For this year 2021, Samsung has prepared a gigantic catalog with which to offer solutions for all types of users, among which a series of new technologies stand out with which to dominate the market for Smart TV. If you are lost and you still do not know how each of the models differs, then we leave you with the entire catalog so that you can take a look at it.
Samsung TV technologies. What is Mini LED and Micro LED
The first thing you should be clear about is that Samsung televisions now offer three types of technologies that will take the product to different categories. Two of them were released in 2021, micro LED y Mini LEDs, two new categories that will allow a new viewing experience to be achieved in all aspects. These are its characteristics:
Mini LED (Neo QLED)
With a size 1/40 smaller than traditional LEDs, these panels offer superior image quality to previous QLEDs thanks to the fact that the new Mini LEDs are capable of controlling light in a much more precise way. In the highest range, the brightness reaches 4.000 nits, something that offers an incredible brightness and contrast ratio. These Mini LEDs bring the new Neo QLED range to life, and will be available in 8K and 4K versions.
What makes mini-LED technology better than a conventional LED TV? For one, the mini-LED has smaller LEDs to power the backlight. The more LEDs, the better the contrast. Also, smaller LED lights will be able to achieve a better black level, which is what many people look for in a TV.
micro LED
This new LED technology allows the diode to create light and color by itself, so that the color, lighting and contrast offered become absolutely real. Its structure allows the creation of screens without frames in which the screen occupies 100% of the body, and its main objective is to give life to giant screens of more than 100 inches.
The microLED is quite different from the mini LED. Its main difference is that the former does not use a backlight to illuminate the screen. If you think about it, microLED is actually much closer to an OLED TV than it is to a mini LED. This is because OLED does not use a backlight. Instead, you can control its individual pixels for better contrast.
Samsung's microLED TVs are capable of delivering absolute pitch black because the pixels that are turned off display the color black. Unlike other LED TVs that still emit dim light, the microLED does not emit any form of light when the diode is off. Does this affect the overall brightness of the TV? Well no. In fact, microLED technology is even superior to OLED in this regard. Some of the MicroLED models that have been introduced reach 5.000 bits of brightness. To make a comparison, OLEDs have some limitations as they reach 1.000 nits.
Micro LED range
Samsung's most advanced technology currently goes through the Micro LED range. These gigantic screens inherit the characteristics of the famous modular panels that gave life to The Wall, with the difference that now they come in individual format to offer home solutions for those who have plenty of room at home.
This new solution comes with a simple mounting system that does not require professional installation, so all you have to worry about is having enough space to place it. Thanks to its gigantic inches, with the 4Vue function we can enjoy viewing 4 different sources on a split screen.
Available sizes: 110, 99 and future versions of 88 and 76 inches.
Availability: Late March (110 and 99 inches), Fall (88 inches), and coming soon for the 76-inch version.
Price: At the moment the manufacturer has not expressed itself in this regard, but do not expect popular prices. We are talking about technology of the future that you can buy today.
Mini LED range (Neo QLED)
Under the name of Neo QLED, Samsung introduces the Mini LED technology with a large list of models. This new generation of LEDs offers higher image quality, both in definition and in color fidelity, being able to offer brightness and contrast at levels that we could never see before on an LED technology television.
It is basically another answer against OLED technology, since these mini LEDs will be able to control the light in a more precise way, being able to show extremely dark areas and other very bright ones at the same time without losing color volume.
In this range we will find several models available in different inches. And this time we do have prices and more detailed features.
Samsung QN900A Neo QLED
It is the flagship of the entire range. With a design encased in an aluminum chassis, the screen seems to float with an almost invisible bezel, thus boasting the 8K resolution it offers. It is the only screen with 4.000 nits of brightness and with an OTS Pro positioned sound system.
- Key features: Infinity screen, Quantum HDR 4000, anti-glare screen, OTS Pro sound.
- Available sizes: 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 4.999 euros, 6,999 euros and 9.999 euros
Samsung QN800A Neo QLED
Samsung's other 8K model for this 2021. It slightly reduces some of the characteristics of its older brother, but it is still an incredible model with which to enjoy the best image quality. It shares a design with the QN900A, but in this case we do have visible bezels.
- Key features: Exclusive design, Quantum HDR 2000, anti-glare screen, OTS+ sound.
- Available sizes: 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 3.699 euros, 4,999 euros and 6.999 euros
Samsung QN95A Neo QLED
We go to 4K in Mini LED format, and this time the most advanced model is the QN95A. This Smart TV shares most of the features of the QN800A, with the only difference that it now offers a panel with 4K resolution.
- Key features: Slim design, Quantum HDR 2000, anti-glare screen, OTS+ sound, UHD Dimming Pro.
- Available sizes: 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 2.099 euros, 2.799 euros, 3,999 euros and 4.999 euros
Samsung QN90A Neo QLED
A model identical to the QN95A with the only difference that this time the Micro Dimming offered is simply UHD Dimming, and not the Pro version offered by the top model. It is a minimal difference, but one that perhaps the most demanding of the image can appreciate.
- Key features: Slim design, Quantum HDR 2000, anti-glare screen, OTS+ sound, UHD Dimming.
- Available sizes: 50, 55 and 65 inches
- Prices: 1.599 euros, 1.899 euros, 2,499 euros and 2.499 euros
Samsung QN85A Neo QLED
For a few months it was the most "basic" television in the range, if it can be called that. Another 4K screen with a maximum brightness of 1500 nits, with a very thin design and an overall reduction in specs that allow it to achieve a better price.
- Key features: Slim design, Quantum HDR 1500, OTS Lite sound, Supreme UHD Dimming.
- Available sizes: 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 1.699 euros, 2.199 euros, 3,299 euros and 3.999 euros
QN80A QLED TV
This model was launched for those who had a more moderate budget and saw the QN90A as too expensive. In general, it has more humble specifications, but it maintains a good audio system without sacrificing image quality.
- Key features: Good level of brightness, good viewing angles and 120 Hz panel.
- Available sizes: 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 999 euros, 1.150 euros, 1.700 euros and 2.200 euros
QN70A QLED TV
The next step down is the Q70A model, which ditches full-array backlighting for Samsung's dual-LED option. It's better than the standard edge-lit backlight, but noticeably less powerful than the full local dimming technology used in the Q80A.
- Key features: Smart TV complete with all Samsung functions, Multiview and PC option.
- Available sizes: 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 900 euros, 999 euros, 1.600 euros and 2.000 euros
QN60A QLED TV
To finish this list of QLED 4K models, we have the entry model, which is the Q60A. Unlike other models, this one does offer a greater number of sizes to choose from. On average, these televisions are between 200 and 300 euros cheaper than the equivalents of the Q70A and Q80A series. Like the Q70A, it's equipped with Samsung's dual-LED backlighting, basic Quantum HDR support, and Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite). It also packs the same set of smart features and apps as its bigger sisters.
- Key features: Smart TV complete with all Samsung functions, Multiview and PC option.
- Available sizes: 43, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches
- Prices: 550, 650, 750, 900, 1000, 1300, 1500 and 1900 euros
Comparison table of Neo QLED 2021 models
| QN900A | QN800A | QN95A | QN90A | QN85A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series | Neo QLED QN900 | Neo QLED QN800 | Serie 9 | Serie 9 | Serie 8 |
| Designer | Infinity Screen / Infinity One | Infinity One Design | solid design | solid design | solid design |
| Litigation, Arbitration | 8K X | 8K X | 4K X | 4K X | 4K X |
| HDR | QuantumHDR 48x | QuantumHDR 32x | QuantumHDR 24x | QuantumHDR 24x | QuantumHDR 24x |
| Contrast | Quantum Matrix Technology | Quantum Matrix Technology | Quantum Matrix Technology | Quantum Matrix Technology | Quantum Matrix Technology |
| Microphone Dimming | Ultimate 8K Dimming Pro | Ultimate 8K Dimming Pro | Ultimate UHD Dimming Pro | Ultimate UHD Dimming | Supreme UHD dimming |
| picture engine | Neo Quantum Processor 8K | Neo Quantum Processor 8K | Neo Quantum Processor 4K | Neo Quantum Processor 4K | Neo Quantum Processor 4K |
| anti reflection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound | 6.2.2 channels 80W Woofer | 4.2.2 channels 70W Woofer | 4.2.2 channels 60W Woofer | 4.2.2 channels 60W Woofer | 2.2.2 channels 60W Woofer |
| Object Tracking Sound | OTS Pro | OTS + | OTS + | OTS + | OTS |
| Dimensions (in 65 inches) | With base: 1.433,1 x 892,0 x 300,5 mm Without stand: 1.433,1 x 819,9 x 15,2 mm | With base: 1.443,7 x 897,4 x 300,6 mm Without stand: 1.443,7 x 828,4 x 16,9 mm | With base: 1.446,3 x 891,4 x 285,4 mm Without stand: 1446,3 x 829,3 x 25,9 mm | With base: 1.446,3 x 891,4 x 285,4 mm Without stand: 1.446,3 x 829,3 x 26,9 mm | With base: 1,446,3 x 891,1 x 290,0 mm Without stand: 1.446,3 x 829,3 x 26,9 mm |
| Weight (at 65 inches) | With base: 30,1 Kg Without base: 22,1 Kg | With base: 30,8 Kg Without base: 22,7 Kg | With base: 30,3 Kg Without base: 23,3 Kg | With base: 31,4 Kg Without base: 24,4 Kg | With base: 28,1 Kg Without base: 24,2 Kg |
| Inches | 65, 75 and 85 inches | 65, 75 and 85 inches | 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches | 50, 55 and 65 inches | 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches |
| Price | 4.999 euros, 6.999 euros and 9.999 euros | 3.699 euros, 4.999 euros and 6.999 euros | 2.099 euros, 2.799 euros, 3,999 euros and 4.999 euros | 1.599 euros, 1.899 euros, 2,499 euros and 2.499 euros | 1.699 euros, 2.199 euros, 3,299 euros and 3.999 euros |
Lifestyle range
One more year, Samsung has once again renewed its most original range, offering very different screens and image formats with which to differentiate itself in the market. As always, we will find the artistic The Frame, update The Terrace and, as a novelty, we receive The Premiere.
The Frame
Televisions with the soul of artistic painting return to the fray with subtle changes. The 2021 version has a thinner frame, customizable bezels, and even a matching My Shelf. These new models have up to 6GB of internal memory, which is used to store higher resolution images. The 43-inch base model starts at 999 euros. There are also 55, 65 and 75-inch models, the latter costing around 3000 euros. As a novelty, these new models allow the television to be hung horizontally in order to anchor it to the wall and display the works of art in a way that is more in tune with its format.
The premiere
This year's newest and most original product is a short-throw projector that promises cinema sessions of a whopping 130 inches from a distance of 24 centimeters. Thanks to its triple laser technology we will enjoy a 4K resolution image with great detail and a unique contrast and color representation in its category.
The Terrace
The outdoor Smart TV has been updated to be even more spectacular in broad daylight. With a new size of 75 inches, this screen is capable of automatically adjusting its brightness depending on the light it receives from the sun, also enduring inclement weather thanks to its IP55 certification.
Serif
Another member of Samsung's artistic televisions presented a renewal in 2021. It was made in 43, 55, and 65-inch models, with prices ranging from approximately 800 to 1500 euros. It is a versatile television, with a lot of personality and that has no middle ground: either you love it, or you hate it. Its strong point is that it can be installed without legs, so it can be placed in very small rooms without giving up a touch of avant-garde design.
The sero
The Sero is another one of those crazy Samsung TVs trying to shake up the TV market. And it's not a metaphor: this model is literally designed to be rotated. It is designed for that generation that has grown up with mobile phones and gives priority to vertical content. Therefore, The Sero allows you to place the television vertically or horizontally depending on the content we are watching. One of its star features is the compatibility with AirPlay 2, allowing streaming to be sent directly from the iPhone. This model is only available in a 43-inch model and is worth around 1500 euros. It is not cheap, but it is the ideal television to watch TikTok.
If you want to know a little more about the Lifestyle range that Samsung has for this 2021, you can take a look at this video from our YouTube channel in which we tell you about our experience after having been with them for a long time.
Are 2021 Samsung TVs still worth it?
The televisions have an annual update rate. They are presented at the beginning of the year and usually go on the market during the first quarter. After a year, almost all manufacturers repeat the play. It is obvious that the 2022 televisions have better features than those of 2021. But… is it worth it to get one from the previous year?
Well, the answer is yes. Just because a TV came out last year or the year before doesn't mean it's obsolete. In fact, when we talk about televisions, we have approximately two years of margin to be able to take advantage of offers. Come on, in 2022, it's not a bad idea to get a 2020 model if you see it at a good price and it's a machine that performed well at the time.
So don't think about it too much. The 2022 televisions may come with a more advanced system or have some improvements in their panels. However, if you want to save or get a model that is above your budget, getting a device from one or two years ago will allow you to take that little leap in quality that you want to be able to enjoy series, movies and video games with a better experience.