Michał Stekla
On the esteemed portal Rtings.com, featuring tests of televisions (and more), the first complete test of the Samsung S85F television has just been published. This model is meant to fill the gap between the S90 series OLEDs and the NeoQLED series, but... we already know that it is looking exceptionally attractive in the USA. Why?
Versions 55 and 65 inches available in the American market have been equipped with a QD-OLED panel – yes, you read that right, it's a flagship panel in a lower-priced model. It's the same construction found in higher models, such as the Samsung S90D and S95D. Surprised? Absolutely, because until now, QD-OLED technology was reserved exclusively for more expensive televisions.
From the outside, the S85F doesn't attract particular attention – the design is simple and retains the rounded shapes known from its predecessor, the S85D model. But what is most important is hidden inside. Tests show that the S85F with the QD-OLED panel offers very high image quality – not only in terms of contrast but also colour reproduction and viewing angles.
Premium picture in a budget edition.
The Samsung S85F is a television that has simply performed very well in testing. A coverage of the DCI-P3 palette approaching 99% and BT.2020 at around 82% are figures that make an incredible impression in this class of devices. Indeed, it is this excellent colour coverage that translates into very smooth tonal transitions, which are hard to find even in more expensive competing models. Of course, as is often the case with QD-OLEDs, one must consider the slightly weaker blacks in a bright room. In such conditions, the screen can resemble cherry colour more than deep black. However, during evening viewing – where it matters most – the blacks are on par with classic televisions featuring WOLED panels.
The S85F also performs well as a gaming television – it comes equipped with a complete set of features: VRR, ALLM, full 4K/120 Hz, and very low input lag. You can easily connect a console or PC and take full advantage of the screen's capabilities.
If there is anything to critique, it would certainly be the initial price. For a new model, it is not cheap. However, it must be acknowledged that it launches at a lower price than last year's OLEDs, so with the huge drop in prices over the course of the year (which is almost as certain as a bank for Samsung televisions), the S85F could become one of the more interesting choices in its segment.
Not for a Europeans QD-OLED... but it’s still OLED.
WOLED is a technology that offers almost identical contrast results to QD-OLED panels. For many users, the differences may be virtually unnoticed in everyday use. However, it is hard to ignore the fact that in the case of the S85F, we once again have a “panel lottery” – depending on the market or size, the TV may offer a completely different level of picture quality...
As consumers on the Old Continent, we may feel simply like second-class customers. Therefore, before you decide to purchase this model, it is worth holding off for a moment and waiting for our first tests. This is the only way to be sure of what kind of panel you are actually buying.
