Samsung Q8F Series QN85Q8FAAFXZA 85"

Big screen, big color, but the edge-lit panel keeps it from greatness. Buy it for the size, not the HDR.

The 120Hz native refresh rate and Motion Xcelerator 144Hz make this thing a joy for fast-paced content. Gaming feels responsive with VRR and ALLM, and the Q4 AI Processor does a solid job upscaling older content. But here's the surprise: the picture quality and HDR scores land in the 36th percentile. That's not a typo. For a QLED with 100% color volume, the edge-lit panel holds it back. Blacks aren't as deep as you'd hope, and HDR highlights don't pop like they should. The display itself is top-tier at the 92nd percentile, but the processing and backlight leave some performance on the table.

The Sony BRAVIA XR XR77A95L is the obvious step up if you want real HDR and OLED-level contrast, but it's smaller and pricier. The TCL QM8K Series 75QM8K is the budget alternative that actually beats the Q8F in picture quality for less money. And if you're set on Samsung but want better blacks, the LG OLED evo C5 series is worth a look, though you'll sacrifice screen size. The Q8F wins on sheer size and smart features, but loses on picture quality to almost every serious competitor.

At USD 1,376 to USD 1,897, the Q8F is priced like a premium TV but delivers mid-tier picture performance. The spread across vendors is wild, over USD 500. If you're buying, shop around. Newegg has the best deal right now, and Amazon's refurbished option could save you even more. But honestly, for this money, you're paying for size and brand, not picture quality. The 85-inch screen is the value proposition here, not the HDR or contrast.

The Samsung Q8F is a big, beautiful 85-inch QLED that nails the basics: vibrant color, a sharp 120Hz panel, and a smart platform that actually feels smart. If you want a massive screen for movies and gaming without selling a kidney for OLED, this is a serious contender. But it's not perfect. The audio is weak, the software has some rough edges, and the picture quality percentile is surprisingly low for a Samsung QLED. We'll get into why.

If you're a home theater enthusiast who cares about deep blacks and real HDR, this isn't your TV. The edge-lit panel just can't compete with OLED or mini-LED. Go get the Sony BRAVIA XR XR77A95L or the TCL QM8K instead. And if you're on a budget, the Q8F's price tag will sting for what you actually get.

The Samsung Q8F is a good TV, not a great one. If you want an 85-inch screen with vibrant color and smooth gaming, it delivers. But the edge-lit panel and weak audio hold it back from being the premium experience Samsung's marketing suggests. Buy it for the size and the smart features, not for the picture quality. And definitely shop around, the price spread is ridiculous.