Michał Stekla
On the esteemed portal Rtings.com, known for its TV tests (and more), the first full test of the Samsung S85F television has just been published. This model is set to fill the gap between OLEDs from the S90 series and the NeoQLED series, but... we already know that it looks particularly appealing in the USA. Why?
Models 55 and 65 inches available on the American market are 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 like the Samsung S90D or S95D. Surprised? Definitely, because until now, QD-OLED technology was reserved exclusively for more expensive televisions.
From the outside, the S85F doesn’t attract much attention – the design is simple and retains the rounded shapes known from its predecessor, the S85D model. But what’s most important is hidden inside. Tests show that the S85F with a QD-OLED panel offers very high picture quality – not only in terms of contrast but also color reproduction and viewing angles.
Premium image in a budget edition.
Samsung S85F is a television that simply performed very well during testing. The coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette reaching nearly 99% and BT.2020 at around 82% are values that make an incredible impression in this class of devices. It is precisely this excellent color coverage that translates into very smooth tonal transitions, which are hard to find even in more expensive competitor models. Of course, as is often the case with QD-OLEDs, one must take into account a slightly weaker black level in a bright room. In such conditions, the screen can resemble a cherry color more than a deep black. But during evening viewing – where it matters most – the blacks are already on par with classic WOLED televisions.
S85F also excels as a gaming television – it has 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 fully exploit the screen's capabilities.
If there’s anything to criticize, it would certainly be the starting price. As a new model – it’s not cheap. But it must be acknowledged that it launches at a lower price than last year's OLEDs, so with the significant drop in prices over the year (which is almost as certain as banking for Samsung televisions), the S85F could become one of the more interesting choices in its segment.
Not for Europeans QD-OLED... but it’s still OLED.
WOLED is a technology that offers almost identical results in terms of contrast compared to QD-OLED panels. For many users, the differences may be nearly imperceptible in everyday use. However, it’s hard to overlook the fact that with the S85F, we once again face a "panel lottery" – depending on the market or size, the TV may offer a completely different level of quality.
As consumers on the Old Continent, we may feel like second-class customers. Therefore, before you decide to purchase this model in Europe, it’s worth holding off for a moment and waiting for our first tests. This is the only way to be sure what kind of panel you are actually buying.
