Roku Plus Series 55" vs Samsung QN85D 55"
Samsung's QN85D commands a significant premium over Roku's Plus Series, and the performance gap justifies much of that investment. Picture quality differences are substantial: Samsung's Neo QLED Mini-LED with 2000 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate crushes Roku's 700-nit QLED 60Hz panel for movie watching and gaming alike. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate Samsung's variable refresh rate support and 9ms input lag versus Roku's 13ms. Audio capabilities favor Samsung with 40W object-tracking speakers compared to Roku's 20W setup. However, Roku's smarter software integration—supporting Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2—offers more ecosystem flexibility than Samsung's Tizen. For budget-conscious buyers seeking basic 4K streaming and apps, Roku Plus delivers exceptional value at $399. For serious gamers and cinephiles demanding elite picture processing and gaming features, Samsung's $1299 investment delivers measurably superior performance and features. Your choice depends on whether core functionality or premium performance matters more.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Roku Plus Series 55" | Samsung QN85D 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 400 x 400mm |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs | 46.7 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.6 x 10.2 inches | 48.4 x 31.5 x 11.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 40 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Lite |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 13 | 9 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Quantum HDR 20x, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QLED | Neo QLED Mini-LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 2000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Roku OS | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Quad-core | Neural Quantum Processor 4K Lite |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Roku Plus Series 55"
Pros
- Roku OS is the simplest, cleanest smart TV platform available
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AND Dolby Atmos decoding — unusual at $399
- Works with every voice assistant: Alexa, Google, Siri (via AirPlay)
- Wi-Fi 6 for reliable 4K streaming
- QLED color enhancement is visible versus basic LED panels
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or gaming features
- 700-nit brightness is okay but not impressive for HDR highlights
- Roku's ad-supported free channels are prominently pushed in the UI
- No VRR for next-gen console gaming
Samsung QN85D 55"
Pros
- Mini-LED backlighting delivers strong contrast for a 55-inch at this price
- All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@120Hz for gaming
- VRR and ALLM make it a solid choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Anti-glare coating keeps the picture clean in bright environments
Cons
- Fewer Mini-LED dimming zones than the QN90D limits peak contrast performance
- No Dolby Atmos — Samsung's proprietary audio ecosystem only
- Tizen home screen includes ads and sponsored app rows
- The Lite processor shows its limits with complex 8K and AI upscaling scenes
Related Comparisons
Explore more in tvs, see all Roku products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Roku Plus Series 55" or the Samsung QN85D 55".