among them is the resolution of their panel where the Q90T comes with 4K resolution while the Q800T comes with 8K resolution. Nevertheless, the excepting of their display resolution that becomes their main difference, they have a lot of similar features and technologies.

In the market, the Samsung Q90T has 4 screen size variant, which are 55 inches (QN55Q90TAFXZA), 65 inches (QN65Q90tAFXZA), 75 inches (QN75Q90TAFXZA), and 85 inches (QN85Q90TAFXZA).  On the other hand, the Samsung Q800T comes in 3 screen size variant only, which are 65 inches (QN65Q800TAFXZA), 75 inches (QN75Q800TAFXZA), and the largest is 82 inches (QN82Q90TAFXZA).  And with the same screen size (QN65Q800T vs QN65Q90T, QN75Q800T vs QN75Q90T), the Q800T is sold hundreds dollars more expensive than the Q90T. So, which is a better choice between them?

Short Review of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T

Samsung Q800T and Q90T Key Specs

Technology and Features Samsung Q800T Samsung Q90T
Screen Size Available 65 Inches (QN65Q800TAFXZA), 75 Inches (QN75Q800TAFXZA), and 82 Inches (QN85Q800TAFXZA), 55 inches (QN55Q90TAFXZA), 65 inches (QN65Q90TAFXZA), 75 inches (QN75Q90TAFXZA), and 85 inches (QN85Q90TAFXZA),
Resolution 8K (7680 × 4320) 4K (3840 x 2160)
Panel Technology VA Panel VA Panel
Backlight Technology Direct LED Direct LED
Local Dimming Technology Yes (Direct Full Array 24X), 82 inches (Direct Full Array 32X) Yes (Direct Full Array 16X), 85 inches (Direct Full Array 20X)
Ultra Viewing Angle Yes Yes
Processor Quantum Processor 8K Quantum Processor 4K
Numerical HDR Index by Samsung Quantum HDR 16X Quantum HDR 16X, 55 inches : Quantum HDR 12X
HDR Supports HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
Color Technology Quantum Dot Quantum Dot
Up-Scaling Engine 4K AI Up-Scaling 4K AI Up-Scaling
Motion Technology Motion Rate 240 Motion Rate 240
Native Refresh Rate Panel 120 Hz 120 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate Yes (FreeSync, HDMI Forum), Yes (FreeSync, HDMI Forum)
Smart TV Platform Tizen 2020 Tizen 2020
Processor Quad Core Quad Core
Samsung’s Bixby Yes Yes
Support Google Assistant Yes Yes
Support Amazon Alexa Yes Yes
Remote TM2050C TM2050C
Speaker Channel 4.2.2 4.2.2
Total Sound Output 60 watts, QN49Q80T 40 watts 60 watts
HDMI Ports 4 4
HDMI Supports HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, HDMI 2.1, CEC, HDCP 2.2 HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, HDMI 2.1, CEC, HDCP 2.2
USB 2.0 2 2
USB 3.0 No No

Technology and Features of the Samsung Q90T and Q800T

Panel Technology

As we have mentioned above, the main difference of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T is the resolution of their display. If the display of the Samsung Q90T has 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, the display of the Q800T has 8K (7680 × 4320) or four times the resolution of the Q90T. Of course, this makes the picture displayed on the screen of the Q800T is more details than on the screen of the Q90T. But even so, except their resolution, their panel has almost the same technologies. They both use VA panel technology that powered by Quantum Dot technology and has anti glare optical layer called “Ultra Viewing Angle”. Even though the use of “Ultra Viewing Angle” optical layer may slightly reduce their native contrast ratio and color gamut, but it significantly improve their side viewing angle coverage. So, unlike other TVs with conventional VA panel that has poor side viewing angle, they both have good side viewing angle.

8K vs 4K Resolution

Additionally, both of the Samsung Q90T and Q800T also use the same backlight technology. They both use Direct LED backlight with Full Array Local Dimming. Nevertheless, which sets them apart is the number of their local dimming zones. But unfortunately, Samsung doesn’t officially describe the number of their dimming zones. They only described the number of their local dimming zones with the Direct Full Array numerical Index. Nevertheless, certainly, the higher numerical index of their Direct Full Array, the more number of dimming zones of their local dimming. And since the Q800T has higher numerical index, can be ascertained that it has more number dimming zones than the Q90T.

Image Processor

As we see on the comparison table above, as their image processor, the Samsung Q800T is powered by an image processor with market name of “Quantum Processor 8K” while the Q90T is “Quantum Processor 4K”. Nevertheless, except their performance in handling 8K images, their performance is almost similar. Their image processor is equally able to provide the number of AI-Related features such as Adaptive Brightness, Adaptive Volume, Adaptive Sound, etc. Additionally, their image processor also make their Up-scaling has AI-based Algorithm, allow them are able to up to scale the lower resolution contents to their screen resolution excellently. Meanwhile, like the 2019’s lineup, the both support the number of HDR formats. In addition to HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), that use static metadata, they both also support HDR10+ that already uses dynamic metadata. But unfortunately, they both don’t support Dolby Vision, the other HDR format that use dynamic metadata.

Motion Technology

For maximizing their performance in handling motion, they both are powered by Motion Rate 240 technology. But even so, basically, they both have native 120 Hz refresh rate panel.  This makes them support images with frame rate up to 120 Hz or interpolate lower frame rate content up to 120 Hz. In addition 120 Hz native refresh rate panel, they both also already support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology. With 1080p and 1440p resolution, their refresh is able to change between 20 Hz and 120 Hz while with 4K resolution, their refresh rate ranges between 48 Hz and 60 Hz. The excellence, their VRR technology is already compatible with most of Gaming features such as FreeSync, GSync, and HDMI Forum. As we have known, this can further improve their gaming experience by removing screen-tearing.

Meanwhile, just like most of other LED TVs, to dim their backlight, they both use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming system. The highest frequency of their dimming system is also same, which is 960 Hz when both of them set in “Movie” mode. Special for the Q800T, set it in “Game” mode also make their dimming frequency is 960Hz. And since their backlight flickers at high frequency, in these modes, this makes their backlight’s flicker is not noticeable. But even so, once they both set in other modes such as Natural, Dynamic, or Standard, their dimming frequency will drop to 120 Hz. Special for the Q90T, set it in “Game” mode will also change its dimming frequency to 120 Hz. Additionally, they both also have both 120 HZ and 60 Hz BFI (Black Frame Insertion) mode that can help to make motion smoother. TO enable their 120 Hz BFI mode, you just need to enable “Picture Clarity” while to enable their 60 Hz BFI mode, you just need to enable “LED Clear Motion”.

Connectivity

Both of the Samsung Q90T and Q800T are equipped with the same connectivity. As their major connectivity, they both have 4 HDMI ports where their HDMI ports also have the same features.  Their HDMI ports support HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, CEC, and HDCP 2.2. Additionally, one of their HDMI ports (HDMI 4) also supports HDMI 2.1 Full bandwidth, allowing them can play HFR content via their HDMI port. Furthermore, on their HDMI 3, they both also support ARC and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) allowing them can receive high-quality object-based audio like Dolby Atmos via TrueHD over an HDMI connection. In addition to HDMI ports, they both also have USB ports. But unfortunately, they both only have 2 USB ports and none of them are USB 3.0, which means their USB ports are USB 2.0. Furthermore, they both have 1 RF In (Tuner IN), 1 Digital Audio Out (optical), and 1 Ethernet port. And for wireless connectivity, they both have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Smart TV Platform

Both of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T runs the same smart TV platform, which is 2020 version of Tizen OS. As we have known, the Tizen OS has clean and simple interface, make the navigation is easy.  Additionally, it also has a lot of preinstalled apps. In addition to comprehensive streaming service such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten TV, etc, it also has some attractive and useful apps such as Games, Web Browser, etc. Additionally, its smart TV platform also supports for TV plus, Disney TV, Apple TV, and others. In addition comprehensive selection of pre-installed apps, it also has an app store that has excellent selection of downloadable apps, games, themes, etc you can download directly from your Samsung TV.

Samsung Tizen Experience

Its smart TV also already has built-in voice navigation. You can choose either Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa to make voice control. You need to know, in this version, the Amazon Alexa has been built-in, and so to use this voice control platform, you don’t need buy additional compatible listening devices. This is an upgrade from last year version where Amazon Alexa was not built-in. They both actually also support Google Home, but to use this feature, it requires an additional listening device.

And as their controller, they both are equipped with 2 remote, basic remote and smart remote. Special for their smart remote, their remote is almost similar to last year model where it is small and only has view buttons. But even so, their remote has been equipped with built-in microphone for voice command and has many smart features.

Check the Latest Price
Samsung Q800T Samsung Q90T
55 Inches QN55Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
65 Inches QN65Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN65Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
75 inches QN75Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN75Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
82 Inches QN82Q800TAFXZA on Amazon
85 Inches QN85Q90TAFXZA on Amazon

Samsung Q800T vs Q90T Performance

Contrast Ratio

Although both of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T use VA panel technology, but their native contrast ratio is relatively lower than expected from VA panel, which is around 4000:1 for Q90T and 1500:1 for the Q800T. This is caused the use of “Ultra Viewing Angle” optical reduce their native contrast ratio. Fortunately, they both have excellent local dimming feature that can significantly improve their contrast ratio up to around 9000:1 for the Q800T and 10500:1 for the Q90T. The result, they both can produce around 0.01 nits of black level, deeper than that is required to show deep black so look really black in a dark room.  Additionally, black level produced by them is also deep enough to reveal details in shadow of HDR images, allowing dark scene of HDR images can be shown like what expected in HDR. Additionally, their local dimming also can do a good job in minimizing blooming around highlight that certainly makes dark scene of images looks more excellently. But a bit unfortunate, their black uniformity is relatively worse than most TVs with VA panel.  Meanwhile, compare among them, the Q90T is better due to it has higher native contrast ratio and better black uniformity albeit its local dimming performance is not as good as the Q800T, particularly in improving their contrast ratio.

Winner: Q90T

Peak Brightness

With SDR content, they both have excellent peak brightness. But unfortunately, their peak brightness is depending on the content and this probably can bother some people. With real content, the Q90T can hit around 600 nits while the Q800T is able to hit 50 nits brighter, which is around 650 nits. But even so, with windows test, the Q90T can get brighter than the Q800T. On 10% window (10% of screen is white while the rest is black) where they both hit their brightest peak brightness, the Q90T hit around 1350 nits while the Q800T hit around 1200 nits. Meanwhile, on 2% window, the Q90T also can get brighter, which is around 1100 nits while the Q800T hit around 900 nits only. Meanwhile, as the bright area increases, their peak brightness will drop, down to around 400% on 100% window for the Q800T and around 550 nits for the Q90T. With this summary, can be ascertained, their peak brightness is more than enough to fight the glare in most bright rooms. And combined to their good reflection handling, this allows you to watch TV in most bright rooms without any issue.

Contrast Black Level

The image is only an illustration

Meanwhile, with real HDR content, they both can get much brighter, which is around 1200 nits for the Q800T and 1150 nits for the Q90T. But just like with SDR content, their HDR peak brightness also varies depending on the content. On 10% window, the Q90T hit around 1350 nits while the Q800T hit around 1200 nits and on 2% window, the Q90T hit around 1000 nits while the Q800T hits around 850 nits. Their HDR peak brightness also drops as the bright area increases, which is down to 350 nits on 100% for the Q800T and around 600 nits for the Q90T. Nevertheless, separated from the variance of their peak brightness on different window size, their HDR peak brightness is equally excellent. Ignoring their differences, their peak brightness is bright enough to show fantastic HDR images in most bright rooms as expected from HDR. Additionally, their peak brightness is also bright enough to make highlight pops the way they should in HDR. They both are even able to show highlight at 1000-4000 nits of brightness ranges intended by the content creator where there are not many TVs can do that.

Winner: The Q90T

Color Performance

Coming with Quantum dot panel makes them can deliver wide color gamut. Nevertheless, color gamut deliver by them is relatively worse than the OLED TVs. This might be caused by the use of “Ultra Viewing Angle’ optical layer that reduce their color gamut. But even so, ignoring this issue, their color gamut is actually wide enough to show colorful HDR images the way they should in HDR. In DCI P3 xy color space, the Q800T can cover around 87% while the Q90T can cover around 89%. Additionally, in DCI P3 uv color space, both of them can cover around 93%.  This means, both of them can accurately show most colors of HDR images that mastered in DCI P3 and coincidence, most of HDR formats supported by them are mastered in DCI P3. In addition to excellent color gamut, they both also have good color volume. Except bright blues where most LED TVs also cannot produce them, both of them can show their wide color gamut at their entire brightness range. Deep dark colors can be shown as excellent as bright saturated colors.  But even so, compare among them, the Q90T is a bit better due to it has a bit wider color gamut and better color volume than the Q800T.

Wide color gamut

Meanwhile, discussing about their color gradient, the Samsung Q90T also has smoother color gradient than the Q800T. On their screen, some little bandings are equally visible on reds and greens, but even so, they look more obviously on the screen of the Q800T than Q90T. But even so, this actually is not a serious problem and in normal content, color gradient of HDR images looks very smooth on their screen. Nevertheless, if you still feel bothered by banding, enabling “Noise Reduction” can help to remove banding.  But on the other hand, this will cause some loss of fine details in certain scenes.

Winner: Q90T

Side Viewing Angle

As we have discussed above, the use of an anti glare optical layer called “Ultra Viewing might reduce their native contrast ratio and color gamut, but this can improve their side viewing angle coverage. If on the conventional VA panel, black level usually will rise started at around 15 degrees off center and front, on their screen, the depth of their black can be maintained up to at around 70 degrees.  Additionally, color that usually shift and look washed out started at around 25 degree, they both can maintain their color accuracy up to at wider than 40 degrees.  And lastly, they both can also maintain their brightness level up to at around 50 degrees while on conventional VA panel, brightness usually will drops started at around 30 degrees off center and front. Their side viewing angle coverage may be not as good as OLED TVs, but it is much better than TVs with conventional VA panel. Even in maintaining brightness level, it is better than IPS TV, albeit in maintaining color accuracy, they are not as good as IPS TVs.

The image is only an illustration

Winner: Draw

Motion Handling

The Samsung Q90T has faster pixel response time, which is around 10 ms compared to the Samsung Q800T that has around 17 ms of pixel response time.  The impact, fast scenes looks a bit smoother on the screen of the Q90T than on the Q800T. On the screen of the Samsung Q800T, a faint trail following fast moving object looks a bit longer than on the screen of the Q90T. But even so, with untrained eyes, their motion appearance is equally very smooth and clear. Meanwhile, the blur that might be still visible is more caused by their backlight flicker or persistence. But as we have mentioned above, they both have both 60 Hz and 120 Hz BFI (Black Frame Insertion) mode that can help to solve this issue.  You just need to set their BFI to 60 Hz if they are playing 60 fps content and to 120 Hz if they are playing 120 Hz content. This will make motion much smoother. But keep in mind, since their dimming frequency drops to 120 Hz or 60Hz, this will cause their backlight flicker might bother some people, particularly who sensitive to flicker. To enable their 60 Hz or 120 Hz BFI mode, we have discussed at Motion Technology Section above.

Meanwhile, when playing 24p movies, they both can do a good job. No matter the source is native 24p movie like Blu-Ray or DVD movies, movie via native app like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and others, 24p movie via 60p signal like movies from streaming devices, or via 60i signal like movies from satellite TV, all of them can be shown smoothly with judder-free on their screen. And to remove judder, you just need to enable “Picture Clarity” on the Q90T and for the Q800T, you just need to set “Picture Clarity” to “Custom” and both Blur and Judder Reduction sliders to “0”.

Winner: Q90T

Input Lags

Both of the Samsung Q90T and Q800T also have excellent input lags in Game mode and their input lags are almost similar. With 60 fps content, their input lags are around 10 ms regardless the resolution.  With 120 Hz content, their input lags is even faster, which is around 6 ms at both 1080p and 1440p resolution. Meanwhile, when their VRR is enabled, their input lags is also excellent which is around 6 ms at both 1440p and 1080p resolution. At 4K resolution with VRR enabled, their input lag may be a bit higher, which is around 15 ms. But even so, this actually is also low enough to make it is very responsive for PS4 Pro or X Box One Game. With their low input lags, this certainly makes them are very responsive when used for play games, regardless it is for casual or fast paced games, 1080p, 1440p, or 4K games. As the note, to get the lowest input lags when you are playing PC games, you must enable “Game” mode in “PC” mode. If you set them to PC mode but the “Game” mode is still disabled, their input lag is around 20 ms. And to further their gaming features, they both also support VRR technology that compatible with FreeSync, GSync, and HDMI Forum. This allows you to play games with screen tearing-free. Additionally, their HDMI ports also already support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), makes them can automatically change to “Game” mode when a compatible device is enabled.

Winner: Draw

Check the Latest Price
Samsung Q800T Samsung Q90T
55 Inches QN55Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
65 Inches QN65Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN65Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
75 inches QN75Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN75Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
82 Inches QN82Q800TAFXZA on Amazon
85 Inches QN85Q90TAFXZA on Amazon

Conclusion

For Watching Movies

Both of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T are great TVs for watching movies in a dark room. They can produce deep black that black of images looks really black in a dark room. Additionally, they both also have a local dimming feature that can further improve their performance in a dark room. Their 24p judder handling is also equally good. Nevertheless, ignoring their difference in screen resolution, the Samsung Q90T is better than Q800T when used for watching movies in a dark room. This is due to the Q90T has higher native contrast ratio than the Q800T. Additionally, black uniformity of the Q90T is also better than Q800T. On the other hand, even though not as good as the Q90T, performance of the Q800T can also be said great. Let alone it has 8K resolution, this will please most movies lovers, allowing you to enjoy movies with four times more details.

Winner: Q90T

For Watching Sports

When used for watching sports in a bright room, their performance is also equally excellent. Their SDR peak brightness is more than enough to overcome the glare in most bright rooms. And combined to their good reflections handling, allowing you to watch sports in bright room without any issue. Additionally, they both have low pixel response time and good BFI mode at both 60 HZ and 120 Hz, allowing you to watch fast sports with smooth motion. Furthermore, their good side viewing angle coverage also ensues all of you to get the best viewing when you are watching a big game with a group of your family or friend.  But even so, compare among them, the Q90T is better than Q800T due to its pixel response time is lower. The result, fast motion object displayed on its screen will looks smoother with less blur than on the screen of Q800T.

Winner: Q90T

Video Games

Both of the Samsung Q90T and Q800T are great TVs for playing games. In addition to they have excellent picture quality and good motion handling, their input lags in Game are also equally excellent. This allows you to play any games responsively with excellent picture quality and smooth motion. Moreover, they both also support VRR technologies that compatible with most of gaming feature that can improve their game experience like FreeSync, GSync, and HDMI Forum. This allows you to play any game with screen tearing-free, particularly when you are playing with a compatible console like PS$ or X Box One. And the Support of ALLM (Auto Low Latency mode make them can automatically change their mode to low latency mode like Game mode once a signal from a compatible game console is detected, so you don’t need to change their mode to Game manually. Compare between them, their input lags may be almost similar and they both also support some gaming features. But since the Q90T has faster pixel response time, when used for playing games, it is better than the Q800T, particularly for fast paced games that require fast reflexes and low pixel response time.

Winner: Q90T

HDR Experience

Both of the Samsung Q800T and Q90T are also great TV for HDR experience. Their deep black level is dark enough to reveal details in shadow, makes shadow details of HDR can be shown excellently on their screen, even when they are set in a dark room. Additionally, their good local dimming performance in minimizing blooming further improves their dark scene quality. They both also have good combination of color gamut and color volume, makes HDR images can be shown with vibrant color. Although some certain colors of HDR images may be not shown accurately, but in general, colors of HDR images displayed on their screen looks very accurate. In addition to excellent color gamut and volume, they both can also deliver smooth color gradient. So, even though some banding may be still visible in certain shades of colors, but when they are showing 10 bit HDR images, their color gradient looks very smooth. And lastly, they both have outstanding HDR peak brightness, makes HDR images can be shown as bright they should be with highlight that pops. Even in some certain scene, they both can show small highlight at 1000-4000 nits of the target intended by the content creator. Overall, their HDR performance is great. But even so, the Q90T is a bit better due to it has higher native contrast ratio and brighter HDR peak brightness.

Winner: Q90T

Summary

As we have discussed above, ignoring the resolution of their display, in general, the Samsung Q90T is better than the Q800T. It has higher native contrast ratio, better black uniformity, a bit wider color gamut, better color volume, brighter peak brightness on both SDR and HDR, and also faster pixel response time. This certainly make the Q90T is better than the Q800T for any usage, whether for watching movies in a dark room, watching sports, watching TV shows, playing video games, or even HDR experience.  On the other hand, even though performance of the Q800T is not as good as the Q90T, but its performance is still much better than average, even can be said great, even for HDR experience. Let alone it has 8K resolution, this offer you to start new chapter in enjoying home entertainment. So, which is a better choice between them? The decision certainly comes back to you according to your need. As we have discussed above, the Samsung Q90T is better in almost all aspects, but it has 4K resolution only. On the other hand, performance of the Samsung Q800T may be not as good as the Q90T, but it has display with 8K resolution.

Check the Latest Price
Samsung Q800T Samsung Q90T
55 Inches QN55Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
65 Inches QN65Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN65Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
75 inches QN75Q800TAFXZA on Amazon QN75Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
82 Inches QN82Q800TAFXZA on Amazon
85 Inches QN85Q90TAFXZA on Amazon
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