Xiaomi S Mini 2025 vs SAMSUNG QN80F

Direct comparison

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SAMSUNG QN80F
$1 997

QN80F

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2025

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Overall rating

7.0

7.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.3

    6.9

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.5

    6.8

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.4

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.4

    8.9

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.2

    8.8

  • Watching in bright light

    7.3

    6.6

  • Utility functions

    4.7

    7.7

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    6.8

    6.7

Advantages

  • VA panel with MiniLED backlighting – good contrast and deep blacks

  • High brightness (841 cd/m²) – great visibility even in bright rooms

  • Support for multiple HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+

  • Good motion fluidity - High refresh rate

  • Low input lag – perfect for gaming

  • Google TV system – versatile and extensive with wide access to applications

  • The remote does not require aiming at the screen

  • Pleasant sound with slight bass

  • Support for audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

  • Nice black and contrast - VA matrix combined with MINI-LED backlighting.

  • Great brightness - up to 1000 nits in HDR

  • Fast and responsive matrix - 144 Hz

  • Rich support for gamers - 4xHDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, GameBar, Game Motion Plus

  • Very good usability in daylight

  • Advanced Tizen operating system

  • Simple operation

  • PiP function

Disadvantages

No like
  • Errors in the translation of the TV menu

  • Problems with aggressive dimming algorithms - noticeable in dynamic scenes

  • Image scaling and tone transition enhancement features are unstable

  • No support for DTS format – limitation when connecting home theater

  • No USB recording function

  • Relatively small number of dimming zones

Our verdict

Xiaomi, well known as a giant in the smartphone market, has decided to compete for the attention of high-end technology enthusiasts by presenting a MiniLED backlit television. Model S MiniLED 2025 looks really impressive on paper. A huge number of dimming zones ensures excellent contrast, and the brightness, reaching impressive values, can impress in both high-quality HDR materials and older SDR. The TV performs excellently where motion smoothness is key. The 120 Hz panel and low input lag make it a good choice not only for sports fans but also for gamers. Support for features like ALLM or GameBar further enhances the gaming experience. Google TV on this television works as it should – fast, smoothly, without unnecessary stutters, which we couldn't say about the model A Pro 2025. Additionally, with such a vast application library, it will satisfy even the most demanding users. However, not everything looks as good in practice. Despite solid hardware specifications, the TV has its issues. The biggest problem lies in the algorithms managing the dimming zones, which can be quite annoying when watching movies in the evening. The operation of individual zones is too visible in dynamic scenes, which can effectively draw our attention away from the image. Problems also arise in more demanding HDR scenes. Small, bright elements often lose brightness, which spoils the effect that should be provided by the highest quality image. The system is also not free from shortcomings – image enhancement features in lower quality materials work unevenly, and some options in Google TV are poorly translated or even untranslated. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 has enormous potential, but in its current form, it seems underutilized. It is clear that Xiaomi wanted to create something really good, but several significant shortcomings make the final effect mixed. A device with high aspirations that needs better software to truly shine. It is an ideal television for brighter rooms, where high screen brightness plays a key role, and the issues with local dimming become less noticeable. It will also work perfectly as a screen for gamers and for those who value versatility and functionality in the Google TV system.

QN80F is the first in the history of Samsung's "eighty" series to feature Mini LED backlighting. And it does this really well. Although the number of dimming zones is not overwhelming, the black level is solid, and combined with high brightness, it allows for a very decent picture in HDR content. Additionally, there's a 144 Hz panel that provides excellent motion smoothness, and the set of features for gamers – VRR, ALLM, Game Motion Plus – makes the QN80F a model practically designed for those playing on console or PC. The television operates quickly and responsively, and the Tizen system runs like lightning – whether you're searching for apps or switching sources. Is there anything to criticize? Of course, as always – there are shortcomings in the system (like recording to USB), there’s no DTS support, and Mini LED is not without its limitations. But the QN80F is a great everyday television – versatile, well-thought-out, and... with significant price potential. Looking at the history of this series, we can expect this "eighty" to shake things up once it hits the first reasonable promotions. And it could be virtually unbeatable at its price – especially if Samsung improves the minor teething issues.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Average
Good
Stand type
Legs
Central
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Fixed
Flat design
No
Yes
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

6.8/10

6.8/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 308 (22 x 14)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 88 (8 x 11)

Contrast:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

182,000:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

38,050:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

18,300:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,150:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Contrast and black detail

Result

34,100:1

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Contrast and black detail

Result

8,200:1

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Contrast and black detail

Result

32,500:1

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Contrast and black detail

Result

4,550:1

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Contrast and black detail

Result

3,800:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Check the visibility of bright lights on a dark background. Mini-LEDs often struggle with this. The photo does not compare black levels – that’s what the video below is for.

The video accurately shows differences in contrast and black levels between TVs, as well as potential issues: halo around bright objects or Mini-LED zone operation visible as brightness jumps.

Xiaomi S MiniLED is one of the most affordably priced televisions featuring MiniLED technology available on the market. The model we tested in a 55-inch size is equipped with as many as 308 local dimming zones, which is impressive for such a price. Additionally, it uses a VA panel, which naturally offers significantly better contrast than IPS panels. On static test screens, the television performed excellently, achieving an impressive contrast ratio of 182,000:1 in the film Oblivion. The black levels were deep, and details in both bright and dark parts of the image were clearly separated. However, in more demanding scenes, where the image is dynamic, the situation begins to complicate.

Where lies the problem? The main cause is the local dimming algorithms. Although their effects are promising on static images, during film playback – that is, in the television's natural working conditions – they operate too aggressively. In dynamic scenes, such as those from the tested film, one can observe how individual dimming zones "work and flicker," which detracts from the viewer's sense of image coherence. This effect is particularly noticeable in motion, when bright objects move against a dark screen. As a result, although Xiaomi S MiniLED offers a remarkable contrast on paper, in practice the effect is less satisfying. The aggressive operation of the algorithms diminishes the reception of dynamic scenes, making the television average in this category. It is a good example of how MiniLED technology requires not only good specifications but also proper optimization.

QN80F is a representative of the Neo QLED series, which means it's a television with Mini LED backlighting. Unlike its cheaper cousin, the QN70F model, here the diodes are placed directly behind the panel (rather than at the edges), which gives a solid advantage in contrast control right from the start. In the 65-inch variant we tested, we counted 88 local dimming zones – a result that may not be particularly impressive, but as it turned out, sufficient to achieve quite decent results.

In tests based on scenes from movies like Oblivion and The Meg, the QN80F performed well – blacks were deep, and the overall image consistency was eye-catching. However, in more demanding moments (e.g., scenes with a lot of bright details on a dark background), a halo effect appeared. This is where the limitation of the number of zones shows – bright elements could bleed into each other, and some details in dark areas lost sharpness and contrast. In one of the helicopter scenes (The Meg), we even noticed a slight flicker in brightness, as if the television was trying its best to maintain visibility of details at the expense of black depth.

However, these are not problems exclusive to this model – the halo effect or contrast drops in very complex scenes are something most Mini LED televisions struggle with, even the more expensive ones. In its class, the QN80F still performs positively and offers clearly better contrast than the QN70F model with edge lighting. For most users, this will be a level more than sufficient – though not ideal.

HDR effect quality

4.8/10

5.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 72.0%
DCI P3: 93.1%, Bt.2020: 72.3%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

852 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

140 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

385 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

97 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

1126 nit

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Brightness measurement

Result

799 nit

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Brightness measurement

Result

533 nit

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Brightness measurement

Result

717 nit

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Brightness measurement

Result

245 nit

Review SAMSUNG QN80F Brightness measurement

Result

656 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

The photos show two HDR10 movies. 'Pan' is one of the brightest productions ever made, while 'Billy Lynn' (soldier) has brightness typical of streaming (Netflix, Prime, HBO MAX). Notice the intensity of effects and detail in whites.

Static HDR10

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

The photos present the visibility of white details in various HDR formats. They do not show brightness differences between TVs (these can be compared in the previous gallery).

HDR luminance chart:

SAMSUNG QN80F

Xiaomi S Mini 2025

Since the Xiaomi S MiniLED boasts an impressive number of 308 dimming zones, it was time to see how it performs in HDR tests. Starting with luminance, or the ability to display bright scenes, the television achieved nearly 1000 nits of brightness – a result that can be considered outstanding in this class. However, do these numbers translate into real experiences in movie scenes? In the case of less demanding shots, like those from the film The Meg, the television indeed showed excellent results, reaching up to 900 nits. Such values are impressive and can truly convey the strength of HDR effects.

Unfortunately, similar to the contrast situation, there were issues. When smaller, brighter elements appear on the screen – as in challenging scenes from Sicario 2 – the aggressive operation of the dimming zones spoils the whole effect. Brightness during these moments drops to just 100 nits. This is definitely too little to capture the full magic of HDR. Instead of a dynamic and detailed image, the viewer gets a muted, almost flat impression, which diminishes the enjoyment of the viewing experience.

In summary, if we are looking for a television with high brightness for watching movies during the day, the Xiaomi S MiniLED will easily fulfill that task. However, its inability to precisely manage dimming zones means that watching movies in the evening, especially in demanding HDR scenes, can be more frustrating than satisfying.

QN80F is quite a bright screen – in synthetic tests, it achieved nearly 1000 nits, which allows for reasonable expectations with HDR content. And indeed, in many scenes, the television truly shines. Sequences with a lot of light – such as shots from the movie Life of Pi or wide, bright surfaces in The Meg – look spectacular. Brightness maintains around 700 nits, which provides a solid effect, sufficient to feel the true "HDR magic." Unfortunately, not every scene looks that good. In materials with small, bright details on a dark background, like in Sicario 2, the television has problems – it can dim certain elements significantly, sometimes to the point where they disappear from the image. This is the result of a limited number of dimming zones, which forces the device to make compromises: either stick to inky blacks or sacrifice some details. QN80F usually chooses the former. As a consolation, it has quite decent coverage of a wide color gamut – DCI-P3 at 93%. This is not the highest score on the market, but it is more than enough for most content on streaming platforms.

Factory color reproduction

3.9/10

6/10

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

This gallery shows how colors change after professional TV calibration. If you notice the difference, we recommend ordering this service at SkalibrujTV.com.

Factory Mode

After calibration

Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, offers a wide range of picture modes. On the S MiniLED, we can find both IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker. We conducted our tests in Filmmaker mode, which theoretically is supposed to reference the original image, but the reality turned out to be somewhat different.

Let's start with the test of SDR materials. Here, the television had quite a few problems, especially with white balance. The clearly visible dominance of red made the image appear too warm, and all colors gained a reddish tint. This was particularly noticeable in a comparative scene from the Star Wars movie. The brightness characteristics (gamma) also left much to be desired – instead of a smooth transition, we had a real "rollercoaster," with a visible excessive brightening of the screen.

In 4K materials, the situation looked much better. The white balance, while still not perfect, was much more balanced, with a slight dominance of red and blue, but without excessive influence on the overall perception. The EOTF curve (responsible for brightness in HDR) showed some brightening in the brightest parts of the image, which was noticeable, for example, in the test scene from the Pan movie that we described above. These brightening effects can disrupt image precision, but in 4K, the overall effect was much more acceptable than in SDR.

Although the Xiaomi S MiniLED can positively surprise in 4K materials, its factory settings in SDR require significant adjustments, especially in terms of white balance and brightness. It is definitely a television that would benefit from calibration.

We always test televisions in the best available factory mode – for the Samsung QN80F, this is the Filmmaker mode, and indeed, it offers the settings closest to the creators' intentions. However, this doesn't mean that everything looks perfect. In SDR content, the biggest issue turned out to be an unbalanced white balance – slight deficiencies in green and a noticeable excess of red led to noticeable color errors, and one could almost say there was a pinkish tint to the screen. This was clearly visible in the color checker test, where colors would "escape" their target fields – to the extent that a sensitive viewer's eye could catch it even without the help of a meter.

In HDR content, the white balance was much better, but another problem emerged – brightness management. The EOTF curve caused an overly bright image most of the time, which could affect the perception of contrast and made the screen slightly "flicker" during dynamic light changes. We have already discussed this in the paragraphs about black and HDR. Fortunately, Samsung leaves the user with plenty of options. The QN80F offers a rich set of calibration options, including a 20-point white balance – that's why we decided to check what this television is really capable of after proper calibration.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.7/10

8.3/10

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

The photos show how movies look on the TV. Pay attention to black detail visibility, colors, and shadow tint.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that gains a whole new life after calibration. The results are truly remarkable and show how much potential this model has.

In SDR mode, the white balance is nearly perfectly aligned. The errors are minimal enough that in many cases they can be considered negligible. This is confirmed by the Colour Checker palette results, where the errors did not exceed 2 ΔE – a result that is indeed quite rare. Gamma also looks very good, although at the beginning of the graph, there are slight brightenings in the darkest elements. However, this is a minor exception that does not significantly affect the image perception.

In 4K HDR materials, calibration also brought visible improvements, especially in white balance. The image looks natural and consistent. However, the brightness characteristic remains a problem. EOTF analysis in film materials shows that the television tends to over-brighten or darken the smallest elements on the screen. This is a result of limitations in the dimming algorithms that we previously discussed concerning HDR and contrast testing. Unfortunately, this is a technical feature of this model that cannot be completely eliminated.

Despite this minor flaw, calibration allowed extracting the maximum capabilities from this television. The image now looks phenomenal, and its quality impresses with every type of material. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 demonstrates that with the right settings, it can compete with more expensive models.

After conducting a thorough calibration, it was possible to bring most image parameters to a really good level. The white balance in both SDR and HDR appears nearly perfect – the image is natural, neutral, and free of the previously noticeable reddening. The colors have gained depth, and the overall visual reception has become more pleasant and cohesive. It was also possible to partially master brightness management, which in the factory version could be problematic. The EOTF chart shows that the television performs significantly better with brightness after calibration – there's no longer excessive dimming of certain elements. In films, it can still be observed that the QN80F has a tendency to slightly brighten the smallest, bright details – this is already a result of the device's construction and the limited number of dimming zones. In short: not everything can be overcome, but what could be improved has been addressed. After calibration, the QN80F makes a really good impression; it simply looks more mature and professional.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

9/10

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

These are selected scenes that show smooth tonal transitions from one color to another. If you see distinct banding, it’s the TV panel’s fault.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is very good. Even in the theoretically most challenging scene with red water, the television performs excellently – we did not notice any significant issues. Minor imperfections appear in scenes such as Kingsman or The Martian, where subtle color transitions can be seen. Nevertheless, Xiaomi stands out in this category, offering one of the best qualities of tonal transitions in its price range. This is definitely a strong point of this television.

In this regard, the QN80F really delivers. The transitions between colors are smooth, nothing is choppy, and there are no annoying bands in the sky or strange blotches in the shadows. Movie scenes in darker tones performed particularly well – and that's where most televisions start to struggle. If one really looks for it, slight banding can be seen in the brightest areas, but that's really just nitpicking. In everyday viewing, no one should have a problem with this. To put it simply: the tonal transitions are so good that you can forget about them – and just enjoy the movie.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.7/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
No
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

The match photo shows how the TV smooths weak tonal transitions in low-quality video.

Image scaling SD (576i)

The model photo shows how it handles upscaling of SD material.

When it comes to color transitions in lower quality materials like YouTube or television, the Xiaomi S MiniLED is equipped with the "Color Contour Removal" feature. In the "low" setting, it works quite well, but its effectiveness can be uneven. Sometimes it seems like the TV struggles with smoothing, which creates a certain dissonance. On the plus side, we did not notice any visible side effects, although given the instability of this feature, one might suspect that unexpected issues could arise in some situations.

Image scaling also performs average. There is slight aliasing, especially on thin elements like branches, and subtitles can appear a bit jagged. While it may not be very bothersome, a more discerning eye will certainly catch these shortcomings. Overall, most users should be satisfied with the scaling and smoothing quality, but the TV may not satisfy those who expect perfection in every frame.

If, while watching lower-quality materials – for example from YouTube – we notice strange color transitions or unwanted artifacts, it’s worth checking the settings and enabling the noise reduction function. In our opinion, the best setting is at the "medium" level – it effectively smooths out problematic color transitions while not excessively blurring the entire image. However, one must know this: this option tends to remove film grain. If someone cares about preserving this effect (e.g., in older films), it’s better to just turn it off – regardless of the level, the grain always disappears.

When it comes to scaling resolution (i.e., the so-called upscaling), Samsung – as always – performs very well in this area. The QN80F may not compare to the top models worth several thousand, but for its price class, it really performs impressively. Very low-quality materials (e.g., from SD television or older video files) are noticeably improved and look surprisingly decent. The only noticeable drawback is the typical Samsung issue with overscan – that is, slightly cropping the edges of the image at very low resolutions, e.g., 576p.

Blur and motion smoothness

7/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
No
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
69%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a display that refreshes at 4K@120Hz (1080p@240Hz), providing sufficient smoothness for both watching dynamic sports broadcasts and playing the latest games. This level of refresh rate makes the image look smooth, even in the most intense scenes. Additionally, the TV offers a "Motion Smoothing" feature that allows users to adjust the way images are displayed in movies. We can choose a more frame-like effect, typical of cinematic experiences, or a smoother one reminiscent of the so-called "theatrical effect." This way, every user can tailor the settings to their preferences and enjoy smooth images in their favorite content.

QN80F is truly a "fast" television. The applied panel offers a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, which in practice means that the screen keeps up with the action – whether we're watching a movie, playing games, or browsing dynamic content on the internet. The image doesn't tear, it doesn't excessively blur, and everything simply looks smooth and pleasant to the eye. Of course, the manufacturer hasn't forgotten about movie fans – in the settings, we find an option for motion smoothness adjustment, allowing us to tailor the effect to our personal preferences. You can leave a more "cinematic" look (for those who enjoy a classic film vibe) or crank up the smoothness to a higher level for a theatrical smoothing effect. Importantly, the choice is ours. Watching movies and playing on the QN80F is simply a joy.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that has a lot to offer gamers. With two HDMI ports with 48 Gbps bandwidth, we can easily connect modern consoles or PCs, utilizing their full potential. Additionally, the ALLM feature automatically switches the television to low latency mode – something we will appreciate during dynamic games without annoying lags. No matter what we connect, it works smoothly, and the television handles various resolutions well. There is also GameBar, which may not look as impressive as the "bars" from the competition, but makes up for it with practicality. It's a simple settings panel that allows us to quickly change the most important options or check statistics – an ideal solution when time is of the essence.

However, we have to admit that operating the television itself – or rather finding the gaming features – was quite a challenge for us. We approached the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 test several times to find all the necessary options. The hidden menu allowed us to discover the "GameBoost" feature, which enables switching the television to 240 Hz mode, activating VRR at 120Hz, and turning on the image in HGIG mode.

In summary, the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that definitely deserves praise in the gaming hardware category. Its rich set of features – 240 Hz mode, VRR, HGIG, and "GameBoost" – provides exceptional gaming experiences. Unfortunately, the intuitiveness of the menu itself leaves much to be desired and may pose a certain challenge for the average user.

The Samsung QN80F is a television that delivers on almost every front when it comes to gaming. It features a 144 Hz panel, four full-fledged HDMI 2.1 ports, support for gamers in the form of variable refresh rate (VRR), automatic low latency mode (ALLM), and even one of the best-designed game bars on the market. The cherry on top is the motion smoother, which – uniquely in the world – works in games without significantly increasing input lag. Sounds like an almost perfect TV for gamers? And indeed, it is almost that way.

[UPDATE] We have updated our reviews of Samsung TVs from 2025 due to the release of software version 1131, which restored the crucial gaming feature HGiG.

As usual, Samsung does not support Dolby Vision in games, but that no longer surprises anyone. However, what is much more surprising is that... the HGIG feature has disappeared – that is, the system that allows a console (e.g., PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X) to precisely match HDR tone mapping to the capabilities of the TV. In the latest firmware update for the 2025 models, this option simply vanished. It seems more like a bug than a deliberate move, but it must be honestly noted that as of the day of writing the review, the HGIG feature is simply not present.

And it is precisely because of this one absence that the QN80F turns from an almost perfect gaming TV into a "nearly" perfect device. It's a shame – because everything else indicated that Samsung could set the bar very high again in this generation.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
17 ms
19 ms
1080p120
8 ms
9 ms
2160p60
17 ms
19 ms
2160p120
8 ms
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
17 ms
17 ms
2160p120
8 ms
9 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

Input lag in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is one of its biggest advantages. 8 ms for 120 Hz content and 17 ms for 60 Hz is an outstanding result that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Moreover, the Dolby Vision mode in games deserves praise. Unlike many competing models, Xiaomi maintains low input lag even in this mode, making it an excellent choice for fans of high-quality HDR gaming experiences.

QN80F does not disappoint when it comes to response time. The input lag for 120 Hz content drops below 10 ms, which can be considered an almost ideal result – it’s hard to expect more in this class of TVs. Gaming is smooth, responsive, and free from delays that could irritate even the most sensitive players. For 60 Hz materials, the lag is higher, around 19 ms, but this is a completely natural phenomenon and still falls within comfortable limits.

Compatibility with PC

8.2/10

8.8/10

Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate)
8ms
9ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
240Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The photo shows the legibility of small fonts. Ideally, lines should be the same thickness on both light and dark text, with minimal pixel gaps.

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a good choice if we need a television for working with a computer. Fonts are very clear thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, making it perfect for office work or browsing documents. It also performs excellently in gaming – high refresh rate, G-SYNC, and low input lag ensure smooth gameplay, which will satisfy most gamers.

Playing on the QN80F with a connected computer is pure pleasure. The TV works seamlessly with NVIDIA graphics cards (thanks to G-Sync support) and AMD (thanks to FreeSync Premium), and the 144 Hz refresh rate only enhances comfort during dynamic gameplay. Everything works right away, without unnecessary fiddling with settings – exactly as it should.

When it comes to work, it is also very good. The readability of fonts is high, and the texts appear sharp and clear. With very thin horizontal lines, one can notice slight imperfections, but really – you have to look closely. Unless, like us, you sometimes enjoy examining the screen with a magnifying glass… then you might spot something 😉.

Viewing angles

3/10

3.1/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
74%
81%

In terms of viewing angles, Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 does not impress. This is a typical problem for VA panels, which, without additional coatings to widen viewing angles, do not perform well. The image begins to lose quality when watching the TV from the side – colors fade, and contrast clearly decreases. However, the advantage of VA panels is significantly better contrast compared to IPS panels, which, on the other hand, win in terms of wider viewing angles. This is a classic compromise where one has to choose between deeper blacks and a more versatile image seen from different places in the room.

QN80F, like most TVs with VA panels, does not impress in terms of viewing angles. It is enough to lean slightly to the side to notice a significant drop in brightness and lost color saturation. The image loses its "depth" and "vividness," and darker scenes may appear slightly washed out. However, this is a typical characteristic of VA panels, which in return offer significantly better native contrast than IPS panels. In short: something for something. If you are sitting directly in front of the screen – there will be no problem. But when watching together in a larger group, it is worth keeping this in mind.

Daytime performance

7.3/10

6.6/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Panel brightness

SAMSUNG QN80F: 543 cd/m2

Xiaomi S Mini 2025: 841 cd/m2

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a satin coating on the panel, which averages out well in reducing reflections. On the screen surface, one can notice light reflections, which can be somewhat distracting in brightly lit rooms. However, the key element that saves this television in daytime use is its brightness. With a value of 841 cd/m², the screen performs well even in very sunlit interiors. This is more than sufficient for comfortably watching television, movies, or sports events. Importantly, the television also handles more demanding materials, such as winter sports, where the dominating white can pose quite a challenge for other televisions. Here, Xiaomi definitely delivers.

QN80F is really a bright TV. The average brightness in SDR materials is around 550 nits, regardless of the scene, which practically means that you can comfortably watch content even in a well-lit room – and you don’t have to close the curtains every time we turn on a movie. The new satin coating of the panel is also a plus, as it handles reflections much better compared to last year's QN80D. Glare is less bothersome, and the screen maintains readability in various lighting conditions. It's hard to find fault with anything here – the QN80F simply performs great during the day.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED PFS LED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
UKM3.240326.001.490
T-PTMFDEUC-0090-1110.8, E2500007, BT-S
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV Panel details
Review SAMSUNG QN80F TV Panel details

TV features

4.7/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • System performance
    Average
    Very good
  • HDMI inputs
    1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    No
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review SAMSUNG QN80F TV features
Review SAMSUNG QN80F TV features
Review SAMSUNG QN80F TV features
Review SAMSUNG QN80F TV features

Sound connection options

  • HDMI audio
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Other audio outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    Toslink (Optical audio)
  • Wireless audio
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth

Supported audio formats (external HDMI eARC audio):

  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    No
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    No
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    Yes
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    No
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    No
    No

Senior accessibility

  • Numeric keyboard on TV
    No
    No
  • Font size adjustment
    No
    Yes
  • Audio description
    No
    Yes

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that stands out thanks to the Google TV system. It offers access to the most popular streaming services, music applications, and various useful features that significantly enhance everyday use of the TV. For those who like personalization, the system also provides plenty of configuration options.

The built-in voice assistant works smoothly – we can not only control the TV with it but also ask about the weather forecast or set a reminder for the next day. Unfortunately, we noticed during testing that some functions have trouble translating into Polish, which can be frustrating, especially for those less proficient in navigating the settings. Despite this, the overall impression is very good, and minor shortcomings can be addressed in updates.

The device handles connectivity well. Wireless connections with Windows computers or Apple devices are smooth, and thanks to Bluetooth, we can easily connect headphones, keyboards, or other accessories. The remote is simple and comfortable – it works from any position, so aiming at the screen is not necessary. However, there are certain shortcomings. If someone often uses traditional television, they may miss the recording feature from tuners or the PiP (picture-in-picture) option. This slightly limits capabilities, but for those focused on streaming and modern features, it shouldn't be a significant problem.

Xiaomi compensates for these shortcomings with an excellent operating system. Google TV is one of the most advanced and intuitive systems available on the market, which makes the TV really perform well in everyday use.

SmartTV QN80F: Tizen

When it comes to smart features, the QN80F has nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary – Tizen is one of the richest operating systems in terms of functionality. We have voice search, support for AirPlay, Miracast, and all the major streaming platforms at our fingertips. But Samsung's true advantage reveals itself in the smart home – SmartThings. Here, you can not only synchronize light bulbs and vacuum robots but also integrate devices from other manufacturers, thanks to support for the Matter standard. Suddenly, it turns out that the QN80F can serve as a home command center. There is just one "but" – Tizen is a closed system, so we might not find a few lesser-known apps. However, in practice, it still has everything that 99% of users need.

Classic TV features:

When it comes to classic features, it's just as good – well, almost. The QN80F supports picture-in-picture, a rarely seen but still useful PiP feature. We can easily find EPG, the old good teletext (yes, it works!), and the ability to connect external devices via Bluetooth – whether it's headphones or a soundbar. Unfortunately, there is no option to record to USB from the built-in tuners. That's a minor drawback, especially since the competition at a similar price point is increasingly offering this feature. It may not be a must-have function, but since everything else works so well, it's a pity that it missed that final touch.

Apps

9.6/10

9.3/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce NOW
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
HBO_MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
OK
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce NOW
OK
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
No
Steam Link

Playing files from USB

7.3/10

9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The basic file player in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 fulfills its task for simple video materials. However, a noticeable drawback is the lack of support for Polish diacritics, which can be problematic for people using subtitles.

Fortunately, the presence of the Google TV system provides an easy way around this limitation. It allows you to install alternative file playback applications that handle Polish characters and offer much more advanced options. As a result, the limitations of the built-in player are not as burdensome as one might think.

The built-in media player in the QN80F handles most popular video formats – from classic MP4 to somewhat more demanding containers. It's not a powerhouse like VLC, but it's sufficient for home use. The situation is worse when it comes to photos – here, unfortunately, it's rather modest. The support is mainly limited to the JPG format, but hey, at least that's the most important one 👌. During our tests, there was also a minor issue with subtitles. The QN80F could only handle the simple text format .txt – other, more advanced formats (like .srt or .sub) were unfortunately not recognized.

Sound

6.8/10

6.7/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    87dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 sounds really pleasant and even offers a slight bass, reminiscent of the audio known from the lower model, the A Pro 2025. The sound is well balanced, making movie watching or music listening comfortable, even without additional audio equipment. Interestingly, the TV seamlessly supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and the less common DTS:X. This allows you to connect a home theater system or soundbar and enjoy spatial sound without any difficulties. A nice addition is also the presence of a standard speaker jack.

For a TV of this class, the QN80F sounds surprisingly good. It supports Dolby Atmos format, which is worth noting, as this is still not a given in many models in this range. Unlike the thinner QN70F, you can even feel a slight bass here – all thanks to the thicker casing, which simply gives more room for the sound to "breathe." For everyday viewing and series, it's more than enough, and with the right settings, you can even consider listening to music without the need to connect external equipment. However – as is often the case with Samsung, there is unfortunately a lack of support for DTS:X format, so if we are using audio devices that support this format, we will first have to connect them to the receiver and only then to the TV.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

87dBC (Max)

75dBC