As you shop Samsung‘s 2021 lineup of cutting-edge 4K and 8K television sets, you may feel overwhelmed by densely packed model numbers and an alphabet soup of proprietary display technologies. QLED…Neo QLED…Mini-LED – what does it all actually mean for your viewing experience?
This guide will decode the crucial differences between Samsung‘s QN85A and QN90A 4K smart TV lines across all fronts. After digesting the specifics, you‘ll know precisely whether stepping up to the QN90A warrants paying extra over the extremely capable QN85A series given your needs.
Demystifying Samsung‘s Neo QLED Display Revolution
You may have heard Samsung hyping up Quantum Dot LED (QLED) for years as a major display innovation. Well, Neo QLED kicks color, contrast and brightness up multiple notches by layering two advanced technologies atop a QLED baseline:
Mini-LED Backlights – The "Neo" refers to miniaturized LED diodes utilized in full array backlights instead of traditional LEDs. With LEDs shrunk down to 1/40th the size, more can be packed in to enable independent brightness control across far more zones – over 1000 on premium models. This allows dark regions of the picture to turn completely off while bright areas blaze at maximum luminance.
Quantum Dot Layers – On top of the advanced backlight, Samsung adheres films of semiconductor nanocrystals called Quantum Dots. This proprietary layer of particles converts blue LED backlight to pure red and green light to boost color volume to 100% of the cinema standard DCI-P3 spectrum used for mastering films and streaming originals.
Coupled together, Neo QLED attains brightness levels exceeding 2000 nits for spectacular High Dynamic Range (HDR) performance with visuals approaching OLED-quality inky blacks across over a thousand dimming zones. Harnessing both technologies furnishes levels of color accuracy, contrast and peak luminance simply unattainable on non-Neo QLED Samsung sets.
But even among cutting-edge Neo QLED models, important differences remain that distinguish the stellar QN85A from Samsung‘s flagship 4K display – the QN90A.
Backlight Dimming Zones – Unlocking Deeper Blacks
More independently controlled dimming zones within the full array LED backlight directly strengthens a television‘s contrast control – enabling brighter highlights against darker shadows. This crushes black levels for tense horror and sci-fi scenes while making specular glints and sparks truly pop.
As mini-LED shrinks diode dimensions, more can fit onto the backlight panel – thus dividing the screen into hundreds more separately controllable zones. More zones equal finer grained command over lighting intensity across the display area.
QN85A – 784 separate backlighting zones able to deactivate fully across vast portions of the screen. This delivers impressively dark black levels with fantastic contrast, albeit with some minor light blooming around bright objects.
QN90A – Over 1900 zones on higher tier models, reaching nearly the full potential of mini-LED backlights to further choke out excessive light bleed. This unlocks OLED-rivaling blacks and shadow detail with point light sources dazzlingly bright.
While both Neo QLED sets achieve incredible contrast compared to edge-lit LED LCDs, the QN90A‘s more advanced backlight and dimming algorithms give it a slight edge.
Peak Brightness and HDR
Brighter screens make HDR content really shine with the expanded luminance range filmmakers take advantage of. Higher peak brightness also enables vibrant, true-to-life colors that seem to pop right off the screen.
QN85A – Peaks at 1500 nits brightness across a 10% highlight window. This secures solid HDR color volume but lacks some "wow" factor on glints, sparks, explosions and other specular highlights compared to brighter sets.
QN90A – Samsung‘s 2021 flagship 4K Neo QLED outraces the QN85A with a 2000 nit peak luminance across a full 25% viewing zone. Outdoor signage competitive levels of brightness create jaw-dropping HDR images with colors that will mesmerize viewers.
Give the edge again to the QN90A – images hold a tangibly more realistic and visually arresting level of dynamism and punch. Its dazzling brightness takes full advantage of HDR‘s expanded gamut.
Gaming Capabilities – Next-Gen Ready
With blindingly fast response times measuring under 10ms and 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second, Samsung QLED TVs make compelling big screen gaming monitors without the deskbound drawbacks of cramming behind a smaller computer display.
Both the QN85A and QN90A lines offer full support for cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 gaming features:
4K/120 FPS – HDMI ports enable 4K gaming at buttery smooth 120Hz frame rates for titles supporting this bleeding edge capability. Response feels ultra-sharp with minimal input lag.
VRR Support – They also incorporate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync – adaptive sync protocols that prevent stuttering and screen tearing during heavy duty gaming sessions. Titles feel liquid smooth.
While the QN90A pulls ahead slightly regarding visual punch for HDR gaming, both 4K QLEDs furnish outstanding next-generation gaming prowess right out of the box that console and PC gamers will hugely appreciate over dated sets.
Audio – Bringing Sounds Alive
With quantum leaps ahead on the video front, Samsung also innovates on built-in audio quality for a more immersive viewing experience:
QN85A – Object Tracking Sound (OTS) utilizes face detection and AI smarts to emit sound precisely from left, center and right-side speakers matching the on-screen action. Voices follow characters as they move across frames with impressive accuracy. Solid clarity though bass lacks thunder.
QN90A – Ups audio immersion with OTS+ via additional wide-range speakers stretching the sound stage wider and side-firing drivers creating phantom rear surround effects. Deeper bass slam helps explosions and soundtracks truly envelop the listening space.
Reviewers praise the QN90A‘s meaningfully upgraded sound profile over the QN85A – it unlocks a far more cinematic, premium listening experience from built-in drivers that could preclude you from needing to purchase a separate sound system.
Smart Platform & Features
Both 2021 Neo QLED models utilize the latest version of Samsung‘s polished Tizen smart TV software – providing speedy access to all major 4K streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video augmented by extras like:
Super Ultrawide GameView – Dynamically expands aspect ratio to suit game console or PC feeds natively to prevent unsightly black bars while displaying more situational awareness peripherally.
MultiView – Watch up to four video inputs simultaneously. Keep tabs on multiple live sporting events, stream a walkthrough YouTube tutorial alongside your gameplay screen, video conference call into meetings handsfree and more.
SmartThings Integration – Voice control IoT devices like robot vacuums, smart lights and thermostats directly through the television UI using Alexa or Bixby AI assistants.
While smart features are virtually identical across both models, the QN90A series inducts smaller 43 inch and 50 inch variants tailored more for desktop usage compared to the QN85A‘s 55 inch minimum screen size.
Cost Breakdown – When Does QN90A Warrant Its Price Premium
Given utilization of a higher grade anti-glare coating, more advanced Neo Quantum image processor and boosted audio drivers, Samsung prices the QN90A a consistent $500 above the QN85A at all common display sizes:
55 inch – QN85A $1499.99 MSRP vs QN90A at $1999.99
65 inch – QN85A costs $1999.99, QN90A jumps to $2499.99
75 inch – $2799.99 for the QN85A, $500 more procures you the QN90A for $3299.99
For buyers aiming to maximize screen real estate without paying for top-of-the-line performance, the QN85A Sweet Spot delivers superb Neo QLED 4K quality hundreds less. But given markedly improved brightness, black levels, sound and gaming buddy abilities attainable in the 65 to 85 inch range, I feel QN90A justifies its price premium for enthusiasts. Shelling out extra stacks furnishes meaningfully better well-rounded execution – futureproofing your investment as content catches up with cutting-edge displays.
The Verdict? QN90A Wins Overall But QN85A Offers Stellar Value
In head to head display testing, reviewers praise the QN90A Neo QLED‘s visibly increased brightness, inky black levels courtesy of extra backlighting zones and brighter highlights that enable visuals to virtually pop off the screen. Augmented audio drivers also upgrade sound dimension for a more immersive experience.
Make no mistake – the QN85A remains an outstanding performer taken on its own merits, crushing black levels and attaining searing brightness thanks to Neo QLED magic. But side by side versus Samsung‘s 2021 flagship 4K television, the QN90A offers tangibly punchier images, deeper contrast control and cinematic sound placing it a half step ahead of its sibling. Thanks to heavy backlight refinement between generations, the QN90A furnishes the ultimate realization of Neo QLED‘s capabilities.
That said, the $500+ premium commands on larger models still positions the stellar QN85A series as a value option for frugal shoppers. You‘ll secure exhilarating 4K visuals with sensational contrast and color at discounted pricing, albeit with some peak brightness and audio concessions compared to the cutting-edge king QN90A. Regardless, both Samsung Neo QLEDs deliver profoundly upgraded and long-lasting viewing enjoyment that I heartily endorse given reasonable asking costs.
Hopefully demystifying matters, this guide arms you to decide whether the QN90A‘s advantages justify budgets stretching a bit further than the still glorious QN85A Sweet Spot given your wants. Game on!
