The television industry has witnessed a significant evolution over the past few decades, with advancements in display technology leading to more immersive viewing experiences. From the early days of CRTs to the rise of LED and QLED panels, each innovation has brought us closer to achieving true life picture quality. In recent years, OLED, which is Organic Light Emitting Diode has emerged as a frontrunner, offering unparalleled contrast ratios, vibrant colours, and deeper blacks. The Samsung S85D OLED TV is part of Samsung’s 2024 lineup and represents the company’s entry into the OLED market. Unlike its higher-end counterparts, such as the S90D series, the S85D utilizes a traditional WOLED panel, which is known for its excellent black levels and colour accuracy. Powered by Samsung’s new NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor, the S85D aims to deliver enhanced performance, improved picture quality, and a seamless smart TV experience.
One of the standout features of the S85D is its support for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, enabling 4K resolution at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This makes the TV an excellent choice for gamers seeking smooth and responsive gameplay. Additionally, the S85D boasts an impressive viewing angle, ensuring consistent image quality even when viewed from the sides. The TV’s reflection handling is also commendable, making it suitable for well-lit rooms.
Picture Quality and Performance
The Samsung S85D OLED TV delivers exceptional picture quality, thanks to its near-infinite contrast ratio and deep black levels. The TV’s wide colour gamut ensures vibrant and lifelike colours, enhancing the overall viewing experience. It’s also worth noting that the S85D lacks support for Dolby Vision, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer this HDR format.
In terms of brightness, the S85D performs admirably in SDR content, with good peak brightness levels that help combat glare in bright rooms. But the HDR performance is somewhat limited, with peak brightness levels that may not fully showcase the potential of HDR content. Despite this, the TV’s impressive contrast and colour accuracy compensate for the lack of extreme brightness in HDR scenarios.
Gaming Experience
For gamers, the Samsung S85D OLED TV offers a compelling package. The TV’s low input lag and fast response time ensure a responsive gaming experience, while its support for HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 4K at 120Hz provide smooth and fluid gameplay. The wide viewing angle and excellent reflection handling further enhance the gaming experience, allowing for comfortable play in various lighting conditions.
Smart Features and User Interface
Running on the 2024 version of Samsung’s Tizen OS, the S85D offers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of streaming apps. The TV’s smart features include voice control capabilities, allowing users to navigate the interface and control playback using voice commands. The included remote is compact and easy to use, featuring quick access buttons for popular streaming services and a built-in rechargeable battery with a solar panel for convenient charging.
Sound Quality
While the Samsung S85D OLED TV excels in picture quality, its sound performance is more modest. The TV’s built-in speakers provide clear dialogue and decent audio output, but they lack the depth and richness found in dedicated sound systems. For an enhanced audio experience, pairing the S85D with a high-quality soundbar or home audio system is recommended.
The Samsung S85D OLED TV stands as a strong contender in the OLED market, offering impressive picture quality, a responsive gaming experience, and a user-friendly smart interface. While its HDR performance may not match that of higher-end models, the S85D’s overall performance and value make it a compelling choice for consumers seeking an OLED TV without breaking the bank. If you’re a gamer, this may just be the ideal TV for you.
