Samsung 65-Inch Class OLED 4K S85D TV review with Dolby Atmos and HDR features

Description

Sleek Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The Samsung 65-Inch Class OLED 4K S85D Series is undeniably a showstopper when it comes to design. Its wave-inspired contour design is not just unique but also serves a functional purpose, blending seamlessly into any modern living room setup. The Graphite Black finish exudes sophistication, and the slim bezels give it a nearly edge-to-edge screen look, which is perfect for immersing yourself in content. I personally found myself marveling at how this TV felt more like an art piece than just another piece of electronics. It’s clear that Samsung poured effort into creating something that doesn’t just deliver performance but also elevates your living space.

Picture Quality That Stands Out

This TV is all about the OLED technology, and let me tell you, the pure blacks and Pantone-validated colors are a visual treat. Whether it’s the glowing whites or the vibrant reds, every hue truly pops. Watching movies with OLED HDR made me appreciate details that I didn’t even realize were there in some of my favorite films. The Real Depth Enhancer is another standout feature. It mimics how the human eye perceives depth, adding a touch of realism to every scene. While watching a nature documentary, I felt as though I could reach out and touch the leaves rustling in the wind.

And speaking of motion, the Motion Xcelerator 120Hz ensures that fast-paced action sequences stay smooth and crisp. Whether it’s a high-speed car chase or a chaotic football match, the clarity is something you have to see to believe.

Immersive Sound Experience

If picture quality is the heart of this TV, then the sound is its soul. With Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite, the audio surrounds you. I tested it with a few blockbuster movies and was genuinely impressed by how sound seemed to follow the action on the screen. It made me jump more than a few times during a thriller! While the built-in speakers are powerful and clear, audiophiles might still prefer hooking up a soundbar for that added punch.

Smart Features That Simplify Life

The Tizen OS is as intuitive as it gets. Navigating through apps like Netflix, Hulu, or even gaming platforms was a breeze. I especially appreciated the Multi View option, which allowed me to watch two videos simultaneously. It’s a game-changer for someone like me who loves keeping tabs on sports while gaming.

Another cool feature is the 4K AI Upscaling. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; the way it enhances regular HD content to near-4K resolution is impressive. Watching older home videos felt like a trip down memory lane but in ultra-high definition.

The Apple AirPlay and Samsung Daily+ integrations are handy for sharing content from my phone seamlessly. I even tried the TV-to-mobile mirroring feature, which worked without a hitch.

Key Benefits

• Stunning OLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid motion for action scenes and gaming.
• Multiple smart features, including Multi View and 4K AI Upscaling, enhance usability.
• Dolby Atmos audio provides an immersive surround sound experience.
• Sleek contour design blends well with modern home interiors.

Shortcomings

• The built-in speakers, though decent, might not satisfy audiophiles without additional equipment.
• Tizen OS, while user-friendly, lacks a few niche apps that competitors might offer.
• Some users might find the wave-inspired design too unconventional for their taste.

Product Competitors

When compared to other OLED TVs, like the LG C3 OLED or Sony A80L, the Samsung S85D holds its ground firmly. The LG C3 excels with its gaming features, offering G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, which might appeal to hardcore gamers. However, Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator 120Hz gives it a significant edge for smooth action scenes, especially for sports enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the Sony A80L boasts incredible sound quality with Acoustic Surface Audio, where the screen itself acts as a speaker. While this is innovative, Samsung’s Dolby Atmos implementation still feels more immersive, especially when paired with Object Tracking Sound Lite.

Where the Samsung S85D shines brightest is in its Real Depth Enhancer and Pantone-validated colors, offering a level of realism that feels unparalleled. However, LG and Sony might edge ahead slightly in terms of app availability and deeper gaming options.

Worth Every Penny?

For a premium OLED TV, the Samsung S85D offers a solid mix of performance, design, and features. While it’s priced in the higher bracket, the value it provides, especially in terms of picture quality and immersive sound, makes it a worthy investment. If you’re someone who values cutting-edge technology in both visuals and audio, this TV won’t disappoint. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, alternative models might offer slightly fewer features at a more affordable price.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with the caveat that you’re truly looking to immerse yourself in the best of 4K OLED technology. For me, this has been a game-changer in how I experience entertainment at home.

Additional information