Samsung Neo QLED QN85B vs. TCL QM7: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung Neo QLED QN85B (2022 model, e.g., QN55QN85BAFXZA) and TCL QM7 (2024 model, e.g., 55QM751G), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer high-end options with distinct strengths. The Samsung QN85B, a Mini-LED QLED TV, delivers vibrant visuals and gaming prowess, while the TCL QM7, also a Mini-LED QLED, emphasizes brightness and value. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com and HomeTheaterReview.com.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Neo QLED QN85B

The Samsung QN85B (2022) is a 4K Mini-LED QLED TV with a VA panel (IPS for 55- and 65-inch models), full-array local dimming (~576 zones), and Neo Quantum Processor 4K. Running on Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and versatile content consumption, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

TCL QM7

The TCL QM7 (2024, QM751G) is a 4K Mini-LED QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming (~1,248 zones), and AIPQ Pro processor. Powered by Google TV, it’s optimized for bright rooms and budget-conscious buyers seeking high brightness and HDR performance, available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85B (based on RTINGS.com, Gadget Review):
• Panel Type: VA LCD (IPS for 55-/65-inch), Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~576 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,147 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~768 cd/m² (SDR real scene), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~5,537:1 native, ~80,000:1 with dimming, deep blacks with some blooming.
• Color Performance: ~92.72% DCI-P3, ~69.54% Rec.2020, vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24° for VA), wider for IPS (~38°), suited for direct viewing (VA) or groups (IPS).
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neo Quantum Processor 4K, solid (~7.5/10), decent for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.7% total reflections), semi-matte coating.
• TCL QM7 (QM751G) (based on RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~1,248 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,555 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~604 cd/m² (SDR), superior in bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~5,651:1 native, ~135,500:1 with dimming, deeper blacks with less blooming.
• Color Performance: ~92.27% DCI-P3, ~70.17% Rec.2020, slightly more vibrant.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~28°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: AIPQ Pro, good (~7.1/10), slightly less effective than Samsung.
• Reflections: Decent handling (~5.3% total reflections), comparable to Samsung.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL QM7 excels with higher brightness (~1,555 cd/m² vs. ~1,147 cd/m²), better black uniformity (~0.269% vs. ~0.610% std. dev.), and Dolby Vision support, making it superior for HDR movies and bright Kenyan living spaces. The Samsung QN85B offers solid brightness and color accuracy (post-calibration dE ~1.08 vs. ~0.48), with IPS models providing wider viewing angles for group viewing. Its lack of Dolby Vision and more blooming are drawbacks.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QN85B:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~11.1ms (4K@60Hz), ~6.4ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, Game Bar.
• Game Mode: Fast response (~4.7ms), ideal for consoles and PCs.
• TCL QM7:
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, 4K/144Hz via HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~14.3ms (4K@60Hz), ~5.2ms (4K@144Hz), slightly less responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, ALLM, supports 4k@144Hz for PC gaming.
• Game Mode: Smoother motion (~6.3ms response).

Verdict on Gaming: The TCL QM7 has an edge with 144Hz support for PC gaming, but the Samsung QN85B is better for console gamers due to lower input lag (~11.1ms vs. ~14.3ms) and four HDMI 2.1 ports vs. TCL’s two. Both offer robust VRR, but Samsung’s broader compatibility (G-SYNC) enhances versatility.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QN85B: 2.2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Object Tracking Sound (OTS), Dolby Atmos via eARC, decent (~7.8/10 score).
• TCL QM7: 2.0-channel speakers, 40W output (2 x 10W + 10W subwoofer), Dolby Atmos via eARC, adequate (~7.5/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN85B delivers superior audio with higher power (60W vs. 40W) and OTS for directional sound, outperforming the TCL QM7’s basic setup. Both benefit from a soundbar for immersive audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QN85B: Tizen OS, Smart Hub, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, DLNA.
• TCL QM7: Google TV, Chromecast, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN85B’s Tizen OS is polished but less app-rich, with four HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. The TCL QM7’s Google TV offers broader app access and Wi-Fi 6, but its fewer HDMI 2.1 ports and occasionally sluggish interface are drawbacks.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QN85B: Slim (~1.1 inches, 55-inch), 0.35-inch bezels, VESA 200×200, ~17.2 kg (55-inch), good reflection handling (~5.7%).
• TCL QM7: Thicker (~2.4 inches, 55-inch), 0.39-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~18.0 kg (55-inch), decent reflection handling (~5.3%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN85B’s slimmer profile is ideal for wall-mounting and elegant in Kenyan homes. The TCL QM7’s thicker build is sturdy but less sleek, with comparable reflection handling.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022/2024 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 15, 2025, 11:13 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Neo QLED QN85B Prices (based on RTINGS.com, T3)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 75-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000
• 85-inch: $2,300–$2,500 ≈ KSh 299,000–325,000

TCL QM7 Prices (based on HomeTheaterReview.com, adjusted for QM751G)

• 55-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 65-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 75-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000
• 85-inch: $1,400–$1,600 ≈ KSh 182,000–208,000
• 98-inch: $2,000–$2,300 ≈ KSh 260,000–299,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL QM7 is significantly more affordable (~KSh 78,000–299,000 vs. ~KSh 117,000–325,000), offering better value and a 98-inch option. The Samsung QN85B’s higher cost reflects its premium brand and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Neo QLED QN85B:
• Ideal For: Gamers, sports enthusiasts, and viewers in bright rooms. Its gaming features and IPS panel (smaller sizes) suit Kenyan homes with group viewing and console setups.
• Use Case: Best for gaming, sports, and mixed content in bright environments.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–325,000, for buyers prioritizing gaming and brand reliability.
• TCL QM7:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious cinephiles and viewers in bright or controlled lighting. Its high brightness and Dolby Vision suit movie-focused setups.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies and streaming in bright rooms.
• Budget: KSh 78,000–299,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL QM7

The TCL QM7 is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,555 cd/m² vs. ~1,147 cd/m²), better black uniformity (~0.269% vs. ~0.610% std. dev.), and Dolby Vision support, delivering vibrant HDR visuals in bright Kenyan homes. Its affordability (~KSh 78,000–299,000), 144Hz refresh rate, and larger size options (up to 98 inches) enhance value, though its higher input lag (~14.3ms vs. ~11.1ms) and fewer HDMI 2.1 ports are drawbacks for gamers.

The Samsung Neo QLED QN85B excels for gaming with lower input lag (~11.1ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and a polished Tizen OS, ideal for console gamers and sports viewers. Its IPS panel (55-/65-inch) offers wider viewing angles, but its lack of Dolby Vision and higher cost (~KSh 117,000–325,000) reduce its appeal for movie enthusiasts.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL QM7 for affordable, cinematic viewing in bright rooms, with a budget of KSh 78,000–299,000, ideal for movies and streaming. Opt for the Samsung QN85B for gaming and group viewing in bright settings, with a budget of KSh 117,000–325,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 15, 2025.

SARABI MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 1 EPISODE 73