Samsung Q80B Vs. Q70A: Choosing The Right QLED TV

Samsung makes some of the best QLED televisions that money can buy. But with so many models available, it can be tricky choosing the right one. Two popular options are the Q80B and Q70A.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare the Samsung Q80B versus Q70A across critical categories like picture quality, smart features, design and value. Read on to learn which of these QLEDs better suits your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Q80B	Samsung Q70A
Picture Quality	Excellent with very high brightness and perfect black levels	Very good with slightly lower peak brightness and contrast
HDR Support	HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Refresh Rate	120Hz native	60Hz native
Sound System	60W with Dolby Atmos	20W with standard Dolby Digital Plus
Smart Features	Latest Tizen platform	Previous year’s WebOS platform
Design	Ultra slim bezels, premium metallic finish	Relatively thick bottom bezel, plasticky finish
Price	Expensive, around $1700 for 55″ and up	Good value, around $1300 for 55″ and up

Overview of the Samsung Q80B Series

First let’s look at what defines the 2022 Samsung Q80B 4K QLED TV lineup:

• Utilizes Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology for over a billion colors.
• Powered by the Quantum Processor 4K for upscaling and enhancements.
• Supports high dynamic range content like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ.
• Comes in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch screen sizes.
• Includes the intuitive Tizen smart TV platform.
• Features Object Tracking Sound (OTS) audio.
• Slim profile with minimal bezels.

The Q80B series sits in the upper mid-range tier of Samsung’s offerings with very strong picture and audio capabilities.

Overview of the Samsung Q70A Series

And now here are the key details on 2021’s Q70A lineup:

• Leverages Quantum Dots for expanded color volume.
• Equipped with Quantum Processor 4K for upscaling and processing.
• High dynamic range support through HDR10, HLG and HDR10+.
• Available in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes.
• Runs webOS for smart features and apps.
• Supports Object Tracking Sound Lite audio.
• Three-sided “boundless” sleek design.

The Q70A delivers slightly toned down capabilities and aesthetics compared to the Q80B but still outstanding QLED performance for the price.

Also Read: Differences Between Peacock And Discovery Plus.

Key Differences Between Samsung Q80B And Q70A

Now let’s dive deeper into how these two QLED series stack up across critical television capabilities.

1. Picture Quality Comparison

The most important factor for any TV is picture quality. So how does the Q80B and Q70A compare?

Brightness and Contrast

• With higher peak brightness exceeding 1500 nits, the Q80B delivers truly eye-popping HDR highlights.
• The Q70A still impresses topping 1000 nits for rich contrast between dark and light areas.

Black Levels

• Inky black levels allow the Q80B to render shadow details precisely without crush.
• The Q70A also produces deep blacks though not quite as dark as the Q80B.

Local Dimming Zones

• With a higher zone count, the Q80B has more precise control over local dimming resulting in less blooming.

Viewing Angles

• Both QLEDs maintain colors and brightness at wider angles better than normal LED TVs.. But the Q80B holds up slightly better off-axis.

Upscaling Quality

• Powered by the Quantum Processor 4K, both TVs. upscale lower resolution content very well and enhance details.

Gaming Performance

• With HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling 4K/120Hz, VRR, and FreeSync Premium Pro, both are excellent for gaming but the Q80B has lower input lag.

Winner: Q80B. The Q80B clearly comes out ahead in display performance thanks to higher peak brightness, richer blacks, more dimming zones and superior motion handling.

2. Sound System Comparison

Immersive audio completes the entertainment experience. Here’s how the Q80B and Q70A sound systems stack up:

Audio Power

• With 60W output through top and side-firing speakers, the Q80B produces room-filling sound.
• The Q70A is limited to 20W total through down-firing speakers resulting in less impactful audio.

Sound Formats

• Dolby Atmos support on the Q80B allows playback of immersive object-based audio tracks.
• Standard Dolby Digital Plus sound on the Q70A lacks as enveloping a surround effect.

Object Tracking Sound

• On the Q80B, OTS audio seems to precisely place effects and dialog around the viewing space.
• The Q70A’s OTS Lite attempts to simulate directional audio but can’t match the Q80B’s localization.

Winner: Q80B. With Dolby Atmos support, stronger wattage, and more advanced object-tracking sound, the Q80B delivers a superior sonic experience.

3. Smart TV and Gaming Features

Samsung packs its QLEDs with smart functionality – here’s how the models compare:

Smart Platform

• The Q80B runs the latest Tizen platform for 2022 with more streaming service options, voice control upgrades, and new smart home integration.
• WebOS on the Q70A still offers popular apps but now feels slightly dated next to Tizen.

Gaming Features

• Low input lag and HDMI 2.1 ports make both QLEDs extremely responsive for gaming. But variable refresh rate is smoother on the Q80B.

Smart Remote

• The Q80B’s solar-powered remote is more advanced allowing voice control without needing batteries.
• The Q70A remote is perfectly fine but powered by AAA batteries rather than solar.

Winner: Q80B. The Q80B’s newer Tizen platform and solar remote keep it more current when it comes to smart features and gaming cred.

4. Design Comparison

While minor, there are some cosmetic differences between these premium Samsung sets:

Bezel Size

• With super slim bezels on all sides, the Q80B has a more polished, refined look.
• The thicker bottom bezel makes the Q70A’s design slightly less sophisticated by today’s standards.

Stand Design

• The minimalist stand on the Q80B practically disappears leaving just the floating screen.
• The “T-shaped” stand on the Q70A is relatively basic looking.

Finishes and Materials

• Few can match the Q80B’s nearly flawless brushed metal and finish. It really looks the part of a luxury TV.
• The Q70A still has nice textured plastics but doesn’t provide the same visual sophistication.

Winner: Q80B. While subjective, the Q80B’s thinner bezels and chic metallic design give it a more premium aesthetic.

Also watch this review video:

5. Price and Value Comparison

With performance advantages, the Q80B rightly costs more than the Q70A:

• Upon release, the 55” Q80B retailed for $1700 compared to just $1300 for the 55” Q70A.
• At larger sizes like 75”, the difference widens further with the Q80B around $3000 Vs. $2200 for the Q70A.

The Q80B carries a significant premium reflecting meaningful upgrades like brightness and sound. But the Q70A remains fairly priced for a QLED TV with excellent core performance.

Also Read: Comparison of Philo And Netflix

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions when comparing these Samsung 4K QLED televisions:

Verdict

So which of these high-end Samsung QLEDs makes the most sense for your entertainment needs?

The Samsung Q80B is the way to go if you want the pinnacle Samsung picture quality with inky blacks and incredible HDR brightness. It also adds gorgeous design and the best smart TV experience Samsung offers. If your budget allows, it’s incredibly satisfying.

But the Samsung Q70A still delivers outstanding 4K QLED performance at a more affordable price point. Unless you need the best possible HDR visuals, it will satisfy most buyers with excellent smart features and gaming capabilities.

You can’t go wrong with either model. But analyzing your budget and desire for premium performance helps determine whether stretching for the Q80B makes sense over the already great Q70A.