Samsung 85 Inch Class Qn90A Neo Qled Tv Review

The Samsung 85-inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV is, quite simply, a powerhouse display that redefined what’s possible with LED technology when it launched. It’s not just a TV.

It’s a significant leap forward, offering unparalleled brightness, stunning contrast, and vibrant color thanks to its Mini LED backlight and Neo Quantum Processor 4K.

For those serious about picture quality for everything from intense gaming to cinematic viewing in varied lighting conditions, the QN90A stands out as a top-tier choice that delivers a truly immersive experience with minimal compromises.

It sets a high bar for LED-based televisions, consistently earning accolades for its performance.

Here’s how the QN90A stacks up against some other top contenders in the premium display space, giving you a quick overview of its position in the market:

• Samsung 85-inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV

  

  • Key Features: Mini LED backlight, Neo Quantum Processor 4K, Object Tracking Sound+ OTS+, Anti-Reflection screen, FreeSync Premium Pro, 120Hz native refresh rate.
  • Average Price: Around $2,500 – $3,500 price varies greatly depending on new/used and sales.
  • Pros: Exceptional brightness for HDR content, incredible contrast with deep blacks for an LED TV, excellent anti-reflection capabilities, wide viewing angles, superb gaming features, dynamic sound.
  • Cons: Blooming can be visible in very dark scenes though minimal for Mini LED, no Dolby Vision support, higher price point.

• LG 83-inch Class C1 Series OLED TV

  • Key Features: Self-lit OLED pixels, α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K, G-SYNC/FreeSync Compatible, Dolby Vision IQ & Dolby Atmos, webOS smart platform.
  • Average Price: Around $2,800 – $4,000.
  • Pros: Perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wider viewing angles, excellent motion handling, comprehensive HDR support including Dolby Vision, robust gaming features.
  • Cons: Lower peak brightness compared to QN90A can struggle in very bright rooms, potential for burn-in though largely mitigated with modern use, reflection handling not as good as QN90A.

• Sony BRAVIA XR A90J 83-inch Class OLED TV

  • Key Features: Cognitive Processor XR, XR OLED Contrast Pro, Google TV, Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, HDMI 2.1 features.
  • Average Price: Around $4,500 – $6,000.
  • Pros: Class-leading picture processing, stunning cinematic accuracy, excellent upscaling, integrated speaker system that uses the screen, rich colors, strong gaming performance.
  • Cons: Very high price point, only two HDMI 2.1 ports, some motion quirks with certain content, lower peak brightness than QN90A.

• TCL 85-inch Class 6-Series R648 Mini-LED QLED TV

  • Key Features: Mini-LED QLED, Google TV, THX Certified Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate VRR, Auto Game Mode ALLM.
  • Average Price: Around $1,500 – $2,000.
  • Pros: Excellent value for Mini-LED technology, good peak brightness, surprisingly good contrast for the price, solid gaming features, Google TV platform.
  • Cons: Picture processing not as refined as premium brands, some blooming and uniformity issues compared to QN90A, sound quality is average.

• Hisense 85-inch Class U8G Series ULED 4K UHD Smart TV

  • Key Features: ULED technology with Quantum Dot Color, Full Array Local Dimming, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision IQ & Dolby Atmos, Game Mode Pro 120Hz, VRR, ALLM.
  • Average Price: Around $1,300 – $1,800.
  • Pros: Impressive brightness for its price point, good contrast, strong value, solid gaming features, good HDR performance, broad HDR support.
  • Cons: Motion handling can be inconsistent, blooming is more noticeable than on QN90A, smart platform can be sluggish, build quality isn’t premium.

• Samsung 85-inch Class QN90B Neo QLED TV

  • Key Features: Successor to QN90A with incremental improvements, Neo Quantum Processor 4K, Mini LED, EyeComfort Mode, improved Object Tracking Sound.
  • Average Price: Around $2,800 – $4,000 as a newer model.
  • Pros: Builds on QN90A’s strengths with slightly better local dimming and processing, brighter in some scenarios, enhanced sound, retains all QN90A’s gaming features.
  • Cons: Still no Dolby Vision, subtle improvements may not justify a significant price jump over a discounted QN90A, similar blooming characteristics.

• Soundbar for immersive audio

  • Key Features: Often includes Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, wireless subwoofer, multiple channels e.g., 5.1.2, HDMI eARC, built-in streaming.
  • Average Price: $400 – $1,500+.
  • Pros: Significantly enhances TV audio, simpler setup than a full home theater, space-saving, adds depth and clarity to dialogue and effects.
  • Cons: Can’t replicate a true discrete surround sound system, placement limitations, requires additional purchase.

The Quantum Leap: Understanding Neo QLED Technology

Alright, let’s dive into what makes the Samsung QN90A tick: its Neo QLED technology. This isn’t just a fancy name.

It represents a significant engineering achievement in the world of LED TVs.

Think of it as a supercharged version of traditional QLED.

Mini LED Backlighting: The Game Changer

At the heart of Neo QLED is Mini LED backlighting. Instead of using conventional, larger LEDs, Samsung packed tens of thousands of tiny LEDs—each about 1/40th the size of regular LEDs—behind the LCD panel.

• More Dimming Zones: This drastic reduction in size means a massive increase in the number of individual dimming zones. We’re talking thousands of zones, not hundreds. Why does this matter?
  • Each zone can be controlled independently. This allows the TV to precisely dim or brighten specific areas of the screen.
  • This precision leads to much better contrast. When a scene has both bright highlights and deep shadows, the TV can deliver both simultaneously with remarkable accuracy.
• Enhanced Brightness: More LEDs also mean the potential for higher peak brightness. The QN90A can hit staggeringly high nits, making HDR content pop like never before. This is crucial for:
  • Daytime Viewing: Combatting glare in brightly lit rooms.
  • HDR Impact: Realizing the full dynamic range of HDR High Dynamic Range movies and games, making explosions brighter and reflections more dazzling.

The Neo Quantum Processor 4K: The Brains Behind the Beauty

But hardware is only half the story. The QN90A is powered by Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K. This isn’t just any chip. it’s an AI-driven powerhouse that’s constantly analyzing and optimizing the picture in real-time.

• AI Upscaling: It uses deep learning algorithms to take lower-resolution content like standard cable TV or older Blu-rays and intelligently upscale it to 4K. It doesn’t just stretch pixels. it intelligently adds detail and refines textures, making older content look remarkably good on a large 85-inch screen.
• Contrast Enhancement: It works hand-in-hand with the Mini LED backlight to further refine local dimming, minimizing blooming light bleeding from bright objects into dark areas and maximizing contrast.

Quantum Dot Color: Billions of Shades

Like all QLED TVs, the QN90A incorporates Quantum Dot technology. These microscopic nanocrystals emit precise colors when light passes through them.

• 100% Color Volume: This translates to a massive color palette, allowing the TV to reproduce over a billion shades of color.
• Vibrant and Accurate Colors: Colors remain vibrant and accurate even at peak brightness levels, which is a common challenge for displays without quantum dots. This ensures that HDR content, which often pushes the boundaries of color, looks as the creator intended.

Picture Quality: A Deep Dive into Performance

When you’re shelling out for an 85-inch TV, picture quality is paramount. The Samsung QN90A doesn’t just meet expectations.

It often exceeds them, delivering a truly compelling visual experience.

Unrivaled HDR Brightness and Punch

This is where the QN90A absolutely shines.

Its ability to hit incredibly high peak brightness levels for HDR content is arguably its most striking feature. Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review

• Dazzling Highlights: Think about a sunny sky, a reflection on water, or an explosion. The QN90A renders these with an intensity that truly makes them pop, adding an incredible sense of realism and impact.
• Effective in Bright Rooms: Unlike many OLEDs that struggle to maintain contrast in a brightly lit room, the QN90A’s sheer luminosity means it can easily cut through ambient light, delivering a vibrant and engaging picture even during the day.
• HDR10+ and HLG Support: While it famously lacks Dolby Vision, Samsung champions HDR10+. This open standard allows for dynamic metadata, meaning the TV can adjust brightness and contrast scene-by-scene. The QN90A excels at processing this metadata, extracting maximum detail from highlights and shadows.

Exceptional Contrast and Black Levels for an LED

While it won’t achieve the “perfect black” of an OLED, the QN90A’s Mini LED backlighting and advanced local dimming algorithm push LED contrast closer than ever before.

• Deep, Ink-Like Blacks: In scenes with mixed bright and dark elements, the local dimming works incredibly well to shut off the backlight in dark areas, resulting in surprisingly deep blacks.
• Minimal Blooming: One of the traditional Achilles’ heels of LED TVs is “blooming,” where light from a bright object bleeds into surrounding dark areas. The QN90A’s numerous dimming zones and refined processing keep this to an absolute minimum. In most real-world viewing, it’s barely perceptible. For example, subtitles on a black background show very little haloing, which is a common test for blooming.

Color Accuracy and Volume: A Vibrant Palette

The QN90A leverages its Quantum Dot layer to deliver an expansive and accurate color volume.

• Vibrant and Saturated: Colors are rich, vibrant, and incredibly lifelike, especially in HDR content. Grass is greener, skies are bluer, and skin tones are natural.
• Maintains Saturation at High Brightness: Unlike some displays where colors can wash out as brightness increases, the QN90A maintains excellent color saturation even at its peak luminance. This is crucial for realistic HDR presentation.
• Wide Color Gamut: It covers a significant portion of the DCI-P3 color space commonly used in cinema and even some of the broader BT.2020, ensuring it can render the full spectrum of modern content.

Anti-Reflection and Viewing Angles: Real-World Usability

Samsung has put considerable effort into making the QN90A a practical TV for real-world living rooms.

• Superb Anti-Reflection Filter: This is a standout feature. The screen effectively dissipates reflections from windows or lights, making it much easier to watch TV during the day without distractions. It significantly reduces glare compared to many glossy screens.
• Ultra Viewing Angle Layer: Often, LED TVs suffer from color shifting and brightness loss when viewed off-axis. The QN90A incorporates a special “Ultra Viewing Angle” layer that dramatically improves off-axis performance. While not as perfect as an OLED, it’s a massive improvement over traditional VA panels, making it suitable for wider seating arrangements.

Gaming Features: A Console Gamer’s Dream?

For serious gamers, the Samsung QN90A is more than just a TV.

It’s a high-performance gaming monitor in a massive package.

Samsung didn’t cut corners here, packing in almost every desirable feature for next-gen consoles and PC gaming.

HDMI 2.1 and 4K@120Hz Support

This is foundational for modern gaming. The QN90A includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning it can handle the full bandwidth required for high-resolution, high-frame-rate gaming.

• 4K Resolution at 120 Frames Per Second: Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can output games at 4K resolution and 120 frames per second 4K@120Hz for compatible titles. The QN90A can display this content flawlessly, offering an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience.
• Reduced Input Lag: High frame rates directly contribute to lower input lag, the delay between your controller input and the action on screen. This is critical for competitive gaming.

Variable Refresh Rate VRR: Say Goodbye to Screen Tearing

The QN90A supports Variable Refresh Rate VRR technology, including both FreeSync Premium Pro AMD’s standard and HDMI Forum VRR.

• Dynamic Frame Rate Synchronization: VRR dynamically adjusts the TV’s refresh rate to match the frame rate output by your console or PC.
• Eliminates Screen Tearing: This eliminates frustrating screen tearing, where the image appears split horizontally during fast motion.
• Smoother Gameplay: It also helps to smooth out frame rate dips, making overall gameplay feel more fluid and consistent even when the game’s frame rate fluctuates. FreeSync Premium Pro specifically ensures smooth gameplay with support for HDR.

Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM: Instant Game Mode

Auto Low Latency Mode ALLM is another crucial HDMI 2.1 feature supported by the QN90A.

• Automatic Game Mode Activation: When your console or PC detects a game is being played, it sends a signal to the TV. The QN90A automatically switches into its “Game Mode,” which optimizes settings for minimal input lag.
• No Manual Switching: This means you don’t have to manually go into menus and change settings every time you start or stop gaming, making the experience seamless.
• Impressively Low Input Lag: In Game Mode, the QN90A achieves incredibly low input lag figures, often in the single digits for 4K@120Hz and around 10-12ms for 4K@60Hz. This is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors.

Game Bar and Game View: Control at Your Fingertips

Samsung introduced the Game Bar on the QN90A, a dedicated overlay that gives gamers quick access to important settings and information without leaving the game. Alienware X17 Review

• Real-time Information: You can see your current frames per second FPS, VRR status, input lag, and aspect ratio.
• Quick Adjustments: Easily switch between different picture modes e.g., Standard, RPG, FPS, adjust the aspect ratio e.g., to ultrawide for PC gaming, or enable features like Virtual Aim Point.
• Ultrawide Game View: For PC gamers, the QN90A supports ultrawide aspect ratios 21:9 and 32:9, effectively turning a portion of the screen into an ultrawide monitor for an even more immersive field of view.

Motion Handling: Keeping Up with the Action

• Fast Response Time: The panel has a very fast response time, meaning pixels change states quickly. This results in minimal motion blur, keeping fast-moving objects sharp and clear.
• Black Frame Insertion BFI: For those who are highly sensitive to motion blur, the QN90A offers Black Frame Insertion Motion Xcelerator Turbo+. This technique inserts a black frame between each video frame, effectively “resetting” your eyes and enhancing perceived motion clarity. However, it does reduce overall brightness and can introduce flicker, so it’s a personal preference.

Audio Experience: More Than Just Speakers

While serious audiophiles will always opt for a dedicated sound system or a high-quality soundbar like the Soundbar for immersive audio, the Samsung QN90A goes above and beyond typical TV audio, offering a surprisingly immersive built-in sound experience.

Object Tracking Sound+ OTS+: Where Sound Follows the Action

This is Samsung’s signature audio technology on its high-end TVs, and it’s genuinely impressive.

• Integrated Speakers: The QN90A isn’t just about downward-firing speakers. It incorporates multiple speakers strategically placed around the bezel of the TV – including at the top, sides, and bottom.
• Directional Audio: The TV’s processor analyzes the audio signal and the on-screen action, then directs sound to specific speakers to make it seem as if the sound is coming directly from the source of the action.
  • For instance, if a car drives from left to right across the screen, you’ll hear the sound of the car move with it. If a helicopter flies overhead, the sound will seem to come from above.
• Enhanced Immersion: This creates a far more immersive and dynamic audio experience than traditional TV speakers, making dialogue clearer and effects more impactful. While not true surround sound, it offers a distinct sense of height and lateral movement.

Q-Symphony: Harmonizing TV and Soundbar

If you do decide to upgrade to a Samsung Q-Symphony compatible soundbar many of Samsung’s own soundbars, like the Q-series, support this, the QN90A’s built-in speakers don’t get turned off.

• Integrated Audio Output: Instead, the TV’s speakers work in conjunction with the soundbar. The soundbar handles the primary channels and bass, while the TV’s top and side-firing speakers provide additional height and width channels.
• Larger Soundstage: This creates a much larger, more enveloping soundstage, enhancing the overall audio experience significantly. It’s a clever way to leverage the TV’s existing audio hardware even with an external system.

Active Voice Amplifier AVA: Clearer Dialogue

Tired of struggling to hear dialogue over background noise or loud action sequences? The QN90A features Active Voice Amplifier.

• Real-time Noise Detection: AVA uses the TV’s microphone to detect ambient noise in your room e.g., a vacuum cleaner, a child playing.
• Dialogue Boost: When it detects external noise, it intelligently boosts the dialogue frequencies in the TV’s audio mix, making voices clearer and easier to understand without significantly increasing the overall volume.

SpaceFit Sound: Tailored Audio for Your Room

Every room is different, and its acoustics can affect how sound is perceived.

SpaceFit Sound aims to optimize the audio for your specific environment.

• Acoustic Calibration: The QN90A uses its built-in microphones to analyze the room’s acoustics e.g., reflections from walls, furniture.
• Optimized Sound Profile: It then automatically adjusts the TV’s sound settings—like EQ and object tracking—to deliver the most balanced and optimal audio profile for that specific room, ensuring clearer sound and better bass response.

Smart Features and Usability: Tizen OS

The Samsung QN90A runs on Samsung’s proprietary smart TV platform, Tizen OS. Over the years, Tizen has evolved into one of the most intuitive, feature-rich, and fastest smart TV operating systems available.

Intuitive User Interface: Fast and Responsive

Tizen OS is known for its speed and responsiveness.

• Quick Navigation: Moving between apps, settings, and inputs is incredibly fast and fluid, with virtually no lag. This is a significant advantage, especially on an 85-inch screen where delays can be more noticeable.
• User-Friendly Layout: The main smart hub appears as a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen, providing quick access to frequently used apps, recent content, and connected devices. It’s easy to customize, allowing you to reorder apps to your preference.

Comprehensive App Support: All Your Favorites

You’ll find virtually every major streaming service and app readily available on Tizen OS. Mobile Pixels Duex Lite Review

• Popular Streaming Services: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, Max formerly HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, and many more are pre-installed or easily downloadable.
• Niche Apps: Beyond the major players, there’s a vast ecosystem of other apps for fitness, news, sports, and more.
• Samsung TV Plus: This is Samsung’s own free ad-supported streaming service, offering hundreds of channels across various genres, integrated directly into the TV’s live TV guide.

SmartThings Integration: Your Smart Home Hub

Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem extends to the QN90A, allowing your TV to act as a central hub for your smart home devices.

• Control Connected Devices: From the TV, you can monitor and control compatible smart devices like lights, thermostats, smart plugs, and even security cameras.
• Notifications: Receive notifications from your smart devices directly on your TV screen e.g., “front door camera detected motion”.
• Seamless Setup: If you have other Samsung SmartThings devices, integration is often seamless.

Multiple Voice Assistants: Choose Your AI

The QN90A offers flexibility when it comes to voice control.

• Built-in Bixby: Samsung’s own voice assistant, Bixby, is integrated. You can use it to change channels, adjust settings, search for content, and get weather updates.
• Alexa and Google Assistant: For those already invested in other smart home ecosystems, the QN90A also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. You can choose your preferred assistant during setup and use voice commands for a wide range of functions, from asking questions to controlling smart home devices.
• Far-Field Voice Control: Some QN90A models depending on region and specific sub-model might offer far-field voice control, meaning you can speak commands directly to the TV without needing to use the remote.

Universal Guide and Smart Remote: Simplifying Discovery

• Universal Guide: This feature aggregates content from various streaming apps and live TV sources into one personalized interface, making it easier to discover new shows and movies without jumping between apps. It learns your preferences over time.
• SolarCell Remote: The QN90A comes with Samsung’s innovative SolarCell remote, which recharges via ambient light or USB-C, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. It’s a sleek, minimalist remote with essential buttons and a built-in microphone for voice commands.

Design and Build Quality: Premium Aesthetics

The 85-inch Samsung QN90A isn’t just about cutting-edge technology.

It’s also a statement piece of furniture designed to blend seamlessly into modern living spaces.

The sheer size alone at 85 inches makes it an imposing and immersive display, but its thoughtful design ensures it does so elegantly.

Sleek, Minimalist Aesthetic: Infinity One Design

Samsung calls its premium design philosophy “Infinity One Design,” and the QN90A embodies this.

• Ultra-Thin Bezel: The QN90A features incredibly thin bezels around the screen, making the picture appear to stretch almost to the very edge of the panel. This enhances immersion, especially on such a large screen, as there’s minimal distraction from the frame.
• Slim Profile: Despite the advanced Mini LED backlight and internal components, the QN90A maintains a remarkably slim profile. It’s not as razor-thin as some OLEDs, but it’s impressive for an LED TV of this size and capability. This makes it look great whether wall-mounted or on its stand.
• Premium Materials: The TV uses high-quality materials, with a metallic finish on the rear and stand, giving it a solid and premium feel.

Robust Central Stand: Stability for a Giant

An 85-inch TV is a hefty piece of equipment, and stability is crucial.

The QN90A typically comes with a central stand, which offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

• Minimalist Footprint: A central stand requires less surface area than widely spaced feet, making it easier to place on narrower TV cabinets.
• Sturdy Support: The stand is usually a heavy, solid slab of metal, providing excellent stability and preventing wobbling, which is essential for a TV of this size and weight. This provides peace of mind that your investment is secure.

Thoughtful Cable Management: Keeping Things Tidy

With an 85-inch TV, multiple cables power, HDMI, optical, etc. can quickly become an unsightly mess. Wrc 10 Fia World Rally Championship For Pc Review

Samsung incorporates clever cable management solutions.

• Channels and Clips: The QN90A often features channels or clips integrated into the back of the TV and/or the stand to guide cables neatly downwards.
• Clean Look: This helps keep wires organized and out of sight, contributing to the TV’s overall clean and minimalist aesthetic, whether it’s on a stand or wall-mounted.

Wall-Mounting Compatibility: A Cinematic Experience

For the ultimate cinematic experience, many owners of an 85-inch TV will opt for wall-mounting.

• VESA Compliance: The QN90A is VESA compliant, meaning it uses standard mounting patterns e.g., 600x400mm that are compatible with a wide range of third-party wall mounts.
• Recessed Inputs: The input ports are often positioned or recessed in a way that allows for a flush wall mount, ensuring the TV sits as close to the wall as possible. This is a subtle but important design detail that contributes to a clean installation.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While the Samsung QN90A is an outstanding TV, no display is perfect for everyone.

It’s important to consider some potential downsides and factors before making such a significant investment.

No Dolby Vision Support: A Samsung Stance

This is probably the most significant and frequently discussed omission for Samsung’s high-end TVs.

• Samsung’s Stance: Samsung has consistently chosen to support HDR10+ an open-source alternative with dynamic metadata over Dolby Vision a proprietary format.
• Impact: While HDR10+ content is growing, Dolby Vision is still more widely adopted across streaming services Netflix, Disney+, Max and UHD Blu-ray discs.
• Real-World Effect: The QN90A processes HDR10 and HDR10+ content with incredible accuracy and brightness. For Dolby Vision content, it defaults to standard HDR10. While still looking excellent due to the TV’s inherent capabilities, it doesn’t benefit from Dolby Vision’s scene-by-scene optimization on a metadata level. For most casual viewers, this might not be a dealbreaker, but enthusiasts who want the absolute best possible picture for every format might find it a point of contention.

Blooming Halo Effect in Extremely Dark Scenes

Despite its advanced Mini LED local dimming, the QN90A is still an LED-based TV.

• The Nature of Local Dimming: No matter how many dimming zones, an LED TV dims zones of backlight, not individual pixels like an OLED. This means there’s always a theoretical possibility of light bleeding from very bright objects into very dark backgrounds.
• Minimal But Present: The QN90A excels at minimizing this, but in very specific, challenging scenarios—like a bright white logo on a pure black screen in a pitch-dark room—you might still observe a faint halo or blooming effect around the bright object.
• Practicality: In real-world viewing with varied content and typical room lighting, this is often imperceptible or minor. It’s far less pronounced than on older or less advanced LED TVs, but it’s a technical limitation compared to OLED’s perfect pixel-level control.

Price Point: A Premium Investment

The 85-inch QN90A was a flagship model, and its innovative technology came with a premium price tag upon release.

• Significant Investment: While prices have come down since its initial launch, it remains a considerable investment compared to mid-range or budget 85-inch TVs.
• Value Proposition: For many, the exceptional picture quality, gaming features, and robust build justify the cost. However, for those on a tighter budget, other options like the TCL 85-inch Class 6-Series R648 Mini-LED QLED TV or Hisense 85-inch Class U8G Series ULED 4K UHD Smart TV offer good performance at a lower price, albeit with some compromises.

Potential for DSE Dirty Screen Effect

Like all LCD panels, the QN90A can be susceptible to “Dirty Screen Effect” DSE.

• Panel Uniformity: DSE refers to subtle, blotchy, or shadowy imperfections in the panel’s uniformity, often most noticeable on solid bright backgrounds e.g., during sports broadcasts with large swaths of a green field or ice rink.
• Panel Lottery: This is a manufacturing quirk and varies from unit to unit. Some units might have very minimal DSE, while others might have it more noticeably. It’s often referred to as the “panel lottery.”
• Impact: For casual viewing, it might not be an issue, but for avid sports fans or those highly sensitive to screen uniformity, it’s something to be aware of. It’s generally not covered by warranty unless it’s severe.

Local Dimming Algorithm Can Be Aggressive

In some very specific scenes, the local dimming algorithm can be a bit aggressive. Nintendo Switch Oled Model Review

• Subtle Dimming: Occasionally, you might notice very slight, subtle dimming in parts of the screen that perhaps shouldn’t be dimmed as much, or a slight lag in zones reacting.
• Rare Occurrence: This is rare and usually only noticeable in very specific challenging content, but it’s a characteristic of complex local dimming systems. For the vast majority of content, the algorithm performs exceptionally well.

Conclusion: Is the Samsung QN90A Still Worth It?

The Samsung 85-inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV, even a few years after its initial release, remains an absolute powerhouse in the premium TV market.

It’s a display that truly delivered on its promise of a revolutionary LED experience, particularly for those who prioritize extreme brightness, exceptional contrast for an LED, and top-tier gaming performance.

For Whom Is It Ideal?

• Bright Room Viewers: If your primary viewing environment is a well-lit living room with lots of windows, the QN90A’s phenomenal peak brightness and industry-leading anti-reflection screen make it an unparalleled choice for combating glare and maintaining a vibrant picture.
• Gamers with Next-Gen Consoles/PCs: With its four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K@120Hz support, VRR FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and the intuitive Game Bar, this TV is a dream machine for serious gamers. The low input lag and smooth motion handling deliver a truly competitive and immersive experience.
• HDR Enthusiasts without Dolby Vision preference: The QN90A showcases HDR10 and HDR10+ content with breathtaking punch and detail. If you primarily watch content in these formats or don’t have a strong preference for Dolby Vision, you’ll be incredibly impressed.

Is it still a good buy in 2024/2025?

Absolutely, if you can find it at a good price. Since it’s no longer the current flagship, you might find significant discounts compared to newer models like the Samsung 85-inch Class QN90B Neo QLED TV or QN90C. While those newer models offer incremental improvements slightly better processing, more refined local dimming, the core performance of the QN90A remains incredibly strong. You’re getting 90-95% of the performance of its successors for potentially hundreds or even a thousand dollars less.

Final Verdict:

The Samsung QN90A set a benchmark for LED TVs.

It redefined brightness, pushed LED contrast to new heights, and packed in every gaming feature imaginable.

Its main weakness remains the lack of Dolby Vision, but its mastery of HDR10 and HDR10+ means you’ll still get a stunning HDR experience. Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Review

If you value a brilliant, high-contrast picture that excels in bright rooms and offers a cutting-edge gaming experience on an expansive 85-inch canvas, and you find it at a competitive price, the QN90A is still a phenomenal television that will undoubtedly impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Samsung 85-inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV?

The Samsung 85-inch Class QN90A Neo QLED TV is a high-end 4K UHD television released in 2021, featuring Samsung’s Mini LED backlighting technology for enhanced brightness, contrast, and color, powered by the Neo Quantum Processor 4K.

What is Neo QLED technology?

Neo QLED combines Mini LED backlighting using tiny LEDs for more precise local dimming zones with Samsung’s Quantum Dot color technology, resulting in superior brightness, contrast, and color volume compared to traditional QLED and LED TVs.

Does the Samsung QN90A support 4K at 120Hz for gaming?

Yes, the Samsung QN90A features four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K resolution at 120Hz, making it ideal for next-gen console gaming PS5, Xbox Series X and high-refresh-rate PC gaming.

Does the QN90A support Variable Refresh Rate VRR?

Yes, the QN90A supports Variable Refresh Rate VRR, including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and HDMI Forum VRR, which helps eliminate screen tearing and ensures smoother gameplay.

What is the input lag like on the QN90A for gaming?

The input lag on the QN90A is impressively low, especially in Game Mode.

It typically measures in the single digits for 4K@120Hz and around 10-12ms for 4K@60Hz, making it highly responsive for competitive gaming.

Does the Samsung QN90A support Dolby Vision?

No, the Samsung QN90A does not support Dolby Vision.

Samsung opts to support HDR10 and HDR10+ an open standard with dynamic metadata for its high-end TVs.

How bright is the Samsung QN90A?

The Samsung QN90A is exceptionally bright, capable of hitting very high peak brightness levels for HDR content often exceeding 1500-2000 nits in small highlights, making HDR content pop and performing well in brightly lit rooms. Anker Soundcore Mini 3 Review

Does the QN90A have good black levels?

Yes, for an LED TV, the QN90A has excellent black levels thanks to its Mini LED backlighting and advanced local dimming.

While not as perfect as OLED, it delivers very deep blacks with minimal blooming.

Is blooming halo effect noticeable on the QN90A?

Blooming is very well controlled on the QN90A due to its numerous Mini LED dimming zones.

While it can be subtly visible in extremely challenging scenes e.g., a small bright object on a pure black background in a dark room, it’s significantly less noticeable than on most other LED TVs.

What smart TV platform does the QN90A use?

The Samsung QN90A uses Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS smart TV platform, which is known for its speed, intuitive interface, and comprehensive app support.

Does the QN90A have built-in voice assistants?

Yes, the QN90A has built-in Bixby, and it also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to choose your preferred voice assistant for TV control and smart home integration.

What is Object Tracking Sound+ OTS+?

Object Tracking Sound+ OTS+ is Samsung’s audio technology that uses multiple speakers positioned around the TV’s frame to create a more dynamic sound experience, making it seem as if sound effects follow the action on screen.

Can I connect a soundbar to the QN90A?

Yes, you can connect any soundbar.

If you connect a compatible Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar, the TV’s internal speakers will work in conjunction with the soundbar for a larger, more immersive soundstage. Sleep Number 360 I8 Smart Bed Review

Does the QN90A have an anti-reflection screen?

Yes, the Samsung QN90A features an excellent anti-reflection layer that significantly reduces glare from ambient light sources and windows, making it very effective for daytime viewing.

How are the viewing angles on the QN90A?

The QN90A has Samsung’s “Ultra Viewing Angle” layer, which dramatically improves off-axis viewing compared to traditional VA panels, reducing color shift and brightness loss when viewed from the sides.

What kind of remote comes with the QN90A?

The QN90A typically comes with Samsung’s minimalist SolarCell remote, which recharges via ambient light or USB-C, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

Is the QN90A good for watching sports?

How much does the Samsung 85-inch QN90A cost?

The price of the 85-inch QN90A varies significantly depending on retailer, sales, and whether it’s new or refurbished.

Upon release, it was a premium-priced TV, but prices have generally decreased since then, often ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 or more.

What is the difference between the QN90A and the QN90B?

The QN90B is the successor to the QN90A, offering incremental improvements such as slightly more refined local dimming, improved processing, and enhanced audio features like EyeComfort Mode. However, the core performance is very similar.

Is the QN90A better than an LG C1 OLED for a bright room?

Yes, for a bright room, the QN90A’s significantly higher peak brightness and superior anti-reflection filter make it generally better at combating glare and maintaining picture quality than an LG C1 OLED, which performs best in darker environments.

What kind of stand does the 85-inch QN90A have?

The 85-inch QN90A typically comes with a central, sturdy stand, providing good stability and a minimalist aesthetic for placement on TV cabinets.

Does the QN90A support HDMI eARC?

Yes, the QN90A supports HDMI eARC Enhanced Audio Return Channel, allowing for uncompressed, high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos to be passed from the TV to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver via a single HDMI cable.

Can the QN90A be wall-mounted?

Yes, the Samsung QN90A is VESA compliant and can be easily wall-mounted using a compatible wall mount. Amazon Workmail Review

Its slim profile and recessed ports contribute to a clean, flush installation.

What is Active Voice Amplifier AVA on the QN90A?

Active Voice Amplifier AVA is a feature on the QN90A that uses a built-in microphone to detect ambient noise in the room and intelligently boosts dialogue frequencies to make voices clearer and easier to hear.

Does the QN90A have a built-in tuner for over-the-air TV?

Yes, like most modern TVs, the QN90A includes a built-in digital tuner ATSC 3.0 in some regions for receiving over-the-air broadcast channels with an antenna.

What is Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service offered by Samsung, integrated directly into the QN90A’s Tizen OS, providing access to hundreds of channels across various genres without the need for a subscription.

How much power does the 85-inch QN90A consume?

Power consumption varies depending on settings and content, but for an 85-inch Mini LED TV, it can range from around 100W to 400W or more at peak brightness.

It is generally energy-efficient for its size and performance.

Is the QN90A susceptible to screen burn-in?

No, as an LED-based TV, the QN90A uses an LCD panel with an LED backlight.

It is not susceptible to permanent screen burn-in, unlike OLED TVs.

What are the main benefits of the QN90A’s anti-reflection screen?

The main benefits are significantly reduced glare from windows and room lights, allowing for more comfortable viewing in bright environments and ensuring a clear, vibrant picture regardless of ambient lighting conditions.

Can I connect a PC to the QN90A and use it as a large monitor?

Yes, absolutely. Microsoft Office 365 Business Premium Review

With its HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K@120Hz support, VRR, ALLM, and Ultrawide Game View, the QN90A makes for an exceptional large-format PC monitor, delivering an immersive and responsive desktop or gaming experience.