While not drastically different from the model from the previous year, the Samsung QN900C is the company’s most recent Neo QLED 8K TV and it epitomizes contemporary TV technology.
This LCD TV features cutting-edge AI-enhanced image processing, class-leading local dimming algorithms, and an 8K resolution in addition to a Mini LED backlight.
Review of the Samsung QN900C: What you must understand
The company’s flagship 8K (7,680 x 4,320) model in their Neo QLED portfolio for 2023 is the Samsung QN900C, an HDR smart TV. The new Neo Quantum HDR 8K Pro CPU, a VA LCD panel with a quantum dot filter, a Mini LED backlight with a sizable number of zones, and quantum matrix technology for increased contrast and better energy efficiency are all used.
Similar to other Samsung TVs, the Tizen-powered smart platform supports HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ and offers compatibility for all the major streaming services. It also has a variety of features geared toward the newest gaming consoles and graphics cards. The TV also features a powerful audio system with built-in Dolby Atmos decoding and Object Tracking Sound Pro.
The 75in Samsung QE75QN900C is being evaluated for this study; the QN900C family comprises 65in, 75in, and 85in screen sizes.
Review of the Samsung QN900C: Construction, Control
The Samsung QN900C features an Infinity Screen with almost no bezel and a slab-like frame that cleverly conceals a total of 10 speakers and two woofers. A single wire is connected to the display on each of Samsung’s new 8K TVs thanks to the One Connect Box.
This makes wall mounting neat, but if you go in this direction, you’ll need a strong wall and a decent bracket because the QN900C is really heavy. This is not only due to the 75-inch screen size, but also to the TV’s excellent build quality and lovely finishing. The stand is as durable and simple to install on tight spaces, but it comes with the same warning: whatever you put this TV on needs to be stable.
The One Connect Box can either be placed away from the TV or fastened to the back of the stand. Four HDMI inputs are included in the box, one of which supports eARC, and all of which can handle 4K/144Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Along with the Ethernet connector, there are two USB inputs, twin terrestrial and satellite tuners, a CI slot, an optical digital output, and two tuners for USB devices. There are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and compatibility for Apple AirPlay 2 available for wireless connections.
Review of the Samsung QN900C, a smart TV platform
The Tizen operating system, which has a full-page home screen emphasizing suggestions, is the same for all of the TVs in the Samsung QN900C brand’s lineup.
There are two sections: Media, which contains all the major streaming services and useful inputs, and Game, which gives users access to connected consoles and live gaming services. Although having to navigate to this section in order to choose a connected console is a little bothersome, the concept of gathering all game-related content in one place makes sense.
While Samsung’s TV Plus provides a wider selection of channels, the emphasis on suggestions makes finding entertainment easier. The HDMI ports also automatically detect and configure newly connected devices, and the Smart Hub discovers and connects smart devices in a single location.
With Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Now TV, Rakuten, YouTube, and all of the UK catch-up services, Samsung offers a wide range of video streaming options. All of these apps demonstrated responsiveness, utilizing 4K, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Atmos as necessary.
There is built-in Bixby, as well as the ability to communicate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and the SmartThings app makes setup straightforward and offers some management. If you choose, you can also use Apple’s AirPlay 2 to access Siri.
A new function called Smart Calibration Pro makes it possible to calibrate any Samsung TV that supports it using an iOS or Android smartphone. Run the Wi-Fi-connected app, hold the phone camera over the test patterns, and then follow the on-screen instructions. The software will take care of the rest.
The Basic option works remarkably well, with DeltaEs for SDR and HDR below the visible threshold of three, and calibrates the greyscale and color gamut in around 30 seconds. There is also an Advanced option, which takes longer but offers greater flexibility and accuracy.
Review of the Samsung QN900C: Image quality
The 8K resolution of the Samsung QN900C is its main selling feature, so now is a good moment to address the issue that has been ignored: the dearth of 8K media. There isn’t much 8K content available right now, but Samsung is working to expand the options.
This year, Samsung wants to provide users the option to purchase 8K NFT content through the Ambient Hub, and there will also be an 8K YouTube preset in the smart platform’s user interface. Finally, 8K gaming on a PC is now possible owing to the most recent graphics cards.
However, it’s safe to say that most of the content you’ll be watching in the near future will be in 4K or lower, thus the QN900C’s processor is crucial to maximizing its 33 million pixels. The most recent Neo Quantum HDR 8K Pro processing is thankfully excellent.
This AI-enhanced powerhouse seamlessly upscales everything below 8K to produce finely rendered images devoid of banding or compression artifacts while bringing out all the subtleties in content, regardless of resolution. The end effect is consistently stunning images, despite the enormous 75-inch screen.
Another important element in the QN900C’s capacity to provide class-leading picture quality for an LCD TV is the Mini LED backlight. Despite its size, the VA panel has remarkable consistency, deep blacks, and excellent definition just above black, which brings out all the details in the shadows.
A moving dot test pattern indicates a total of 1,920 independently dimmable zones, divided into 60 horizontal and 32 vertical zones. Although this is the same as last year, it produces amazing contrast when paired with Samsung’s unmatched local dimming algorithms.
Review of the Samsung QN900C’s HDR capabilities
As good as the SDR photos are, the Samsung QN900C is especially beautiful when it comes to HDR. The peak brightness reaches 2,200cd/m2 on a 10% window and 532cd/m2 on a full-field pattern, yet all the previously described strengths of the image quality still hold true.
The HDR colour performance was likewise great, and the HDR greyscale measurements are highly precise, tracking red, green, and blue virtually accurately. The color tracking of DCI-P3 within BT.2020 meets all of its saturation criteria, and the DCI-P3 coverage measures 95%.
Quantum Matrix Technology, which controls the Mini LEDs and directs energy from darker portions of the image to brighter areas, boosts dynamic range while also being more effective. It also provides even more detail to dark and bright images.
To maximize the benefits of any HDR content, the QN900C also includes Neo Quantum HDR+ and Auto HDR Remastering, with compatibility for HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+. Even though Dolby Vision is still not available, its advantages are minimal on a TV that can produce peak highlights this bright.
Review of the Samsung QN900C: Gaming
The QN900C from Samsung is a fantastic, albeit rather pricey, option for gamers. While the 8K panel can expose every detail in today’s console games, the enormous screen guarantees an immersive gaming experience that is appropriate. The visual quality of an 8K game is unimaginably wonderful.
Every gaming feature imaginable is supported, and PC gamers may also take use of Freesync Premium and Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro 144Hz in addition to 8K/60Hz. Players of next-generation consoles can also take advantage of capabilities like 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM.
Game Mode’s input lag is a lightning-fast 9ms, resulting in exceptionally responsive and smooth action. Even at the highest frame rates, the motion handling is outstanding, showing no traces of tearing or other artifacts.
The Game Bar is still a great feature because it gives you rapid access to the majority of game-related settings so you may customize your gaming experience. It also allows you to quickly see all the technical information and key settings.
Review of the Samsung QN900C: Audio quality
The QN900C is a rare breed among TVs—one that really produces pleasing audio and calls into question the necessity of an external audio system. The enormous soundstage created by the 6.2.4-channel speaker setup fills the wall behind the TV and has a size equal to that of the screen.
Extra height makes a significant impact, and Object Tracking Sound Pro contributes to a more engaging audio experience. The 90W of amplification provides tremendous power, and it is obvious that the sounds are moving to correspond to particular objects on the screen.
Excellent stereo separation is ensured by the sheer size of the screen, and the midrange, treble, and bass are all superb. Elvis has tremendous musical performances, and the concert scenes have a more realistic sense of scale.
It also works well to have onboard Dolby Atmos decoding and the ability to broadcast Atmos back over ARC. Atmos content obviously expands the soundstage in terms of height, width, and depth. Overall, this is an excellent sound performer with amazing sound quality.
Verdict on the Samsung QN900C review
With all of its cutting-edge technology included, the Samsung QN900C is a technological statement from the company. Even while there may not be much 8K material available right now, this TV has all the features you could possibly need if you want to future-proof yourself.
The truly good news is that this TV’s strengths go much beyond just its higher resolution. Its Mini LED backlighting, which employs over 2,000 zones, first-rate local dimming, and state-of-the-art image processing all work together to deliver stunning visuals with SDR and, in particular, HDR material.
The QN900C also has a stunning design, Samsung’s One Connect Box, and excellent audio. You have an 8K TV that is prepared for whatever the future holds after you add the responsive smart platform, wide range of apps, and rich gaming features.
