The Samsung QE65QN95C is a 65-inch 4K TV with a Mini LED lighting system, released in 2023. It is Samsung's first Mini LED TV of the year and aims to compete with the latest OLED technology. The TV features 1344 local dimming zones, allowing for precise control of the backlight and resulting in excellent black levels and brightness. It has a slim profile suitable for wall-mounting and a dark finish with an ultra-thin frame around the screen. The connections are integrated into the TV itself, eliminating the need for an external One Connect box.
The QE65QN95C comes with two remote controls, one of which is powered by a solar panel or Wi-Fi signals, eliminating the need for batteries. It offers 4K resolution and is powered by Samsung's Neural Quantum processor, which combines object detection and manipulation with extra dimming controls to create a more three-dimensional picture. The TV also includes a slim-fit camera for video calls, gesture controls, and vital sign monitoring in some territories. It has four HDMI ports that support 48Gbps, allowing for 4K at 120Hz gaming signals and variable refresh rates.
The QE65QN95C supports Dolby Atmos decoding and offers Samsung's Object Tracking Sound technology for a more immersive sound experience. It runs on the Tizen Smart system and offers improved content shelves, expanded channels, and more options in the Gaming Hub for streamed and connected game sources.
The TV delivers bright and colorful images with groundbreaking LCD black levels, reaching a brightness of 2240 nits on a 10% white HDR window. It also offers sharpness and detail with native 4K sources and expert upscaling of HD and SD sources. The QE65QN95C handles motion effectively, especially with 24p movie content, and provides an exceptional gaming experience with its handling of 120Hz gaming content and variable refresh rates.
However, there are some performance issues with the TV, such as noticeable dimming and delayed re-infusion of brightness when switching between very dark and very bright shots. Despite these issues, the Samsung QE65QN95C is a high-end TV that competes with the latest OLEDs, offering impressive picture quality, sound performance, and connectivity.
A closer look at the hardware details
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | QE65QN95C |
| Screen Size | 65 inches |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Lighting System | Mini LED |
| Local Dimming Zones | 1344 |
| Sound System | OTS+ |
| Smart System | Tizen |
| Gaming Support | Yes |
| Connectivity | Excellent |
| HDMI Ports | 4 |
| HDMI Support | 48Gbps |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes |
| Camera | Slim-fit, for video calls and gesture controls |
| Remote Control | Two, one powered by solar panel or Wi-Fi signals |
| Design | Slim profile, dark finish, ultra-thin frame |
| Picture Quality | Bright, colorful images with excellent black levels |
| Brightness | 2240 nits |
| Color Palette | Voluminous, rich saturations |
| Motion Handling | Effective, especially with 24p movie content |
| Upscaling | Expert upscaling of HD and SD sources |
| Backlight Issues | Yes, noticeable dimming and delayed re-infusion of brightness |
| Dolby Vision Support | No |
An in-depth look at what you can expect from this model
The most important key feature of the Samsung QE65QN95C is its Mini LED lighting system, which allows for precise control of the backlight and results in excellent black levels and brightness.
- 1344 Local Dimming Zones: The TV features a high number of local dimming zones, resulting in precise control of the backlight and excellent black levels and brightness.
- OTS+ Sound System: The TV is equipped with a 4.2.2-channel sound system with Dolby Atmos decoding, providing a more immersive and accurate audio experience.
- Tizen Smart System: The smart interface based on Tizen offers improved content shelves, expanded channels, and more options in the Gaming Hub for streamed and connected game sources.
- Excellent Gaming Support and Connectivity: The TV supports 4K at 120Hz gaming signals and variable refresh rates, providing an exceptional gaming experience. It also has four HDMI ports that can support 48Gbps.
- Slim-Fit Camera for Video Calls and Gesture Controls: The TV comes with a slim-fit camera that can be attached to enable video calls, gesture controls, and monitoring of vital signs in some territories.
Cons to consider: A concise recap of the downsides
The main problem with the Samsung QE65QN95C TV is its backlight adjustment issues, which can result in noticeable dimming after switching between dark and bright shots. This can be resolved by turning off the Contrast Enhancer feature, but it will affect the image's punchiness.
The potential downsides of purchasing this TV are:
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Limited Dolby Vision support: The QE65QN95C lacks Dolby Vision support, which is a popular HDR format that enhances the picture quality by optimizing brightness, contrast, and color.
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Backlight blooming: Despite having an impressive number of dimming zones, small bright objects against dark backgrounds can still be subject to noticeable dimming. This can affect the overall picture quality and may be distracting for some viewers.
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Default picture settings may require adjustment: The default picture presets of the TV, such as the Standard and Filmmaker modes, may produce unwanted processing artifacts, excessive soap opera effect, or shadow detail crushing. Manual intervention is required to fine-tune these presets for optimal picture quality.
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Sound projection limitations: While the QE65QN95C features a 4.2.2-channel sound system with Dolby Atmos decoding, the sound projection is mostly sideways or backwards rather than forward into the room. This may not provide the most immersive audio experience for some viewers.
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Insufficient power for extreme soundtracks: The TV may not have enough power to fully meet the demands of the most extreme soundtracks. This means that in highly dynamic scenes, the sound delivery may not be as forceful or impactful as desired.
Overall, while the Samsung QE65QN95C offers impressive picture quality and sound performance, it has some downsides such as limited Dolby Vision support, backlight blooming, the need for manual adjustment of picture presets, limitations in sound projection, and potential power limitations for extreme soundtracks.
To TV or Not to TV: Making an Informed Decision
The Samsung QE65QN95C is a high-end TV that offers impressive picture quality and sound performance. With its mini LED technology, the TV delivers stunningly bright and colorful images along with class-leading black levels. It also has excellent gaming support and connectivity options. However, there are some performance issues with the backlight adjustments and the TV lacks Dolby Vision support. Overall, if you prioritize bright and vibrant pictures, groundbreaking black levels, and a great gaming experience, the QE65QN95C is a solid choice. However, if you value Dolby Vision support and want to avoid backlight issues, you may want to consider other options.
