Compare: Samsung Q60D / Q67D / Q68D vs Panasonic W70A

The Q6 series from Samsung is the simplest line of QLED televisions from the Koreans for the year 2024. It stands out for its ease of use and several useful features. Thanks to the Tizen system, which we find in the Q60D, we can easily switch between applications like Netflix and Prime Video, and everything works quickly and smoothly. Operating it does not require special preparation – everything is intuitive. One of the nicer additions is the solar remote. It not only eliminates the need for battery replacements but also allows you to control other devices, such as a decoder. This means you don't have to keep several remotes on hand, which everyone who values order in the living room will appreciate. In terms of image quality, the television performs really well in its class. The contrast is high enough that the picture looks clear even during darker scenes. In bright rooms, the television manages without major problems – the screen is bright enough for the image to be readable during the day. Of course, the lack of Dolby Vision may be noticeable with HDR content, but support for HDR10+ is still a good alternative, especially at this price. The Q60D is also a good choice if you occasionally play on a console. The low input lag means the image responds quickly to our actions, which works well for both dynamic action games and sports. The Game Bar feature is a simple way to quickly adjust settings without leaving the game, which will definitely be useful for many people. The appearance of the Q60D also scores points – the slim design looks good in the living room, doesn't take up much space, and fits easily into various interior styles. In summary: This is definitely not equipment that aspires to be the best television of all time, but it is certainly a model that is worth its relatively low price.

The Panasonic W70A draws attention primarily due to its advanced Google TV operating system, which gives access to a plethora of popular applications (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.). As for the picture, the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles, so colours do not lose intensity even when watching a film from a slight angle. Gamers will also not be disappointed, as it features VRR and ALLM, along with low input lag (around 12 ms) – all of this contributes to a pleasant experience for occasional gaming, despite the standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

However, it is worth noting that this is rather a basic model and has its limitations. The contrast and black levels are simply weak, which is a typical phenomenon for IPS panels, especially in dark rooms. A brightness level of around 270 cd/m² is also insufficient in brightly lit rooms, making the picture appear washed out. Certain shortcomings in the software itself cannot be overlooked either. Google TV is a great basis, but sometimes it happens that some settings are scattered in surprising places, and the quality of translations leaves much to be desired.

One must consider that the competition is offering more and more in a similar (or slightly higher) price range. Can the Panasonic W70A hold its ground in such an environment? On one hand, it tempts with a rich application base and decent support for gamers, but on the other hand, the market is flooded with more refined televisions equipped with better parameters. However, if wide viewing angles and easy access to Google TV services are a priority, it might be worth giving it a chance. Otherwise, it is advisable to look among competing models that often offer better black levels, higher brightness, and fewer annoying issues in the menu at a similar price.

The Samsung Q60D television is equipped with a VA panel, which provides deeper blacks and higher contrast compared to IPS/ADS panels. VA panels are characterised by a better ability to display deep blacks, so if we are looking for an LED display for nighttime viewing, this type of panel should not let us down. In contrast tests, the television showed a result of around 6000:1, which can be considered a decent outcome, ensuring satisfying visual experiences in most scenes. In more challenging scenes, such as that from the film Oblivion, the television performs well with light separation, adding detail and depth. However, in scenes with a more demanding light composition, like that from the film Sicario 2, the limitations resulting from the lack of local dimming technology are noticeable. The black elements of the image tend to resemble navy blue. Despite this phenomenon, the Q60D offers really decent contrast.

The Panasonic W70A is equipped with an IPS panel, which unfortunately is not the best choice if we are looking for deep blacks and high contrast. Additionally, the lack of local dimming means that instead of pitch-black areas on the screen, we see rather silvery and navy-blue spots. In our tests, this was particularly evident on demanding dark scene test images. The contrast ratio, which hovers around 1000:1, is a result far from satisfactory – especially if we plan evening screenings in a darkened room. Scenes that should mesmerise with their depth of darkness instead look flat and lose their atmosphere.

The Samsung Q60D television, regardless of the scene being tested, achieves brightness above 500 nits, which is above average for this class of devices. Such a level of brightness allows one to experience a taste of true home cinema, with clearly visible details in bright parts of the image and well-reproduced contrast dynamics, especially when watching content from streaming platforms or movies played from Blu-ray. As a result, film screenings gain greater depth and realism, particularly in well-lit scenes. Despite the use of quantum dot technology (QLED), the television does not achieve outstanding results in colour reproduction. The coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space is only 90%, which may be noticeable in more demanding scenes, where the richness and saturation of colours play a key role in image quality.

HDR on the Panasonic W70A unfortunately does not impress. A brightness level of 250–300 nits is simply too low to feel the true magic of cinematic effects in dynamic, bright scenes. Images that should “burst” with light look rather flat, and fine details in bright areas often get lost in the average luminance of the panel. On the positive side, the HDR effect is at least stable. The television does not fall into excessive brightness or lose details during rapid scene changes. Everything is predictable and calm, although unfortunately rather unimpressive. Another issue is the colour gamut coverage. The W70A has not been equipped with an additional layer of quantum dots (often known as QLED), which means the colours appear rather mediocre. There is a lack of depth in reds, saturation in greens, and precision in reproducing subtle shades.

Samsung has been offering a "Filmmaker" mode in its televisions for several years, aimed at providing the most faithful picture settings straight from the factory, in accordance with the vision of filmmakers. This is certainly a significant step towards cinematic quality at home; however, it is worth noting that this mode is not without its problems.

For instance, the white balance in both SDR and HDR modes exhibits an excessive amount of red hue, causing the picture to appear too warm. As a result, the skin of actors and bright scenes may seem unnaturally pinkish. The Colour Checker test further confirms this issue – colour samples often shift towards red tones, deviating from the neutral colour reproduction that would be more desirable in a professional setting.

When it comes to contrast, there is a noticeable drop at the beginning of the gamma graph, where values below 2.4 drop all the way down to 2.1. Consequently, the image in darker scenes may appear less distinct, losing depth. In terms of HDR content, the EOTF curve (responsible for brightness reproduction) shows a strong spike at the beginning of the graph, which may lead to excessive brightness in the lighter parts of the image, disrupting the natural tonal balance.

The Panasonic W70A was tested by us in movie mode, which theoretically should guarantee the most natural image reproduction. Unfortunately, as is often the case with budget TVs, the reality proved far from ideal.

In HD (SDR) content, the white balance was severely disrupted by an excess of red and a noticeable drop in blue tones. The effect? The image had a distinctly warm, almost yellowish glow, which is clearly visible in the comparison photo. In the case of 4K HDR material, the situation reversed. Here, the image became excessively cold and bluish, causing scenes to lose their naturalness and depth. The differences are visible even to the naked eye, especially in the bright areas of the image. The Colour Checker palette test confirmed our observations. Most colour samples did not hit their intended points, "drifting" towards warmer shades in SDR and cooler ones in HDR. As for brightness characteristics, both gamma and the EOTF curve showed significant issues. The image tended to excessively brighten certain areas, disrupting balance and leading to a loss of detail in darker and lighter regions.

In summary – the factory colour reproduction settings in the Panasonic W70A leave much to be desired. The image is far from neutral, and errors in white balance and gamma mean that a solid calibration is needed to extract the TV's full potential.

After professional calibration of the Samsung Q60D television in film mode, users can enjoy a significant improvement in image quality. Samsung televisions have always offered 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments, as well as an advanced CMS (Color Management System), which allows for precise colour and shade adjustments. The white balance for both SDR and HDR has been free from strong spikes and tendencies for colours to shift to red hues, greatly enhancing the naturalness of the image. Although a few more significant errors can still be observed in HDR mode, the overall colour reproduction quality has been excellently improved. Regarding contrast, although drastic changes cannot be mentioned due to limitations in the television's technology, the improvement is noticeable. Thanks to calibration, details in dark scenes are more visible, and the differences between light and dark elements of the image have been enhanced. This makes the overall viewing experience more satisfying, allowing viewers to enjoy greater depth and realism in the displayed content.

Panasonic W70A, despite its limitations, provided us with considerable scope during calibration. Thanks to well-developed tools, we managed to achieve a significantly better white balance in both HD (SDR) and 4K HDR content. The issues with excess red in SDR and overly cool images in HDR have disappeared. The gamma brightness characteristic has also improved, maintaining stability and preventing excessive brightening or loss of detail in darker areas.

So where is the problem? Unfortunately, there are barriers that even professional calibration cannot overcome. Poor coverage of a wide color gamut means that the television cannot fully reproduce colours in HDR material. There is a lack of saturation, and subtle colour transitions still appear somewhat "flattened." Another limitation is brightness management, which results from the applied IPS panel. In the comparative image with the actress's face in colourful clothing, it is clearly visible how some shades are noticeably muted, and colours lose their depth and vibrancy.

Calibration has extracted from the W70A as much as possible. The image is now significantly more natural, and the errors in the factory settings have been effectively corrected. Unfortunately, hardware limitations in the form of poor colour gamut coverage and an average panel mean that even after calibration, we are unable to achieve spectacular effects, especially in HDR content.

Samsung Q60D offers decent performance, making it an attractive choice for film and gaming enthusiasts. The gradation of bright colours is undoubtedly a strong point of this model, ensuring that brighter scenes look exceptionally natural and smooth. Although the transitions in darker shades may reveal the colours a bit more, the overall effect remains satisfactory. The television handles tonal transitions well, providing viewers with visual experiences that enhance movie nights and gaming sessions. Thanks to these qualities, the Samsung Q60D will not spoil our film screenings.

In terms of the smoothness of tonal transitions, the Panasonic W70A performs really well. Transitions between colours are smooth, without clear and annoying "bands" or sudden jumps in hue. Even more demanding scenes, where subtle gradients dominate, look surprisingly good. Of course, a trained eye will notice certain imperfections, especially in the lighter parts of the screen, where slight colour banding can be observed. However, this is not something that significantly impacts the perception of the image and will be practically unnoticed by most users.

Unfortunately, what spoils the overall effect is the unevenness of the backlighting of the panel, which is quite pronounced and can distract from the quality of the tonal transitions themselves. This is especially noticeable on uniform backgrounds, where the differences in brightness between particular areas of the screen become more apparent.

However, when it comes to processing and scaling lower quality materials, the television performs quite well. The image is rendered without overscan, which ensures full use of the available screen area. Additionally, the outlines of the model or the branches of the tree are not overly jagged, which translates to a satisfactory quality of the displayed content. Although noise reduction could be more effective, the overall results of processing lower quality materials are positive and meet expectations.

We checked how the Panasonic W70A performs when improving content of lower quality than 4K, and it must be said that in this regard, the television does quite respectably. The "Zeroing Counter" function is responsible for smoothing tonal transitions. The optimal setting turned out to be the Average option, which effectively smooths out issues with colour gradation while not ruining the film grain. This is the setting we recommend for most users, as it provides a balance between enhancing the smoothness of transitions and maintaining the naturalness of the image.

When it comes to image scaling, the Panasonic W70A performed really well. The test panel with a model was positively received – the details on her clothing were well reproduced, and the contours of her face retained clarity. In the background, we noticed slight "jaggies" on thin branches, but these are details that only a very keen eye would catch. However, it is worth noting a certain drawback of this model – the television tends to overscan, or slightly cropping the edges of the image. This is not a very intense phenomenon and will be practically unnoticeable for most users, but if we care about a perfect fit of the frame, it is worth keeping this in mind.

Samsung Q60D is equipped with a 60 Hz panel and a film smoothness enhancement option known as "Motion Blur Reduction." This feature aims to minimise motion blur and enhance overall image smoothness, which will certainly appeal to users who are primarily looking for a television to watch films and series. Thanks to this technology, viewers can enjoy a more fluid visual experience, even in dynamic action scenes where details are crucial. However, it is worth noting that while "Motion Blur Reduction" improves the smoothness of images in films, for gaming, this panel may not be the best choice as it exhibits significant motion blur, which can be seen in the picture below.

The Panasonic W70A is equipped with a 60 Hz panel, which immediately suggests that the television is best suited for watching films, series, or everyday TV content. In more dynamic scenes, such as sports broadcasts or games, the limitations of the panel become more noticeable. However, it is worth noting the presence of a motion smoother called "Effect", which offers three degrees of adjustment - low, medium, and high.

Each of the settings allows you to adjust the smoothness of motion to your own preferences, minimising motion blur and improving clarity in dynamic shots. In practice, the Medium setting seems to be the most versatile – it offers better fluidity without excessive "soap opera effect", which can look artificial in feature films. The High setting may work well for sports broadcasts, but in films, it can disrupt the natural character of motion.

Samsung Q60D is equipped with features such as ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) and Game Bar, which significantly enhance the gaming experience. However, the lack of HDMI 2.1 implementation limits capabilities, preventing the use of VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which could further improve smoothness and picture quality. Overall, for casual gamers, this television should perform well in everyday use, providing satisfactory gaming experiences. However, if we are more demanding in terms of gaming, it is worth considering models with a higher refresh rate and HDMI 2.1, which will ensure full functionality and better support for the latest games. In such cases, investing in a more advanced television will yield significantly better results in terms of smoothness and picture quality, which is crucial for gaming enthusiasts.

The Panasonic W70A is a television that is more suited to occasional gamers than to avid players. The 60 Hz panel does not allow for the full potential of next-generation consoles to be realised, especially in dynamic titles. The lack of HDMI 2.1 somewhat limits its capabilities, but fortunately, it features functions such as ALLM, which automatically switches to game mode, and VRR, which helps minimise screen tearing. It is worth noting the support for Dolby Vision in games and HGiG, which makes HDR more predictable and looks solid. It is just a shame that there is no Game Bar. This feature has become standard in many televisions and provides quick access to the most important settings for gamers. The W70A performs adequately for gaming, but it has its limitations. It will work well for calmer titles, but more demanding gamers may feel a lack of fulfilment.

When it comes to input lag, the Samsung Q60D television does not disappoint in this aspect. With results of around 15 ms, the television offers truly impressive responsiveness. Such a low input lag means that reactions to commands from the controller are instantaneous, which translates to better gaming experience, especially in dynamic titles that require precise movements.

In terms of signal delay, the Panasonic W70A performs really well. A score of 12 ms is a value that is practically below the threshold where noticeable lag can be mentioned. Gaming on this television is responsive, and character movements or reactions in games are instantaneous. Interestingly, even in Dolby Vision mode, which often presents issues with input lag, the television performed very well. This is a pleasant surprise, as many manufacturers struggle with this, and HDR often increases lag to a level that is noticeable during dynamic games.

When it comes to working on a PC, the Samsung Q60D television offers very good font readability, regardless of the background on which they appear. Thanks to support for the 4:4:4 chroma format, text is clear and sharp, which is important when using office applications or browsing the internet. Additionally, the low input lag of 15 ms ensures that responses are immediate, significantly enhancing the user experience during work or gaming on the computer. However, the television has a 60Hz panel and does not support G-Sync, which could satisfy PC gamers.

The Panasonic W70A performs quite well as a monitor for work. Thanks to its IPS panel and support for 4:4:4 chroma, the text is clear, sharp, and readable. Even small fonts look good, without any blurriness or jagged edges. This television is really suitable for office work, browsing the internet, or writing documents.

Gaming on PC is a somewhat different story. The 60 Hz panel means that more dynamic titles do not look as smooth as they could on a screen with a higher refresh rate. The lack of support for G-Sync or FreeSync also doesn't help, so there may be issues with screen tearing.

Samsung Q60D is equipped with a VA panel. The viewing angles are not its strongest point; when watching the image from the side, we can notice colour distortions and a drop in brightness. However, VA panels stand out for their good black reproduction, which translates into deeper and more intense movie scenes.

As for a television with an IPS panel, the viewing angles on the Panasonic W70A are at a really good level. The image retains decent quality even when viewed at a greater angle. Colours do not significantly lose their saturation, and details remain well visible. Of course, everything comes at a price. In this case, it is the weaker blacks that become even more washed out when viewed at an angle. This is, however, a standard compromise in the case of IPS panels, and it is hard to consider this a surprise.

Samsung Q60D is equipped with a satin matrix, which averages well at suppressing reflections. Although the matrix does not eliminate them completely, its high brightness of 550 nits ensures that the image remains readable even in bright lighting conditions. This makes watching television during the day still comfortable, and the details are clearly visible, which makes this model a suitable choice for those using the television in daylight.

The Panasonic W70A is equipped with a satin matrix that manages to reduce light reflections to an average degree. Glare is not excessively bothersome, but in bright rooms, especially with direct sunlight, it can be noticeable. The main issue, however, is the brightness level of 270 cd/m². That's simply not enough to comfortably watch television in full sun. The image becomes washed out, and darker scenes lose detail and depth.

Samsung Q60D operates on the proprietary Tizen system, which, although not as open as Google's system and having certain limitations regarding available applications, should satisfy most users. The interface is clear and intuitive, allowing easy access to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. Users will also appreciate the ability to customise the home screen, enabling quick jumps to favourite applications and content. However, the lack of a recording feature may be a concern for those who wish to archive their favourite programmes or films for later. On the other hand, a pleasant surprise is the presence of AirPlay functionality, which allows for seamless content streaming from Apple devices, such as iPhone or iPad. This enables users to easily share photos, videos, and other materials without the need for cables.

Additionally, the television allows for the connection of various peripheral devices via Bluetooth, significantly enhancing its functionality. Users can make use of wireless headphones, soundbars, and other accessories, which translates into greater comfort of use. The remote control included with the television is slim, elegant, and ergonomic. It is equipped with an internal battery that can be charged via a USB-C port or solar energy, which is a convenient solution that eliminates the need for battery replacement. Furthermore, it allows control of other devices such as the external decoder NC+ / Canal +.

Moreover, the SmartThings app for smartphones and iPhone enables the integration of the television with other smart devices in the home. This allows users to remotely control various elements of their home, such as Philips Hue smart lighting, Yeelight, and other products compatible with this system. The Samsung Q60D becomes the focal point in a smart home, making it easy to manage daily tasks and entertainment.

The Panasonic W70A operates on the Google TV system, and it must be admitted that this is one of its strong points. There are really many applications – all popular streaming services, YouTube, and even lesser-known platforms. The system runs smoothly, and navigating the menu is intuitive and hassle-free. The remote has a built-in microphone, so voice search can be used in Polish. This is a significant advantage, especially when you need to quickly find a film or an application. Additionally, there is Bluetooth, which allows you to connect headphones or other wireless devices. However, there are some shortcomings. There is no AirPlay, which may be a problem for users of Apple devices. There is also a lack of USB recording options and picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality.

The Panasonic W70A makes up for this with the functionality of Google TV and simple handling. It has everything needed to use a Smart TV, but if someone is counting on more advanced options related to traditional television, they may feel a bit unsatisfied.

The built-in player in the Samsung Q60D television is one of its significant advantages. It handles most video and audio files used during testing exceptionally well. The only exceptions are the Dolby Vision format, which is not surprising, and less popular codecs. On the plus side, it also supports Polish characters and allows for font colour changes, enhancing user comfort.

The built-in media player in the Panasonic W70A unfortunately has its limitations. First of all, it does not support Polish subtitles, which can be a significant problem for many people. Additionally, there are difficulties with playing certain file formats, which sometimes results in an error message or no sound.

Fortunately, thanks to the Google TV system, it is easy to install alternative media players that handle these shortcomings. In the Google Play Store, we can find several reliable applications that support both Polish subtitles and less popular video formats.

When it comes to sound, due to the slim design of the television Samsung Q60D, the audio quality is at an acceptable level, although it does not stand out in any particular way. On the plus side, the sound synchronisation function with a soundbar thanks to Q-Symphony technology allows for a better audio experience. Unfortunately, in terms of codec support, there is a significant issue – the television does not support the DTS format.

The sound from the Panasonic W70A is surprisingly decent for a television in this class. It is quite well balanced, and the low tones are slightly perceptible, which adds some depth when watching films or listening to music. The dialogues are clear, and the overall sound perception is clean and pleasant. Of course, one cannot expect cinematic experiences or powerful bass – it is still a standard audio system in a television, and the physical limitations of the slim design take their toll.

Samsung Q60D / Q67D / Q68D vs Panasonic W70A

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

TV appearance

Where to buy

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound