Best QD-OLED TVs

Television displays reached a point where listing specifications reveals almost nothing about actual viewing experience. QD-OLED technology combines self-emissive OLED pixels with quantum dot color layers, creating displays capable of over 4000 nits peak brightness while maintaining perfect blacks. After testing these TVs across different content and lighting conditions, I've learned that panel type matters far less than how manufacturers tune their implementations.

Modern QD-OLED televisions deliver brightness approaching mini-LED while retaining OLED's instantaneous response and infinite contrast. The technology uses blue OLED emitters with quantum dot layers converting blue light into red and green, achieving wider color gamuts than W-OLED panels. Samsung and Sony both use Samsung Display's QD-OLED panels but produce dramatically different experiences through processor tuning and screen coatings.

If you're in a hurry, here are my top two picks for QD-OLED TVs:

Table of Contents:

• Best QD-OLED TVs: Buying Guide
• Top 4 QD-OLED TVs in 2025
• QD-OLED Television Comparison
• Samsung S95F OLED
• Sony BRAVIA 8 II
• Samsung S90D OLED
• Samsung S85F OLED
• QD-OLED TVs: FAQ

Best QD-OLED TVs: Buying Guide

Selecting QD-OLED televisions requires understanding how this hybrid technology differs from both traditional OLED and LCD displays. After testing multiple QD-OLED models in various environments, the distinctions between excellent and mediocre implementations become apparent.

QD-OLED vs W-OLED Technology

QD-OLED panels use blue OLED emitters as light sources, with quantum dot layers converting blue light into precise red and green wavelengths. This approach delivers purer colors and higher brightness than W-OLED panels, which use white OLED emitters filtered through color layers. The quantum dot conversion enables QD-OLED to reach over 123% DCI-P3 color gamut and peak brightness exceeding 4000 nits in 2025 panels.

QD-OLED combines OLED's perfect blacks and instantaneous response with quantum dot's superior brightness and color volume, creating displays that excel in both dark and bright viewing environments.

W-OLED panels traditionally offer better longevity and lower manufacturing costs but sacrifice peak brightness and color saturation. Recent W-OLED advances including tandem stacking have narrowed the brightness gap, though QD-OLED maintains advantages in color purity and efficiency. Neither technology proves universally superior, with ideal choice depending on specific viewing priorities and room conditions.

Screen Coatings and Reflection Handling

Surface treatments dramatically impact viewing experience regardless of panel technology. Samsung's Glare Free coating uses matte finish eliminating mirror-like reflections, reducing distractions in bright rooms but potentially affecting color vibrancy. Sony's glossy screens maintain full color depth and black levels but show more obvious reflections from windows and lamps.

The coating choice matters more than specifications suggest. Matte finishes excel in living rooms with large windows or unavoidable light sources, maintaining watchability during daytime viewing. Glossy screens suit dedicated theater rooms with controlled lighting where maximum image quality takes priority over reflection management. Testing both types in your actual viewing environment reveals which approach serves your needs better.

Gaming Features and Performance

QD-OLED televisions provide exceptional gaming experiences through near-instant pixel response eliminating motion blur. Modern models support 4K 120Hz across all HDMI 2.1 ports, with premium options reaching 144Hz or even 165Hz for PC gaming. Variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) come standard across quality QD-OLED TVs.

Input lag separates good from great gaming displays. Quality QD-OLED models achieve under 10ms input lag in game mode, providing responsive control matching dedicated gaming monitors. NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync support eliminates screen tearing during variable frame rate content. Some models include game-specific features like frame rate counters, crosshair overlays, and gaming dashboards showing connection quality.

Processor Quality and Upscaling

AI processors determine how well TVs handle non-native content. Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor uses 128 neural networks for upscaling and image optimization, significantly more sophisticated than previous generations. Sony's XR Processor with cognitive intelligence analyzes scenes holistically rather than processing elements individually, producing natural-looking results.

Premium processors make 1080p content watchable and transform streaming quality to approach 4K native resolution, crucial since most viewing involves compressed streaming rather than pristine 4K discs.

Motion handling varies significantly between brands despite identical panels. Sony generally excels at motion processing for sports and action content, maintaining detail during fast movement. Samsung prioritizes gaming performance with extremely low latency but sometimes smooths motion aggressively. Testing with your most-watched content types reveals which processing philosophy aligns with preferences.

HDR Format Support

HDR format compatibility affects access to premium content. Samsung supports HDR10+ dynamic metadata improving scene-by-scene optimization but lacks Dolby Vision support. Sony includes Dolby Vision alongside HDR10 and HLG, providing broader compatibility with streaming services and physical media. Dolby Vision's scene-by-scene optimization often produces superior results with compatible content.

The Dolby Vision absence on Samsung TVs matters primarily for users heavily invested in Dolby Vision content libraries. Most streaming services offer content in multiple HDR formats, with HDR10+ providing similar benefits to Dolby Vision through dynamic metadata. However, exclusive Dolby Vision titles or 4K Blu-rays encoded only in Dolby Vision play in standard HDR10 on Samsung displays.

Top 4 QD-OLED TVs in 2025

After extensive testing across different content types and viewing conditions, these four QD-OLED televisions represent the best options currently available. Each model serves specific needs while delivering quantum dot OLED's fundamental advantages.

QD-OLED Television Comparison

To help evaluate technical differences between top QD-OLED TVs, here's a detailed comparison table:

Each model targets different priorities, from S95F's flagship brightness to BRAVIA 8 II's cinema-focused processing and S90D's value proposition.

Samsung S95F OLED Review

Editor's Choice

The Samsung 65-Inch OLED S95F represents Samsung's 2025 flagship QD-OLED, incorporating the brightest OLED panel currently available with peak brightness exceeding 4000 nits in small windows. The Glare Free 2.0 coating nearly eliminates distracting reflections while maintaining deeper blacks than previous matte implementations, solving the longstanding compromise between reflection management and image quality. Combined with the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor featuring 128 neural networks, the S95F delivers reference-level picture quality across all content types.

Motion handling reaches 165Hz refresh rate for PC gaming, the highest available on any OLED TV. Four HDMI 2.1 ports support full 4K 165Hz bandwidth with VRR and ALLM, plus NVIDIA G-SYNC certification eliminating tearing. Input lag measures under 8ms in game mode, matching dedicated gaming monitors while maintaining 65-inch screen size. The gaming hub consolidates cloud gaming services, though requiring stable internet connections for optimal performance.

The separate One Connect box routes all connections through single cable to the ultra-thin display panel, simplifying cable management for wall mounting. Object Tracking Sound uses multiple drivers creating spatial audio following on-screen movement. The system produces surprisingly effective surround effects without external speakers, though audiophiles still benefit from dedicated soundbars. Auto HDR Gamut uses ambient light sensors adjusting shadow detail in bright viewing environments, maintaining visibility without crushing blacks.

Vision AI represents Samsung's most advanced upscaling implementation, analyzing content through 128 neural networks identifying specific scenes and applying optimized processing. The system recognizes faces, landscapes, text, and other elements applying targeted enhancement rather than generic sharpening. Streaming content particularly benefits, with 1080p sources approaching native 4K quality. The processor handles motion interpolation smoothly when desired, though purists prefer film content at native frame rates.

Testing the S95F against previous flagships reveals immediate brightness advantages during HDR highlights while maintaining OLED's characteristic perfect blacks. The Glare Free coating performed exactly as advertised during daytime viewing with open blinds, maintaining image quality where glossy screens showed distracting reflections. The 83-inch model uses W-OLED panel rather than QD-OLED, delivering comparable performance through different technology.

Summary: The Samsung S95F OLED delivers the most advanced QD-OLED experience available, combining unprecedented brightness with effective glare management and comprehensive gaming features. Best for bright room viewing, serious gamers, and anyone wanting flagship performance without compromises.

Sony BRAVIA 8 II Review

Best Overall

The Sony BRAVIA 8 II 65-Inch uses the same Samsung QD-OLED panel as the S95F but produces dramatically different results through Sony's processing philosophy and glossy screen approach. The XR Processor analyzes content cognitively rather than algorithmically, understanding scene context to make intelligent processing decisions. This produces natural-looking images maintaining filmmaker intent rather than prioritizing specs-driven sharpness. Dolby Vision support provides access to premium HDR content with scene-by-scene optimization.

Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology vibrates the entire screen creating sound, generating more precise audio positioning than traditional downward-firing speakers. Dialog appears to originate from actors' mouths rather than below the screen, improving immersion without external speakers. The system produces surprisingly robust bass considering the slim panel construction, though still benefits from subwoofer addition for action content. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping calibrates audio for room acoustics using the included remote's microphones.

XR OLED Contrast Pro analyzes scenes maintaining shadow detail in dark content without crushing blacks or blooming. The processing particularly excels with challenging material like The Batman, preserving detail in dimly-lit scenes where aggressive tone mapping would lose information. Color grading maintains filmmaker intent through XR Triluminos Max delivering billions of accurate colors rather than artificially boosted saturation.

Google TV platform provides comprehensive streaming app access with intuitive interface and voice search. The integration with Google ecosystem enables casting from phones and smart home control. Sony Pictures CORE app includes free movies and largest IMAX Enhanced collection, valuable for home theater enthusiasts. Apple AirPlay 2 support enables iPhone users to stream content seamlessly.

The glossy screen maintains full color depth and black levels in dim viewing conditions where matte coatings compromise image quality. However, bright room performance suffers compared to Samsung's Glare Free technology, showing more obvious reflections from windows and lamps. Testing revealed the BRAVIA 8 II demands controlled lighting for optimal experience, rewarding dedicated theater room setups with superior image quality.

Summary: The Sony BRAVIA 8 II prioritizes accurate color and natural processing over peak brightness, delivering the most cinema-like viewing experience among QD-OLED TVs. Best for dedicated theater rooms with controlled lighting and viewers valuing filmmaker intent over flashy specs.

Samsung S90D OLED Review

Best Value

The Samsung 55-Inch OLED S90D delivers 90% of flagship performance at significantly lower cost. The NQ4 AI Gen2 processor with 20 neural networks handles upscaling and image optimization effectively, producing clean results with streaming content and HD sources. While less sophisticated than the Gen3 processor, real-world differences emerge primarily during challenging content requiring aggressive noise reduction or motion processing.

Peak brightness reaches 1600 nits in QD-OLED sizes (55", 65", 77"), providing punchy HDR highlights and maintaining visibility in moderately bright rooms. The 42", 48", and 83" models use W-OLED panels instead of QD-OLED, offering solid performance with slightly lower brightness and color volume. This panel lottery complicates purchasing decisions, requiring verification of panel type for specific sizes.

Gaming performance matches premium models through 4K 144Hz support, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, and sub-10ms input lag. The four HDMI 2.1 ports handle current-generation consoles and gaming PCs without limitation. Real Depth Enhancer analyzes scenes increasing foreground contrast for dimensional perception, though the effect proves subtle compared to proper HDR mastering.

Pantone validation ensures accurate color reproduction meeting professional standards. The system produces realistic skin tones and natural color grading without oversaturation. OLED HDR+ analyzes scenes boosting brightness and improving image clarity dynamically, though less sophisticated than the S95F's implementation. Motion Xcelerator 144Hz provides smooth motion handling for gaming and sports content.

Testing the S90D alongside the S95F revealed noticeable brightness differences during peak highlights, with the flagship producing more impactful HDR. However, in controlled lighting typical of evening viewing, the S90D delivered exceptional image quality approaching flagship performance. The glossy screen shows more reflections than matte alternatives but maintains full color depth and black levels.

Summary: The Samsung S90D OLED provides flagship QD-OLED experience at mid-range pricing, sacrificing only cutting-edge brightness and advanced processing. Best for value-focused buyers wanting premium OLED performance without paying for marginal flagship improvements.

Samsung S85F OLED Review

Budget Pick

The Samsung 55-Inch OLED S85F brings QD-OLED technology to budget-conscious buyers through strategic feature reduction rather than panel compromise. Using the same Gen2 processor as the S90D with 20 neural networks, the S85F delivers capable upscaling and image optimization for typical viewing. The wave-inspired design adds visual interest distinguishing the TV from generic rectangles.

Brightness performance trails premium models but remains impressive for OLED technology. Dynamic scene analysis improves brightness for impactful HDR, though lacking the sophisticated optimization of Gen3 processing. Pantone validated color ensures accurate reproduction across skin tones and natural elements. The NQ4 AI processor handles standard content well, showing limitations primarily with heavily compressed streaming or low-quality sources.

Gaming support includes 4K 120Hz with VRR and ALLM across four HDMI 2.1 ports, providing current console compatibility. Motion Xcelerator 120Hz smooths gaming and sports content without the 144Hz or 165Hz capabilities of premium models. Input lag remains low enough for competitive gaming, though lacking dedicated gaming features like frame rate counters or advanced crosshair overlays.

The standard coating provides basic reflection management without the Glare Free technology of flagship models. Bright room performance suffers compared to matte alternatives, requiring attention to placement and lighting control. However, the glossy approach maintains full image quality in controlled conditions where matte coatings potentially reduce vibrancy.

Testing the S85F revealed solid overall performance matching or exceeding traditional LED-LCD TVs at similar price points. The QD-OLED panel provides perfect blacks and vibrant colors unattainable from backlit displays. While clearly a step below flagship QD-OLEDs, the S85F delivers impressive value for viewers prioritizing OLED fundamentals over cutting-edge brightness or advanced processing.

Summary: The Samsung S85F OLED provides QD-OLED fundamentals at accessible pricing, delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colors without flagship brightness or advanced features. Best for budget-focused buyers wanting OLED advantages or secondary room installations.

QD-OLED TVs: Your Questions Answered

After testing multiple QD-OLED televisions across different viewing scenarios and comparing them against W-OLED and mini-LED alternatives, certain questions emerge consistently.

What makes QD-OLED different from regular OLED TVs?

QD-OLED uses blue OLED emitters with quantum dot color conversion layers, while W-OLED uses white OLED emitters with color filters. The quantum dot approach delivers purer colors reaching over 123% DCI-P3 gamut and significantly higher brightness. QD-OLED achieves over 1600 nits in quality implementations compared to traditional OLED's 800-1000 nits. The technology also provides better efficiency, with quantum dots converting light more effectively than filters. However, W-OLED offers advantages in manufacturing maturity and potentially longer lifespan, with neither technology proving universally superior.

Should I choose matte or glossy screen coating for my QD-OLED TV?

Matte coatings like Samsung's Glare Free technology eliminate mirror-like reflections, maintaining watchability in bright rooms with unavoidable light sources. Glossy screens preserve maximum color depth and black levels but show obvious reflections from windows and lamps. Choose matte for living rooms with large windows or daytime viewing, glossy for dedicated theater rooms with controlled lighting. Testing both types in your actual space reveals which approach serves your needs, as personal sensitivity to reflections varies significantly. Some viewers tolerate glossy reflections easily while others find them immediately distracting.

Is Dolby Vision absence on Samsung QD-OLEDs a dealbreaker?

Samsung supports HDR10+ dynamic metadata providing scene-by-scene optimization similar to Dolby Vision. Most streaming services offer content in both formats, with Netflix, Disney+, and others encoding titles in both Dolby Vision and HDR10+. However, exclusive Dolby Vision content plays in standard HDR10 on Samsung displays, losing dynamic metadata benefits. Physical 4K Blu-ray collections heavily invested in Dolby Vision benefit from Sony's support. For most viewers relying on streaming, HDR10+ provides comparable experience to Dolby Vision with proper implementation.

How much brighter are 2025 QD-OLED panels compared to previous generations?

The 2025 QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display achieves over 4000 nits peak brightness in small windows, approximately 30% brighter than 2024 panels. Real-world calibrated measurements reach around 1600-2000 nits sustained brightness depending on window size and picture mode. This represents significant improvement over traditional OLED's 800-1000 nits, enabling HDR highlights that actually pop and maintaining visibility in bright environments. However, full-screen brightness remains around 400 nits, similar to other OLED technologies, since peak brightness applies to highlights covering small screen percentages.

Do QD-OLED TVs have burn-in risk like traditional OLEDs?

QD-OLED uses organic materials susceptible to burn-in from prolonged static content display, similar to W-OLED. However, modern implementations include protection features like pixel shifting, logo dimming, and screen savers reducing risk significantly. Normal viewing with varied content poses minimal burn-in concern even after years of use. Problematic scenarios include using OLED TVs as PC monitors displaying static taskbars continuously or leaving news channels with static logos running hours daily. Gaming with always-visible HUD elements poses moderate risk depending on brightness levels and session duration.

Making Your QD-OLED TV Decision

The QD-OLED television market has matured into genuinely impressive options combining OLED's perfect blacks with brightness approaching mini-LED. Modern implementations eliminate most compromises through advanced processing, effective screen coatings, and comprehensive gaming features.

For flagship performance and bright room viewing, the Samsung S95F OLED delivers unprecedented brightness and effective glare management. Cinema enthusiasts wanting accurate color and natural processing benefit from the Sony BRAVIA 8 II. Value-focused buyers find excellent performance in the Samsung S90D OLED. Budget-conscious viewers access QD-OLED technology through the Samsung S85F OLED.

Choose based on actual viewing conditions and content preferences rather than chasing specification maximums. A well-matched QD-OLED television creates exceptional viewing experiences whether watching movies, gaming, or streaming content.