QLED or quantum dot LED is the new buzzword in TV displays, and for most of us still stuck at home and spending a huge chunk of our days in front of a TV screen, it may be time to think about getting an upgrade. Is the Samsung QA55Q60T a good choice? Let’s find out.
Design: 4/5
The 55-inch QA55Q60T is designed as a 3 bezel-less slim look TV. The all-black color adds to the all-screen impression, and the boomerang-shaped feet are unobtrusive enough so as not to detract from the floating screen effect. Overall, you get a sleek, elegant, and minimalist design that’s a great addition to any room in the house.
Samsung has also very smartly added Ambient Mode so you can use the TV to enhance your home decor by showcasing a collage of family photos or with a slideshow of your travels.
Hardware: 4/5
The star of this TV is, of course, the quantum dot technology that delivers 100% color volume, ensuring the color stays constant at every brightness level, while Dual LED backlighting improves contrast and color. With quantum HDR (high dynamic range), you get deeper blacks and more detailed images. The chip that powers all these is the Samsung Quantum Processor Lite.
The Dolby Digital Plus audio system consists of 2-channel stereo speakers that produce 20W sound output.
The QA55Q60T runs on Samsung’s proprietary Tizen operating system, with an intuitive user interface that’s quite distinct from the usual Android OS used on other smart TVs.
At the back of the unit are 3 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 composite, digital audio out, RF-in, and ethernet ports. It also has WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 for connectivity
The remote control (TMC2050A) is a simple, compact joystick with just a few buttons to control everything. There are dedicated buttons to quickly access Netflix, Prime Video, and the web browser. Personally, I wish they’d included a YouTube button in place of the www.
User Experience: 4/5
Setting up the Samsung QA55Q60T is a breeze — just link it to your home network (whether through WiFi or ethernet cable) and register for a Samsung account. Basic apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Viu are pre-installed, along with the web browser. You can quickly download and install other apps from the Smart Hub according to your preferences.
Install SmartThings on your phone and add the QA55Q60T if you want to be able to use your phone as a remote controller for the TV — really cool!
But, of course, beyond the bells and whistles, the key performance indicators for any TV are its video and audio outputs. On the QA55Q60T, the former is great but the latter needs improvement.
The 4K video quality is truly outstanding with picture quality that’s noticeably better than mere full HD. Finer details are more distinct, contrasts are sharper, and colors more subtle and well-defined — creating a great cinematic viewing experience. From the proper viewing position, the picture quality on the QA55Q60T is so refined and natural-looking without being overly bright allowing me to binge-watch for hours without any eyestrain. My only caveat is that from the side, images can be blurry with noticeable reflections on-screen.
The one area that Samsung seems to have stinted on is on audio quality which, despite having Dolby Digital Plus support, is limited by its 20W 2-speaker setup. I find myself constantly having to adjust volume up/down, and movies somehow lack that thumping sensurround oomph. A soundbar will definitely make a welcome improvement to the total experience.
Value: 4/5
As the entry-level tier in Samsung’s QLED 4K TV product category, the Q60T is the most affordably priced of the Samsung QLED 4K TVs. A 55-incher like our review unit carries a PHP 56,999 price tag — well below the six figures you’d expect to pay for its more premium QLED 4K cousins. Watch out for the seasonal promo offers and you’ll probably be able to get a good bargain, possibly with a soundbar thrown in.
Specifications:
- Display: 55-inch screen, 3840×2160 resolution
- Video: Quantum processor lite picture engine, 120+ motion rate, 3100 PQI, Quantum HDR, HDR 10+, HLG, dual LED, 100% color volume with quantum dot, supreme UHD dimming, contrast enhancer, auto motion plus, film mode, natural mode support
- Audio: 20W sound output, 2CH speakers, Dolby Digital Plus, dialog enhancement, multi-room link, Bluetooth audio
- Smart Features: Tizen OS, Bixby, web browser, SmartThings, gallery
- Convergence: Mirroring mobile-TV, DLNA, multi-view, WiFi Direct, sound mirroring
- Connectivity: 3 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 composite, ethernet, digital audio out, RF-in, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Anynet+
- Power: AC100-240V 50/60Hz, 140W max power consumption
- Dimensions: 1230.1×783.7×243.3mm with stand, 1230.1×705.9×57.4mm without stand
- Weight: 17.4kg with stand, 17.2kg without stand
- Remote control model: TMC2050A
What’s Hot:
- Great 4K resolution
- Smart features
What’s Not:
- Audio needs improvement
Bottomline:
- Premium yet priced within reach.
Reviewed by Maribelle Alba
Also published in Gadgets Magazine APRIL 2021 Issue