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When you want the very top of the line option for your new TV, you should look out for a model with a QLED display. Standing for quantum light emitting diode, QLED TVs work using quantum dots which give incredible contrast and sharpness, to make your movies and games look even better than on standard LED TVs.
However, like most high-end technology, these TVs aren’t cheap. But it is possible to find them at more affordable prices if you know where to look, even when you’re searching for top brands like LG or Samsung, or looking for an exceptionally high resolution 8K TV. To save you some cash on a QLED TV purchase, we’ve hunted down the best deals and shared them below. But if these are too much for your budget, don’t worry — we’ve also got you covered with 4K TV deals, with prices starting under $300. These LED TVs won’t be as beautiful as the QLED TVs below though.
Today’s best QLED TV deals
8K TVs are far from the norm, but if you’re itching to see what the next-generation of high-resolution programming is going to look like, now’s your chance with this massive Samsung model.
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How to choose a QLED TV
Size. This is the first stop when choosing any new television. Measure the space available in the area it will reside, then write down the figure (we don’t want to make a mistake here). Next, make a note that screen size is not equal to the length of the television itself. You will need to consult the dimensions for this measurement, which takes us on to the next step: Gather a handful of QLED TVs that could do the trick, then check their dimensions.
Found a couple that will fit? Now, let’s start to tunnel in on the one that’s best suited to you. Because there are two main brands that make QLED TVs, this shouldn’t be too difficult. If it’s out-of-the-box streaming you’re after and cash is tight, opt for a Vizio. Rather have a television that’s bound to stand the test of time? Choose a Samsung. After all, it didn’t secure its title as the world’s largest television manufacturer by churning out slop.
More TVs:
To be clear, this doesn’t mean that Samsung’s QLED TVs can’t stream content to boot. They’re armed with the latest version of its Tizen OS smart software, which offers one-click access to all of the top streaming services, like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix — and that’s bound to be more than enough for the average viewer. But if you have more niche viewing habits, the Vizio with its built-in Chromecast may be the better choice.
But unless you’re shopping on a strict budget, we’d almost always recommend going with a Samsung. It’s the creator of QLED, and it licenses the name to other manufacturers that wish to adopt it, so it knows a thing or two about making them. The only difference is that you’ll be paying a premium to have a Samsung — Vizio’s models are considered more affordable alternatives. Plus, a $30 Roku will easily bridge the streaming gap.
Torn between the Samsung models? Here’s how they compare on paper:
Samsung Q60R | Samsung Q70R | Samsung Q80R | Samsung Q90R | |
Backlight | Edge-lit | Full-Array | Full-Array | Full-Array |
Dimming Zones | 48 | 96 | 480 | |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Native) | 120Hz (Native) | 120Hz (Native) | 120Hz (Native) |
HDMI Ports | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Smart Software | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Q Ultra Wide Angle | No | No | Yes | Yes |
4K Upscaler | UHD Engine | UHD Engine | UHD Engine | UHD Engine |
Aside from the obvious design differences, the most notable differentiation is that the Q60R has an edge-lit backlight, so it can’t quite reach the same contrast levels as the other three — so it doesn’t make detail pop quite as well. But again, it’s in a different league to a standard LED TV. The other three all have what’s known as a full-array backlight, which can shut off individual sections of the screen to achieve a darker black level.
What sets them apart from each other is the number of dimming zones each model has. The Q70R has a total of 48, versus 96 on the Q80R and 480 on the Q90R. All this means is the Q90R can shut off smaller sections of the screen to produce more accurate contrast. It’s at this level that the differences will really only matter to die-hard film buffs. For the average viewer looking to spice up their viewing, the Q60R is bound to impress.
Those after the best experience Samsung has to offer will have their fate decided by budget — even on sale, there’s a considerable gap between the Q70R, Q80R, and Q90R.
Are QLED TVs better than OLED TVs?
In short, OLED TVs are better than QLED TVs. Why? Because they have better viewing angles, can reach a more obsidian-like black level, and consume a lot less power. They also have a faster response time, less input lag, and a higher refresh rate. But this best-in-class viewing doesn’t come cheap, which is why those who don’t necessarily need the best experience that money can buy (or can’t afford it) opt for second-best: A QLED TV.
In the real world, though, there’s little between them. Unless you had an OLED TV and a QLED TV in the same room, you wouldn’t even know what you’re missing out on. The fact of the matter is, if your run-of-the-mill LED TV isn’t cutting it anymore and you’re looking to breathe fresh life into your entertainment setup, a QLED TV is a fantastic way to go: The richer color and more accurate detail, even without HDR, is a monumental step up.
Do QLED TVs have HDR?
Yes, all QLED TVs have HDR. Remember: They are designed to represent some of the finest hardware manufacturers have to offer, so it wouldn’t make sense if they weren’t equipped with the latest software, too. After all, it’s HDR that draws richer detail and more accurate color from the scene at hand, bringing the picture to life. Samsung invented its own HDR format to do this: HDR10, which was later succeeded by HDR10+ — the latest version.
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