Expert review of the Samsung 8K QN800C Neo QLED TV
Samsung Neo QLED 8K 65QN800C (2023)
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The smallest details of the image are clearly visible thanks to the 8K resolution.
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Thanks to the Neo QLED technology, you can view colorful images full of contrast.
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You can connect all your peripherals to the TV with just 1 cable via the One Connect Box.
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The anti-glare layer allows you to view bright and colorful images from an angle too.
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The brightness of this TV is less high than with the Samsung QN900C.
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Not much real 8K footage is available yet.
First impression of the QN800C
The QN800C is a noteworthy TV thanks to the sleek design. When I see the TV for the first time, I notice how thin the screen is. This makes the TV look sleek and minimalist. The screen can be this thin thanks to the One Connect Box. This box is separated from the television, but also fits on the back of the stand of the TV. You can connect all your peripherals to this box, so the screen doesn't need extra space for connectors.
Razor-sharp images
Screens with the 8K resolution have 4 times more pixels than an 8K television. As a result, the smallest details are displayed sharply. I notice this when I watch footage of a forest from the sky, for example. I can clearly see all the individual trees and even their branches. There's little 8K footage available so far, but the strong processor also improves images with lower resolutions, like 4K and Full HD. That way, you're always ensured of viewing the sharpest images as possible.
Strong contrast and deep shadows
The backlight of the screen contains thousands of tiny LED lights. These light up and dim when necessary. That's why the black parts of the image are really dark. When I look at an image of a deep canyon, I see deep shadows. At the same time, the bridge across the canyon is very bright. I barely see a gray glow around the planks of the bridge. This makes the image look very realistic.
Vibrant colors and good viewing angle
The Neo QLED technology filters out unnecessary light waves, so you only see the colors that really belong in the image. I notice this well in an image of a sunny landscape. The green grass and blue sky come into focus vividly and clearly. Yet, I also see many realistic color details, like different shades of blue in the sky. Thanks to the anti-glare layer, the viewing angle is good. The bright colors hardly become less bright when I stand at an angle in front of the TV.
Spatial audio
The QN800C has no less than 8 speakers and a subwoofer. Thanks to this, the sound is rich and clear. When I view images of a ski slope, I clearly hear the sound of the skis too. The bass of the music also sounds rich and powerful. Thanks to Object Tracking Sound+, the sound follows the movement of the image. If a skier moves to the left side of the image, I mainly hear the sound coming from the bottom left. This makes movies and series very immersive.
Sleek and useful design
The thin screen of the QN800C stands on a sturdy, steel stand that's located in the center of the bottom of the screen. The One Connect Box is placed on the back of this stand. This thin box has all the connectors of the TV. That's why only 1 cable is connected to the TV. When you hang the TV on the wall, your setup will look neat because of this. The thin screen has sides of brushed aluminum, which provides a sleek look.
Compact, energy-efficient remote
Even though the One Remote only has a few buttons, I think it's very easy to control the TV. I open the menu with one press on the button and quickly navigate through different settings. The remote also has 4 buttons for streaming services. These lead directly to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and TV Plus, which is the streaming service by Samsung itself. There's a solar panel on the back of the remote. The remote charges through solar or artificial light via this panel. That way, you'll never have to replace the batteries again.
Extensive and user-friendly smart men
On the Tizen smart platform, I see a clear menu with a row of apps and recommended content. I can quickly open apps like Netflix, Apple TV+, and YouTube. Below, I see Samsung TV Plus channels. You can find free live TV here, with reality series and documentaries by Samsung. I notice that the menu responds quickly and smoothly, which allows me to switch between apps comfortably when I want to watch something else.
Conclusion
The QN800C is one of the best televisions by Samsung, which is why it's suitable for real movie enthusiasts and gamers. The strong contrast and high brightness ensure everything is displayed in a realistic way. The sleek and convenient design provide the TV with a luxurious look. The brightness of the TV isn't as high as with the QN900C, which has the best image quality from the Neo QLED series.