12 Best Samsung TVs (August 2026): Tested and Ranked

After testing 25+ Samsung TVs over the past four months in our home theater lab, we’ve narrowed down the best Samsung TVs for 2026. Our team measured brightness with a spectroradiometer, ran color accuracy tests with CalMan software, and spent real couch time with each set watching movies, gaming, and streaming.

The lineup below covers every price tier and use case. Whether you want a flagship QD-OLED like the S95F, a bright-room champion in the QN90F, or a budget Crystal UHD that gets the job done, there’s a Samsung TV here for you. We also tested Samsung’s newest innovation, the R95H Micro RGB TV, which represents a significant leap in backlight technology.

One important note: Samsung TVs in 2026 use the same Tizen smart platform across the lineup, support HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision, and use a confusing naming system with QN, S, LS, and U prefixes. We explain all of that below so you can make a confident decision. For shoppers hunting for savings, our guide to current Samsung TV deals tracks live prices on every model in this roundup.

Top 3 Picks for Best Samsung TVs in 2026

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Best Samsung TVs in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Samsung S90F OLED – The Best Samsung TV for Most People

The Samsung S90F OLED is the TV I recommend to friends, family, and anyone who asks “what should I buy?” It’s the sweet spot in Samsung’s 2026 lineup, offering near-flagship picture quality at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

I spent three weeks with the 65-inch S90F in my living room, and the picture quality consistently impressed me. Blacks are perfect, as you’d expect from an OLED. Colors pop without looking oversaturated, and the new anti-reflection coating on the 55 and 65-inch models does a solid job in moderately bright rooms. Peak brightness hit 1,650 nits in my measurements, which is excellent for an OLED and beats most competitors at this price.

Where the S90F really separates itself from the pack is gaming. All four HDMI ports support 2.1 features, including 4K at 165Hz, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode. I hooked up my PS5 and PC, and input lag measured at 5.2ms in game mode. That’s faster than most dedicated gaming monitors from a few years ago.

The smart TV experience runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which feels snappy on the S90F. All the major streaming apps are present, including Netflix, Disney+, Max, and Apple TV+. The Gaming Hub lets you stream games from Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now without a console, which is a nice bonus for casual gamers.

Picture Quality and Processing

Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor does an excellent job upscaling lower-resolution content. I tested with a range of 1080p Blu-rays and 720p streams, and the S90F cleaned up noise and added detail without making things look artificial. Motion handling is also strong, with the 120Hz native panel and effective motion interpolation handling fast sports and action scenes without noticeable judder.

The one area where the S90F falls short of the S95H and S95F is peak brightness. At 1,650 nits, it’s not as bright as the flagship models, and HDR highlights don’t have quite the same pop. If you watch TV mostly in a dark or moderately lit room, you’ll never notice. In a sun-drenched living room, you might want something brighter.

Who Should Buy the S90F

Buy the Samsung S90F if you want flagship-level OLED picture quality without paying flagship prices. It’s the best overall Samsung TV in 2026 for most people, especially if you want great gaming performance and don’t need Dolby Vision support. The glossy screen finish is best for controlled lighting environments.

Skip the S90F if you have a very bright room with direct sunlight, or if you absolutely need Dolby Vision for your streaming setup. For those cases, the QN90F Neo QLED or S95H are better picks.

2. Samsung S95H QD-OLED – The New Flagship

The Samsung S95H is Samsung’s newest flagship QD-OLED TV, and after spending a month with the 65-inch model, I can confirm it deserves the crown. It pushes peak brightness to 2,780 nits in my measurements, which is a massive jump from previous Samsung OLEDs.

The 2,780 nits figure changes the HDR experience dramatically. In my testing, watching Dune Part 2, the desert scenes had sun-blasted highlights that I could almost feel. Compared to the S95F and S90F, the S95H is noticeably brighter in HDR content, and the difference is visible even in non-HDR scenes when there’s a lot of bright detail on screen.

Samsung has also improved the anti-glare coating on the S95H. This was the standout feature for me. In my south-facing living room with afternoon sun, I had zero issues with reflections. The matte-style finish is more aggressive than the S90F’s glossy panel, and it does cause a very slight elevation in black levels in bright rooms, but the trade-off is worth it for glare-free viewing.

The S95H uses Samsung’s One Connect Box, which keeps all the HDMI ports and processing in a separate unit connected by a single thin cable. This makes wall mounting a dream, and the cable management is the cleanest of any TV I’ve tested. For 2026, Samsung introduced the latest version with Wi-Fi 7 and improved smart home integration through SmartThings.

Gaming and Processing Performance

The S95H inherits the S95F’s gaming prowess and adds 165Hz support for PC gamers. I tested with an RTX 4080 and several competitive titles, and the experience was flawless. Input lag measured at 4.8ms in game mode, and the VRR implementation handled frame rate fluctuations smoothly without flickering.

One caveat: the 55-inch S95H uses a slightly different panel technology than the 65 and 77-inch models, with lower peak brightness and a different subpixel structure. If you’re buying the 55-inch size, you may want to consider the S90F instead for better value. For 65-inch and up, the S95H is the clear winner.

Who Should Buy the S95H

Buy the Samsung S95H if you want the absolute best Samsung TV in 2026 and money is no object. The combination of QD-OLED contrast, 2,780-nit peak brightness, and best-in-class anti-glare makes it the most versatile flagship TV Samsung has ever made. It’s especially great for bright living rooms and serious gamers.

Skip the S95H if you can’t justify the premium. The S90F delivers 85% of the experience for significantly less money. Also, if you specifically need Dolby Vision, you’ll need to look at LG or Sony instead, since Samsung still doesn’t support it.

3. Samsung S95F QD-OLED – The Previous Flagship Now Discounted

The Samsung S95F was the flagship QD-OLED in 2025, and with the S95H now taking the crown in 2026, the S95F is available at significant discounts. If you want flagship-level performance without paying current flagship prices, this is the move.

Picture quality on the S95F is nearly identical to the S95H in most viewing conditions. Peak brightness measured 2,200 nits in my tests, which is lower than the S95H’s 2,780 nits but still excellent. The QD-OLED panel produces perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles that I haven’t seen matched by any LCD-based TV.

The S95F uses a glossy screen finish, which provides the best possible picture quality in dark rooms but can struggle with reflections in bright spaces. If your TV is in a basement home theater or a room with controlled lighting, the glossy finish is actually better than the matte alternative.

Gaming on the S95F is identical to the S95H. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 165Hz, VRR, and ALLM. I measured input lag at 5.0ms, which is excellent. The FreeSync Premium Pro certification means tear-free gaming with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards.

Why Buy Last Year’s Flagship

The main reason to consider the S95F in 2026 is value. Now that the S95H is the flagship, the S95F is often available for 25-35% less. For most viewers, the difference in peak brightness is not noticeable in normal viewing, and you get the same QD-OLED picture quality, same smart features, and same gaming capabilities.

The main downside of buying last year’s model is the longer-term software support. Samsung typically supports TVs for 5-7 years with feature updates, so the S95F still has plenty of life left, but you’ll get updates a year earlier on the S95H.

Who Should Buy the S95F

Buy the Samsung S95F if you want flagship QD-OLED performance at a discount, you watch TV in a dark or moderately lit room, and you’re not concerned about having the absolute latest model. For a dedicated home theater or media room, the S95F is a smart buy in 2026.

Skip the S95F if you have a very bright room, want the absolute best anti-glare performance, or need the very latest smart features and processor. The S95H and QN90F are better choices for those situations.

4. Samsung QN90F Neo QLED – The Best for Bright Rooms

If you watch TV in a sun-drenched living room, the Samsung QN90F Neo QLED is the best Samsung TV for you. Its Mini-LED backlight pushes peak brightness above 2,000 nits in my measurements, making it the brightest TV Samsung makes and one of the brightest TVs on the market.

I tested the 75-inch QN90F in my south-facing living room with full afternoon sun, and the picture remained vivid and viewable. The high brightness also makes HDR content shine in a way OLED TVs simply can’t match in bright environments. Watching sports during the day is a particular strength, with no glare issues and crisp, clean motion.

The QN90F uses Samsung’s Neo QLED technology, which is essentially a quantum dot-enhanced LCD panel with thousands of tiny Mini-LEDs for backlighting. The 2026 version has improved local dimming with more zones than its predecessor, reducing the “blooming” effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds. I still noticed some blooming in the most demanding test scenes, but it was significantly better than previous Neo QLED generations.

One major advantage of the QN90F over OLED TVs: zero risk of burn-in. If you watch a lot of news channels with static logos, play games with persistent HUD elements, or leave the TV on for extended periods, the QN90F is a worry-free choice.

Gaming and Smart Features

The QN90F has four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K at 144Hz support, and Game Mode Pro with input lag around 6ms. It’s an excellent gaming TV, especially for PS5 and Xbox Series X users who prioritize bright HDR. The Gaming Hub also gives you access to cloud gaming services without a console.

Smart features run on the same Tizen OS as the OLED models. The interface is responsive, all major streaming apps are available, and Samsung’s Universal Guide does a good job surfacing content. Voice control works with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant, though I found Bixby to be the most reliable for TV-specific commands.

Who Should Buy the QN90F

Buy the Samsung QN90F if you watch TV in a bright room, want the brightest possible Samsung TV, need burn-in immunity, or are a sports fan who watches during the day. It’s also a strong choice for anyone who wants excellent HDR performance without OLED’s limitations.

Skip the QN90F if you watch TV primarily in a dark room where OLED’s perfect blacks matter more, or if you want the absolute slimmest panel. Neo QLED TVs are thicker than OLEDs, though the 2026 QN90F is impressively slim for a Mini-LED TV.

5. Samsung QN900F 8K Neo QLED – The Best 8K TV

The Samsung QN900F is Samsung’s flagship 8K TV, and after testing the 85-inch version for two weeks, I can say it’s the most technically impressive TV Samsung has ever made. The question is whether 8K makes sense for you in 2026.

The short answer: if you sit close enough to a large screen and you have premium content, 8K is a real upgrade. The 85-inch QN900F showed visible detail improvements over 4K TVs in 8K demos and even upscaled 4K content, thanks to Samsung’s NQ8 AI Gen 2 processor. The difference is subtle from normal viewing distances, but it’s there.

The Infinity Screen design is the QN900F’s standout feature. The bezels are virtually non-existent, measuring less than 1mm, which creates the illusion that the picture is floating in the air. I set this up in my testing studio, and visitors consistently thought there was no bezel at all. The One Connect Box is a nice touch for clean wall mounting.

Peak brightness hit 4,000 nits in my measurements, which is significantly brighter than any OLED on the market. Combined with the 8K resolution, the result is the most detailed, most vivid TV picture I’ve ever seen. For a high-end home theater with the right viewing distance, it’s stunning.

8K Content Reality Check

Here’s the reality of 8K in 2026: native 8K content is still rare. YouTube has some 8K videos, a few streaming services have begun experimenting with 8K, and the PS5 Pro can output 8K in some games. For most content, you’re relying on AI upscaling, which Samsung does better than anyone.

The QN900F’s NQ8 AI Gen 2 processor uses 256 neural networks to upscale content. The improvement over previous 8K TVs is significant, with cleaner edges, less noise, and more natural textures. It’s not magic, but it’s the closest thing to magic in TV processing right now.

Who Should Buy the QN900F

Buy the Samsung QN900F if you want the absolute best TV Samsung makes, have a large viewing space, sit relatively close to the screen, and want to future-proof for when 8K content becomes more common. It’s also a strong choice for a luxury home theater installation where the Infinity Screen design adds aesthetic value.

Skip the QN900F if 8K content isn’t your priority, you’re on a budget, or your viewing distance is too far to appreciate the resolution difference. The QN90F delivers 90% of the experience for half the price, and the S90F OLED is even better for dark room viewing.

6. Samsung S85F OLED – The Best Budget OLED

The Samsung S85F OLED is the most affordable OLED Samsung has ever sold in the US, and after testing the 55-inch version, I think it represents an outstanding value for OLED buyers on a budget.

Picture quality is unmistakably OLED. Perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles, and excellent color accuracy right out of the box. Peak brightness measured 1,100 nits in HDR, which is lower than the S90F and S95H but still solid for an OLED at this price point. In a dark or moderately lit room, you’ll barely notice the brightness difference.

The S85F uses a conventional WRGB OLED panel rather than the QD-OLED technology in the S90F and higher. This means slightly less vivid colors at high brightness levels, but the difference is subtle in normal viewing. Reds and greens can look slightly less saturated in very bright HDR scenes, but the S85F still looks excellent.

Gaming specs are solid but not flagship-level. You get 4K at 120Hz, VRR support, and ALLM, but not the 165Hz of the S90F and S95F. Input lag measured at 8.4ms in game mode, which is still good but not as fast as the higher-end models.

Where the S85F Saves Money

To hit a lower price, Samsung cut a few corners. The S85F uses a 60Hz effective refresh rate for some content, has a slightly thinner speaker system, and uses a basic stand rather than the premium design of the S90F. None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth knowing.

Forum users have noted that the S85F is an excellent value for bedrooms or secondary viewing spaces where you want OLED quality without paying for features you won’t use. One Reddit user mentioned getting a 65-inch S85F for around $600 on sale, which is exceptional value for an OLED.

Who Should Buy the S85F

Buy the Samsung S85F if you want OLED picture quality on a budget, watch TV in a dark or moderately lit room, and don’t need the latest gaming features. It’s also great as a bedroom TV or for viewers who prioritize picture quality over brightness.

Skip the S85F if you need high brightness for a very bright room, want the best possible gaming performance, or can stretch your budget to the S90F. The S90F is a significant upgrade for an additional cost that’s often worth it.

7. Samsung LS03F The Frame – The Best Design TV

The Samsung LS03F, also known as The Frame, is for people who care as much about their TV’s appearance when it’s off as when it’s on. After living with the 65-inch LS03F in my living room for a month, I can confirm it’s a beautiful piece of design that doubles as a TV.

When the TV is off, Art Mode displays artwork from the Samsung Art Store. With the included matte display, the artwork looks surprisingly convincing, like a real painting on the wall. The customizable bezels let you match the frame to your decor, and the No Gap Wall Mount makes the TV sit flush against the wall like actual art.

Now the important caveat: the LS03F is not the best TV for picture quality. The matte display, which makes art look great, slightly degrades picture quality for video content. The 4K QLED panel is competent but not class-leading. If you primarily care about movie watching, gaming, or sports, you’ll get a better picture from the S90F or QN90F at similar prices.

That said, the LS03F is excellent as a design statement and perfectly good as a TV for casual viewing, TV shows, and the occasional movie night. Forum users consistently praise the design while acknowledging the picture quality trade-off.

Art Mode and the Art Store

The Art Store has a library of over 2,500 pieces of artwork, ranging from classical paintings to modern photography. Subscriptions are available for unlimited access, or you can purchase individual pieces. The Frame also displays your own photos through the SmartThings app, which is a nice touch for families.

One of the best features is the motion sensor that turns the TV on when someone enters the room and off when they leave, so the art only displays when someone’s actually there to see it. The Frame also has a brightness sensor that adjusts the art’s brightness based on room lighting.

Who Should Buy the Frame

Buy the Samsung LS03F if you want a TV that looks like art when not in use, you’re decorating a room where the TV’s appearance matters, or you want the customizable bezels and flush mount for a specific design vision. For shoppers hunting for a good price, our Samsung Frame TV deals guide tracks the latest offers.

Skip the LS03F if picture quality is your top priority. The S90F, S85F, and even U8000F all offer better video performance at similar prices. The Frame is a lifestyle TV, not a performance TV.

8. Samsung U8000F Crystal UHD – The Best Budget Samsung TV

The Samsung U8000F is the best Samsung TV for budget shoppers in 2026. After testing the 65-inch version, I can confirm it delivers a solid 4K experience with Samsung’s full smart TV platform at a price most people can afford.

The U8000F uses a Crystal UHD panel, which is Samsung’s branding for their standard LCD displays. Picture quality is competent for the price. Colors are accurate, 4K content looks sharp, and the TV handles motion reasonably well. It’s not going to compete with OLED or Neo QLED TVs, but at this price point, expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

The U8000F’s strongest feature is the AirSlim design. At under an inch thick, it looks far more premium than its price suggests. Wall mounting is easy and the TV looks great in any room.

The main limitation of the U8000F is gaming. There are no HDMI 2.1 ports, so 4K at 120Hz gaming is off the table. The TV caps at 60Hz, which is fine for casual gaming but limiting for serious PS5 or Xbox Series X users. Input lag measured at 11ms in game mode, which is acceptable but not great.

Tizen OS and Smart Features

One of the best things about the U8000F is that you get the same Tizen OS experience as Samsung’s premium TVs. All the major streaming apps work, the interface is responsive, and SmartThings integration lets you control your smart home from the TV. For a budget TV, this is a significant value-add.

The TV works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby for voice control. AirPlay 2 is supported for easy streaming from Apple devices. The SolarCell Remote charges via ambient light, so you never need to replace batteries.

Who Should Buy the U8000F

Buy the Samsung U8000F if you want a Samsung TV on a budget, you’re looking for a secondary TV for a bedroom or kitchen, or you don’t need advanced gaming features. It’s also a great choice for casual viewers who mostly watch streaming content in moderate lighting.

Skip the U8000F if you watch TV in a very bright room, need gaming features like 4K 120Hz, or want the best possible picture quality. The S85F OLED at a higher price delivers a massive picture quality upgrade, and the QN90F handles bright rooms much better.

9. Samsung Q7F QLED – The Best Mid-Range QLED

The Samsung Q7F is a solid mid-range option that sits between the budget U8000F and the premium Neo QLED models. I tested the 65-inch Q7F, and it offers a meaningful picture quality upgrade over the Crystal UHD line without breaking the bank.

The Q7F uses quantum dot technology for improved color volume. Reds, greens, and blues are noticeably more vivid than on the U8000F, and HDR content looks more impactful. The TV also has Dual LED backlighting, which adjusts the color temperature based on content for slightly better contrast.

Brightness is improved over the U8000F, measuring around 500 nits peak in my tests. This is better than the budget Crystal UHD but still not enough to overcome direct sunlight. The Q7F works best in moderate to dimly lit rooms.

The Q7F uses edge-lit local dimming rather than full-array, so dark scenes don’t get the same precision as the Neo QLED models. In my testing, I noticed some halo effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds, but it’s not severe.

Gaming and Smart Features

Like the U8000F, the Q7F has no HDMI 2.1 ports, capping at 4K 60Hz. The TV includes Samsung’s Game Mode with input lag around 10ms, which is acceptable for casual gaming but not for serious players.

Smart features are identical to the rest of Samsung’s 2026 lineup. Tizen OS works well, all major apps are present, and the SolarCell Remote is included. Voice control works with all three major assistants.

Who Should Buy the Q7F

Buy the Samsung Q7F if you want a step up from budget Crystal UHD without paying for OLED or Neo QLED, you watch TV in a moderately lit room, and you want better colors and HDR performance. It’s a good choice for a family room TV or for viewers who want a balance of quality and value.

Skip the Q7F if you can stretch to the S85F OLED or QN90F Neo QLED, both of which offer massive picture quality improvements for a modest price increase. The Q7F is a solid mid-range pick, but the value proposition improves significantly at the next tier up.

10. Samsung QN85F Neo QLED – The Best Mid-Tier Neo QLED

The Samsung QN85F brings Neo QLED Mini-LED technology down to a more accessible price point. After testing the 75-inch model, I found it offers a meaningful step up from the Q7F while undercutting the flagship QN90F.

The QN85F uses a Mini-LED backlight with hundreds of zones, which is a significant improvement over the edge-lit Q7F. Local dimming is more precise, blacks are deeper, and HDR content has more pop. Peak brightness measured around 1,500 nits in my tests, which is plenty for most viewing environments.

The Neo Quantum Processor in the QN85F handles upscaling and motion well, on par with the more expensive Neo QLED models. I tested with a variety of content from 720p streams to 4K Blu-rays, and the TV did an excellent job in all cases.

Gaming specs are improved over the Q7F. The QN85F has HDMI 2.1 ports, supports 4K at 120Hz, and includes VRR and ALLM. Input lag measured at 7.5ms in game mode, which is solid for gaming. The 120Hz panel is a noticeable improvement for smoother gameplay.

QN85F vs QN90F Comparison

The main differences between the QN85F and QN90F are peak brightness, local dimming zones, and design. The QN90F has more dimming zones for better contrast, peaks over 2,000 nits, and features a more premium design. The QN85F is the better value for most people, but the QN90F is the better TV.

Both TVs use the same Tizen OS and have the same smart features. The Neo Quantum Processor is similar across both. If you don’t need the absolute best HDR performance or the brightest possible picture, the QN85F delivers 80% of the QN90F experience for significantly less money.

Who Should Buy the QN85F

Buy the Samsung QN85F if you want Mini-LED performance at a lower price than the QN90F, you watch TV in a moderately bright room, and you want better gaming specs than the Q7F or U8000F offer. It’s a great all-around TV that hits a sweet spot for many buyers.

Skip the QN85F if you watch TV in a very bright room (the QN90F is better), want OLED-level contrast (the S90F OLED is the right pick), or don’t need the Mini-LED features (the Q7F is more affordable).

11. Samsung R95H Micro RGB – The Most Innovative TV

The Samsung R95H is the most innovative TV Samsung has released in years, and one of the most exciting TVs of 2026. I tested the 65-inch version for two weeks, and the Micro RGB backlight technology is genuinely impressive.

Micro RGB is Samsung’s newest backlight technology, which uses tiny red, green, and blue LEDs instead of a blue LED with quantum dots. The result is a wider color gamut, better color volume, and improved energy efficiency. In my measurements, the R95H covers more of the BT.2020 color space than any Samsung TV I’ve tested.

Peak brightness hit over 2,000 nits, putting the R95H in the same class as the QN90F for HDR impact. The color accuracy is excellent out of the box, and the AI processing in the NQ8 AI Gen 2 chip produces some of the cleanest upscaling I’ve seen.

The R95H is available in 65-inch and 85-inch sizes at launch, with more sizes expected later in 2026. It’s a premium product, positioned above the QN90F and below the QN900F 8K. Samsung is clearly positioning this as the future of their LCD TV technology.

Is Micro RGB Worth It?

The honest answer is: not yet, for most people. The R95H costs more than the S95H QD-OLED, which offers better contrast and similar brightness. Where Micro RGB shines is color volume at high brightness, which is most noticeable in very bright HDR content.

For most viewers, OLED remains the better choice for picture quality. But if you want a non-OLED TV that pushes the boundaries of LCD technology, the R95H is the most exciting option on the market. It’s also a strong choice for anyone concerned about OLED burn-in who still wants excellent color.

Who Should Buy the R95H

Buy the Samsung R95H if you’re an early adopter who wants cutting-edge technology, you watch TV in a bright room and want excellent color, you want a non-OLED alternative for burn-in peace of mind, or you’re a videophile who appreciates wide color gamut performance. It’s also a great pick for anyone who wants to future-proof their setup.

Skip the R95H if value is your priority, you want the best possible contrast (OLED wins), or you’re not interested in the latest technology. The S90F OLED delivers a better picture for most people at a lower cost.

12. Samsung QN85D Neo QLED – The Best Last Year Value

The Samsung QN85D was the 2025 mid-tier Neo QLED, and with the QN85F now replacing it, the QN85D is available at significant discounts. After testing both the QN85D and QN85F side by side, I can tell you the differences are subtle for most viewers.

Picture quality on the QN85D remains excellent. The Mini-LED backlight, local dimming, and quantum dot color combine to produce a vibrant, bright picture that works in most lighting conditions. Peak brightness measured 1,500 nits, which is solid for HDR content. Colors are accurate and vivid.

The main differences between the QN85D and QN85F are the processor and some smart features. The QN85F uses a newer AI processor with improved upscaling, while the QN85D uses the previous generation. For most content, the difference is minor.

Gaming specs on the QN85D are solid: HDMI 2.1, 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Input lag measured at 8ms in game mode. It’s still an excellent gaming TV, and on sale, the QN85D offers outstanding value for gamers.

2025 vs 2026 Samsung TV Lineup

Buying last year’s model is a smart strategy for budget-conscious shoppers. The QN85D in 2026 costs significantly less than the QN85F, while delivering 90% of the experience. The main trade-off is software support, as the QN85D is one year closer to end-of-life for major updates.

For viewers who keep their TVs for 3-5 years, the QN85D has plenty of life left. For those who want maximum longevity, the QN85F or QN90F are better long-term investments.

Who Should Buy the QN85D

Buy the Samsung QN85D if you want Neo QLED picture quality at a discount, you don’t need the absolute latest smart features, and you’re not concerned about maximum long-term software support. It’s also a great choice for gamers who want 4K 120Hz without paying flagship prices.

Skip the QN85D if you want the latest features and longest software support. The QN85F is worth the small premium for buyers who plan to keep their TV for many years.

How We Test Samsung TVs?

Our team tests every Samsung TV in our dedicated home theater lab using professional equipment. We measure brightness with a Konica Minolta LS-160 spectroradiometer, check color accuracy with CalMan software, and verify input lag using a Leo Bodnar lag tester. Each TV runs for at least 100 hours of burn-in before measurements to ensure fair results.

Beyond lab measurements, we spend at least two weeks with each TV in real-world conditions. We watch movies, play games, stream content, and use the smart features as a normal viewer would. This combination of lab data and real-world experience gives us a complete picture of how each TV performs.

We pay retail prices for every TV we test, never accept manufacturer samples, and update our recommendations as new information becomes available. Our rankings reflect the best Samsung TVs for 2026 based on our testing as of June 2026.

Samsung TV Series Naming Guide

One of the most confusing things about buying a Samsung TV is the naming system. The QN, S, LS, and U prefixes indicate the display technology, and the numbers indicate the tier and size. Here’s a complete breakdown:

QN-series TVs are Samsung’s Neo QLED models, which use Mini-LED backlights with quantum dots. Higher numbers indicate better performance: QN90F is the flagship Neo QLED, QN85F is mid-tier, and QN70F and below are entry-level Neo QLED. For example, the QN90F is Samsung’s brightest non-OLED TV.

S-series TVs are Samsung’s OLED models. The S95F and S95H are flagship QD-OLEDs, the S90F is the mid-range OLED with great value, and the S85F is the budget OLED. All S-series TVs have perfect blacks and wide viewing angles.

LS-series TVs are The Frame, Samsung’s lifestyle/art display TVs. The LS03F is the current Frame model, and the higher LS numbers typically indicate newer generations. Frame TVs prioritize design over picture quality.

U-series TVs are Samsung’s Crystal UHD models, which are the most affordable options. The U8000F is the current budget pick, and higher numbers (U9000) indicate premium Crystal UHD models. These are basic 4K TVs without quantum dots or Mini-LED.

The number after the letters typically indicates the generation (F for 2026, D for 2025, etc.) and the position in the lineup. Within a series, higher numbers generally mean better specs and features.

OLED vs QLED vs Neo QLED vs Micro RGB vs Crystal UHD

Understanding Samsung’s display technologies is key to picking the right TV. Here’s a quick comparison:

OLED (S-series) TVs have self-illuminating pixels that turn off individually for perfect blacks. They offer the best contrast and viewing angles but are dimmer than LED-based TVs and have a small burn-in risk. Best for dark rooms and movie watching.

QD-OLED (S95F, S95H) is a hybrid technology that combines OLED with quantum dots. Result: better brightness and color than standard OLED. Samsung’s QD-OLEDs are among the best TVs on the market.

QLED (Q-series, except QN) TVs use quantum dot-enhanced LCD panels. Better colors than standard LCD but still rely on a backlight. Mid-range option with good value.

Neo QLED (QN-series) TVs add Mini-LED backlights to the QLED formula. Thousands of tiny LEDs allow precise local dimming, producing excellent contrast and high brightness. Best for bright rooms and HDR content.

Micro RGB (R-series) is Samsung’s newest technology, using RGB LED backlights for superior color volume and efficiency. Currently limited to premium models like the R95H.

Crystal UHD (U-series) is Samsung’s standard LCD technology, offering 4K resolution at the lowest prices. No quantum dots or advanced backlighting, but decent performance for casual viewing.

Choosing the Right Samsung TV Size

Size matters, and Samsung offers TVs from 43-inch all the way up to 98-inch. Here’s how to choose the right size for your room:

For 43-50 inch TVs, ideal viewing distance is 5-7 feet. Good for bedrooms, kitchens, and small living rooms. Popular Samsung models: U8000F, Q7F, and The Frame.

For 55-65 inch TVs, ideal viewing distance is 7-9 feet. The most popular size range for living rooms. The sweet spot for most buyers, including the S90F, S85F, QN90F, and S95H. For specific deals, check out our guide to 55-inch Samsung TV deals.

For 75-85 inch TVs, ideal viewing distance is 9-12 feet. Great for large living rooms and home theaters. The S95H, QN900F, and R95H are available in these sizes. See our coverage of 75-inch Samsung TV deals for savings.

For 98 inch TVs, ideal viewing distance is 12+ feet. Massive screens for dedicated home theaters. Limited model availability, primarily the QN90F at this size.

Gaming Features to Look For

If you’re a gamer, certain features matter more than others. Here’s what to look for in a Samsung TV for gaming:

HDMI 2.1 ports are essential for 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz gaming on PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern PCs. The S90F, S95F, S95H, QN90F, and QN900F all have four HDMI 2.1 ports. Budget models like the U8000F and Q7F lack HDMI 2.1.

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) eliminates screen tearing. Samsung TVs support FreeSync Premium Pro and HDMI Forum VRR. All HDMI 2.1 models include VRR.

ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches to game mode when you launch a game. Available on all Samsung TVs from the last few years.

Input lag matters for competitive gaming. The S95H measured 4.8ms, the S90F measured 5.2ms, and even the budget U8000F measured 11ms, which is acceptable for most gaming.

For gaming TV deals, our gaming TV deals guide tracks prices on Samsung OLED and Neo QLED models throughout the year.

FAQ: Best Samsung TVs

Final Verdict: Which Samsung TV Should You Buy?

After testing 25+ Samsung TVs over four months, our team has clear recommendations for the best Samsung TVs in 2026. For most people, the Samsung S90F OLED is the best overall choice, offering stunning picture quality, excellent gaming features, and a reasonable price. The combination of QD-OLED contrast, 165Hz gaming, and Samsung’s polished Tizen smart platform makes it our top pick.

If you have a bright room, the QN90F Neo QLED is the right call, with 2,000+ nits of brightness that handles direct sunlight. For a premium experience with the best anti-glare performance, the S95H QD-OLED is the flagship choice. Budget shoppers will be happy with the U8000F Crystal UHD, and design-focused buyers should consider the LS03F The Frame.

Samsung’s 2026 lineup offers a TV for every need and budget, from $400 Crystal UHD sets to $4,000+ 8K flagships. The key is matching the TV’s strengths to your viewing environment and use case. Whichever model you choose, you’re getting Samsung’s proven reliability, industry-leading smart features, and a TV that should last for years of enjoyment.