Samsung AU9000 or Q80A?

[Deleted member 917008]

I am replacing the below TV as it has developed an issue with the backlight LED shining through the screen (4 years use which is slightly disappointing, very well looked after as well).

Samsung UE49KU6400U LED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 49" with Freeview HD/Freesat HD and Built-In Wi-Fi

Buy Samsung UE49KU6400U LED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 49" with Freeview HD/Freesat HD and Built-In Wi-Fi from our View All TVs range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

I've narrowed it down to 2 TV's which are in my budget, also would like to stick with Samsung as I have found them affordable and very decent for my needs 10+ years now. I will mainly use it for PS5, partner will use it for Netflix, TV etc so just needs to be a decent all rounder. The room we are in is quite light.

The first one is much more my budget:

Samsung UE50AU9000 (2021) HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 50 inch with TVPlus, Black

Buy Samsung UE50AU9000 (2021) HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 50 inch with TVPlus, Black from our View All TVs range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

The second one below is probably the most I would stretch to, however I have read some issues with panel type although this seems limited to the US models but can't be sure. This is also 5 inches bigger than the TV I have now and the one above which is also nice.

Samsung QE55Q80A (2021) QLED HDR 1500 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 55 inch with TVPlus/Freesat HD, Sand Carbon

Buy Samsung QE55Q80A (2021) QLED HDR 1500 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 55 inch with TVPlus/Freesat HD, Sand Carbon from our View All TVs range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

My questions are:
1. Will I notice much improvement going from the TV I have now to option 1?
2. Would spending the extra to go for option 2 really be worth it and noticeable?
3. Does anyone have any experience with either of these TV's and any feedback?

Greatly appreciate any feedback.

 

[ab12]

AU90 = 60Hz SDR TV
Q80A = 120Hz HDR capable FALD TV.

1. No, pretty much the same specs.
2. In HDR definitely and most likely also in motion (and 4K120 gaming).
3. EU/UK Q80A = VA type.

Your TV however could be IPS or VA. Both option above are VA.

 

[Sloppy Bob]

Both option above are VA.

The Q80A is an ADS panel, a variation of IPS and that's very poor for its price point. Low contrast, poor blacks, overall a poor TV.
The only thing it has going for it is good viewing angles.



The AU9000 is an Edge-Lit VA panel.

Personally, I'd be looking for a 49" or 55" Sony XH9505 from last year which would be a far superior TV at a bargain price. They are getting thin on the ground though.
A Q80T would also be a better choice if you're obsessed with sticking with Samsung, the Sony will have better picture quality though and Dobly Vision.

Otherwise, wait a bit until Black Friday as TVs are too expensive now and should get a good discount then.

 

[ab12]

You're looking at the North-American Q80A. The one in Europe and Asia is pretty much a rebadged (EU) Q80T. Comes with AUO or CSOT panels and in 65 inch also SDC. It's also the only 2021 QLED which isn't compatible with their 2021 slim fit wall mount as it uses the same frame/design as 2020.

https://on-mag.fr/index.p...ed-dans-la-vie-de-samsung
https://geex.x-kom.pl/rec...elewizora-samsung-55q80a/
https://www.lesnumeriques...qe65q80a-p64799/test.html

 

[Sloppy Bob]

I checked 3 sites before I posted that and they all say IPS (ADS).

They don't make it easy.....

 

[ab12]

I checked 3 sites before I posted that and they all say IPS (ADS).

They don't make it easy.....

I know they don't. But I've done a lot of research. Korean 65 inch also comes with SDC (FA01) panels.

US Q80A = ADS (except 50, 85'')
EU Q80A = VA
QN85A = ADS (except 85'')
EU QN90A = ADS (except 43 60Hz ,50, 85'')
EU QN9xA = US QN90A = VA (so 91/92/93/94 or + OCB 95/97)
NEO 8K' = VA

I would also look for a 55'' XH95, U8QF or even an OLED705. You will gain in HDR, but you will lose 4K120 and VRR for gaming. The 49XH95 reaches around 800 nits whereas it's brother is rated 1070 nits by the same reviewer. Which means it sits closer to the Q80A/T than the 55XH95.

 

[herosrule]

Q80A. But if you do plan to go for the au9000 you'd be better off with a philips or sony, you'll get a better picture for your money

 

[Dodgexander]

If you can hold it will be better to wait for black friday/xmas sales on newer models when they come down in price, both models you mention in the OP are overpriced presently. 2020 models now are priced well right now, so you can get more for your money but you might have to look at different retailers since JL tend to have too up to date stock.

Not sure what to make on the Q80A panel situation, I think there's a chance you end up with an IPS type panel even if the models cited in Europe so far don't have that panel...unfortunately you can't trust Samsung enough. As long as you can return the TV if unhappy though, then it's no problem.

 

[Deleted member 917008]

Thanks for the replies, all very helpful.

I think I will hold off until Black Friday and see the prices and options then. I was also tempted by the Sony X90J, but not at it's current price. I won't bother with the AU9000 especially if I won't notice much difference from my 2016 TV.

 

[Dodgexander]

Sony X90J falls short in the brightness department compared to other TVs, including the Q80A. At around 800nits peak brightness the Q80A itself is falling just short of the minimum recommended 1000. The Samsung gets a bit closer, almost at 1000.

With HDR nowadays, if you want some future proofing with the LCD TV you buy you really want to aim for around 1000 nits minimum. If you don't think HDR will be used much, then that's when going for a lower range model like the Sony X90J makes sense.

 

[Kris Dee]

Sony X90J falls short in the brightness department compared to other TVs, including the Q80A. At around 800nits peak brightness the Q80A itself is falling just short of the minimum recommended 1000. The Samsung gets a bit closer, almost at 1000.

With HDR nowadays, if you want some future proofing with the LCD TV you buy you really want to aim for around 1000 nits minimum. If you don't think HDR will be used much, then that's when going for a lower range model like the Sony X90J makes sense.

I think this year X90J is very close to Q80A and don't forget Samsung TVs HDR is worse in game mode.

Samsung 55Q80A – test i recenzja telewizora 4K – Geex

To już trzecia generacja telewizorów Q80 od Samsunga. Jak wypada w praktyce? Na to pytanie odpowiada recenzja Samsunga 55Q80A.

geex.x-kom.pl

Contrast looks to be 20% lower than q80t
10% window drop to 833nits after 3 minutes.
Anyway looks like EU version of Q80A going to be great value this year.
Currently 55q80a cost £850 and 55X90J overpriced at £999 but you get £100 voucher for PlayStation Store.
For 50 inch qn94a cost £1029 and it is a beast.

 

[Dodgexander]

I think this year X90J is very close to Q80A and don't forget Samsung TVs HDR is worse in game mode.

Samsung 55Q80A – test i recenzja telewizora 4K – Geex

To już trzecia generacja telewizorów Q80 od Samsunga. Jak wypada w praktyce? Na to pytanie odpowiada recenzja Samsunga 55Q80A.

geex.x-kom.pl

Contrast looks to be 20% lower than q80t
10% window drop to 833nits after 3 minutes.
Anyway looks like EU version of Q80A going to be great value this year.
Currently 55q80a cost £850 and 55X90J overpriced at £999 but you get £100 voucher for PlayStation Store.
For 50 inch qn94a cost £1029 and it is a beast.

The Sony X90J is certainly closer than the gap this year but both TVs are not making 1000 nits. The Sony is dimmer even than the Samsung in that 10% window (733 vs 833). The loss of contrast is probably down to the addition of the wide viewing angle filter, something that wasn't on the Q80T but seems to now be on the Q80A.

The drop in brightness after a few minutes is not important, HDR highlights are not on the screen normally for more than a minute.

So, the Q80A is already cheaper, comes with better viewing angles, is brighter...there's very little going for the Sony at the moment until they drop their prices. Its usual from Sony though, they always keep higher prices than the competition. The X90J has a niche use case. It will be popular with people who value motion processing above all else and only view directly in front of the TV otherwise I think like with the X900H Samsung will still have better options this year.

Let's see, and hope prices of all TVs lower. These TVs will have the LG A1 OLED to compete with too, which will be interesting!

 

[Kris Dee]

The Sony X90J is certainly closer than the gap this year but both TVs are not making 1000 nits. The Sony is dimmer even than the Samsung in that 10% window (733 vs 833). The loss of contrast is probably down to the addition of the wide viewing angle filter, something that wasn't on the Q80T but seems to now be on the Q80A.

The drop in brightness after a few minutes is not important, HDR highlights are not on the screen normally for more than a minute.

So, the Q80A is already cheaper, comes with better viewing angles, is brighter...there's very little going for the Sony at the moment until they drop their prices. Its usual from Sony though, they always keep higher prices than the competition. The X90J has a niche use case. It will be popular with people who value motion processing above all else and only view directly in front of the TV otherwise I think like with the X900H Samsung will still have better options this year.

Let's see, and hope prices of all TVs lower. These TVs will have the LG A1 OLED to compete with too, which will be interesting!

Vincent measured 830nits, I would trust him more than Rtings
Q80A definitely doesn't have wide viewing angle filter. It's probably just different panel.

For gamers I would personally choose X90J.
Q80a may have lower input lag and freesync, but LD in game mode is really bad on Samsung TVs also backlight flickering at 120hz is not good when playing games.

 

[Dodgexander]

Vincent measured 830nits, I would trust him more than Rtings
Q80A definitely doesn't have wide viewing angle filter. It's probably just different panel.

For gamers I would personally choose X90J.
Q80a may have lower input lag and freesync, but LD in game mode is really bad on Samsung TVs also backlight flickering at 120hz is not good when playing games.

You sure the Q80A doesn't have it?
I agree the image looks bad at an angle, but Samsung themselves advertise it, for what it's worth:

Compare 2021 Neo QLED TV Models | Samsung UK

Compare the latest Samsung QLED TVs, including the 2021 Neo QLED TV range. Compare TV features, specs & reviews to find the right QLED TV for you.

www.samsung.com

The review you posted also comments on the viewing angle.

X90J is definitely not a better gaming TV. Vanilla HDMI Forum VRR support compared to Freesync Premium Pro. Can't use motion settings in game mode. I've never known anyone bothered by PWM when gaming, but agree some people are bothered by the flicker.

Hard to say the true figure of peak brightness on the Sony, need both TVs to be reviewed from the same region, with the same equipment. Neither TV is very good for games and video mastered with high nits, with games and Dolby Vision, sometimes as much as 10,000. Neither reaches the 1000 nit mark.

Despite higher contrast the Sony also will have more issues with blooming due to their method of local dimming. By comparison Samsung will be less accurate, but suppress blooming more. Contrast ratio is also an SDR only measurement and doesn't apply to HDR where TVs that can get brighter, have higher contrast than those that are dimmer.

My own opinion X90J is somewhere between the Q70A and Q80A overall, the QN85A/QN91A TVs which are more closely priced to the X90J are better TVs by far, with the Q80A ever so slightly ahead overall.

But this is normal. Sony always have high pricing compared to competition. Their market share is low, margins are tighter. They cannot compete with Samsung, and certainly can't compete with the margin's TVs are being made with now by TCL and Hisense.

 

[Kris Dee]

You sure the Q80A doesn't have it?
I agree the image looks bad at an angle, but Samsung themselves advertise it, for what it's worth:

Compare 2021 Neo QLED TV Models | Samsung UK

Compare the latest Samsung QLED TVs, including the 2021 Neo QLED TV range. Compare TV features, specs & reviews to find the right QLED TV for you.

www.samsung.com

The review you posted also comments on the viewing angle.

X90J is definitely not a better gaming TV. Vanilla HDMI Forum VRR support compared to Freesync Premium Pro. Can't use motion settings in game mode. I've never known anyone bothered by PWM when gaming, but agree some people are bothered by the flicker.

Hard to say the true figure of peak brightness on the Sony, need both TVs to be reviewed from the same region, with the same equipment. Neither TV is very good for games and video mastered with high nits, with games and Dolby Vision, sometimes as much as 10,000. Neither reaches the 1000 nit mark.

Despite higher contrast the Sony also will have more issues with blooming due to their method of local dimming. By comparison Samsung will be less accurate, but suppress blooming more. Contrast ratio is also an SDR only measurement and doesn't apply to HDR where TVs that can get brighter, have higher contrast than those that are dimmer.

My own opinion X90J is somewhere between the Q70A and Q80A overall, the QN85A/QN91A TVs which are more closely priced to the X90J are better TVs by far, with the Q80A ever so slightly ahead overall.

But this is normal. Sony always have high pricing compared to competition. Their market share is low, margins are tighter. They cannot compete with Samsung, and certainly can't compete with the margin's TVs are being made with now by TCL and Hisense.

QN94A and higher models have filter. Samsung call it "Ultra Viewing Angle with Anti-Reflective Screen"
Q80A in EU definitely doesn't have it. You can see here.


I know most people don't see PWM flickering, but if you could toggle between flicker free vs 120hz everybody would see it in dark room.
With some TVs like my RU8000 you can actually do that, because at full brightness that Samsung is flicker free. Lower backlight from 50 to 40 and it's very visible.

Well gaming, I was thinking better TV for PS5. I forgot about PC and Xbox
Samsung has more gaming features for sure, but Sony better picture quality in game mode.
Q70a is an edge-lit TV without LD, so can only compete with direct-lit no fald X85J. Both can do 550nit, but looks like q70a has that annoying frame diming and does only 250nits at 2% window.
55QN85A and 55Q90A are ADS in UK, right???
I'm also looking TV for PS5. My 55Ru8000 just broke after 20 months, and only had 1y warranty.
Hopefully X90J will drop to £800 BF time. Also you can claim £100 PS store credit to end of November.

Sony UK | £100 of play, on us

£100 of play, on us

www.sony.co.uk

Btw Polish review of 65X90J

Czy następca kultowego telewizora Sony XH90 jest jeszcze lepszy? | TEST | Sony BRAVIA XR X90J LED HDMI 2.1

Na ten test czekaliśmy pewnie tak samo długo jak wy, drodzy czytelnicy. Najnowszy Sony X90J wkroczył do naszej redakcji jako następca najlepiej sprzedającego się telewizora ubiegłego roku w ofercie japońskiej firmy. Mowa oczywiście o modelu XH90, który do dzisiaj bije rekordy popularności w...

hdtvpolska.com

 

[Dodgexander]

Samsung has more gaming features for sure, but Sony better picture quality in game mode.

Not sure about this. The fact the TV is probably dimmer will mean the picture quality in HDR will be worse. Also have to think about the poorer dark room performance from the local dimming algorithm. A lot is said about Samsung losing picture quality in game mode, but the same is true of every TV.

Last thing I forgot to mention is that there's no HGIG support on the X90J which is one of the most crucial gaming features, especially on TVs that struggle with peak brightness. This will mean inevitably in titles that demand high nits, you'll have to hope they include some HDR adjustment and spend time changing settings title to title.

I personally view the X90J as an SDR only TV, the Q80A is close, but just about makes the mark due to its better HDR.

Oh, and don't get me started on google TV

One area the X90J does have is Dolby Vision gaming, although you're unlikely to see that on the PS5.

My advice for you; don't go for the Q80A or X90J, go for the higher end models X95J or QN9xA(VA variants only).

On the viewing angle thing - did you view the link I sent? Samsung are saying the TV has wide viewing angle without the anti-glare filter. That means the TV has an extra layer, or is using an IPS type panel. Would explain the loss of contrast.

EDIT* a good review of the X90J here which demonstrates its poor brightness. Even poorer than rtings.com measurements. Also citing really low contrast compared to other sources, likely down to the anti glare.

Sony X90J review

Sony's latest 90-series TV with 4K, Google TV, HDMI 2.1 & Bravia Core

www.flatpanelshd.com

 

[Kris Dee]

On the viewing angle thing - did you view the link I sent?

I did. This is usual Samsung BS marketing.
They name narrow angles "wide" and so-so angles "ultra".
Here is example of that

My advice for you; don't go for the Q80A or X90J, go for the higher end models X95J or QN9xA(VA variants only).

Unfortunately I only have £1k max to spend on TV. Maybe I will try to find 55XH95, but it's difficult in Northern Ireland and probably to late.
Don't really care for HDMI 2.1 or VRR and I'm ok with 4k60hz/1080p120hz.

 

[Dodgexander]

I did. This is usual Samsung BS marketing.
They name narrow angles "wide" and so-so angles "ultra".
Here is example of that

Unfortunately I only have £1k max to spend on TV. Maybe I will try to find 55XH95, but it's difficult in Northern Ireland and probably to late.
Don't really care for HDMI 2.1 or VRR and I'm ok with 4k60hz/1080p120hz.

Yes they do often get specs on their website wrong.
Probably a bad time to buy now unless you can get hold of 2020 stock. You might get lucky and find some deals on higher end TVs come black friday, but realistically you'd be waiting for clearance sales when 2022 stock is released next year.

Right now I'd look for stock on the XH9505, Samsung Q90T/Q95T. Even the Hisense U8Q.

 

[Kris Dee]

Right now I'd look for stock on the XH9505, Samsung Q90T/Q95T. Even the Hisense U8Q.

Q90T is available, but to many people complaining about stutter/judder on 50hz materials.
My friend has 65U8Q and I spend some time playing on it. It's crazy bright, nice colors, but I found motion terrible comparing to RU8000. Blur and bad ghosting.

I would love to get OLED, but unfortunately this TV will be running 16-18h per day. Most of the time children watching YouTube.

 

[Kris Dee]

Ok I found KD55XH9505BU with 5 years Warranty for £919 delivered tomorrow.
I'm very excited

 

[jam12]

Sorry to steal this thread but i’m in a similar situation having recently upped my budget to ~£700.

Im debating a 65” AU9000 (£600), 55” Q80A (£720) or 55” X90J (£700) for a bedroom with a viewing distance of 3m. All prices are with discounts of sorts (Samsungs with employee/student discount, Sony with a price match + JL Voucher + £100 PS store offer!).

I was dead certain on the X90J given its all round performance and “discount” however the AU9000 really appeals due to the size (& ~2.5cm thick!). Would it be worth it at the detriment of much poorer HDR? I will be watching Netflix etc in the dark. Not overly fussed on 120Hz - VRR is most important to me!

Cheers.

 

[Dodgexander]

AU9000 is not a TV to be compared to the Q80A or Sony X90J.
Really you are looking at lower picture quality models than even the Sony XH9505 the OP ended up with. That's not surprising though as 2021 models are currently still overpriced.

Wait for sales to save some money! They are just around the corner. Otherwise look at a higher end 2020 model than those, that way you won't get problems with HDR.

 

[jam12]

AU9000 is not a TV to be compared to the Q80A or Sony X90J.
Really you are looking at lower picture quality models than even the Sony XH9505 the OP ended up with. That's not surprising though as 2021 models are currently still overpriced.

Wait for sales to save some money! They are just around the corner. Otherwise look at a higher end 2020 model than those, that way you won't get problems with HDR.

The AU9000 appealed due to the size and price more than of the picture, but I do understand it will be no where near as good.

I’m becoming a little impatient but you’re right - BF isn’t far off now. I had a look at the XH95 but it has no VRR which I’m happy to sacrifice for lower HDR performance of the X90J. An equivalent price of £700 seems in line with XH90 promotions previously.

Out of interest, is the X94J the same as the X95J?

 

[Dodgexander]

There's so little value in cheaper TVs now that I'm considering not even including them in my guide this year. Usually I will recommend cheaper ones on the premise HDR will be unusable, but its something that I end up having to explain over and over. Its not really the fault of the consumer though, its because every TV and their dog has HDR support, even though most of them will display it worse than SDR.

Really true HDR starts with even more expensive TVs than the Sony X90J and Samsung Q80A but I will probably recommend those TVs as a last resort, just because I recognise some people are working with a lower budget, and they do at least give a compromise with HDR. Having said that, you can still expect HDR to be too dark on them sometimes, so it won't be completely problem free, especially if you're not viewing in complete darkness.

 

[jam12]

Aye, all the descriptions and supposed compatibility with various technologies does make it confusing! Will keep an eye out on the Sony refurb store, else wait until BF. Thanks!