The product family of new QLED TVs from Samsung Q70 includes several models with different screen sizes. As the number indicates, I had a 55-inch screen model available for testing. The main attraction is the brilliant image, of course, within the capabilities of Quantum Dot technology with Edge backlighting, and the Quantum Processor 4K.
The TV has a modern thin body, the maximum thickness in the center is approximately 3 cm and it decreases to one centimeter at the edges. The two metal legs can be covered with a plastic cover, so that a continuous surface enters.
The display panel uses Quantum Dot VA LCD technology, which allows a wide range of colors to be faithfully displayed. Samsung calls this technology QLED and continuously improves it. Edge backlighting works so that the screen is evenly illuminated from the sides. In practice, this means that unlike OLED, MicroLED or Neo QLED, where the backlight can be regulated in zones, with this technology the contrast will be slightly lower and the black color will not be completely black.
The TV, specifically its image processor Quantum Processor 4K, intensively uses artificial intelligence, not only when upscaling, i.e. when displaying a program broadcast with a lower resolution than the native 4K resolution of the screen, but also when processing colors in order to achieve high contrast and the best possible display black and deep dark colors. Even when playing the image in HD quality, sophisticated algorithms result in more details and sharper edges. Compared to the previous model series, the local backlight algorithms have also been significantly improved, so the image, where dark and light areas alternate, is more balanced and consistent, which is mainly reflected in the rendering of details in deep shadows.
A small modern remote control with solar charging is included with the TV. A ring is used to navigate the menu, which replaces the direction buttons. The controller has buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and Sveet TV streaming services. It will take you a while to figure out that the flat buttons for volume control and channel switching can not only be pressed, but also tilted up and down. You can also charge the controller via the USB-C connector.
The TV uses the proprietary Tizen operating system with an intuitive user interface. The main screen shows icons for features and apps, including streaming services, as well as inputs, including NAS storage if you’re using them. Of course, you can pin the most used applications to this menu. Some applications that the manufacturer has assumed will be used by many people are pre-installed, others can be downloaded from the Samsung Store. A 55-inch TV turned off, no matter how it is integrated into the interior, is simply a large dark area. However, you can change that by turning on the improved Ambient mode. Depending on the settings, it displays aesthetic patterns, images or a practical clock mode on the screen of the switched-off TV.
The user has four HDMI connectors available, one of which is an eARC for connecting a soundbar, two USB-A ports, standard connectors for satellite or cable, and there is also an optical output and a LAN connector. It goes without saying that Wi-Fi, bluetooth and a port for a CI card are supported. Gamers on consoles will appreciate HDMI 2.1 support, of course, you can also connect a gaming PC or laptop to the TV and enjoy the game on the big screen. The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology contributes to a smooth image to eliminate image tearing and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) in game mode. The Gamebar displays the current resolution and refresh rate, allows you to set the image parameters according to the genre of the game, add a virtual crosshair or use a magnifying glass on a part of the screen. This is how I tried to enlarge the minimap in strategy games, but I ended up going back to the standard view. I also recommend gamers to check out the Xbox and GeForce Now apps.
Despite the relatively small thickness, the TV has a relatively good sound. With the given dimensions, even a thickness varying in the range of 1-3 cm will create a sufficient sound box volume for two acoustic converters with a power of 10 W. If you like deep bass or surround sound, I recommend a soundbar with a subwoofer.
The manufacturer states a typical consumption of 65 W. At a brightness setting that suited me in a pleasantly lit room, the TV consumed 80 W. When displaying HDR content, the consumption jumped to 120 W.
PROS, CONS:
+ Brilliant picture, very good sound, four HDMI 2.1 ports, AI image processor
– Contrast within the possibilities of QLED technology
PARAMETERS:
Diagonal 55″ (140 cm), QLED, resolution 3840 × 2160 px, 100 Hz, HDR10+ support; processor: Quantum Processor 4K; connectivity 4× HDMI ARC, 2× USB, tuner: 2× DVB-T2CS2 × 2, ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, bluetooth 5.2, sound 20 W, dimensions: 1232.9 × 774.1 × 255.9 mm, weight with stand 16.9 kg, consumption 65 W, annual 89 kWh
Cena: 1099 EUR
Source: www.nextech.sk
