In 2023, Samsung released three new QLED TV models: the Q60C, Q70C and Q80C. If you’ve been looking for a new TV this year, you may be thinking, “They’re from the same brand, they’re the same type of TV and they look identical side by side”. Choosing between these models can become even more confusing once you start reading their lengthy, tech-heavy features lists. What exactly does each screen have to offer you? What is the real difference? Leave it to Abt technologist Carl and us here at The Bolt to break it all down for you! By the time you’re finished watching and reading, you’ll be more than confident in making your next TV purchase.
Screen Sizes
While all three Samsung QLED models come in multiple sizes, the ranges they offer are different. The Q60C provides the most sizes of the three, with models as small as 32 inches and as wide as 85 inches. The Q70C also goes as high as 85 inches, but the displays start at a minimum of 55 inches. The Q80C has sizes as small as 50 inches but goes larger than the other two models with an impressive 98-inch TV. While that number may make the Samsung Q80C seem like the best option for your home entertainment setup, going bigger is not always the answer. How you choose the right size for you is dependent on the size of the room, the seating arrangement and more.
Design Differences
The physical design and construction of these Samsung QLED TVs are fairly identical. The only design feature that changes among the models is the pedestals. The Q70C and Q80C have the same compact, center-mounted pedestal. This small stand in the very middle gives you the luxury of placing your TV on more compact tables. The Samsung Q60C, on the other hand, has two individual legs that are positioned closer to the edges of the TV. Because of the wide base, it’ll require a wider place to sit than the other two models. Planning on mounting your TV on a wall or above a fireplace? Then the different pedestal styles probably won’t affect your final decision when buying and bringing your Samsung TV home.
Connections & Smart Features
When it comes to external connections, the Samsung Q70C and Q80C have the exact same inputs, from HDMI 2.1 to USB-A, optical audio, Bluetooth 5.2 and more. The Samsung Q60C shares these as well but offers one less HDMI slot. This is a fairly small difference and should only affect your choice if you plan on plugging in multiple devices like Blu-ray players or gaming consoles. The three models provide similar smart features too. All of them have Samsung TV Plus and all are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Bixby. They can also perform two-screen multi-view, which allows you to display two different types of media at once on the same screen. The biggest difference is voice assistance. The Samsung Q70C and Q80C both have far-field voice interaction, which uses built-in microphones to accept voice commands through Amazon and Google. The Samsung Q60C does not have this feature. If a hands-free experience is important to you, this is something to note before buying a new device.
Advanced Audio Options
Now that we’ve broken down the smaller aspects of these Samsung models, we’ll compare the most important TV features: audio and picture. The Samsung Q60C and Q70C both have a 2-channel, 20-watt audio system,. The Samsung Q80C has a 2.2-channel, 40-watt audio system. All three models can use Dolby Atmos sound technology with a compatible receiver or soundbar, but the Samsung Q80C is the only model that can use Dolby Atmos with the built-in TV speakers. The Samsung Q70C and Q80C both have an Active Voice Amplifier (AVA). AVA detects noisy disturbances in your environment that are louder than the TV sound and automatically amplifies the audio to combat it. They both have Adaptive Sound+ too, while the Q60C only has standard Adaptive Sound. Adaptive Sound+ analyzes the space you’re watching in, along with the acoustic components of your media, and optimizes the sound quality.
Picture
Comparing these models by their imaging and picture quality gets more complex. All three have the ability to upscale lower-resolution content, but the Samsung Q70C and Q80C are better at performing upscaling in general. The Samsung Q70C and Q80C are also the only TVs in this comparison that feature an Adaptive Picture setting, which uses a sensor to better optimize the sound to the room you’re in. When it comes to contrast, the Samsung Q60C has a basic enhancer, while the Q70C and Q80C have a real depth enhancer. To simplify the picture comparison, we’ve provided the handy list below:
- Processors
- The processor is almost like the brain and knowledge center of your Samsung TV. It’s responsible for a large amount of important image functions, as well as data processing. The Samsung Q60C has a Quantum Processor 4K Lite. The Samsung Q70C has the next step up, a Quantum Processor 4K. The best out of the three is the Samsung Q80C with the Neural Quantum Processor 4K.
- Lighting
- The Samsung Q60C and Q70C both have Dual LED Lighting, while the Samsung Q80C has Full Array Backlighting with Local Dimming. This technology enhances images by dividing light into different zones. In the video, Carl says it “does a better job displaying highlights and shadow details in HDR content”.
- Refresh Rates
- Refresh rate represents the speed at which a TV can display a certain number of image frames a second. The faster the rate, the better the movement. The Samsung Q60C has 60 Hz panels, while the Q70C and Q80C have 120 Hz panels. While the 120 Hz panel will make action films or sports appear smoother, the refresh rate won’t make much of a difference to a casual TV viewer. But Carl says, “If you’re a gamer, this can be a much bigger deal. Having that 120 Hz panel allows you to use features like 4K at 120 Hz and variable refresh rates. This helps games run more smoothly and without screen tearing”.
Samsung Q60C vs. Q70C vs. Q80C: Which Is Right For You?
So which Samsung QLED TV will be the best pick for your home? Each model has their own high-tech features to offer. It truly comes down to what kind of viewing experience you’re seeking out. Are you an average, easygoing TV enjoyer who has no need for a bunch of special features? The Samsung Q60C will satisfy your daily watching routine. Are you an avid sports watcher or gamer seeking out elevated entertainment without emptying your pockets? The Samsung Q70C offers almost all the same features as the Q80C, but is definitely more budget-friendly. Are you a film fanatic with a critical eye interested in building your own immersive home theater? The Samsung Q80C is the most advanced device of the three, offering the best content optimization. For more information on what TV functions to look for while shopping, check out our TV buying guide. And once you’ve got a screen in your cart, add some products from our gift guide for binge-watchers to your entertainment collection. You’ll be well on the way to hosting a movie or TV show marathon to remember!
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