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REVIEW: Samsung Q80T QLED 4K, the smart TV ready for the next generation of consoles

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The video games of the decade will set the 120Hz standard for the best gaming experience, and the Samsung Q80T is ready to handle any content at the highest quality.

Gamers who were able to enjoy their favorite games in these quarantine times recently had the pleasure of a “peek” at what will be the future of gaming. After all, which one to buy: PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X? If the question hasn't crossed your mind, it's just a matter of time – remember, they'll be out later this year.

at Showmetech we already helped you decide among them, however, a television that does the job needs to be your guarantee until the new wave of consoles dominates the market. Lucky for you, the newly launched Samsung q80t will guarantee a constant screen refresh rate and the finest technology contained in a respectable 4K QLED. To get to know this model better, which has a dedicated 120Hz HDMI input, we tested the 55-inch version and told you here in this review.

Q80T design and main highlights

With thinner edges than the previous generation, the Q80T reaffirms that Samsung wants to differentiate itself in the 2020 lines (above any technical specification) for the care with the design of its products. In fact, she won the innovation award at the CES 2020 by the sound system and by the performance in games.

  • Review: samsung q80t qled 4k, the smart tv ready for the next generation of consoles. The video games of the decade will set the 120hz standard for the best gaming experience, and the Samsung Q80t is ready to handle any content at the highest quality.
  • Review: samsung q80t qled 4k, the smart tv ready for the next generation of consoles. The video games of the decade will set the 120hz standard for the best gaming experience, and the Samsung Q80t is ready to handle any content at the highest quality.
  • Review: samsung q80t qled 4k, the smart tv ready for the next generation of consoles. The video games of the decade will set the 120hz standard for the best gaming experience, and the Samsung Q80t is ready to handle any content at the highest quality.

All entries are lateral, with a cutout at the bottom of the TV. Thus, it can be mounted close to the wall, with the wires passing through the kind of channel that is already classic in the manufacturer's recent lines. Are 4 HDMI inputs (one of them ready for next-gen consoles), 2 USB, one audio optical, and one for Ethernet. Optionally, if you prefer to have it on the rack, the wiring can be hidden in a plastic cover that covers the base support, which frees up space and justifies the existence of changing the pair of feet for just one.

The choice of the central support on the base (something that is very reminiscent of the standard of monitors) may not be very pleasing, especially when compared to the efficient pair of feet of the current input lines and lower “Q” series models – such as Q60 and Q70. There is a slight feeling of instability, even more so considering that it is a 21kg smart TV. Even so, they made the best choice possible with the sturdy sheet metal.

Base 180t
The base of the Q80T gives a slight feeling of instability, but it is the best way out when we talk about a single base without the double “feet”

Addressing the main highlights of the model, we have: intelligent light sensor technology, Quantum HDR for the “maximum brightness intensity" integrated voice assistant and artificial intelligence to resize images below 4K (Upscaling) on a display with that resolution. All this in the intuitive operating system Tizen, which takes up a small portion of the screen and lets you rearrange app shortcuts and TV inputs.

On the remote control we have the shortcut for streaming services, basic commands, the microphone for voice control and the famous Portrait Mode. The latter consists of a kind of screen saver (animated or static, it's your choice) in an attempt to integrate the screen into your living room. Via Samsung app you can take pictures of your wall and it will smartly complete the TV space. We recommend the “décor” backdrops, true works of art.

Q80t multi view screen
The Multi View mode has several uses for those who can't let go of their cell phone

One more strong point: with the Q80T you can mirror cell phone screen in Multi View mode, splitting it between a video input and your smartphone. By command on the remote control, the audio output of one of them can be prioritized, just indicating “left” or “right”. Gamers will find this very useful, for example, those looking for guides and video tutorials side by side with their own gameplay window. We remind you that depending on the app, the function is unavailable, as in the case of several streaming services.

Display and sound

The cutting edge technology of 4K Quantum Processor, with the help of Direct Full Array 12X, delivers great brightness, excellent resolution and a noticeable difference between foreground and background objects – quality explained and tested better when talking about games, abaixo. The control of backlight and other technical uses of Quantum may not be noticeable to the untrained eye, but a point reaffirmed by the manufacturer is the 10-year warranty against burn-in (spots on the screen), something to reassure many who have had this experience with an old TV.

q80t netflix power
Netflix's cinematic debuts get an extra degree of immersion in the Q80T

As a movie fan, I miss enjoying blockbusters on big screen. Fortunately, for the quality of productions like Power (newly released on Netflix) and the noticeable high contrast ratio with the Q80T, the experience is almost cinematic. Dark scenes and fast environment changes were consistent, with carefully delimited brightness (no blur).

Thanks to anti-glare technology Ultra Viewing Angle, the sofa can get crowded and everyone will be able to watch their favorite shows without reflections getting in the way of anyone's vision. The colors are rich in wide viewing angles, in addition to the anti-glare factor implemented in the product. In fact, this was a strong downside of the input 4K CrystalUHD, so luckily you can see the sharp line between this and mid-range TVs like the Q80T.

Another spectacular highlight is the sound, which automatically guaranteed an extra point in the review score as soon as I put the first song to play on the Q80T. with power of 60W RMS and integrated woofer, the icing on the cake is the “sound in motion” technology, with speakers spread across the screen. Movie lovers may miss Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision technologies, even if TV has Dolby 5.1 Decoder for distribution to your speakers.

Q80t audio system, sound
With or without a soundbar, the TV can provide you with a very clean and well-distributed sound (Disclosure)

In movies and series, the condition in the scene must be specific so that you can notice “where” the sound is coming from. Anyway, in an action climate and in sports content (running and football) the trick of “fool you” works. One recommendation would be to synchronize the Q80T with one soundbar, so that the sound is propagated from the top of the TV and also shot in the direction of the viewer.

One final point about sound is in the form of “active noise cancellation” (actually it’s called Active Voice Amplifier) that analyzes the sound of the external environment and increase the volume of the voice of TV content. In practice, I honestly didn't notice a difference, and I say this in the most positive tone possible: the sound system is clean and clear in any situation. Perhaps in the scenario of a noisy neighbor undergoing renovation the technology may be more effective – luckily, this was not my case during the testing period. Ufa.

Personal assistant

Good news is that the Q80T has personal assistants, so that you can perform certain voice commands (detected by the microphone built into the remote control) through the assistants Bixby ou Alexa. With this, the smart TV becomes an alternative hub for a smart home environment, thanks to the app SmartThings for your home automation center. For testing, I prioritized Alexa in routine use. In a normal conversational tone, the remote recognized me even from a meter away.

Q80t remote control
Minimalist remote control: shortcuts to streaming services, portrait mode, and built-in microphone for voice control

I was surprised to risk commanding a reminder for 15 minutes and the assistant confirming it. Active in another app (or HDMI input) at the end of the countdown, the Alexa sound is prioritized without the blue bar appearing on the base, a discreet alarm that can be “muted” with a simple press of the microphone button. Anyone who knows the limits of an Echo Dot, an Amazon speaker integrated with Alexa, will know the type of action and response given.

Unfortunately, as I could imagine, there is the same flaw in another basic model from samsung with assistant: a Q80T does not recognize commands to open a specific program, such as "play Stranger Things on Netflix” or any variation of the phrase. Instead, it opens the web browser and displays YouTube results for the search for the title in question. Speaking of a smart TV, this point seems essential and should work, right?

Q80t alexa assistant voice activation sound
The blue stripe matches the familiar Alexa aesthetic, but the fixed on-screen text could be more discreet

I sometimes get the message "Alexa server connection error" even though I was connected to the internet watching a movie on HBO Go (ie the error was with the system, not the network). Also, my Echo Dot worked fine, so the problem wasn't with Amazon's servers either. One last flaw: the fixed text of “voice activation sound” appears every time the assistant is requested. The detail covers a little more of the screen than it needs to, both with the activation on or off – in this case, this dictates whether or not the system will recognize the “Alexa” wake word even if you don't touch the controller.

Therefore, both in design and in functionality, the voice assistant function leaves something to be desired. Anyone looking for a personal assistant shouldn't focus on this smart TV for all kinds of tasks, unless you're used to other Samsung devices with Smart Things control. In balance with this, it is essential for game fans, as we will tell you in the sequel.

gamer perfection

Q80t the division 2
I felt transported to the middle of the battlefield in Washington D.C.

As the title of this review suggests, the Q80T gets redoubled attention when it comes to video games. To optimize gaming performance, it decreases response time and triggers “extra functions that minimize image breakage and optimize light exposure in the darkest scenes“. The statement is in the Samsung ad, but I sign below now that I've tested the TV.

I decided to put the Q80T proof of action scenarios with games. Therefore, I chose the The Division 2 from last year on PlayStation 4. It was with this game that I realized (unintentionally) for the first time how immersive the TV's potential was when playing games. Even though I've been used to titles from the first/third person shooter genre for a decade, flash bangs and explosions gained new weight with the sound system and the high brightness of the display.

After correctly configuring HDR, both in the game itself and on the console, I activated the TV's gamer mode. The result was gameplay in maximum contrast, refining the artistic beauty of The Division 2. With an explosion on the scene, instinctively (me, in “real life”), I contracted my eyelids due to the sudden amount of light present in the foreground. Instinctive responses like this are always a good sign when talking about gaming displays. The depth and brilliance made for a stunning experience.

Another positive point in games is precisely this: a better cut between protagonist and scenario. To prove the perception, I put others to run, like Cuphead, Ghost of Tsushima e CoD Modern Warfare 2 Remastered. Whether in a cartoon environment, old Japan or in a war atmosphere, I could have the same impression. In more colorful games there is still a reasonable advance in color richness, compared to what I'm used to when using other 4K/UHD LEDs.

In technical terms, the local dimming becomes a step further to highlight the performance of the current generation of consoles. However, the greatest strength of Q80T is in the long term, as at the end of 2020 the new generation of video games will be inaugurated. It turns out that the HDMI input 4 present on the Q80T supports the 120Hz frequency, a new gaming standard by PlayStation 5 specs, for example. Anyone thinking about purchasing the next games needs to have this attention – and, fortunately, this smart TV is ready.

Conclusion

A Samsung q80t delivers an excellent sample of 4K QLED technology in the mid-range models. Even lower than what is proposed in the technical specifications of the premium model Q95T, television stands out for its focus on performance in games, whether in the current or future generation. Due to the great image in 4K, contrast and colors leave you with your attention focused on the display. Adding this to the sound system (which does not require the purchase of a soundbar) with speakers spread across the screen, you get the best and most immersive delivery on the gamer market.

Q80t disclosure, on white background
REVIEW: Samsung Q80T QLED 4K, the smart TV ready for the next generation of consoles

The design evolved at one point (thin edges) and seems to recede at another (single center base), while the voice assistant functionality still needs polishing across the manufacturer's multiple lines. Unbalanced by these few slips, we have the very strong foundation of TV: powerful audio, wide viewing angle, reduced screen reflections, local dimming, dozens of smart functions and portrait mode that decorates any room.

The Q80T arrived in the country placing itself between 4K LED and 8K QLED models, revealed at the Samsung 2020 First Look event. Well, we're in a period where the cost-effectiveness of TVs doesn't look so good, but QLED stays on the edge of current mid-rangers (in the best possible sense). Check out all the versions of the Samsung Q80T 4K below:

So, enjoyed the brand new smart TV Samsung q80t? Tell us in the comments!

ModelQ80T
Sizes (in inches)55 ″, 65 ″ and 75 ″
TypeQLED
edge typeinfinite borders
Audio Resourcesnature mode
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby 5.1 decoder
moving sound
Q Symphony
Sound Power (60 W RMS)
Integrated Woofer
Multiroom Link
Update Rate120Hz
Screen TechnologyQLED - Quantum Dots Screen
MonitorUltra HD 4K
inputs/connections4 x HDMI Inputs;
2 x USB Inputs;
1 x RF input for open TV;
1xAV input;
1 x Optical digital audio output;
1 x LAN input;
HDMI Quick Switch
TV Key
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Anynet + (HDMI-CEC)
ProcessorHow much 4K
image resourcesQuantumHDR 12x
Ultimate UHD Dimming Pro
auto motion plus
HLG
Movie Mode
nature mode
Game Mode
Ambient Mode 3.0
Ultra Viewing Angle
screen frequency120Hz
audio resourcesAudio Bluetooth
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby 5.1 Decoder
Sound Sync
Multiroom Link
moving soundYes
speaker type4.2.2 channels
MultiteliaYes
ControlSingle Remote Control with built-in microphone
Netflix, Prime Video and Globoplay functions
Operational systemTizen
Voice commandsYes
Virtual AssistantsAlexa and Bixby
Gallery modeYes
NavigatorYes
Energy consumption210 W
ColorBlack
Suggested prices55″ (R$ 6.299)
65″ (R$ 10.999)
75″ (R$14.999)

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