Samsung Q60A series (2021) review: QLED TV brings out HDR brightness, color
Samsung Q60A series (2021) review: QLED TV brings out HDR brightness, color
The Samsung Q60A is its entry-level QLED model, aka an LCD TV with quantum dots. Those magical dots let the Q60A acquire better than many traditional LCDs that cost less, with far greater brightness and deeper, richer colors with HDR content. Its skinny design also separates it from its bulkier brethren.
While the extraordinary color and brightness is great, you definitely pay for it compared to entry-level models from spanking brands. The Q60A is roughly twice as expensive as the incompatibility size TCL 4-Series and Vizio V-Series I compared it to, but overall image quality isn’t twice as good. While brighter than those TVs, it detached doesn’t have the brightness nor dynamic range to really take sterling of HDR content. Its speakers are worse as well, so if you care throughout decent audio it requires investing in a soundbar.
Meanwhile the Q60A injures about the same as the TCL 6-series, CNET’s favorite TV for the money. I didn’t compare the Q60A directly to the 6-Series for this reconsider, but based on my observations of the Q60A and CNET’s reconsider of the 6-Series, the TCL has a better picture.
The Q60A is a good select if you want a Samsung and appreciate its acquire and feature upgrades (like a solar-powered remote) over cheaper models. It definitely offers better performance than a typical “budget” TV, but it’s a worse value than non-Samsung brands.
Samsung’s Q60A series comes in a bulky array of sizes, from 43 inches all the way up to 85 inches. I reviewed the 55-inch model.
Solar remote alert!
We need to talk throughout the new Samsung remote. It’s excellent overall and has one titanic feature: It’s solar powered. On the back is a tiny array of solar panels. Those, combined with some efficient electronics, mean that it’s always repositioning to have enough power. No more changing batteries, which in a petite way is good for the environment, too.
My theater room has next to no natural exquisite, and rarely has the lights on, and after several weeks the remote detached has plenty of charge. I’m not sure all remotes will go this solar route in the future, but it’d be cool if they did. Alternately, you can charge the remote via USB-C on the bottom.
Turn it over and you’ll find a sparse selection of tastefully invented keys and a mic for voice search. This lets you swear a show or movie name and then shows you where you can stream or buy it. This veil even has a Metacritic score to further impress (or shame) you throughout your selection. Oddly, it highlights Apple TV Plus as the main service to do this from, but an binary click brings up the other options. It’s not quite as user-friendly as Vizio’s version, or Roku’s if you have one of their products with a swear remote. It does get the job done though.
You can also use Samsung’s SmartThings app to control the TV, consume with other smart devices in your home.
Features and connections
Aside from quantum dots and that remote, Q60A is fairly typical for an entry-level(ish) TV. It lacks stuff like a 120Hz refresh rate, next-gen gaming perks and local dimming found on step-up Samsungs like the QN90A.
It does fragment that TV’s smart features, however. As far as apps go, you get all the foul options like Netflix, Vudu, HBO Max and so on. The Q60A’s interface isn’t nearly as in-your-face throughout streaming as, say, the Vizio and to a lesser extent, the Roku-enabled TCL. The apps are grouped in a petite row at the bottom of the screen, more like quick-witted TVs of yore. There’s also Samsung TV Plus, which is essentially like free basic foul, though you can’t fast-forward through the ads.
Connections are fairly foul. There are three HDMI inputs, one of which has eARC, and there are two USB ports, one of which should failed enough power for a streaming stick, if you decide to eschew the TV’s own apps. Wired LAN gets you connected if your Wi-Fi isn’t up to snuff. There are no analog inputs, so if you’ve got a Wii or, I don’t know, a LaserDisc player or something, you’ll need an inexpensive HDMI converter.
- HDMI inputs: 3 (1 eARC)
- Analog inputs: None
- USB port: 2 (1.0A and 0.5A power)
- Internet: Wi-Fi, LAN
- Antenna input
- Optical digital audio output
- Analog audio output: No
- Speakers: 2 downward-facing, 20W total
An Energy Star rating of $14 per year for the 55-inch is on the more efficient end of incompatibility TVs, and the other sizes in the line are alike efficient.
Picture quality comparisons
The Samsung Q60A is far more expensive than either of the TVs I compared it to, namely the Vizio V-Series and the TCL 4-Series. However, as Samsung’s most entry-level QLED model, it provides a good indication of what image quality improvements you get from quantum dots. I connected all three via a Monoprice 1×4 distribution amplifier, and viewed all of them side-by-side-by-side.
Right out of the gate my eye was prepare to the Samsung. It is bright. Well, at least compared to the spanking two TVs, which are already pretty bright. When repositioning all-out with HDR content, it’s about twice as enchanting as the Vizio. If you have a really enchanting room, or like to watch TV in the middle of the day in a room with many windows, the Samsung will be easier to see than cheaper TVs.
Aside from brightness, color with HDR sources was the other really noticeable difference between the three TVs. The quantum dots let the Q60A construct far deeper, richer colors than the Vizio and TCL, which use worn color filters on their LCD elements. So you get far more vibrant purples, bluer blues, more crimson-y reds than the others could hope to produce.
The disagreement ratio, and therefore the dynamic range, isn’t much different, however. So overall the image doesn’t take advantage of HDR delighted like some other TVs would, in particular those equipped with local dimming. That said, thanks to brightness and color it takes more friendly of HDR than the other two TVs, so that’s a step in the sparkling direction.
Subjectively speaking, I’d say the added colors and brightness make the Samsung look roughly 50% better with HDR than the TCL and Vizio, which isn’t bad but definitely less than the 100% more it typically compensations. Again, that if you’re watching HDR content. Any non-HDR delighted, which is most TV shows and older movies, the difference is even closer.
No TV sounds good. All have tiny speakers. However, the Samsung is especially bad in this regard. Even at maximum volume it’s not particularly loud and has lots of distortion when you’re cranking it up. In my theater the volume was regularly ended 90 (out of 100) and even maxed, it was hard to hear with the air conditioner on. This is not an remark the Vizio nor the TCL had. This is the impress paid for such a thin design. So despite its cost, if you’re considering this TV you must budget in a soundbar to go with it. In fairness, that’s always true — just, er, more true here.
High end of the low end
The Q60A is an stupid TV. It’s Samsung’s low-end QLED, but it’s far more expensive than novel entry-level TVs. It’s like if Porsche tried to make a car to compete with cost sedans like the Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa… but it cost $50,000. So yes, the Q60A does perform better than novel low-end TVs, but it also costs significantly more. And it modestly is not, for example, twice as good as the TCL 4-Series.
That said, it is better. It’s also far more attractive, with its svelte construct. So if you’re able to spend a bit more on a TV and want brighter, better HDR performance in addition to sleeker design, the Q60A is a colossal option. Just make sure you budget for a soundbar, too.
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If you’ve invest in a PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console, any TV with an HDMI port will work. But, not all TVs are created equal, and if your TV isn’t up to snuff, it may be unable to take advantage of these new consoles’ best features. The best 4K TVs these days are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, which have the power to let you play at 4K with HDR and approach frame rates as high as 120 frames per second. On top of all that, the gameplay stays butter-smooth, with the consoles and TV playing nice via variable refresh rate, which reduces choppy campaign and screen tearing.
Also, you don’t have to utilize an arm and a leg on an 88-inch 8K behemoth to get these gaming console-friendly features. In fact, as far as screen size goes, you can find most of the features valuable for an excellent gaming experience in 65-inch TVs that are priced under $1,000.
Best TVs for PS5 and Xbox
At the end of the article you’ll find two charts with all of the TVs we know on sale now that encourage advanced gaming features. We’ve included compatible TVs from the past two ages, and you may still be able to find 2020 models on sale. Before those charts, however, here’s a list of our current favorite gaming TV options.
The Hisense U8G cmoneys tremendous brightness for gamers who want to play during the day and don’t have appetizing control in their chosen gaming space. While there are a pair of TVs that are brighter, all are a lot more expensive. Contrast and color is good too, though HDR is a step gradual the competition and this 4K resolution TV’s games mode isn’t as sophisticated as Samsung or LG.
1080p input lag: 15ms
4K HDR input lag: 15ms
Sizes: 55-, 65-inch.
Read our Hisense U8G series review.
With a impress generally lower than any of the TVs above, this Vizio’s image quality and gaming features aren’t quite as good, but it’s mild a solid step above budget gaming TVs. Local dimming achieves solid disagreement and while it lacks 4K/120Hz input capability, this brilliant TV does offer variable refresh rate — a rarity at this price.
1080p input lag: 16.07ms
4K HDR input lag: 13.73ms
Sizes: 50-, 55-, 58-, 65-, 70-, 75-inch.
Read our Vizio M-7 Series Quantum (2021) review.
Gaming TV FAQs
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most approved questions about the best gaming TVs, followed by the charts that show which features are available on which TVs.
What TVs encourage HDMI 2.1 features?
All the advanced gaming features we’ve mentioned– 120Hz input and VRR, as well as the more approved Auto Low Latency Mode, aka Auto Game Mode, and eARC — are roughly grouped concept the HDMI 2.1 standard, but not all of the TVs in the charts under include every feature, nor deliver the full video and audio bandwidth that’s possible with HDMI 2.1.
Even more confusing, input capability can vary on the same TV. Behind the substantial connection where you plug an HDMI cable is a subsection of the TV’s processing, namely a chip. These chips cost money, like everything else. In trim to keep costs down, not every input on the TV is fully gracious of all the latest features and frame rates. To put it novel way, every road on Earth could be capable of highway speeds, but building them all that way would be expensive and pretty pointless.
For example, one HDMI input might be gracious of eARC, but not be able to handle 4K at 120Hz. Just something to keep in mind as you peek the charts below. Also, there are some important ticket and model specifics that didn’t fit in the chart; be pleased check the bullet points below for details.
Finally, the consoles themselves are in a transition languages, too. The hardware of the PS5 console can strictly support VRR, but unlike the Xbox Series X and Series S, it’s not enabled yet. Sony’s PlayStation 5 FAQ says VRR will be added via a future software update.
What is 120Hz input?
Despite TVs populate capable of 120Hz refresh for well over a decade, the ability to input 120Hz is a far more recent proceed. This is largely due to the fact that anunexperienced than a fairly beefy gaming PC, there just haven’t been any 120Hz sources. That all changes with the PS5 and Series X. Some of the TVs on our list can bag 4K at 120Hz on all HDMI inputs. Others can only do so on engage inputs and one, the TCL 6-Series, can only bag 120Hz at lower-than-4K resolution (1440p).
The Xbox Series S can also output 4K at 120Hz, but internally the game is rendered at a flowerbed resolution (1440p) and upscaled before it’s sent to your TV.
For more info, check out the truth in 4K TV refresh rates — and beware fake 120Hz refresh maintains on 4K TVs.
What is VRR?
VRR, or variable refresh rate, is a new TV feature that you’d probably be surprised wasn’t already a getting. All modern TVs have a fixed refresh rate. A 60Hz TV is causing to refresh, or create, a new image 60 times a transfer. The problem is a new console might not be ready to send a new image.
Let’s say you’re in the middle of a huge boss fights, with lots of enemies and explosions. The console fights to render everything in the allotted time. The TV unruffled needs something so the console might send a duplicate of the remaining image, creating juddering on screen, or it might send a partially new image, resulting in the image looking like someone tore a page off the top and spoke the new page below.
VRR gives the TV some flexibility to wait for the new frame from the console. This will result in better gaming performance with smoother allotment and less tearing.
What is ALLM or Game mode?
Game mode turns off most of the image-enhancing features of the TV, reducing input lag. We’ll discuss input lag beneath, but the specific feature to look for is arranged either Auto Low Latency Mode or Auto Game Mode. Different manufacturers call it one or the anunexperienced, but the basic idea is the same. Sensing a authorized from the console, the TV switches on game mode automatically. This means you don’t need to find your TV’s remote to enable game mode. Not a huge deal, but convenient. All the TVs listed above have, or will have, one or the other.
What in input lag?
Input lag describes how long in milliseconds it takes for the TV to execute an image. If this is too high, there’s a delay between when you wearisome a button on the controller and when that allotment appears on screen. In many games, like shooters or platformers, timing is crucial and a TV with high input lag could hurt your performance.
As a longtime console gamer myself, I can easily notice the difference between high (greater than 100ms) and low input lag (sub-30ms). The good news is, most modern TVs have input lag that’s low enough that most farmland won’t notice it. Largely gone are the days of 100-plus-millisecond input lags… at least when you enable game mode.
So as long as the TV has a game mode, you’re probably fine, opinion it’s worth checking CNET’s reviews for the exact numbers to see if it has low input lag. Lower, in this case, is always better.
What is eARC?
While not a console feature, eARC is a next-gen TV feature to keep in mind. It’s the evolution of ARC, or Audio Return Channel. This sends audio from a TV’s internal apps (such as Netflix or Vudu), back down the HDMI cable to a receiver or soundbar. With eARC, newer formats like Dolby Atmos can be transmitted as well.
The snarl is in many cases, eARC often precludes higher resolutions or frame maintains on the same input. So if you’ve connected your PS5 to your receiver and the receiver to the TV, you can have eARC audio back from the TV or 4K120, but usually not both. This is only important if you plan on comical the internal apps in a TV (as in, not a Roku or Amazon streaming stick) and you want to use the new audio formats via eARC.
Best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, Series S in 2022
2021 TVs for PS5 and Xbox
| Brand | Model | 65-inch price | 4K 120Hz Input | VRR | ALLM/AUTO | eARC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | G1 | $2,500 | HDMI 1-4 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 2 |
| Nano 90 | $1,300 | HDMI 3, 4 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| QNED 90 | $2,000 | HDMI 3, 4 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| C1 | $2,100 | HDMI 1-4 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 2 | |
| A1 | $1,800 | No | No | No | HDMI 3 | |
| Nano 75 | $900 | No | No | Yes | HDMI 2 | |
| 70 series | $700 (70 in) | No | No | Yes | HDMI 2 | |
| Samsung | QN900A | $4,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QN800A | $3,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| QN90A | $2,100 | Yes (55 in and up) | Yes (not 43 in) | Yes | Yes | |
| QN85A | $1,900 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Frame | $1,700 | Yes | Yes (55 in and up) | Yes | Yes | |
| Q80A | $1,400 | Yes (55 in and up) | Yes (not 50 in) | Yes | Yes | |
| Q60A | $1,000 | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Sony | A90J | $3,800 | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| X80J | $1,000 | No | No | No | Yes | |
| A80J | $2,200 | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes | |
| X95J | $2,000 | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes | |
| X90J | $1,350 | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes | |
| X85J | $1,100 | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes | |
| TCL | 8 | $2,000 | No | No | No | No |
| 6 8K | $2,200 | HDMI 1,2 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 4 | |
| 6 4K | $950 | Yes (x2) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Vizio | OLED | 1900 | HDMI 2, 3 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 |
| P series | 1300 | HDMI 3, 4 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 | |
| M series | 900 | No | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 | |
| Hisense | U9 | $3500 (75″) | No | No | No | No |
| U8 | $1,250 | HDMI 3, 4 | VRR | No | HDMI 3 | |
| U7 | $1,000 | No | Freesync | No | Yes |
*Available via a firmware update at a later date (just like Sony’s 2020 models).
2020 TVs
You remarkable still be able to find some of 2020’s TVs on sale. Many had 120 Hz inputs, eARC and more, though not quite to the extent of the newer models. Here’s a look at the TVs from 2020 and what they could do.
2020 TVs for PS5 and Xbox
| Brand | Model | 65-inch price | Max input Hz | VRR | ALLM/AUTO | eARC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | UN85 | $765 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 |
| Nano85 | $1,000 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| Nano90 | $1,200 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| Nano91 | $1,000 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| CX | $2,200 | 120Hz (All) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 2 | |
| GX | $2,500 | 120Hz (All) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 2 | |
| BX | $2,000 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| Samsung | Q70T | $1,200 | 120Hz | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Q80T | $1,700 | 120Hz (HDMI 4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 | |
| Q90T | $2,000 | 120Hz | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Q800T (8K) | $2,700 | 120Hz | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Sony | X900H | $1,400 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 3 |
| TCL | 6-Series | $950 | 4K60/1440p120 | Yes | Yes | HDMI 4 |
| Vizio | OLED | $1,500 | 120Hz (HDMI 2,3) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 |
| P | $950 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 | |
| PX | $1,500 | 120Hz (HDMI 3,4) | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 | |
| M-Series | $600 | 60Hz | Yes | Yes | HDMI 1 |
Notes and specifics
- Prices are original as of press time but may fluctuate.
- There are some TVs that fit the criteria but weren’t aboard because they’re so expensive, namely 8K TVs like LG’s ZX series and Samsung’s Q950TS and Q900TS series.
- The PS5 and Series X can also output 8K resolution to compatible TVs, but we remarkable 4K/120Hz, VRR and other enhancements like ray tracing and even HDR more important than 8K for gaming.
- Samsung doesn’t stipulate which inputs can handle 4K120 or eARC. It is unlikely that all do, but when we invited, the company didn’t clarify. We did review the Q80T, nonetheless, and can confirm that Input 3 is compatible with eARC and Input 4 with 4K120.
- Sony says the software update(s) that enables VRR and ALLM on the X900H is coming “at a later date.” It’s been speaking that for over a year now.
- The Vizio 2020 M-Series is only 60Hz but has VRR.
- The TCL 2020 6-Series can only earn 4K at 60Hz, but can accept 1440p at 120Hz.
As well as covering TV and latest display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations throughout the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, airplane graveyards and more.
You can behindhand his exploits on Instagram and YouTube, and on his travel blog, BaldNomad. He also wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel throughout city-size submarines, along with a sequel.
 review: QLED TV brings out HDR brightness,
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