2023’s Finest Samsung TVs: QLED, Neo QLED, & 8K Picks

The best Samsung TVs lead in quality and features, but remember, the priciest isn’t always the best fit.

Glenn Burgess

The best Samsung TVs are known for their great build, picture quality, and features. However, it’s essential to remember that the best Samsung TV for you might not always be the most expensive one available. There are plenty of options to choose.

For instance, we really like the Samsung QN900B 8K QLED TV if you want amazing 8K pictures. It’s ranked third on our list and featured in our best TVs guide. But Samsung offers a wide range of other TVs as well. While the big, high-tech sets are exciting, they might not be suitable for every living room or budget.

We’ve reviewed many TVs over the years from different brands. This means we can compare the best Samsung TVs not only to other brands but also to each other. In our guide, you’ll find all types of Samsung TVs, from affordable 4K TVs to large mini-LEDs with huge screens and their new generation of OLED TVs.

Samsung S95C

The Samsung S95C is an exceptional OLED TV that has earned the top spot in our best Samsung TVs guide with a stellar five out of five stars in our review. It’s the successor to the S95B, which still ranks fourth but comes with a host of upgrades.

This TV excels in almost every aspect. Its design is sleek and incredibly thin, making it a great choice for wall mounting. Sound quality has also seen significant improvement compared to its predecessor. However, what truly sets the Samsung S95C apart is its remarkable brightness. Samsung has increased the brightness by 40% compared to the S95B, making it an excellent choice if you prioritize having an incredibly bright picture in your TV.

During our testing, we found that this increased brightness greatly enhanced the quality of HDR video, adding a new level of drama and realism. It unlocked previously unseen levels of color richness and purity, even in brightly colored areas, setting a new standard for OLED TVs.

We highly recommend the Samsung S95C, especially for movie enthusiasts who will appreciate its fantastic picture quality, sharpness, wide viewing angles, and impressive upscaling capabilities. Additionally, gamers will be pleased with its extensive 4K/120Hz support and ultra-fast 9.2ms response time.

Samsung BU8500

The Samsung BU8500 is designed to deliver modern features, a sleek design, and strong build quality at an affordable price that most of us can appreciate, and it succeeds admirably in this regard. It’s a remarkable 4K HDR LED display with good HDR capabilities (though, like many Samsung TVs, it lacks Dolby Vision HDR).

It comes equipped with three HDMI ports, voice control, two remote controls, and a Tizen smart TV interface with access to all the popular streaming apps. It’s undoubtedly one of the best TVs available for under £1,000.

Despite being exceptionally budget-friendly, Samsung hasn’t compromised on essential features. The Crystal 4K processor does a respectable job of upscaling content, although not to the same level as Samsung’s top-of-the-line models. The TV also offers accurate backlighting with good brightness and contrast. While the sound quality isn’t exceptional, it’s worth noting that most TVs nowadays benefit from a soundbar for improved audio.

The BU8500 includes three HDMI 2.0 inputs, one of which supports eARC for connecting a soundbar. It’s compatible with the ALLM and HGiG features of next-gen gaming consoles, but it lacks support for AMD FreeSync, which is a step back from Samsung’s 2021 AU9000 model.

Samsung has managed to create an impressive TV at a very attractive price point. While it may not match the performance of the company’s top-tier models, it offers excellent value for the price. If you’re in the market for an affordable 4K TV, the Samsung BU8500 should definitely be on your shortlist.

Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K

While 8K TVs may be too much for some living rooms, if you have the space and budget, the Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K TV takes home entertainment to an entirely new level. This TV, equipped with Samsung’s Mini LED technology, delivers stunning picture quality, impressive color and brightness, excellent sound, and remarkable black levels. It even looks stylish when turned off.

The key to this TV’s impressive display is its ‘Quantum’ Mini LED technology. These LEDs are incredibly thin, about 1/40th the thickness of regular LEDs, allowing for a denser arrangement. This results in more precise dimming, which enables the Samsung QN900B to achieve black levels that closely resemble those of an OLED display.

Additionally, smaller LEDs are more accurate and less prone to blooming, preventing unwanted light spillage from brighter areas to darker ones. Moreover, Samsung’s Multi-Intelligence AI upscaling enhances the picture quality, making it look better than the source material.

However, we did dock half a star in our review due to the software. Samsung’s new Smart Hub UI feels like a step backward, making simple adjustments more time-consuming and complex. While this is a minor issue, it’s worth noting. Overall, despite this software hiccup, we still believe that the Samsung QN900B is the best Samsung TV you can purchase in 2023 if you’re seeking stunning 8K images.

Samsung QN95B Neo QLED

The design of the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED follows the Infinity theme of its highly regarded predecessor, the Samsung QN95A. It features an almost invisible frame around the screen and a slim rear that matches the front, creating a striking monolithic appearance. During our testing, these design elements came together to give the QN95B a premium look and feel.

The picture quality is exceptional, with notable improvements in various aspects compared to the already impressive QN95A Mini LED model. There is less blooming, increased brightness, and improved shadow detailing, which are particularly noticeable.

In our Samsung QN95B review, we mentioned, “With its extreme brightness and vibrant Quantum Dot color system, the QN95B delivers a dazzling demonstration of just how much of a difference HDR can make to picture quality.”

This excellent picture quality applies to both gaming and video sources. While the sound quality doesn’t quite match the level of the visuals, the Object Tracking Sound technology ensures it is a suitable companion for the outstanding pictures.

However, there’s some bad news. Samsung’s overhaul of its Tizen smart system wasn’t well-received, as it introduced unnecessary complexity and made some unhelpful design choices compared to its previous user-friendly version.

Nevertheless, despite these software issues and the premium price tag, the QN95B’s picture improvements are so impressive that they overshadow any downsides, making it a brilliant choice for those seeking top-tier performance.

Samsung QN85B

If you’re seeking the vibrant brightness of an LED TV that comes close to the visual quality of an OLED, Samsung’s QN85B is a fantastic choice. It boasts an incredibly bright mini-LED panel, delivering impressive HDR and exceptional gaming performance. While it may not achieve the deepest black levels of an OLED, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how close it gets.

This TV is particularly appealing for gamers due to its support for HDMI 2.1 on all of its HDMI ports. It also features six built-in speakers that provide decent spatial audio, making it a solid choice if you don’t have one of the best soundbars.

The visual performance truly shines once you move away from Samsung’s default display settings, which tend to be overly bright and processed. We found that the Movie mode offers almost as accurate visuals as Filmmaker Mode but doesn’t sacrifice too much brightness for visual accuracy.

However, there are some typical Samsung drawbacks here, including the absence of Dolby Vision HDR and a redesigned Tizen Smart TV interface that some may find slightly less user-friendly than its predecessor. You also have to choose between a simplified solar remote or a less appealing plasticky one with all the features.

Nonetheless, this TV is speedy, responsive, and exceptionally bright, making it an excellent choice for daytime viewing, whether it’s for gaming, sports, or social gatherings. Just be mindful of its placement if you enjoy watching dark movies at night.

Samsung’s current mini-LEDs can be more reflective than their previous QLED counterparts, and ambient light in the room may cause reflections on the TV’s panel.

Samsung The Frame

The Samsung The Frame (2020) remains a remarkable example of Samsung’s artistic television concept, even as newer iterations have been introduced, resulting in a more affordable price.

This TV features a striking metal casing, customizable frames, and an Art Mode function that transforms it into a convincing painting when wall-mounted, fooling your guests.

Ambient Mode offers a range of dynamic screensavers, clock displays, and real-time weather or news updates, allowing you to customize how much attention your Frame TV attracts when not in active use.

The QLED panel and Quantum Processor 4K upgrade bring noticeable improvements, particularly in upscaling and picture quality. However, it’s worth noting that the display panel can be somewhat dim for a QLED, and skin tones may occasionally appear slightly off.

If you prioritize aesthetics and want a TV that seamlessly integrates with your decor while also offering the convenience of the OneConnect box for cable management, the Samsung The Frame (2020) is an excellent choice for your home. If you’re interested in the latest features and enhancements, consider exploring newer versions, but the 2020 model still provides excellent value for your money.

Samsung Q60B

The Samsung Q60B QLED TV offers an affordable alternative to Samsung’s higher-end QLED models, featuring Quantum Dot colors, a robust smart system, and Object Tracking Sound technology.

In terms of picture quality, the Q60B impresses with its brightness and vibrant colors, thanks to the Quantum Dot technology. It delivers sharp visuals for native 4K content, especially on the 55-inch model we tested for our Samsung Q60B review, holding its own among the best 4K TVs.

However, it’s essential to remember that this TV falls into the budget category, which means there are some compromises. The motion processing may not be as natural as that of Samsung’s premium sets, and scenes with predominantly grey tones may appear somewhat flat. Nevertheless, the Samsung Q60B remains one of the top TVs under £1000 due to its combination of good picture quality and an exceptionally low price.

How to choose the best Samsung TV

When it comes to choosing the best Samsung TV for your needs, there are several key factors to consider before diving into the specifications of each model.

Budget: Determine your budget beforehand. While you may be tempted to stretch it a bit for the perfect TV or take advantage of Black Friday deals, setting a limit initially helps prevent falling in love with a TV that’s beyond your budget.
Size: Consider the screen size based on your viewing distance. Manufacturers like Samsung often recommend sitting between 1.5 to 2.5 times the TV’s diagonal screen size for an ideal viewing experience. Measure your space to ensure the TV fits comfortably and allows enough room between the screen and seating area.
Panel Type and HDR: Samsung offers various panel types, such as LED and QLED, as well as different HDR capabilities. Decide what type of panel and HDR features are most important to you based on your viewing preferences.
Audio: If you’re planning to purchase a soundbar separately, you can focus less on the TV’s audio capabilities. However, if you prefer an all-in-one home theater experience, look for a TV that delivers both excellent picture quality and sound, like the Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K.
Brand Comparison: While Samsung TVs have their merits, it’s worth exploring other brands as well. Consider checking out guides for the best LG TVs and best Sony TVs to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.

Taking these factors into account will help you narrow down your options and find the Samsung TV that best suits your budget, space, and viewing preferences.

Are Samsung TVs any good?

If you’ve been considering Samsung for your TV purchase, you’re in good company, and there are several compelling reasons to do so:

Flagship Technology: Samsung’s flagship TV models often lead the industry in terms of cutting-edge technology. They offer top-tier features and performance, making them a go-to choice for those seeking the best in TV technology.
Value for Money: Even Samsung’s more budget-friendly TV options provide excellent value for money. They don’t compromise on quality and still offer impressive features, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Tizen OS: Samsung’s Tizen operating system is widely regarded as one of the best smart TV platforms available. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of apps and streaming services for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Diverse Range: Samsung offers a vast range of TV models, catering to various market segments and price points. Whether you’re looking for a high-end TV or a budget-friendly option, Samsung likely has a model that suits your needs.
Consistent Quality: Samsung maintains a reputation for producing high-quality TVs across its entire range. This consistency in quality ensures that customers can trust the brand for their TV needs.

While Samsung TVs offer many advantages, it’s worth noting that they do not support Dolby Vision, a popular HDR format. However, they do support other key HDR formats, so this limitation is a minor concern for most users.

In summary, if you’re in search of a TV that offers quality, innovation, and a wide range of options, Samsung TVs are an excellent choice, and they come highly recommended.

Is QLED better than OLED?

Choosing between QLED and OLED TVs can be a bit challenging, but we can simplify the key differences:

QLED uses LED backlights to illuminate the screen. It offers significantly higher brightness compared to OLED. Samsung focused on QLED technology, emphasizing brightness, responsiveness, and affordability.

OLED, on the other hand, relies on individual pixels that illuminate independently. This allows OLED to excel in black and grey reproduction, offering deep blacks. OLED technology is known for delivering stunning contrast.

Recently, Samsung introduced mini-LED TVs, which combine the incredible contrast of OLED with the brightness of QLED. These TVs are sometimes referred to as QD-OLED, offering a blend of the best features from both technologies.

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

If you prioritise brightness and a budget-friendly option, QLED may be the better choice.
If you appreciate deep blacks and want a TV that faithfully represents older movies, OLED is a strong contender.
If you’re looking for a blend of contrast and brightness, consider Samsung’s mini-LED or QD-OLED models, especially as prices become more competitive.

Ultimately, the choice between QLED, OLED, or a blend of both depends on your specific preferences and budget.

How do Samsung TVs compare to other manufacturers?

Samsung’s QLED, mini-LED, and QD-OLED TVs are renowned for their exceptional brightness and vivid colors, making them some of the most visually striking televisions available. Equipped with the Tizen operating system, they offer a wide range of apps and services. In the mid-range and high-end segments, Samsung places a strong emphasis on quality control, ensuring a reliable and consistent performance.

However, it’s important to note that budget models from Samsung may have some compromises and may not match the visual quality of TVs from brands like TCL or Hisense. They tend to align more closely with LG’s more affordable TV offerings.

While Samsung competes well across the board, some areas where other major brands excel include:

Sony’s Motion Handling: Sony TVs are often praised for their superior motion handling, making them a top choice for sports and fast-paced content.
LG’s Upscaling: LG has a strong reputation for its upscaling technology, which enhances the quality of lower-resolution content.

Overall, Samsung TVs are known for their competence and versatility across various aspects of TV performance, without significant weaknesses. Your choice among the big three brands (Samsung, Sony, and LG) ultimately depends on your specific priorities and preferences, whether it’s motion handling, upscaling, or other factors.

What's the newest Samsung TV?

Samsung introduces a lot of new TV models every year, so it’s hard to keep up. In 2022, they released some super fancy microLED displays in giant sizes like 89 inches, 101 inches, and 110 inches, but our top picks are still the Neo QLED TVs. These are super bright Quantum Dot mini-LED TVs that come in both 4K and 8K versions.

They also gave a makeover to the fun and unique Samsung The Frame TV in 2022. This TV looks like a piece of art on your wall when you’re not watching anything. And if you’re into outdoor viewing, they have the Samsung The Terrace for that.

One big deal for Samsung right now is their OLED TVs, and we have a whole guide to help you decide if you should get one.

What's next for the best Samsung TVs?

Samsung has been exploring new technologies like mini-LED, micro-LED, and QD-OLED, and we anticipate they’ll release more TV models with these technologies in the near future.

They’re also making a strong push into the gaming scene, evident in their TVs with the Xbox cloud gaming app and an increasing number of TVs equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports that support important gaming features for the latest gaming consoles.

Expect to see more developments in these areas from Samsung in the coming year.

How we test the best Samsung TVs

We don’t take TV recommendations lightly, especially when it comes to the best Samsung TVs. Here’s how we put them to the test:

Content Testing: We evaluate Samsung TVs with a wide range of content resolutions, from standard definition to 8K, to see how they perform in terms of clarity and picture quality.
Picture Quality: We assess brightness levels and the vibrancy of colors on the screen, making necessary adjustments to fine-tune the settings to get the best performance. We believe that TVs should offer excellent performance without requiring extensive tweaking.
Additional Features: We explore and rate the built-in features, such as smart assistants, and ensure that popular streaming apps work smoothly.
Audio Quality: While many TVs benefit from external sound systems, we also evaluate the built-in audio quality. Some Samsung TVs, like the Samsung QN900B Neo QLED 8K, are known for their exceptional sound quality.
Real-World Testing: We spend significant time with the TVs to assess viewing angles, brightness levels under different lighting conditions, and other factors that can’t be determined from specifications alone.
Context and Recommendations: Drawing from our extensive experience testing TVs, we provide broader context and, when applicable, suggest alternative brands to consider alongside Samsung.

Our goal is to offer well-informed and personal recommendations based on our hands-on experiences to help you make the best choice when selecting a Samsung TV.

When it comes to choosing the best Samsung TV for your needs, you have a wide range of options to consider. Samsung offers a diverse lineup of TVs, from flagship models with cutting-edge technology to more budget-friendly options that still provide excellent value.

Key factors to keep in mind include your budget, screen size based on viewing distance, panel type (QLED, mini-LED, OLED), and HDR capabilities. Samsung’s Tizen operating system provides a user-friendly smart TV experience, although some recent interface changes have been debated.

While Samsung TVs may not support Dolby Vision, they excel in other aspects and are known for their competence across various performance areas. Ultimately, your choice among Samsung and other TV brands depends on your specific preferences and priorities.

We recommend thorough testing and consideration of your unique requirements to ensure you select the best Samsung TV that suits your budget and viewing preferences.