Ryan McBride is a writer based in Los Angeles. He has contributed work to magazines and sites including Gayot, Spy, Paper, Ladygunn, 3AM and the Crab Creek Review. He writes consumer reviews, essays, science and tech journalism as well as literary and art criticism.
The Samsung QN85B impresses with its brightness, HDMI 2.1 inputs, and low lag, making it a great value for gaming, but it falls short in black-tone detail and lacks Dolby Vision HDR support, which may limit home cinema appeal.
We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more
Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The Samsung QN85B is a mid-range 2022-model TV available in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes. It features an IPS panel with Mini LED backlighting combined with Quantum Dots for outstanding peak brightness and color volume. 85-inch versions use a VA panel instead.
The main features include a local dimming system with over 500 dimming zones for enhanced contrast, HDMI 2.1 support, and Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K that uses AI-powered neural networks.
The TV offers 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low input lag in gaming mode. Its Tizen-based Eden platform provides a wealth of smart features. With a sleek design and impressive build quality, the QN85B stands out among the best TVs on the market as a well-rounded TV at a competitive price point.
Consensus
our Verdict
One of the best IPS TVs in its range, the Samsung QN85B delivers an impressive 1147 cd/m2 peak brightness and overcomes reflections well.
An outstanding 80,000:1 effective contrast ratio means deep black levels, though there may be some blooming around bright objects.
The 4.7 ms response time is quick, and its tested 120Hz refresh rate affords smooth motion. This TV boasts a wide color gamut, so colors pop.
HDMI 2.1 support and low 5.8 ms input lag make it great for gaming. However, the Tizen-based smart TV interface can feel sluggish, and some find the controls awkward and complicated.
The Samsung QN85B is a great all-rounder at its price point, though it does fall short in terms of black-tone detail and the lack of Dolby Vision HDR support.
ReasonS to Buy
Good picture quality
With an impressive 1147 dc/m2 peak brightness score in RTINGS’ tests, it’s in the top 20% of mid-range 4k TVs. This helps overcome reflections and deliver a clear picture even in well-lit rooms.
Wide color gamut
Colors pop and appear vivid and lifelike, great for watching movies
Great effective contrast ratio
In HDR mode, its 80,000:1 contrast ratio puts it in the top third of its category, helping create deep blacks and outstanding highlights.
Responsive for Gaming
Its 4.7 ms response time is among the best of all TVs in its category, and its 120Hz refresh rate is enough to render the maximum quality settings on most gaming consoles
Reason to Avoid
Some detail loss in dark scenes
Compared to competing OLED TVs in its category, the QLED-based QN85b doesn’t preserve as much shadow detail.
Cumbersome smart TV interface
The QN85b’s Tizen-based smart TV OS has Alexa and Google Assistant support, plus all the major streaming apps, but it’s not as responsive or user-friendly as some competitors.
Lacks Dolby HDR support
While not necessarily a deal breaker, the absence of this popular home theater format may limit the QN85b’s appeal for cinephiles.
Samsung QN85B Neo QLED TV Specs
Backlight Type
Full-Array
Display Type
LED
HDMI Inputs
4
HDR Format
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
HomeKit Compatible
No
LED Panel Type
QLED
Max Resolution
3840 x 2160 (4k)
Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Screen size
55", 65", 75"
Smart Platform
Tizen
Sync Technology
AMD FreeSync, G-Sync
VRR
Yes
Works With
Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control, SmartThings, Wi-Fi
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for TVs based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy)
92.72
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
94.74
Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy)
69.54
Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv)
77.02
Color Gamut % (sRGB)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec 709)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.2020)
0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.709)
0
Contrast Ratio (x:1)
81,120
SDR Brightness (nits)
1,115
HDR Brightness (nits)
983
Input Lag (ms)
10.7
Response Time (ms)
9.7
Color Washout (Degrees)
34
Color Shift (Degrees)
70
Brightness Loss (Degrees)
35
Reflections (%)
5.4
Low-Freq Extension (Hz)
89.8
Freq Response StdDev @ 70db
3.68
Freq Response StdDev @ 80db
3.62
Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db
0.138
Intermodulation Distortion @80db
1.36
EOTF (600 nit delta)
0.0164
EOTF (1000 nit delta)
0.0165
EOTF (4000 nit delta)
0.0122
All Tests
Can You Trust What You Read Online?
Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.
Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.
Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.
The Samsung QN85B is a mid-range 2022-model TV available in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes. It features an IPS panel with Mini LED backlighting…
The Samsung QN85B is a mid-range 2022-model TV available in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes. It features an IPS panel with Mini LED backlighting combined with Quantum Dots for outstanding peak brightness and color volume. 85-inch versions use a VA panel instead.
The main features include a local dimming system with over 500 dimming zones for enhanced contrast, HDMI 2.1 support, and Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K that uses AI-powered neural networks.
The TV offers 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low input lag in gaming mode. Its Tizen-based Eden platform provides a wealth of smart features. With a sleek design and impressive build quality, the QN85B stands out among the best TVs on the market as a well-rounded TV at a competitive price point.
Like the QN85B QLED TV, the Samsung QN900B has excellent brightness and supports HDMI 2.1, but the QN900B has higher contrast and black levels. While…
Like the QN85B QLED TV, the Samsung QN900B has excellent brightness and supports HDMI 2.1, but the QN900B has higher contrast and black levels. While the QN85B provides a great overall experience for various uses, the QN900B stands out for cinephiles and those seeking the best HDR performance. For more information, check out our Samsung QN900B NEO QLED TV review.
Unlike the Samsung Q80B TV,, the QN85B uses Mini LED technology to deliver a higher peak brightness of 1147 cd/m2 compared to 839 cd/m2. The…
Unlike the Samsung Q80B TV,, the QN85B uses Mini LED technology to deliver a higher peak brightness of 1147 cd/m2 compared to 839 cd/m2. The QN85B also Both models have 120Hz native refresh rates, but the QN85B also comes equipped with the Neo Quantum Processor 4K, offering advanced AI-backed picture optimization. See our Samsung Q80B QLED 4K Tizen Smart TV review for more details. Or see our Samsung QN90B NEO QLED TV review for another similar option.
LG’s C2 OLED has similar peak brightness but suffers less backlight blooming. The C2 has better contrast and more uniform, deeper black levels thanks to…
LG’s C2 OLED has similar peak brightness but suffers less backlight blooming. The C2 has better contrast and more uniform, deeper black levels thanks to its self-emissive pixels.
