Samsung QN85D 55" vs TCL Q7 55"
Samsung's QN85D delivers superior picture quality with its Neo QLED Mini-LED technology, achieving 2000 nits brightness versus the TCL's 1000 nits, making it ideal for bright rooms. Samsung includes Quantum HDR 20x for enhanced color grading and superior upscaling via its Neural Quantum Processor 4K. However, TCL's Q7 punches well above its weight at $499, offering native 120Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and genuinely impressive gaming performance with 8ms input lag. Audio differs significantly: Samsung provides 40W with Object Tracking Sound technology, while TCL's 20W setup includes Dolby Atmos. For gaming, both handle VRR and ALLM excellently. Samsung justifies its $800 premium through dramatically better brightness, superior processing, and more comprehensive audio, making it the better choice for demanding viewers seeking premium picture quality. Budget-conscious buyers seeking competent 4K gaming and streaming should strongly consider the TCL Q7's exceptional value proposition.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung QN85D 55" | TCL Q7 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 400 x 400mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 46.7 lbs | 29.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 31.5 x 11.2 inches | 48.4 x 30.4 x 11.5 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Lite | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 9 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR 20x, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Neo QLED Mini-LED | QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (native) |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Neural Quantum Processor 4K Lite | AiPQ Processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
TCL Q7 55"
Pros
- Both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ support — rare at any price
- 120Hz with VRR for smooth gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X
- 1000-nit brightness delivers genuine HDR punch for under $500
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for faster streaming
- Google TV with built-in Chromecast and Dolby Atmos decoding
Cons
- Only three HDMI ports — one fewer than many competitors
- QLED — no local dimming means contrast trails Mini-LED options
- Build quality feels cheaper than Sony or Samsung at this price
- Google TV home screen can be cluttered with recommendations
Related Comparisons
Explore more in tvs, see all Samsung products or all TCL products. View full details for the Samsung QN85D 55" or the TCL Q7 55".