Michał Wołoszyn
While everyone is excited about the new OLEDs, Samsung is quietly revolutionising the segment that interests the average Aussie the most. Models are hitting the American stores that are causing quite a stir in the naming. If you thought every Mini-LED from Samsung was a “Neo QLED”, then 2026 is going to be completely different. The Koreans are introducing budget Mini-LEDs that... don’t have quantum dots. What’s this all about?
Samsung Series M: Mini-LED without quantum dots?
The biggest surprise in the upcoming lineup is the appearance of a completely new family of devices: the M series (M70H, M80H, and M90H). Interestingly, even though they feature Mini-LEDs under the hood, Samsung is deliberately not promoting them under the Neo QLED brand. Why? The answer lies in recent legal battles with TCL. Samsung has apparently taken to heart the importance of accurate naming and decided that if a television uses different colour filters, rather than quantum dot nanoparticles, it has no right to be called a QLED. It's a bold and honest move. Instead of “Q”, we get a technology they’ve named "Pure Spectrum Color" (probably PFS-LED filter).
Series M70H and M80H: Budget powerhouse with features for gamers
Turning to specific models, the M series looks set to be a market hit for those who count every dollar but don’t want to compromise on image fluidity. The model M70H (available from 43 to 85 inches) is set to feature a 120 Hz panel, which is a rarity in this price range. Even more interesting is the M80H, which receives the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor and a feature we have only seen before in Chinese products: refresh rate up to 240 Hz.
Samsung M70H | Price (USD) | Price (AUD - rounded to “store”) |
43" | $349 | 1 499 AUD |
50" | $399 | 1 699 AUD |
55" | $449 | 1 899 AUD |
65" | $529 | 2 299 AUD |
75" | $729 | 3 199 AUD |
85" | $1199 | 4 999 AUD |
These televisions will be equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports
Samsung M80H | Price (USD) | Price (AUD - rounded) |
55" | $699 | 2,999 AUD |
65" | $799 | 3,499 AUD |
75" | $1,199 | 4,999 AUD |
85" | $1,799 | 7,699 AUD |
Where's the catch?
And here we need to pause the enthusiasm for a moment. As the HDTVTest portal rightly points out, there is a significant probability that the M series and the cheapest new model from the Neo QLED series QN70H utilise Edge-lit Mini-LED backlighting. The true power of Mini-LED technology lies in the hundreds of local dimming zones (FALD) located behind the panel. Only the QN80H model promises to be the design we are looking for – with a full "Quantum Mini LED" system.
New Releases in the Neo QLED Series: QN70H and QN80H
Two models from the QN series have also appeared in American stores.
QN70H
QN70H: Despite the name suggesting a continuation of the QN70F, this model features a 60 Hz panel. It is designed similarly to last year's Q8F – it lacks local dimming technology. Prices start at $599 (~2,599 PLN) for the 43" size.
QN80H
QN80H looks completely different. This model is clearly "thicker", which suggests full-fledged Mini-LED backlighting (FALD) placed behind the panel. It will likely be a continuation of the QN80F model, although we cannot confirm that yet. Interestingly, it has a size of 100 inches, with a price expected to be around $2499 (approx. 10,499 PLN). This could be the cheapest "big screen" with such good MINI-LED backlighting from Samsung.
Crystal UHD U8000H
For those who are simply looking for "anything that shines in 4K", Samsung is refreshing the Crystal UHD series. The U8000H model is technically a copy of last year's solutions but comes with an updated Tizen system. It will undoubtedly be the cheapest 4K TV in the range for 2026, aimed at the least demanding viewer.
Is it worth waiting for the new M series from Samsung?
It is clear that Samsung intends to compete for customers' wallets this year not only with the uncompromising quality of its flagship products, which we saw at CES 2026, but primarily with products perfectly tailored "for the masses."
Mini-LED 120 Hz for less than 2000 zł in 55 inches? If these prices and specifications of the M70H series are confirmed, we are looking at a surefire sales hit that could completely demolish the competition in the "budget" segment. Of course, we approach these innovations with a healthy dose of skepticism, especially regarding (probably) edge lighting and the lack of quantum dots. However, the market potential of these models is enormous.
You can expect the first professional tests of these models in our lab – provided they make it to the Polish market – around May.
