Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) vs Sony A80L 65" (OLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's QN85C delivers impressive performance at a $600 price advantage, featuring a brighter 1200-nit Neo QLED panel with mini-LED backlighting that handles bright rooms exceptionally well. The 60-watt audio system with 2.2ch object tracking provides more robust sound than Sony's 50-watt setup. Gaming performance is stellar on both, though Samsung edges slightly ahead with 9ms input lag versus Sony's 8ms, paired with full VRR and ALLM support. Sony's A80L counters with pure OLED technology, delivering superior contrast and perfect blacks that the Samsung cannot match, along with slightly thinner bezels at 2.1 inches versus Samsung's 1.0 inch profile. The A80L includes Dolby Vision support while Samsung relies on Quantum HDR and HDR10+. For gaming and bright environments with motion content, Samsung's mini-LED approach proves more practical, while cinephiles and dark-room enthusiasts will prefer Sony's OLED purity. The $600 price difference is substantial enough to make Samsung the smarter choice unless you absolutely demand perfect blacks and are willing to accept lower peak brightness. Samsung QN85C represents stronger value for most households.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) if…
- →65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- →Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- →Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
Buy the Sony A80L 65" (OLED) if…
- →Sony's legendary image processing with XR Cognitive Processor is unmatched
- →Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen as a speaker — immersive and unique
- →Superb motion handling makes it the best TV for film and sports content
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED)
Pros
- 65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
- Slim bezel and 1-inch depth for clean wall mounting
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K handles excellent upscaling
Cons
- ADS panel contrast ratio is weaker than VA alternatives
- Only Wi-Fi 5 — frustrating omission on a premium TV
- Blooming is more noticeable due to fewer dimming zones than QN90C
- No Dolby Vision limits HDR ecosystem compatibility
Sony A80L 65" (OLED)
Pros
- Sony's legendary image processing with XR Cognitive Processor is unmatched
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen as a speaker — immersive and unique
- Superb motion handling makes it the best TV for film and sports content
- Google TV platform has the widest app selection of any smart TV OS
- Perfect blacks with no blooming — inherent OLED advantage
Cons
- Only 2 of 4 HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 — limiting for multi-console setups
- Wi-Fi 5 in 2023 is a disappointing omission
- $1,999 is pricier than LG C3 and Samsung S90C at the same size
- Burn-in risk with OLED for static content use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) | Sony A80L 65" (OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs | 44.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.0 x 32.7 x 1.0 inches | 57.1 x 33.3 x 2.1 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.0 x 35.3 x 10.8 inches | 57.1 x 35.0 x 11.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 60 | 50 |
| Speakers | 2.2ch Object Tracking Sound | Acoustic Surface Audio+ (2 actuators + 2 subwoofers) |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 9 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Neo QLED Mini-LED (ADS panel) | OLED (WOLED) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa (via Works with Alexa) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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