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2021 seems to be an interesting year as far as new TV technologies as it marks the year that we finally see some noteworthy improvement regarding LED LCD TVs. For the last few years most manufacturers seemed to have reached a limit regarding how much they could do with this aging TV tech and they had focused mostly in adding more smart TV features and functionality. But now all eyes are on the new backlight system which is called mini LED. And in our Samsung TVs for 2021 article we will be showing you the full lineup Samsung has prepared for us this year.
Many were disappointed in 2020 to see Samsung downgrade their 4K offerings, even the top-tier ones in order to promote mostly their 8K models. But it seems that this strategy has backfired as not many were enthusiastic to go the 8K route especially if you consider that there is practically zero content available in 8K resolution that could take advantage of them.
It seems that Samsung took notice and for 2021 they decided to use most of their top technologies and features in both their 8K and 4K releases something that will certainly have a positive reception from consumers.
With more than fourteen different models along with many more smaller variants, depending the country and market, Samsung has certainly brought their big guns for one more year that will suite all tastes and budgets. And with so many models it can be increasingly difficult to compare them so for that reason we have created comprehensive tables at the beginning and end of the article with all the released models and their most major specs in order for you to be able to distinguish their key differences.
Neo QLED is HERE
Obviously all lights are on the new Neo QLED models that bring the new mini LED backlight system. This provides these models with better brightness, more accurate light control and improved black levels among others. All Neo QLED models are equipped with the new 4K and 8K Neo Quantum Processors, they include HDMI 2.1 ports with all game centric features like ALLM, VRR, FreeSync and HFR along with the latest Tizen smart TV platform that for 2021 brings new features that we will talk about shortly. In terms of sound we find the Object Tracking Sound that is developed by Samsung and according to the model it comes in its OTS Pro, OTS+ or OTS variants.
4K QLED TVs move to mid-tier levels
Once the crown jewel of Samsung’s technological prowess the QLED series is finally taking a back seat as the new Neo QLED series has replaced them at the top spots. As such the QLED lineup is moving to mid-tier territory with three models trying to find a balance between price and features.
With one FALD and two Edge LED models the available QLEDs are being offered in a wide selection of sizes ranging from 43″ for the Q60A all the way up to 85″ for all three models. They come equipped with Quantum Processors 4K, keep the Quantum Dot technology for better color reproduction and all of them come with the full Tizen treatment.
Keep in mind that the Q60A is the only one of the QLEDs that don’t come with a HDMI 2.1 and as such it also omits many of the available gaming features we see in the models above it.
4K Crystal UHD TVs for the budget conscious
While the Neo QLEDs has pushed the QLED series down the line this also had a smaller but equally significant effect on the Crystal series as these have moved entirely to budget friendly territory. With three models available here the Crystal series goes for the absolute basics as these TVs are mostly meant for those that seek a unit that gets the job done and don’t care much about image quality performance or extra features.
The TVs in this lineup loose many of the advanced tech we found in the rest of the series and it seems that in some of them Tizen also comes with reduced features.
Lifestyle TVs for special occasions
Lastly we should mention a special TV category that seems like it has become a standard the last few years called Lifestyle TVs. In this category we find the Frame which is a QLED model with a special design and features that makes art and display design a priority as well as the Serif which is a special QLED on a stand also featuring unique functions. Also Samsung seems to continue with the Sero TV which is a rotatable TV that looks very much like an oversized smartphone and was firstly introduced last year.
But for 2021 we have two new additions to this lineup with The Terrace which is a TV that was designed for outdoors use and in 2021 Samsung has created two variants of it. The Terrace Full Sun TV that features direct sun protection technology and an anti-glare layer making it ideal for any kind of bright outdoors environments. And there is also the Terrace Partial Sun TV that comes with an IP55 rating that assures protection from water and dust making it ideal of either rainy or sunny days.
New tech for 2021
As with every year the new 2021 offerings bring with them a few new technologies and features, with some of them being significant while others seem more like small upgrades over previous iterations. So lets see some of the most notable new additions and upgrades to the 2021 feature and specs list.
mini LED backlight technology
There couldn’t be a more significant addition this year than the inclusion of the new mini LED backlight system. With the delay of microLED Samsung had to do something to revitalize their LED LCD lineup and be able to fight the ongoing war against OLED. And it seems they found the way with the mini LED which is basically the same Full Array Backlight system but the LEDs being used are much smaller than before and this way every TV using one has far better control over its light elements which results in better brightness, better black levels and less bloom than before.
The new mini LED system is being used in the new Neo QLED TVs and as the number of dimming zones has increased significantly compared to what we had until last year this means that even the most low-tier Neo QLEDs have remarkable control over their backlight systems.
Object Tracking Sound Pro
Samsung seems to have focused very much on improving the audio on their TVs and thus created what they call Object Tracking Sound. This tech is using an array of speakers that are located on all four sides of the TV and is tracking the movement of objects on screen in order to project sound accordingly. This way the TV gives you the illusion of 3D audio that feels more realistic and precise.
This tech comes in four variants as Samsung has expanded it in 2021. The new addition is the Pro version that has been modified for the Neo QLED QN900A as it includes more sound sources for more sound precision while the rest of the Neo QLEDs as well as QLED series get the toned down OTS+ and OTS variants. There is also a simpler version available called OTS Lite that is used in the Q60A as well as the top AU9000 Crystal Series TV.
Super Ultrawide GameView & Game Bar
The Game Bar is an entirely new addition and with it you get an on-screen menu that lets you make real-time adjustments to screen ratio, input lag check, FPS, HDR, wireless headset settings and more. You also get 21:9 and 32:9 screen ratios wherever these are being supported to give you the extra viewing area you need to maximize the gaming experience.
Solar powered One Remote
Samsung has remained loyal to their One Remote for many years now making small changes and improvements to an otherwise great design. For 2021 we got a major facelift making the new design feel more premium but keeping the same layout and functionality.
What has changed is that from now on the new One Remote is rechargeable either through the included USB-C port or with the solar panel that is attached at the back of the remote.
Tizen 6.0 (2021)
We have reached Tizen 6.0 in 2021 and this is the most feature complete version so far. The new OS brings back all the features we had seen over the last years and there are also a few new additions. Along with the new Game Bar we mentioned above we also get Samsung Health with which you can train at home, PC on TV which makes connecting the TV with a computer much easier than before and Google Duo which can be used for video calls.
As always Tizen remains fully packed with features and apps which includes all the known streaming apps, voice control platforms and Airplay 2.
Closing
The arrival of mini LED within the new Neo QLED series makes things far more interesting in the war between QLED and OLED. Samsung wanted to keep their biggest strength which was peak brightness and improve on what they were constantly loosing from OLED which was deep black levels. The new mini LED seems to be a step to the right direction but it remains to be seen how much of an improvement these will be not only this year but on the years ahead and if Samsung can further improve this new technology without hitting any major bottlenecks.
And as 2021 also marks the arrival of more OLED models that come with the improved OLED panel it will be interesting to see which technology will prevail in the end. As you can see from the number of models available in 2021 Samsung seems determined to keep its position as the number one TV manufacturer worldwide and they certainly have the numbers to achieve this for one more year. But do they have what it takes to be the king of image quality from OLED? This remains to be seen.
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.
So without further delay let’s analyze each model separately.
Samsung TVs 2021
8K Neo QLED TVs
Samsung QN900A
Type : Flat
The QN900A is the top flagship for Samsung in 2021 and comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from Samsung’s latest and greatest. The QN900A is a 8K resolution TV and features the new mini LED backlight system which promises better light control, more brightness and deeper black levels while the new Neo Quantum Processor 8K promises even better upscaling and processing features.
This is the only TV from Samsung that features the OTS Pro sound system while it comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports along with all the game features you would expect these to bring.
Specifications
- 8K resolution (7,680 x 4,320)
- Neo QLED display technology
- miniLED FALD Backlight system
- VA panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Neo Quantum Processor 8K
- Quantum HDR 64X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS Pro / 6.2.2 80W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Ultra Wide Angle, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 4 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (6E), Bluetooth v5.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Connect Box, One Remote
Samsung QN800A
Type : Flat
The QN800A is a more affordable 8K TV that shares many of the same technologies with the top QN900A but is less capable. As such its panel features less zones making the mini LED technology in this one less efficient and not so accurate while it also gets the less capable Object Tracking Sound+ audio system. Everything else remains the same.
Specifications
- 8K resolution (7,680 x 4,320)
- Neo QLED display technology
- miniLED FALD Backlight system
- VA panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Neo Quantum Processor 8K
- Quantum HDR 64X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS+ / 4.2.2 70W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Ultra Wide Angle, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 4 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (6E), Bluetooth v5.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Connect Box, One Remote
4K Neo QLED TVs
Samsung QN95A (UK/Europe Only)
Type : Flat
The QN95A is the top tier 4K TV but as per usual this one is only released in Europe. It is extremely similar to the QN90A below but this one comes with the One Connect Box. We still get the same mini LED technology but the 4K sets have a less capable version compared to their 8K counterparts. There is also a slight reduction in its wireless hardware as we get WiFi5 and Bluetooth 4.2 instead.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- Neo QLED display technology
- miniLED FALD Backlight system
- VA panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum HDR 32X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS+ / 4.2.2 60W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Ultra Wide Angle, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 4 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Connect Box, One Remote
Samsung QN90A
Type : Flat
The QN90A is the same as the QN95A above minus the One Connect Box. It’s a usual practice for Samsung for these two models so it’s not surprising to see Samsung doing it again. All other specs are like for like with the only major difference being that the QN90A comes with a single HDMI 2.1 port instead of all four of them. In terms of HDMI features it supports everything the QN95A has so you will not be missing anything there.
You can read our full review of this TV HERE.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- Neo QLED display technology
- miniLED FALD Backlight system
- VA panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum HDR 32X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS+ / 4.2.2 60W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Ultra Wide Angle, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
Samsung QN85A
Type : Flat
The QN85A is the most affordable mini LED TV that Samsung will be offering in 2021. It has a less capable mini LED backlight system which basically also means less dimming zones. Its audio system is also being downgraded to OTS with 60 watts of total output power while it’s the first TV that comes with an IPS panel instead of a VA one that all the above models use. Lastly this is the first TV that looses the Ultra Wide Angle technology but since it’s using an IPS panel this is not so much of a missing feature here.
Read our full analysis of this model in our dedicated Samsung QN85A review.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- Neo QLED display technology
- miniLED FALD Backlight system
- IPS panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum HDR 24X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS / 2.2.2 60W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
4K QLED TVs
Samsung Q80A
Type : Flat
The Q80Α is the first model that looses the new mini LED backlight technology and uses the more familiar Full Array with Local Dimming system (FALD). Most other features remain the same as above.
You can read our full analysis and testing in our dedicated Samsung Q80A review.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- Full Array with Local Dimming Backlight system
- IPS panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum HDR 12X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS / 2.2.2 60W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
Samsung Q70A
Type : Flat
The Q70A may still be a QLED TV but compared to the Q80A above it looses its FALD light system and goes for an Edge LED one which means far less accurate light control and overall brightness capabilities. We once again find a VA panel instead of an IPS one while there is a further reduction to its audio system. Although OTS is still present, it’s the Lite version the one we get here and there are only 2.0 channels available in this one. At least the Q70A still retains its HDMI 2.1 port along with all the advanced gaming features.
You can read the full analysis of this TV in our dedicated Samsung Q70A review.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- Edge LED Backlight system
- VA panel with 100/120Hz frequency
- Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS Lite / 2.0 20W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 / 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, FreeSync, ALLM, HFR
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
Samsung Q60A
Type : Flat
The last of the QLEDs, the Q60A sees further reductions across the board. It’s the only QLED that uses a 50/60Hz panel and comes with the less capable Quantum Processor Lite 4K. Its audio system is also using the less capable OTS Lite variant while it’s also the first TV that doesn’t have HDMI 2.1 at all. At least it still retains ALLM and the Game Bar as gaming features. This is also the first TV that has only three HDMI ports instead of four.
You can read our full analysis in our Samsung Q60A review.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- Edge LED Backlight system
- VA panel with 50/60Hz frequency
- Quantum Processor Lite 4K
- Quantum HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS Lite / 2.0 20W
- HDR10+ Adaptive, Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, ALLM
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
4K Crystal UHD TVs
Samsung AU9000
Type : Flat
The AU9000 is the top offering in Samsung’s more affordable Crystal UHD series. In comparison to the Q60A we get a less capable Crystal Processor 4K, less brightness output, we loose the Quantum Dot technology meaning less accurate colors and there is no HDR10+ Adaptive.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- Crystal UHD display technology
- Edge LED Backlight system
- VA panel with 50/60Hz frequency
- Crystal Processor 4K
- HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS Lite / 2.0 20W
- Game Bar, Filmmaker Mode
- 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC, ALLM
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
Samsung AU8000
Type : Flat
Next in line is the AU8000 and this one seems to be loosing what was left from the game centric features we saw in the AU9000 above. This means no Game Bar and no more ALLM support. Also the Tizen that comes with the AU8000 seems to have less features available as some functions including SmartThings and Multi-View are not available in this one.
You can read our Samsung AU8000 review for our full analysis of this unit.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- Crystal UHD display technology
- Edge LED Backlight system
- VA panel with 50/60Hz frequency
- Crystal Processor 4K
- HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- OTS Lite / 2.0 20W
- Filmmaker Mode
- 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 2 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform (with less features)
- One Remote
4K UHD TVs
Samsung AU7000
Type : Flat
The AU7000 is the most affordable 4K offering Samsung has this year. Compared to the AU8000 it looses the Crystal Display meaning that in terms of colors the AU7000 is less accurate. It also uses a Direct LED backlight instead of an Edge LED system while it comes with only one USB port. Lastly this is the only smart TV that uses Samsung’s simple remote instead of the One Remote.
Specifications
- 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- UHD display technology
- Direct LED Backlight system
- VA panel with 50/60Hz frequency
- Crystal Processor 4K
- HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- 2.0 20W
- Filmmaker Mode
- 3 x HDMI 2.0 / 1 x USB 2.0
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi (5), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform (with less features)
Lifestyle TVs
The FRAME (2021)
Type : Flat
The Frame returns for one more year and this is basically a 4K QLED model with an artistic twist. In terms of specs it features a Quantum Dot display and a Quantum Processor 4K along with a Dual LED backlight system. It also features a simplified audio system along with Tizen and all it’s functionality and the One Connect Box that allows to hide all wires and connections for a more clean setup.
Obviously design plays a big part of the Frame and as such it gets customizable frames, support for a no-gap wall mount and various stand options while it comes with certain modes and functions in order to support it’s artistic merits.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- Dual LED backlighting
- Quantum HDR 4X
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 2.2CH 40W / Adaptive Sound+, Active Voice Amplifier
- AI Upscaling, Wide Viewing Angle, Adaptive Picture, Multi-View, Auto Game Mode, Ambient Mode+
- 4 x HDMI / 2 x USB
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi (802.11ac), Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- Customizable frame, No-gap wall mount, Stand options, Art store, Auto curation
- Brightness sensor, Motion sensor
- One Connect Box / OneRemote
The Terrace Full Sun Outdoor
Type : Flat
The Terrace is a Lifestyle TV that was released last year but Samsung has slightly expanded it into two different models in 2021. The Terrace Full Sun we have here is an outdoors TV that is designed specifically to perform well under direct sunlight by using a direct sun protection technology and an anti-glare TV screen. It uses many of the specs we see in other QLED models and is also rated IP55 for dust and water resistance.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- Quantum Processor 4K
- Wide Viewing Angle with Anti-glare technology
- 2.0 CH 20W
- 3 x HDMI / 1 x USB
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
The Terrace Partial Sun Outdoor
Type : Flat
The Terrace Partial Sun is very similar to its Full Sun variant with the only difference being that this one was designed not to be exposed to direct sunlight. So in case you are looking for an outdoors TV that can withstand various weather conditions but you plan on having it under a shed or some corner with shadow the Partial Sun is the one to look for. It shares many of the features the Full Sun has along with all its smart TV functionality.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- Quantum Processor 4K
- Wide Viewing Angle with Anti-glare technology
- 2.0 CH 20W
- 3 x HDMI / 1 x USB
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
The WALL
Type : Flat
Samsung has been showing their intentions for the future for some time now and The Wall was their prime example of things to come. The Wall is not the first time we see it this year, actually this is the fourth showing they have, but it seems that Samsung takes it a small step forward by offering a smaller size showing that slowly but steadily they bring more and more to the table in terms of microLED technology.
In 2021 The Wall will be offered in three sizes in 88″, 99″ and 110″ and while the 88″ size brings the price slightly to more down to Earth levels it is still outside what most people can afford and from the looks of it, it will take Samsung a few good years until they can make their microLED technology widely available.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- microLED display technology
- LED HDR (Inverse Tone Mapping, Dynamic Peaking, Color Mapping), HDR10/10+, DRE (Dynamic Range Expansion), Low Latency (for Live Mode), Dimming (for Semi-Indoor)
The Serif (2020)
Type : Flat
The Serif is another model in Samsung’s Lifestyle lineup that returns from last year and again what we get here is a QLED variant that has been fitted in a specially designed frame in order to give it a distinct look. We were always a bit puzzled with the market this one is targeting at and how wide acceptance it can find but offering this model for one more year it seems that Samsung has found an audience for it.
In terms of capabilities the Serif features exactly the same specs from last year as it is practically the same model and is pretty close to the Frame but seems to use a less capable backlight system along with a lower brightness rating. But it’s main focus seems to be in added functionality and specific looks as it comes with an all around 360 design, uses a brightness sensor, has NFC on TV, Tap View and comes with a detachable floor stand.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- Q Contrast backlighting
- Quantum HDR
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 4CH 40W / Adaptive Sound+, Active Voice Amplifier
- 4K AI Upscaling, Wide Viewing Angle, Adaptive Picture, Multi-View, Real Game Enhancer+, Ambient Mode+
- 4 x HDMI / 2 x USB
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- All around 360 design, NFC on TV, Tap view, Detachable floor stand
- Brightness sensor
- OneRemote
Sero TV (2021)
Type : Flat
The Sero TV is an interesting new proposal from Samsung which makes a comeback from its first outing last year without changing much of its specs. This is basically a QLED model that can rotate 90 degrees and look like an oversized smartphone screen making it ideal for smartphone integration and interaction. It can also be used as a normal TV so you don’t have to worry about it’s main use. This is a very niche TV and although we can see some usefulness in its design we don’t think it will make a huge impact on the market.
Specifications
- 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160)
- QLED display technology
- HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 4.1CH 60W / Adaptive Sound+, Active Voice Amplifier
- AI Upscaling, Adaptive Picture, Auto Game Mode (ALLM), Auto Rotation, Ambient Mode+
- 3 x HDMI / 2 x USB
- ARC / eARC
- WiFi, Bluetooth v4.2
- Tizen smart platform
- One Remote
Samsung TVs 2021
Hi Stratos and thank you for making such a detailed guide. I was always a fan of Samsung tvs, they offer good quality and intuitive framework. Looking on your review there will be some interesting options this year, especially the Neo QLED line seems good choice both for movies as well as video games. I am definitely waiting to check them out in my local stores.
The Neo QLEDs are definitely in the center of attention this year. It’s been a long time that we hadn’t seen some actual advance in LED LCD technology so it’s good that we finally see things moving forward.