Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Review: A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: Your Gateway to Visual Bliss

 

An official render of the smart TV (Image credit: Samsung)In the realm of television perfection, there's no one-size-fits-all definition, but it's an exquisite blend of audio and picture quality that truly sets the stage. The magical symphony of vibrant visuals and crystal-clear sound that transports you into the heart of your favorite content. Yet, it's not just about the sensory experience; a truly remarkable TV should come with a treasure trove of features and capabilities that elevate your viewing escapades to the next level. Enter the Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN90C) – a beacon of excellence in the world of smart televisions.
Picture this: a sleek 50-inch marvel that bears the Neo QLED badge, and yes, it does come with a price tag that might make you do a double-take, a staggering Rs. 131,990. Is it worth every hard-earned rupee, and can it emerge as the undisputed champion in a crowded arena of contenders? Well, let's embark on this cinematic journey to uncover the answers.

 The smart TV has a premium build quality (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar

Design and build quality

From the moment I unboxed the Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV, it was evident that this was a TV built with an unwavering commitment to quality. It's not just a television; it's a work of art. As I hoisted it out of its packaging, I was mesmerized by the meticulous attention to detail that had gone into crafting this visual masterpiece. 

But this isn't just another lightweight contender in the smart TV arena. No, the Neo QLED 4K is a heavyweight in more ways than one, tipping the scales at a solid 13.6 kilograms without its stand. Speaking of which, the stand itself is a statement of elegance, constructed from a single block of aluminum. It doesn't just support your TV; it elevates it to a whole new level.

The TV's bezel-less design and its sturdy metal frame make it a sight to behold. It's not just a screen; it's a window to another world. What's more, I was delighted to find a modular power cable, an extra touch of convenience that many other TVs lack. And when you flip the TV around to explore its I/O panel, you'll find that it's intelligently designed for easy access, allowing you to effortlessly connect and disconnect your gaming consoles and other accessories. This TV isn't just beautiful; it's brilliantly designed, down to the smallest detail.

 The remote is as smart and eco-friendly as the TV itself (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar

Smart and eco-friendly remote

Now, let's talk about the unsung hero of this television ensemble – the remote. At first glance, it might seem like your run-of-the-mill remote, but don't be fooled. It's a true game-changer. 

This remote is designed with the user experience in mind. It flaunts nifty hotkeys for all the major OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar. No more fumbling through endless menus; with a simple press, you're transported to your favorite content paradise. But it doesn't stop there. The volume buttons on this remote employ a switch-like mechanism, providing a satisfying tactile response. It's a small touch that makes a world of difference when you're fine-tuning the audio to match your mood.

Here's where it gets even more interesting: Say goodbye to the endless cycle of AA or AAA batteries. This remote is equipped with a built-in battery, much like modern electronic gadgets. Charging is a breeze with a USB Type-C port, but here's the kicker – I never even needed to use it! Why? Because this remote is eco-conscious, sporting a tiny solar panel on its back. All it needs is a little light, and it's good to go. Just flip it upside down in a well-lit space, and you've got a remote that's always ready to serve, all while reducing your carbon footprint. Smart and eco-friendly – that's innovation that's worth applauding.

 The 40W speaker setup supports Dolby Atmos (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar

Audio quality

Let's talk sound, a facet often overlooked but crucial for the complete viewing experience. The 50-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV arrives with a 40-watt speaker system, while its larger counterparts boast a beefier 60-watt setup. Now, you might think that the smaller speaker system would result in lackluster audio, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

This TV doesn't just deliver audio; it crafts an auditory masterpiece. The Dolby Atmos technology it wields elevates your auditory senses to a whole new level. But what's truly impressive is its Amplify mode – a single click, and your living room transforms into a sound haven. Even at a modest 35 percent volume, the TV fills your space with expansive sound that can rival standalone speaker systems.

And if you're in the mood for even grander audio adventures, a quick switch allows you to connect external speakers, using the optical audio input. So, whether you're seeking the immersive world of Dolby Atmos or the option to amplify your audio with external speakers, the Neo QLED 4K Smart TV has you covered. If built-in, capable speakers are your priority, this TV is not just an option; it's the answer to your auditory dreams.

 Dynamic mode makes colour pop (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Picture quality

Now, let's dive into the visual spectacle this television unfurls. With its 50-inch 4K display, the Neo QLED 4K Smart TV is ready to transport you to visual nirvana. And here's where it gets really exciting: when paired with a capable PC, it can crank up the refresh rate to a staggering 144Hz, thanks to its Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro. That's the kind of fluidity that gamers and cinephiles alike dream about.

As the name suggests, this TV dons a QLED panel, and it doesn't disappoint. Expect impeccable color reproduction, a brightness level that can make your content pop, and a contrast ratio that brings out every shadow and highlight in breathtaking detail.

Now, let's talk about 'Mark Antony' on Prime Video. When I settled in to watch this newly released movie, I noticed that the colors were dialed up a notch, leaning towards the saturated side. Reds and greens danced off the screen, and it was all because the picture mode was set to dynamic. But here's the beauty of it – with a quick switch to Eco or Filmmaker mode, you get a more true-to-life color palette, ready to embrace you in cinematic authenticity.

Speaking of contrast, this TV, despite not being OLED, manages to pull off inky, pitch-black scenes with finesse. But here's a small trade-off; the backlight control might momentarily dim the entire screen in the process. 

Now, for the gamers out there, this TV packs a punch with an HDMI 2.1 port. Whether you're gaming on an Xbox Series X, Sony PS5, or your trusty PC, the Neo QLED 4K Smart TV delivers high-refresh-rate 4K gaming without breaking a sweat. For PC enthusiasts, brace yourself for a mind-blowing 4K resolution at a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The world of gaming and entertainment just got a serious upgrade.

 The home UI does look a bit cluttered (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar)

Software experience

When it comes to the operating system, the Neo QLED 4K Smart TV marches to its own beat, running on the TizenOS. Now, don't get me wrong; it's not a slouch when it comes to content. It proudly hosts a lineup of almost all the major OTT platforms, ensuring that your streaming cravings are well catered to. But, here's the catch – it doesn't have the vast app and game support that you'd find on Google's Android TV OS.

The home page UI, admittedly, isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. It does have a slightly dated look, and some design elements appear non-uniform, especially when compared to the slick interfaces of Android TV OS and FireTV OS. And let's not forget those banner ads that make an appearance, muddying the overall user experience.

But, and this is a big 'but,' the TizenOS has its charms that grow on you as you continue to use this TV. What sets it apart is its lightning-fast boot-up time, leaving its smart TV counterparts in the dust. The Neural Quantum Processor 4K at its core ensures that your interactions are swift and smooth.

Now, if you're like me and don't have a cable TV or DTH connection at home, the built-in Samsung TV Plus comes to the rescue, offering access to a slew of live TV channels for free.

And here's where the Neo QLED 4K Smart TV truly shines. Apple AirPlay 2 works seamlessly with this TV, allowing me to mirror my iPhone 12 Pro in a matter of seconds. It's a seamless connection that brings the best of both worlds to your fingertips. But that's not all – if you're wielding a Samsung phone, like my trusty Galaxy S23 Ultra, the wireless Dex mode kicks in, turning your TV into a powerhouse of productivity. With just a mouse and a keyboard, it transforms into a full-fledged Android power PC, letting you explore your favorite apps like Instagram on a grand scale. It's the kind of versatility that makes this TV more than just a viewing device; it's a gateway to endless possibilities.