Considering a jump into the world of QLED TVs but keeping an eye on your wallet? The Samsung Q60T series might be the answer you’ve been searching for. This TV boasts Samsung’s QLED technology, promising enhanced colors and vibrancy compared to traditional LED TVs, all at a price point that won’t leave you needing instant ramen for the next month. But is the Q60T all sunshine and rainbows, or are there hidden clouds to consider? This review dives deep into the Q60T’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the key to unlocking your next binge-watching haven.
Brand | Samsung |
Display Technology | QLED |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Special Feature | 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot; Quantum HDR; Smart TV Powered by TIZEN; Quantum Processor 4K Lite |
Included Components | User Manual, Power Cable, Standard Smart Remote |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Speaker Type | Built-In |
Today’s SAMSUNG Class QLED Q60T Series TV Deals
SAMSUNG 43-inch Class QLED Q60T
SAMSUNG 50-inch Class QLED Q60T
SAMSUNG 65-inch Class QLED Q60T
SAMSUNG 75-inch Class QLED Q60T
SAMSUNG 85-Inch Class QLED Q60T
Picture Quality
The Q60T series centers around offering a taste of Samsung’s QLED technology. Here’s a breakdown of its key visual aspects:
-
QLED Technology: Samsung’s QLED panels use Quantum Dots – tiny particles that enhance color reproduction. This translates to a wider color gamut compared to traditional LED TVs, potentially offering richer and more vibrant visuals, especially in HDR content. However, some reviewers note that the color improvement might be subtle, and the Q60T doesn’t reach the peak color vibrancy of higher-end QLED models.
-
HDR Compatibility: The Q60T supports HDR10, a format that expands the contrast range and color gamut for a more immersive viewing experience. While HDR content can showcase brighter highlights and deeper blacks, the Q60T’s limitations in peak brightness might affect the HDR impact compared to TVs with higher brightness capabilities.
-
Upscaling Power: The Q60T can upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K quality. This means your old Full HD movies and shows can appear sharper and more detailed on the Q60T’s screen.
Compared To Other TVs
The Q60T sits in a competitive mid-range segment. While it offers a taste of QLED technology and decent picture quality with HDR compatibility, some similarly priced competitor TVs might boast higher peak brightness levels or more advanced picture processing features that deliver a more impactful HDR experience.
Brightness and Contrast
The brightness levels on the Q60T are just average. While suitable for most viewing environments, the screen might struggle in very bright rooms. Additionally, the contrast ratio is decent but not exceptional. Blacks appear somewhat gray in dark scenes, especially when compared to TVs with features like local dimming that adjust backlighting dynamically for deeper blacks.
Design
The Q60T embraces a minimalist aesthetic. The bezels are slim and stylish, creating a near bezel-less look that keeps the focus on the picture. The sleek stand offers sturdy support and a slight tilt functionality for optimal viewing angles. The back panel is made of plastic, which feels functional but not necessarily premium. Overall, the design prioritizes clean lines and a modern look that blends seamlessly into most living spaces.
Here’s a point to consider: The Q60T might be a bit thicker than some ultra-slim TVs on the market. If wall mounting is your preference, be sure to check the depth specifications to ensure it fits your space requirements.
Sound Quality
Let’s face it, the built-in speakers on the Q60T are just average. They lack depth and power, resulting in a somewhat thin and underwhelming audio experience. Dialogue can sound clear at moderate volumes, but bass is lacking, and action scenes might sound flat.
For an immersive movie or gaming experience, consider pairing the Q60T with a soundbar or a home theater system. This will significantly enhance the overall audio quality and unlock the full potential of your entertainment. Samsung offers a variety of soundbar options that integrate seamlessly with the Q60T, creating a unified and powerful audio solution.
Smart Features
The Samsung Q60T runs on Tizen, Samsung’s smart platform. Here’s a breakdown of its functionalities:
- User-Friendly Interface: Tizen is known for its intuitive interface with a user-friendly layout. Apps and streaming services are neatly organized, making navigation and finding what you want to watch a breeze.
- Vast App Selection: The Q60T offers a wide selection of popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and countless others, along with games and additional apps.
- Bixby Voice Integration: The Q60T integrates with Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to control the TV, search for content, or adjust settings.
Compared To Other TVs
Tizen is a well-regarded smart platform, but some competitor TVs might offer additional functionalities or integrations specific to their own smart systems. For example, LG TVs with webOS might have certain features or voice assistant compatibility that differ from Tizen.
Here are some points to consider for Smart Features:
- Learning Curve for Non-Samsung Users: If you’re not familiar with Samsung’s ecosystem, there might be a slight learning curve compared to more widely used platforms like Roku or Fire TV.
- Limited Customization: Tizen offers less customization compared to some competing platforms.
Motion
The Samsung Q60T features a standard 60Hz refresh rate panel. While it delivers a decent viewing experience for most content like movies and TV shows, fast-paced scenes like sports or action movies might exhibit some motion blur. This can be a concern for gamers or viewers particularly sensitive to motion blur. The Q60T lacks some motion processing features found on higher-end TVs that can help reduce blur. While some technologies might be included to try and minimize blur, they might introduce the “soap opera effect” where motion appears unnaturally smooth, which some viewers find undesirable.
Consider a TV with a higher refresh rate (120Hz or higher) for smoother motion handling in fast-moving content.
Gaming Features
The Samsung Q60T caters to casual gamers with some basic features to enhance the experience. Game Mode pre-calibrates the picture settings for faster response times and a more responsive gaming experience. Additionally, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) might be included on some models, helping reduce input lag for a faster response time between your controller actions and what appears on the screen. However, the Q60T lacks some features that might be important for serious gamers:
- Higher Refresh Rates: As mentioned earlier, the 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for gamers seeking the smoothest possible motion.
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology eliminates screen tearing, a visual glitch that can occur during fast-paced gameplay. The Q60T doesn’t support VRR.
- Advanced Gaming Modes: Some TVs offer dedicated game modes optimized for different game genres (FPS, RPG, etc.) for the best possible gaming experience. The Q60T lacks such dedicated modes.
Durability and Build Quality
The Samsung Q60T appears decently built with a plastic back panel and a sturdy stand. Samsung TVs generally have an average reputation for reliability, but longevity ultimately depends on usage and care. As with any TV, proper handling and avoiding extreme temperatures or environments will contribute to a longer lifespan.
Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity
The viewing angles of the Samsung Q60T are decent thanks to the VA panel technology used in most models. Colors and picture quality remain fairly consistent when viewed from off-center positions. VA panels offer wider viewing angles compared to IPS panels, making them a good choice for rooms where multiple people might be viewing the TV from different angles.
In terms of screen uniformity, the Samsung Q60T might exhibit some minor variations in brightness or color across the screen, especially in dark scenes. This is a common occurrence with most TVs, and its severity can vary between individual units. If uniformity is a major concern, researching user reviews and professional calibrations can help you determine if this is a widespread issue with the Q60T.
Inputs
The Samsung Q60T comes equipped with a good selection of inputs, including:
- Multiple HDMI ports (with some featuring HDMI 2.0 capabilities) for connecting streaming devices, game consoles, and cable boxes. HDMI 2.0 supports features like 4K resolution at 60Hz.
- USB ports for connecting external storage drives or media players.
- An optical audio output for connecting external sound systems.
- An Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
This wired ethernet connection allows you to connect the Q60T directly to your router using an ethernet cable for a more stable and reliable internet connection compared to Wi-Fi.
Overall Value
The Samsung Q60T tempts budget-conscious viewers with a gateway into QLED technology. Its potential for richer colors and a user-friendly Tizen smart platform brimming with apps and streaming services make it a tempting option. The attractive price tag adds to its allure. But before you hit buy, consider these potential shortcomings:
-
Picture Quality Trade-Offs: While the Q60T might offer more vibrant colors compared to traditional LED TVs, its average brightness and contrast hold it back. This can especially affect the HDR experience, where deeper blacks and brighter highlights are crucial.
-
Motion Matters (or Not): The 60Hz refresh rate might cause motion blur in fast-paced content like sports or action movies. Gamers, in particular, might find this a dealbreaker. If you primarily watch movies and TV shows and aren’t particularly sensitive to motion blur, this might be a non-issue.
-
Sound That Falls Flat: The built-in speakers deliver just average audio quality. Dialogue might be clear at moderate volumes, but bass is lacking, and action scenes can sound underwhelming. For an immersive audio experience, a soundbar is practically a necessity, adding to the overall cost.
To Sum It Up
The Samsung Q60T shines for casual viewers who prioritize a taste of QLED technology and a user-friendly smart platform at a budget-friendly price. But if you demand exceptional picture quality with top-tier brightness, contrast, and smooth motion handling, or crave superior sound without needing a soundbar, you might need to explore pricier options. Similarly, serious gamers seeking high refresh rates and advanced gaming features like VRR would be better suited looking elsewhere.
Ultimately, the Q60T offers a compelling value proposition for viewers who understand its limitations. It’s a solid entry point into the world of QLED on a budget, but keep in mind the trade-offs before making your decision.
Conclusion
The Samsung Q60T offers a budget-friendly taste of QLED technology with a user-friendly smart platform. But average brightness, contrast, motion handling, and sound (soundbar likely needed) hold it back. Gamers beware of the 60Hz refresh rate. Ideal for casual viewers on a budget who prioritize value over top-tier performance.