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Samsung QN900D 8K QLED TV Review: A Stunning 8K Experience with Powerful Gaming Features

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Samsung QN900D 8K QLED TV Review: A Stunning 8K Experience with Powerful Gaming Features

The Samsung QN900D 8K QLED is the flagship model in Samsung's 2024 lineup, promising cutting-edge technology and a viewing experience like no other. Sitting above the QN800D, the QN900D brings a slew of advanced features aimed at enhancing both everyday viewing and high-end gaming. But does it deliver the promised 8K resolution in real-world settings? Let's dive into the details, including performance in different use cases, pros, cons, and how it compares to other high-end displays.

Test Overview

Reviewed By: Samuel Breton, Pierre-Olivier Jourdenais, Yannick Khong
Tested On: September 11, 2024 (Retested on October 16, 2024)
Methodology: Version 1.11
Size Tested: 65-inch (Results applicable to 75-inch and 85-inch models)

Design & Build Quality

Samsung has always been known for its sleek, modern designs, and the QN900D is no exception. It boasts a minimalist aesthetic with ultra-thin bezels that almost disappear when the TV is turned on. The TV utilizes Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, an enhancement over Samsung's standard local dimming technology, ensuring more precise control over brightness and dark areas of the screen for a refined viewing experience.

Like other premium Samsung models, the QN900D uses the One Connect Box, a separate device for all your ports and connections, allowing you to keep your setup neat and organized. This is a huge advantage for users who want a clean, clutter-free setup, as all cables are managed via a single connection to the TV.

Picture Quality: 8K Resolution Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

The standout feature of the Samsung QN900D is its 8K resolution. With four HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 8K at 60Hz, this TV is primed for the future of ultra-high-definition content. However, with limited native 8K content currently available, most users will experience the TV's upscaling prowess, powered by the new NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. This processor is touted to be at least twice as fast as its predecessor, providing impressive upscaling from lower resolutions and delivering near-8K quality from 4K, HD, and even SD sources.

While native 8K content is scarce, the TV shines in its upscaling capabilities, providing a sharp and detailed picture, even when watching older or lower-resolution content. Thanks to Quantum Dot technology, the colors are rich and accurate, and the contrast is superb, especially in dark scenes. The HDR performance (both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) is top-notch, making it ideal for enjoying the latest blockbusters in cinematic quality.

Pros of Picture Quality:

  • 8K Resolution: Stunning clarity, sharpness, and detail on a 65-inch (and larger) display.
  • Quantum Matrix Technology Pro: Superior local dimming, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter whites.
  • AI Upscaling: Exceptional performance when upscaling lower-resolution content to near-8K quality.
  • HDR Performance: Excellent peak brightness and contrast for vibrant, lifelike images.

Cons of Picture Quality:

  • Limited 8K Content: Until 8K content becomes more widely available, the full potential of the TV’s resolution might not be fully realized.
  • Narrow Viewing Angle: The TV’s viewing angle could be better, as color shifting becomes noticeable when watching from an angle, especially on larger models.

Gaming Performance: A Dream for Gamers

The Samsung QN900D is also one of the best TVs for gamers, particularly those with powerful PCs or next-gen consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. It supports 4K at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz, both with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This means gamers can enjoy buttery-smooth gameplay, with less screen tearing and stuttering, making fast-paced games feel more immersive and responsive.

The low input lag (measured at just 9ms in 4K mode) ensures that the gaming experience is fluid and responsive, with minimal delay between your controller input and what appears on screen. Moreover, the TV supports chroma 4:4:4, which ensures crisp and accurate text and fine details, making it a perfect choice for use as a PC monitor.

Pros for Gaming:

  • 4K at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz with VRR support: Perfect for fast-paced gaming and future-proofing.
  • Low Input Lag (9ms): Responsive gaming with minimal delay.
  • Chroma 4:4:4 Support: Ideal for crisp text and detailed visuals.
  • Outstanding Motion Handling: Smooth gameplay with minimal blur or ghosting.

Cons for Gaming:

  • Viewing Angle Limitations: For gamers sitting off-center, color distortion might reduce visual fidelity.
  • Price: At this price point, other high-end 4K OLED or QLED models could offer better value for general-purpose use.

Mixed Usage & Viewing Experience

For general viewing, the Samsung QN900D excels in both bright and dark environments. Its excellent SDR peak brightness and reflection handling ensure that glare is minimized, even in a sunlit room, making it a versatile choice for sports, news, and TV shows. When used in a dark room, the TV’s contrast and deep black levels provide an immersive cinematic experience, ideal for movie lovers.

While it excels at all content types, including TV shows, sports, and HDR movies, its narrow viewing angle means that it's better suited to users who watch from directly in front of the screen.

Mixed Usage Pros:

  • Bright Room Performance: Excellent SDR brightness and glare resistance.
  • Dark Room Performance: Superb contrast, making it ideal for watching movies in a dark setting.
  • Great for Sports and TV Shows: Vibrant colors and fast motion handling.

Mixed Usage Cons:

  • Viewing Angle: Limited optimal viewing angle can lead to color shifts when not sitting directly in front of the TV.

Software & Smart Features: Samsung’s Tizen OS at Its Best

The Samsung QN900D runs on Tizen OS 2024, offering an intuitive interface with access to all major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. The operating system is responsive and easy to navigate, with smooth transitions between apps. Samsung’s smart home integration also allows you to connect the TV to other smart devices, making it a seamless part of your connected home.

Samsung has also included Game Mode for optimized gaming settings, as well as an array of accessibility options like voice control and customizable display settings.

Value for Price: Worth the Investment?

At a premium price point, the Samsung QN900D is not for everyone. While its 8K resolution and cutting-edge features make it future-proof for the small number of 8K sources available today, the lack of widespread 8K content and the high cost mean that users may get more immediate value from high-end 4K TVs, such as the LG G4 OLED or the Sony BRAVIA 9 QLED.

However, for gamers seeking the ultimate experience in fast-paced, high-res gaming, or for those who want the latest technology in their home, the QN900D is an enticing option.

Final Verdict

Rating: 8.3/10 (Mixed Usage)

The Samsung QN900D 8K QLED is an incredible TV with outstanding upscaling, vivid colors, and superior contrast performance. It's particularly well-suited for gaming and PC use, with VRR, low input lag, and 4K at 240Hz. However, its limited viewing angle and lack of 8K content may not justify the investment for everyone. If you're looking for a premium, future-proof TV and you're a gamer or tech enthusiast, the QN900D should be at the top of your list.

Pros:

  • Stunning picture quality
  • Exceptional for gaming
  • Impressive upscaling
  • Intuitive Tizen OS

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Narrow viewing angle
  • Limited native 8K content

If you're considering a premium TV experience, the Samsung QN900D offers state-of-the-art features with a few trade-offs, making it a solid choice for gamers and home cinema enthusiasts.