Samsung Q8F Series QN55Q8F 55"

The Samsung Q8F is a 120Hz QLED that's best for gaming, scoring 64th percentile there. Picture quality and HDR are just average, and audio is bad enough that you'll need a soundbar. Only worth it if you find a steep discount.

Gaming is where this TV earns its keep. The 120Hz refresh rate and dedicated Game Mode put it at 64th percentile, which is respectable for a set this age. The Q4 AI Processor and Motion Xcelerator help keep fast scenes from turning into soup. But the display and picture quality scores, 39th and 36th percentile respectively, show this isn't a top-tier panel anymore. HDR performance is also just okay at 35th percentile. The 100% Color Volume claim sounds great on paper, but the numbers suggest real-world performance is more average than amazing. Audio is the glaring issue here, 13th percentile means you'll want a soundbar, no question.

Stacked against the LG C5 OLED, this thing gets smoked on picture quality and HDR, no contest. The Sony BRAVIA XR is in another league entirely, though it's also a much bigger and pricier set. The TCL QM8K and Hisense U8 both offer newer processing and better HDR for likely similar money. The Roku Plus Series is the budget alternative that trades the 120Hz panel for a simpler smart platform. The Q8F's only real edge is that 120Hz refresh rate for gaming, and even that is just middle of the pack these days.

Without a price attached, it's tough to call this a deal or a dud. If you can find it cheap on the used market or a clearance rack, the 120Hz panel and solid gaming performance make it worth a look. But if it's priced anywhere near a modern mid-range QLED or OLED, you're better off spending your money elsewhere. The specs are dated, and the scores reflect that.

The Samsung Q8F is a QLED from a few years back that still has some tricks up its sleeve. The 120Hz panel and Game Mode are the headline acts here, and the Quantum Dot tech keeps colors punchy. But the scores tell a mixed story. Gaming lands at a solid 64th percentile, while picture quality and HDR sit closer to the middle of the pack, and audio is a real weak spot at 13th percentile.

Skip this if you care about movie nights or streaming quality. The HDR and picture scores are mediocre, and the audio is bad enough to ruin the experience without extra gear. If you want a great all-around TV, look at newer options from TCL, Hisense, or save up for an OLED. This is a one-trick pony, and that trick is gaming.

This is a gaming-first TV for someone who found a good deal. If you're plugging in a PS5 or Xbox and don't care about built-in audio, the Q8F will do the job. But if you want a great all-around picture for movies and streaming, there are better options out there, even at the budget end. Know what you're getting: a decent gaming panel with weak sound and average HDR.