(Pocket-lint) – If you’re looking for a new television and want one of the finest pictures on the market, then Samsung’s range is sure to be on your list.

There are QLED TVs from the past few years, and in 2021, Samsung introduced the next-gen Neo QLED, powered by Mini LED tech, as well as MicroLED, albeit limited to 110 inch size only.

The latest range of QLED models all offer connectivity through common voice assistants, the latest streaming services from Apple and Disney – including AirPlay 2 – as well as a lot of technology to boost the picture performance.

Understanding Samsung TV names

If you’re wondering about model codes in Samsung designations: ‘R’ is 2019, ‘T’ is 2020 – but Samsung seems to have moved back to ‘A’ for 2021, with a reshuffling of the technologies on offer.

You’ll also notice that triple digits is 8K – QN900A – and double digits is 4K – QN90A, for example, which helps you see what you’re getting at a glance.

Worth noting is that QN (QLED Neo) seems to be the designation for the new display tech; Q is the incumbent QLED tech; and U is LCD – or Crystal UHD as Samsung calls it.

There are also named TVs: Serif, Sero, Frame and Terrace, all with specific design features. We’re not covering those in this list.

Samsung 2021 TV choices

Here’s the latest Samsung 4K and 8K QLED TV line-up and how each model differs from the next, covering the last couple of years. This isn’t an exhaustive list of all Samsung models in all regions, but is designed to give you an idea of where your choices lie when it comes to buying a new Samsung TV.

Note that not all 2021 models have been announced, but we’ll update when as they appear.

Samsung

QN900A

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• Screen sizes: 65in, 75in, 85in
• Neo QLED, 8K resolution, Quantum HDR 48X, Infinity Screen, One Connect

The 2021 Samsung flagship comes in popular sizes from 65-85 inches and features an Infinity Screen, offering edge-to-edge viewing with a practically invisible bezel. It’s a more advanced panel than previous QLED models, using the new Mini LED backlighting system, promising less bleed, more precise blacks and greater brightness for an even better HDR10+ Adaptive experience. The HDR will adapt to the room to give the best performance, while the panel supports 120Hz and is an 8K model.

There’s a slim One Connect box which can be attached to the TV stand to hide it out of the way, while sound is boosted by Object Tracking Sound Pro, designed to more accurately match the sound location to the action on the screen.

Samsung

QN800A

• Screen sizes: 65in, 75in, 85in
• Neo QLED, 8K resolution, Quantum HDR 32X, Infinity One Design, One Connect

The step-down model from the 2021 flagship is the QN800A. This again comes in popular sizes and retains the 8K screen with 120Hz and all the upscaling technology, but there’s a slight step down in HDR performance, saying that this features Quantum HDR 32X rather than the 48X on the QN900A.

There’s object tracking sound again, but there’s a simpler arrangement of speakers, with a lower overall output – while the design of the TV sticks to Infinity One Design, rather than the full Infinity Screen of the model above – so there’s a little more bezel here. Otherwise, these models are pretty similar.

Samsung

Q950TS

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• Screen sizes: 65in, 75in, 85in
• QLED, 8K resolution, Quantum HDR 4000, One Connect

The 2020 QLED 8K flagship, this TV offers near-complete edge-to-edge viewing and a smart, premium design. We think it’s a sophisticated package that’s sure to appeal to many after a premium set but who have so far resisted the leap to 8K.

The enhanced image processing borders on magic, too, while the beefed-up audio system benefits from additional processing and object tracking sound.

Samsung’s smart TV platform is superb here and we think it’s one of the best TVs currently on the market for HDR, too. Of course, it’s just about to be replaced with the updated QN900A.  

• Samsung Q950TS review: 8K is simply incredible

Samsung

QN90A

• Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 75in, 85in
• Neo QLED, 4K resolution, Quantum HDR 32X, NeoSlim Design

Samsung’s flagship 4K TV for 2021 is the QN90A. It offers many of the same benefits as the top 8K televisions, in that it still supports HDR10+ Adaptive and 120Hz, but here with a 4K resolution instead. It also comes in a smaller size, starting at 55-inches, adding appeal for those with smaller rooms.

There’s a slight step down in audio output compared to the QN800N, but it offers a similar speaker setup with object tracking. The connections for the TV don’t have a separate box, they are all on the rear of the TV itself – but all that comes with a more more approachable price.

Samsung

QN85A

• Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 75in, 85in
• Neo QLED, 4K resolution, Quantum HDR 24X, NeoSlim Design

The 2021 QN85A steps down from the QN90A, again making a couple of changes to present a TV that hits many of the same spec points on the panel, but makes a few cuts elsewhere to make it more affordable. It keeps the 4K resolution, but here offers Quantum HDR 24X, so this is a couple of steps down in HDR performance from the top models. Importantly it still offers 120Hz, however. 

It also continues to reduce the audio performace. While it has a 2.2.2 configuration, the output for this model is 60W with a less sophisticated object tracking arrangement than the models above it in the range. Again, the connections are all on the TV itself, but there’a also a design change, with a less premium stand than the QN90A.

Samsung

Q95T

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• Screen sizes: 55in, 65in, 75in, 85in
• QLED, 4K resolution, Quantum HDR 2000, Direct back-light, One Connect

Samsung’s flagship 4K QLED TV for 2020 is a cracker, offering a wide range of premium features, such as the One Connect box for easy cable connectivity. It offers great pictures quality, as well as the latest gaming features, like 120Hz for those next-gen consoles. 

This is a different display technology to the Neo QLED, however, here using direct illumination rather than the new Mini LED, so it’s likely that it will be out performed by some of the newer models in the line-up. With that said, this is still an impressive TV, with plenty to offer.

• Read our full Samsung Q95T review

Samsung

Q80T

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• Screen sizes: 49in, 55in, 65in, 75in, 85in
• QLED, 4K resolution, Quantum HDR 1500, Direct back-light

The 2020 Q80T is a mid-range QLED model, sitting under the likes of the Q95T. The design is less sophisticated and all connections go into the back of the TV rather than offering a One Connect box, so it’s a little less fancy overall. But you still get a great panel, with a 4K resolution and introducing a smaller size at 49 inches, making it even more appealing. Remember that this is a generation older than the 2021 QN85A, so although it has full array direct illumination, it’s not the Mini LED system of the latest models.

HDR steps down a little, but you still get 120Hz to support the latest gaming features. There’s object tracking audio from a similar speaker setup to the QN85A, aloing with all the normal Samsung functions.

• Read the full Samsung Q80T review

Samsung

Q65T

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• Screen sizes: 43in, 50in, 55in, 65in, 75in
• QLED, 4K resolution, Quantum HDR, Edge illumination

The Q65T is closer to the entry-level for 2020 Samsung TVs. While still offering 4K resolution, it comes in a range of sizes right down to 43-inches. Again this is the older QLED tech, not the fancy new New QLED system, and here is uses edge illumination rather than the direct illumination found on other models. The HDR punch isn’t as potent as a result.

The panel also leaves out another desirable feature – it doesn’t support 120Hz, so it’s less attractive to gamers wanting the latest support for the newer consoles.

On top of a couple of sacrifices on the image side, the audio is weak overall. That’s not a problem if you’re connecting to a more advanced sound system. There’s still some merits, however. You get a lot of visuals for your money and if you only want to stream movies and have a separate soundbar, it could be the bargain you’ve been looking for.

• Read our full Samsung Q65T review

Writing by Mike Lowe. Editing by Chris Hall.