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A few years back Samsung went on to mass produce OLED TVs something that failed miserably and put the company in a tough spot compared to it’s rival, LG, by putting the company’s reputation in TV manufacturing at stake. As a result the company’s market share in the premium segment fell dramatically and made Samsung to reconsider it’s options. This pushed the company to focus more on it’s LCD technologies and this resulted in developing the now famous Quantum Dot Technology that Samsung is using in all their top of the line models.
In 2017 Samsung used a variation of this technology and rebranded it as QLED to bring the naming more in competitive line with the rival OLED technology. But as good as Samsung did with it’s Quantum Dot TVs in 2016, in 2017 they offered small improvements but with high prices turning a lot of potential buyers away. For 2018 Samsung gives a second try to it’s QLED technology hoping that this time they will be able to offer competitive technologies and performance compared to OLED but also aiming at a more aggressive prices that will be more affordable to the general consumers.
Improvements over last year include the use of Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) in some of it’s top tier models like the Q9FN and the Q8FN but for this model only in the US as the European one will still come with Edge LED. The QLED lineup will also feature the Q Engine processor while the rest of the lineup features a scaled down version. As with previous years Samsung refuses to include Dolby Vision to it’s TVs and goes for HDR10 and HDR10+ which are royalty-free and it seems for the immediate future this is not going to change.
Another area that Samsung focused on this year is the design. For the top tier TVs they have improved their One Connect Box connectivity to the TV by redesigning the fiber cable connecting the two and making it ultra thin. Now all connections as well as the power required, go through this one cable, thus giving you the freedom to hide the main box wherever you want. They also continue to improve their OneRemote offering a metal version for their top tier models but change metal for plastic in their medium tier models.
Other features that we see in their 2018 lineup is that Samsung is bringing their Tizen 4.0 smart TV platform to most middle and top tier models continuing to improve upon an already marvelous platform. Also their top models may not support HDMI 2.1 but Samsung in order to differentiate their models from the competition decided to pick a few characteristics and incorporate them this year like adaptive frame rate (FreeSync and VRR).
In general we see that Samsung became more serious with their offerings trying to avoid last year’s mistakes. The technology to compete with OLED can be seen in their models and the pricing is more competitive so now it only remains to be seen if consumers will be convinced that QLED is worthy of its name.
Keep in mind that due to the huge number of models and sizes there may be some differences in specs even between different sizes of the same model. In general we try to keep the specs given updated but if you see some different specs in the models we present please let us know in the comments below.
Before closing this part we should mention that you can check our New Product Lineups section for more reviews and articles which we will update as we manage to get our hands on these new releases.
QLED TVs
Samsung Q9FN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : 65″ (QN65Q9FNAFXZA), 75″ (QN75Q9FNAFXZA)
- Europe : 55″ (QE55Q9FNATXXU), 65″ (QE65Q9FNATXXU), 75″ (QE75Q9FNATXXU)
Type: Flat
The Q9FN is Samsung’s top of the line model in the QLED lineup and the most important update for this year is that Samsung decided to go with Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) with hundreds of dimming zones. As a result we get a big improvement in lighting management something very important when this model claims to reach 2000 nits of brightness. Samsung has also equipped the Q9FN with various filters to improve black levels, minimize reflections and glare as well as improve viewing angles. Adn with all the hardware improvements Samsung is using special algorithms to improve image quality and minimize blooming.
Also Samsung has worked a lot on the design aspect of their top of the line model by creating an ultra thin cable that connects the TV with the One Connect Box making all wired connections almost invisible since you can hide the box anywhere that is not visible to the eye. The Ambient mode also can turn your TV in a work of art by displaying an image that will blend the TV to it’s surrounding and all this by putting the TV in a low-powered mode.
The Q9FN is a step closer to OLED quality and when you see Samsung’s offering compared to an OLED the differences will be smaller than any of the previous years clearly showing that Samsung has really focused on improving their current technology to the maximum. If they offer it in a competitive price then the Q9FN will be one of the best TVs for 2018 overall.
You can check our detailed review of the Samsung Q9FN HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Full array local dimming
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter Elite
- One Connect box with fiber cable
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 60W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- Metal OneRemote
Samsung Q8FN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (QN55Q8FNBFXZA), 65″ (QN65Q8FNBFXZA), 75″ (QN75Q8FNBFXZA)
- Europe : 55″ (QE55Q8DNATXXU), 65″ (QE65Q8DNATXXU), 75″ (QE75Q8DNATXXU)
Type: Flat
The second in line in the QLED lineup is the Q8FN which basically is almost the same as the Q9FN. The only major differences is that the Q8FN has a lower peak brightness of 1500 nits, a scaled down FALD system and no One Connect Box. In Europe the exact same model as the Q8FN in the US is called Q8DN. The Q8FN European model is similar but has different stand and unfortunately will use Edge LED system which will greatly impact the final image quality. All other specifications will be the same as the Q9FN.
Take a look at our detailed review of the Q8FN HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- USA : Full array local dimming, Europe : Q8DN – Full array local dimming / Q8FN – Edge LED
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter
- One Connect box with fiber cable (Europe only)
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- Metal OneRemote
Samsung Q8CN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : –
- Europe : 55″ (QE55Q8CNATXXU), 65″ (QE65Q8CNATXXU)
Type: Curved
Being one of the few manufacturers that still produce curved panels the Samsung Q8CN is basically the the same panel as the Q8FN above but in curved shape. This means that it has a peak brightness of 1500 nits which is a bit lower than what we get in their top of the line model, the Q9FN. This model will be released only in Europe and will be equipped with Edge LED lighting.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter
- One Connect box with fiber cable (Europe only)
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- Metal OneRemote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
Samsung Q7FN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (QN55Q7FNAFXZA), 65″ (QN65Q7FNAFXZA), 75″ (QN75Q7FNAFXZA)
- Europe : 55″ (QE55Q7FNATXXU), 65″ (QE65Q7FNATXXU), 65″ (QE75Q7FNATXXU)
Type: Flat
Samsung had a clear winner with last year’s Q7F combining some of it’s top technologies with a very good pricing. This made a lot of people buy this model and make the QLED technology more mainstream. The Q7FN will have the same peak brightness as the Q8FN at 1500 nits and the same amount of ports. It also adds Bixby support and Ambient mode compared to last year’s model. We suspect that the Q7FN will again be one of the most popular models for Samsung in the QLED lineup.
Check out our in-depth review of the Q7FN HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter
- One Connect box with fiber cable
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- OneRemote
Samsung Q7CN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (QN55Q7CNAFXZA), 65″ (QN65Q7CNAFXZA)
- Europe : –
Type: Curved
The Q7CN is exactly the same as the Q7FN model with the only difference being that this one has a curved shape. The Q7CN will be released only in the US market.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter
- One Connect box with fiber cable
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- OneRemote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
Samsung Q6FN QLED TV
Dimensions :
- US : 49″ (QN49Q6FNAFXZA), 55″ (QN55Q6FNAFXZA), 65″ (QN65Q6FNAFXZA), 75″ (QN75Q6FNAFXZA), 82″ (QN82Q6FNAFXZA)
- Europe : 49″ (QE49Q6FNATXXU), 55″ (QE55Q6FNATXXU), 65″ (QE65Q6FNATXXU), 75″ (QE75Q6FNATXXU), 82″ (QE82Q6FNATXXU)
Type: Flat
The Q6FN is the lowest model in the QLED lineup. The difference here is that the peak brightness drops even further to 1000 nits making this model half as bright as the top of the line Q9FN model. Because of this the Q6FN also drops it’s Ultra Black Filter as it’s dimming technology doesn’t need to be so powerful. The other big omission here is the One Connect Box with all connections being on the back of the TV.
Read our in-depth review of the Samsung Q6FN HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Quantum dot film
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Q Mastering Engine
- Ultra Black Filter
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2, Ambient mode
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- OneRemote
Premium UHD TVs
Samsung NU8500
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (UN55NU8500FXZA), 65″ (UN65NU8500FXZA)
- Europe : 55″ (UE55NU8500TXXU), 65″ (UE65NU8500TXXU)
Type: Curved
For 2018 Samsung offers two 4K UHD TVs that don’t have their QLED technology. The NU8500 is the upgrade of last year’s MU8500 and come in a curved shape. The NU8500 uses an Edge LED panel and comes with a quad core processor. It also supports both HDR10 and HDR10+ as well as Dynamic Crystal Color technology in order to deliver a wider color gamut. There is also Bixby support and comes equipped with Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Dynamic Crystal filter
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- UHD Engine
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- OneRemote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
Samsung NU8000
Dimensions :
- US : 49″ (UN49NU8000FXZA), 55″ (UN55NU8000FXZA), 65″ (UN65NU8000FXZA), 75″ (UN75NU8000FXZA), 82″ (UN82NU8000FXZA),
- Europe : 49″ (UE49NU8000TXXU), 55″ (UE55NU8000TXXU), 65″ (UE65NU8000TXXU), 75″ (UE75NU8000TXXU), 82″ (UE82NU8000TXXU),
Type: Flat
The NU8000 is exactly the same model as the NU8500 above but this one comes in a flat shape. All other specifications remain the same.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- Dynamic Crystal filter
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- UHD Engine
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- FreeSync and HDMI VRR support, HEVC, VP9-Profile2
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Twin tuner (in Europe)
- WiFi (ac standard), Bluetooth
- OneRemote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
UHD TVs
Samsung NU7300
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (UN55NU7300FXZA), 65″ (UN65NU7300FXZA)
- Europe : 49″ (UE49NU7300KXXU), 55″ (UE55NU7300KXXU)
Type: Curved
We have reached the lower end of the 4K UHD lineup here with the NU7300 being a curved shaped TV. This model is losing the Dynamic Crystal color system and instead uses PurColor engine that provides a narrower color spectrum. The edge LED system is also not using local dimming, instead it’s boosting/dimming all it’s LEDs together.
The NU7300 retains the smart TV functionality of the NU8000 series but looses Bixby support and Automatic Game mode. Another step down from the NU8000 is that the NU7300 uses 20W 2 channels audio system instead of 40W of the NU8000 and has three HDMI ports instead of four. Lastly it scales back it’s refresh rate to 60Hz (Which Samsung calls Motion Rate 120).
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- PurColor filter
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- UHD Engine
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2
- 20W speakers
- 3x HDMI, 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- Standard remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
Samsung NU7100
Dimensions :
- US : 40″ (UN40NU7100FXZA), 43″ (UN43NU7100FXZA), 50″ (UN50NU7100FXZA), 55″ (UN55NU7100FXZA), 58″ (UN58NU7100FXZA), 65″ (UN65NU7100FXZA), 75″ (UN75NU7100FXZA)
- Europe : 49″ (UE49NU7100KXXU), 55″ (UE55NU7100KXXU), 65″ (UE65NU7100KXXU), 75″ (UE75NU7100KXXU)
Type: Flat
The last entry in their 4K UHD lineup is the NU7100 which is practically the same as the NU7300 in specifications with the only difference this is a flat shaped panel. Everything else remains the same.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- Edge LED
- PurColor filter
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- UHD Engine
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- HEVC, VP9-Profile2
- 20W speakers
- 3x HDMI, 2x USB
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- Standard remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
FullHD TVs
Samsung J5000
Dimensions :
- US : 43″ (UN43J5000BFXZA), 48″ (UN48J5000BFXZA), 49″ (UN49J5000BFXZA), 50″ (UN50J5000BFXZA)
- Europe : –
Type: Flat
The J5000 is the only Full HD model on offer from Samsung for the year 2018. There is no smart TV functionality in this model and it will have a 60Hz refresh rate panel as well as wide color enhancer.
Specifications
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- LCD display technology
- Wide Color Enhancer Plus
- Motion Rate 60
- 20W speakers
- 2x HDMI, 1x USB
- Standard remote
Cheapest Places to Buy :
Special models
The Frame
Dimensions :
- US : 55″ (UN55LS03NAFXZA), 65″ (UN65LS03NAFXZA)
- Europe : 43″ (UE43LS003AUXXU), 55″ (UE55LS003AUXXU), 65″ (UE65LS003AUXXU)
Type: Flat
The Frame was a special model last year and it seems that Samsung decided to bring it to 2018 also. It sports similar characteristics to a 4K UHD TV with smart TV functionality and combines it with a stylish design creating a work of art. As for it’s performance we believe will have the same as with other models that have similar characteristics but it will certainly cost more because of it’s unique design.
Read our detailed review of The Frame HERE.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution
- LCD display technology
- HDR support
- UHD Mastering Engine
- Tizen 4.0 Smart TV
- Bixby, ConnectShare, Eco Sensor
- 40W speakers
- 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Twin tuner
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- Metal OneRemote
I’ve always been a fan of Samsung, but lately, my S6 was a crap phone, and with the miserable television they made, my trust into them is a bit gone. These televisions are truly good ones? And you have one of those?
Hey Emmanuel. For 2018 Samsung really tried to fix last year’s problems and it seems that for this year they have much better offers both in specifications as well as in pricing. It remains to be seen if the consumers will show their trust in them.
Samsung, as does many other manufacturers, makes it difficult for consumers to decide which model to buy other than by price. TVs are so feature laden, that the typical consumer (or at least me) does not understand the benefits of one technology over another. And whether or not that technology will become obsolete with the next model year rollout. I recently purchased a Samsung TV after visiting a showroom. My decision was based on brand name recognition and price.
Unfortunately most consumers are in the mercy of sellers and on which TV is calibrated better to draw more attention. It’s natural all these technologies to sound like mumbling to most people that’s why I try in my reviews to explain with simple words what each technology is doing and how it affects the final outcome. The only solution unfortunately is for consumers to be educated in order to know what they are buying. Price is never an indication of the quality you buy.