Samsung 2026: Cheap Mini-LEDs without quantum dots! Will the M series shake up the market?

While everyone is excited about the new OLEDs, Samsung is quietly revolutionizing the segment that interests the average John Doe the most. Models are hitting American stores that are causing quite a stir in naming conventions. If you thought that every Mini-LED from Samsung was a “Neo QLED,” 2026 will be completely different. The Koreans are introducing budget Mini-LEDs that... do not have quantum dots. What's the deal with that?

Samsung M Series: Mini-LED without Quantum Dots?

The biggest surprise in the upcoming lineup is the introduction of an entirely new family of devices: the M series (M70H, M80H, and M90H). Interestingly, although they operate with Mini-LEDs under the hood, Samsung deliberately does not promote 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 believes that if a television uses different color filters rather than quantum dot nanocrystals, it has no right to be called a QLED. It’s a bold and honest move. Instead of "Q," we get a technology they have called "Pure Spectrum Color" (likely a PFS-LED filter).

M70H and M80H Series: Budget Powerhouse with Features for Gamers

Moving on to specific models, the M series promises to be a market hit for those who count every dollar but don’t want to sacrifice smooth image quality. The M70H (available from 43 to 85 inches) is set to be equipped with a 120 Hz panel, which is exceptional in this price range. Even more interesting is the M80H, which receives the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor and a feature we have only seen in Chinese products so far: refresh rate up to 240 Hz.

These televisions will be equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports

Where's the catch?

And here we need to pause this enthusiasm for a moment. As the portal HDTVTest rightly points out, there is a high probability that the M series and the cheapest new model from the Neo QLED series QN70H use Edge-lit Mini-LED backlighting. The true power of Mini-LED technology lies in the hundreds of local dimming zones (FALD) placed behind the panel. Only the model QN80H seems to promise the construction 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 has a 60 Hz panel. Its design is similar to last year's Q8F – there is no local dimming technology here. Prices start from $599 (~2,599 PLN) for the 43" size.

QN80H

QN80H looks completely different. This model is noticeably "thicker", which suggests full Mini-LED (FALD) backlighting placed behind the panel. It will likely be a continuation of the QN80F model, though we can't confirm that yet. An interesting fact is the size of 100 inches, which is expected to be priced around $2499 (approximately 10,499 PLN). This could be the cheapest "hundred" with such good MINI-LED backlighting from Samsung.

Crystal UHD U8000H

For those who are just looking for "anything that shines in 4K," Samsung refreshes the Crystal UHD series. The U8000H model is technically a replica of last year's solutions, but with an updated Tizen system. It will undoubtedly be the cheapest 4K television in the offering for 2026, aimed at the least demanding viewer.

Is it worth waiting for the new M series from Samsung?

It's clear that Samsung intends to compete for customers' wallets this year, not only with the uncompromising quality of flagship devices that we saw at CES 2026 but primarily with products tailored perfectly "for the masses."

Mini-LED 120 Hz for less than 2000 PLN in 55 inches? If these prices and specifications of the M70H series are confirmed, we are looking at a sure-fire sales hit that could completely demolish the competition's offerings in the "budget" segment. Of course, we approach these new products with a dose of healthy skepticism, especially regarding (probably) edge lighting and the lack of quantum dots. However, the market potential for these models is enormous.

You can expect the first professional tests of these models in our lab – as long as they come to the Polish market – around May.