The Samsung QN800D 8K QLED TV is near the top of Samsung’s 8K lineup. This model uses mini-LED technology to deliver an impressively bright screen, that delivers amazing black performance at 8K resolution.
You won’t find a plethora of 8K content and gaming opportunities, but this set is capable of AI upscaling to improve your 4K movies, TV shows and games to the 8K screen. Combined with the Auto HDR remastering, you can appreciate 8K TV while using your existing content.
Samsung’s AI Auto Game Mode can automatically adjust the display to the best settings based on what you are playing without needing to do anything. The Samsung Game Bar also allows you to quickly change important options.
The Samsung QN800D 8K QLED TV is new for 2024 and available in 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch sizes. The QN800D starts at $3,499.99 and is available at Samsung and other retailers.
Display and Performance
Josh Smith
The Samsung QN800D uses mini-LEDs, which allow for precise control of the lighting on the screen. The TV can showcase HDR content with incredible brightness and with less spillover from the light areas into darkness. The control also means black performance is near OLED level. We appreciated both while gaming and while streaming TV shows and movies. This is one of the best displays we’ve used.
There is a shortage of 8K content, but you can stream 8K videos from YouTube. Most of these are landscapes and specialty videos. They are impressive to watch, and you will likely use them to show off the TV, but most of the benefit comes from upscaled content. The TV supports HDR 10+, but does not support Dolby Vision.
Josh Smith
Samsung’s AI-powered upscaling converts 1080P and 4K content into a better version for the QN800D. This works for any content you have on the screen including games and movies. The TV also uses AI technology to improve HDR performance for an across-the-board upgrade of your existing content. Going from a normal 4K set to the QN800D, you can see the difference with more clarity and a better overall picture.
The gaming performance is great with the benefit of upscaling, high refresh rates and an AI-powered game mode. The Samsung Game Bar makes it easy to quickly change important game settings and check both resolution and frame rates. The Auto game mode option uses AI to detect the game you are playing and automatically adjust the settings to best fit games like First-Person Shooters, RPG, racing and more.
Josh Smith
There’s no need to choose between resolution and frame rate while gaming on the QN800D. This is the perfect option for players who want to sit back and game on a big screen without sacrificing quality. If you connect a capable gaming PC, you can take advantage of the Motion Xcelerator 165Hz future to get even higher refresh rates.
While you will still likely want to pair this with a soundbar, the QN800D features built-in Dolby Atmos support with Object Tracking+ so it can deliver good sound and the appearance that it is moving across your room. If you pair this with a Samsung Soundbar, like the Q990D, The Q-Symphony feature combines the TV speakers and your soundbar speakers for an even more impressive front soundstage.
Josh Smith
Samsung’s Smart TV operating system is fast and includes nearly every app you can think of. You can watch over 250 live TV channels with Samsung Live TV Plus. There are also major streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV and many live sports options. Most users won’t need an Apple TV or similar device.
In addition to the apps and streaming options, Samsung’s Ambient mode lets you choose a wide array of options to display your photos, choose from a library of images or a moving visualization that you can match to your mood. There is also an option to buy art, making it similar to a Frame TV.
Josh Smith
Design
The Samsung QN800D 8K QLED TV features a premium design. This is thicker than many TVs with a metal band spanning the edge of the set. It looks like a premium TV and features a heavy metal pedestal stand. It is easy to set up, but you will want help lifting this if you don’t spring for installation with your purchase.
Josh Smith
A clean install is simple thanks to the One Connect Box that contains the connections. This allows you to hide the brains of the TV and run power and all the inputs to the TV with the One Connect cable. The box includes four HDMI ports, including eARC for soundbar connectivity, Ethernet, WiFi, USB and USB C.
The remote is easy to use and recharges with solar technology. You can also use your phone with the SmartThings app as a control.
Samsung QN800D 8K QLED TV Worth Buying?
Josh Smith
It still remains early for many users to buy an 8K TV, but with the impressive upscaling, fast gaming performance and one-two punch of bright HDR and impressive black levels this TV may be right for you.
Samsung remains at the top of the game with upscaling for both streaming content and gaming content. Playing the latest games on this TV feels like a major upgrade. Users who want one of the best displays on the market will get their money worth with the Samsung QN800D 8K QLED TV.
Buy at Samsung.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.