Samsung Q80T vs. Q70T – QLED 4K TVs comparison

Samsung’s QLED series consists of a total of 7 series: Q60T, Q70T, Q75T, Q80T, Q95T, Q800T and Q950TS. In this comparison, we will focus on the Samsung Q80T and Q70T series.

Both are two series that have some pretty interesting features and if you’re hesitant to choose between which one, read on because we’ll go into detail about the differences between the QLED 4K Samsung Q80T and Q70T series TVs.

Samsung Q80T main features

• Quantum dot technology
• VA panel
• 120Hz refresh rate (60Hz for 49″)
• Full array backlight with local dimming (40 blocks).
• Quantum processor 4K image processor
• HDR 10 +, HLG and HDR 10
• HDMI 2.1 (port 4)
• FreeSync
• ALLM
• Object tracking sound (less than 49 inches)
• 2.2.2 sound system with 60 W (2.2 and 40 W on 49 inches)
• Q-Symphony (except on 49″)
• Ambient mode
• Voice control
• Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Bixby.
• Available in: 49, 55, 65, 75 y 85

Samsung Q70T Key Features

• Quantum Dot technology
• VA panel
• 120 Hz refresh rate
• Edge LED backlight
• Quantum processor 4K image processor
• HDR 10+, HLG and HDR 10
• HDMI 2.1 (port 4)
• FreeSync
• ALLM
• Object tracking sound (less than 49 inches)
• Sound System 2.0 20W
• Ambient Mode
• Voice Control
• Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Bixby
• Available in: 55, 65 y 75

Main differences between the Samsung Q80T and the Q70T

Picture quality

Both the Q80T and Q70T use Quantum Dot technology, which consists of adding a layer of thousands of nanocrystals that reflect one color or another depending on their size.

This system of Quantum Dots, or quantum dots, helps these TVs reproduce colors well, especially in bright light where colors tend to lose saturation.

The panel on both models is of the VA type with a refresh rate of 120 Hz (except on the 49Q80T) and the color depth is 8 bits + FRC.

The big difference between the Samsung Q80T and the Q70T is the backlighting system used on each.

First, the Q80T is a Full Array TV with Local Dimming (FALD), where the LED lamps are located on the back.

The Q70T, on the other hand, is an Edge LED TV with the bulbs only at the bottom.

Which system is better? The FALD system is undoubtedly better, as it allows for higher contrast with deeper blacks and higher peak brightness.

Also, the uniformity of the screen is better and reduces the occurrence of possible stray light, which is sometimes visible when viewing the TV in the dark.

All of this is achieved because lighting from behind, rather than below, results in more even light diffusion and distribution.

With local dimming, the TV then adjusts the lighting in more specific areas of the screen.

Imagine a bright object against a dark background. In this case, the Full Array TV can make the background darker by dimming the lighting in those specific areas, and make the object brighter by focusing the light on those specific pixels.

The Q70T with the Edge LED system will have more problems, as it can’t adjust the illumination as precisely for each area, and ends up dimming the bright object’s illumination a lot to make the background look as dark as possible.

The difference is noticeable with HDR content, where the images are much brighter and where the Q80T will be the clear winner.

The maximum peak brightness achieved by the Q80T is 1500 nits in dynamic mode and when there are only a few bright objects in the scene. In the 49″ version, which has to make some sacrifices compared to the larger versions, it remains at 1000 nits.

The Q70T series, on the other hand, does not reach 1000 nits. Still, it offers good HDR performance considering its price.

Both are good options for gaming, as they are compatible with HDMI 2.1 via port 4. This makes it possible to play in 4K at 120 Hz and support a variable refresh rate via FreeSync.

Sound

In addition to the picture, there are some differences to note when it comes to sound. The Samsung Q80T’s system is a 2.2.2 with 60W of power, while the Q70T’s is a 2.0 with 20W.

In the 49″ version, the Q80T has a 2.2 system with 40W of power and no Q-Symphony or Object Tracking sound features.

Samsung TU8500 vs. LG UN8100 COMPARISON

In this new comparison, we’ll look at the differences between the LG UN8100 and Samsung TU8500 TVs. Do you want to …

Read full review

This means that the sound of the Samsung Q80T is richer in bass and with a better frequency response. Apart from that, thanks to the Object Tracking Sound (OTS) feature, the sound is more immersive as it follows the path of objects on the screen.

For example, if there is a car chase in the scene you are watching, the sound will move according to the cars.

However, it must be said that this feature has its limitations due to the fact that the speakers on this Q80T are located on the bottom. On the Q950TS 8K series, the speakers are spread across the screen and the effect is much more spectacular.

Another additional feature that the Q80T includes (except in 49″) is something called Q Symphony. What this feature allows is that when we connect a compatible Samsung soundbar (2020 high-end models), it combines the sound from the TV and the bar.

Comparison Samsung QLED 4K Q80T vs. Q70T

Samsung Q80T vs Q70T – which one is better to buy?

To answer this question, you’ll need to weigh how you’ll use the device and whether it’s worth paying the difference for the Q80T.

You also need to consider the size you want, because as we saw during the comparison, the 49-inch version of the Samsung Q80T comes with some sacrifices. For example, it doesn’t have a 120Hz panel, the sound system is simpler, and it doesn’t have other extras like Object Tracking Sound or Q-Symphony.

But in the 55″ and up versions, the Q80T has some significant improvements in picture and sound over the Q70T, though again, you’ll have to see if you appreciate those differences.

The Samsung Q80T, we think is worth it if you like to watch a lot of movies and watch them mostly in very low light or completely in the dark. We tell you this because the Q80T achieves purer blacks and better uniformity of illumination, minimizing the appearance of flare.

All of this is noticeable in complete darkness, which is where the Q70T suffers the most. The blacks will look grayer and you may notice a bit of flare under these conditions.

However, if you’re looking in a brightly lit room, you won’t notice the contrast difference as much, although the Q80T does better in these situations as well thanks to its higher brightness.

If you don’t have or plan to purchase a separate sound system, you may be more interested in the Samsung Q80T, because while its sound isn’t spectacular, it may be more than enough for most users.

In any case, we recommend a soundbar or home theater if you want to enjoy your Blu-Ray movies to the fullest or have a Netflix account.