Home / Feature
Feature

Best Samsung TV 2022: Crystal UHD vs QLED vs Neo QLED vs Lifestyle

We help you choose the right Samsung TV
Chris Martin
By Chris Martin
Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor APR 21, 2022 5:42 pm BST

Buying a new TV is one of the most exciting tech purchases you can make, partly as it doesn’t happen very often compared to others. However, that means you need to get it right and it’s also one of the trickiest and most confusing things to choose.

There are lots of factors at play including size, resolution and panel technology, not to mention all the marketing acronyms to learn like HDR, UHD, Quantum Dot and many more.

If you’re already set on buying a Samsung TV then you’ve come to the right place, as we take you through all the options for 2022. And you’d be making a wise choice with Samsung understandably one of the world’s most popular TV brands thanks to the high-quality design, picture quality, specs, and features.

The words ‘Smart TV’ don’t mean much these days as almost every TV now comes with Wi-Fi and a user interface with various apps. It’s something Samsung does particularly well though, with an easy-to-use experience complete with popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BT Sport built-in (subscriptions may be required).

Before we start, it’s a good idea to have an idea of the size of TV you want – especially if it needs to fit in an alcove or similar – so get the tape measure out. Remember that the listed screen size is a diagonal measure from corner to corner, not the TV’s width. Also, think about how much you want to spend.

We’ll run through all of Samsung’s different ranges starting with the cheapest explaining the key specs and features you need to know about each as well as whether you might be better off getting an older 2021 model instead – many of which will still offer fantastic features while costing a bit less.

We review as many Samsung TVs as possible from the huge range and you can find the top ones in our best TV chart or the best budget TV chart. Not sure if you want a Samsung TV? Check out our best LG TV buying guide.

Samsung Crystal UHD 2022

Samsung Crystal UHD

They won’t pop up front and centre of the Samsung site when you browse TVs as the firm would rather you spend more, but Samsung has a range of affordable sets to choose from. They are more on the simple side of things but still perfectly good for basic tasks such as streaming.

Crystal UHD is just the name for Samsung’s entry-level LCD LED TVs.

They’re all 4K resolution and support HDR (high dynamic range) which promises better colour, but be aware that budget sets don’t tend to have good enough brightness to make the most of it. They also support HDR10+ and HLG, but not other standards like Dolby Vision favoured by Netflix.

Note that the BU models are new for 2022, while AU are 2021 models and TU ones are from 2020. Samsung has only recently announced the 2022 Crystal UHD sets and only one is on sale at the time of writing – the BU8000 you can see above.

The new sets come with some upgrades including a height-adjustable stand (for 75in and above) along with object tracking sound lite (OTS) to provide a more immersive soundscape. This uses the bottom speaker and AI to imitate overhead speakers.

You also get a SolarCell remote control which is not only solar-powered but can control other devices, too. The BU models do have an auto low latency mode (ALLM) for lag-free gaming but that’s about it, so don’t expect anything like 120Hz support.

Many things remain the same so it’s well worth considering the AU models which are now available at reduced prices.

Best for: Getting a 4K smart TV on a budget.

Models to choose from:

  • BU8000
  • BU8500
Samsung QLED 2022

Samsung QLED – Quantum Dot

Samsung’s regular QLED sets are taking a bit of a backseat this year and haven’t even been given an official announcement. As such, we’ve had to scour the internet for information on them.

In fact, there only appear to be three models available at the time of writing – the Q60B, Q70B and  Q80B – with only two on the Samsung US store and one in the UK. There’s mention of a Q65B in documentation but it doesn’t appear to be on sale yet.

Sitting between the Crystal UHD and Neo QLED ranges means you get a mid-range experience as well as mid-range prices, although the larger sizes will mean paying over £/$2,000.

This might be a sweet spot for many buyers who want a more premium viewing experience than Crystal UHD but can’t afford a Neo QLED. Some of Samsung’s lifestyle models also use QLED but we’ll cover those later.

You still get things like the punchy colour of the QLED panel but don’t expect the more advanced processing of the Neo Quantum Processor 4K found on the Neo models. The main difference is the Mini-LED backlighting you get if you can afford Neo QLED.

Note that like last year’s QLED range, there are quite a few differences between the Q60B and Q70B such as a different processor, but most importantly the latter is the only one to come with 120Hz gaming for next-gen consoles.

With these 2022 models coming arriving with minimal upgrades, it’s worth looking out for discounts on the 2021 QLED TVs to get a bargain – such as the Q60A and Q80A.

Best for: Picture quality and sleek design without breaking the bank – likely the best value for money for most people.

Models to choose from: 

  • Q60B
  • Q70B 
  • Q80B
Samsung Neo QLED 2022

Samsung Neo QLED – Mini-LED 

Neo QLED was new for 2021 so it’s now in its second year and these are the models you’ll see Samsung really pushing for 2022. Note that the latest models have a ‘B’ at the end instead of ‘A’.

While these are still QLED like the regular quantum dot models above, Neo QLED TVs have Mini-LED backlighting. Much smaller LEDs compared to normal mean lots more can be put behind the screen.

Sectioned into many more dimming zones, more accurate control over the lighting improves contrast while reducing unwanted effects like blooming – find out more in our guide to Mini-LED.

It’s understandable that these 2nd-gen Neo QLED models bring refinement rather than big upgrades but there are a number including 14-bit HDR Mapping (up from 12-bit) for “even more details to dark and bright scenes.”

Improvements to the Mini-LED control include Quantum Matrix Technology with Shape Adaptive Light control for more accurate lighting. You also get better sound with multi-directional speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Object Sound Tracking (OTS).

You still get HDMI 2.1 ports with 120Hz support for next-gen consoles such as the PS5 but certain models, such as the 43in or 50in QN90B, offer a 144Hz refresh rate if you want to use it as a monitor.

Do check the specs of the model you’re looking at buying as those smaller QN90B sizes, for example, have dimmer Quantum HDR 1500 panels compared to Quantum HDR 2000 on larger models.

Note that the QN90B is actually the cheapest model from the range as it comes in sizes as small as 43in. The models with an extra ‘0’ are 8K in resolution rather than 4K.

Best for: Flagship design and features.

Models to choose from:

  • QN85B 
  • QN90B
  • QN95B
  • QN700B
  • QN800B
  • QN900B
Samsung QD-OLED

Samsung QD-OLED

It’s taken a while but Samsung has finally gone OLED, although this is not like rivals such as LG and Philips. You’ll notice the ‘QD’ at the start meaning that the firm has combined QLED and OLED technology, though this is not exclusive to Samsung as the Sony A95K also has it.

However, Samsung’s marketing simply calls it OLED with no mention of Quantum Dot technology unless you delve into the specs where it says “100% Colour Volume with Quantum Dot” under the Colour section.

Regardless, the QD-OLED panel aims to give you the best of both worlds with the infinite contrast of self-illuminating OLED with the brightness and colour reproduction of QLED. Samsung doesn’t quote a peak brightness on the store but it should hit 1500 nits.

Another thing the panel enables is a razor-thin design but you are restricted to only 55in or 65in sizes, and they come with premium prices.

Otherwise, you get a very similar experience to the Neo QLED models such as HDMI 2.1 with 120Hz support and a Dolby Atmos sound system with OTS.

Best for: The most premium 4K picture quality.

Models to choose from:

  • S95B

Samsung Lifestyle TVs

If a conventional TV doesn’t float your boat then Samsung has a range of more unusual designs on offer under its ‘Lifestyle’ series. While the technology might not be as impressive as QD-OLED, the designs do all sorts from pretending to be a piece of art in a frame to rotating into a portrait orientation.

Let’s take a look at them individually:

Samsung The Frame 2022

The Frame (2022)

With a choice of various bezels (over 40 colours to choose from), The Frame is designed to go on your wall and look like a hung piece of art. With Art Mode (requires subscription), the display shows over 1,600 pieces of art while you’re not using it.

Last year’s model was one of the best TVs around and things haven’t changed a whole lot for 2022 but the new edition (LS03B going by the model number) comes with a Matt Display making it look even less like a TV and more like canvas as well as a height-adjustable stand.

If you’re wall mounting then a single cable runs to the One Connect Box where you’ll find the HDMI ports and the like. It now comes with an upgraded sound system with Dolby Atmos support, OTS Lite, and, for sizes 55in and above, dedicated up-firing drivers.

If you’re looking for a huge one the good news is that it now comes in up to 85in, but it’s a shame that Samsung has dropped the 32in Full HD model from the range as it’s more affordable and the compact size makes it great for kitchens and bedrooms. However, the 2021 is still available and at bargain prices.

Best for: Disguising your TV as artwork.

Samsung Serif 2022

The Serif (2022)

After skipping a 2021 update, The Serif is back with a 2022 model (LS01B). This unusual TV is designed to be a showpiece with its ‘I’ girder shape and legs, although they are optional.

It was previously available in different colours such as Cotton Blue but at the time of writing, we can only see Cloud White on offer. It’s now available in a larger 65in model but the 49in size appears to have been dropped from the range.

As previously, you get QLED technology in a 4K resolution and has a Matt Display like The Frame. It also has an NFC chip so you can quickly stream music from your phone by tapping it on the TV’s frame. 

Best for: Making a statement.

Samsung Sero 2021

The Sero (2021)

The Sero is Samsung’s rotating TV – you can use it like normal, but it can also move into a portrait position at the touch of a button thanks to a motorised mechanism. It’s designed with phone apps in mind, whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or otherwise.

Samsung hasn’t updated it for 2022, so the latest version is the 2021 model (LS05T). You get a 4K QLED panel and a multi-channel sound system with 60W of power.

Considering the TV is niche in its selling point it’s likely that another Samsung model is more appealing and better value. It’s unclear whether it will get a 2022 successor.

Best for: Mirroring your phone in portrait mode.

Samsung The Terrace

The Terrace (2021) 

Want a TV to put outside permanently? Well, The Terrace (LST7) is designed for this exact job, with IP55 weather resistance much like other gadgets such as phones or smartwatches. As it’s designed to be outdoors, The Terrace also has an anti-reflection coating on the screen. 

It’s available in three sizes, offers 4K resolution with QLED technology, and you’re going to need to have a deep wallet even for the smallest model.

It’s unclear whether there will be a 2022 model.

Best for: Outdoor viewing.

Samsung Micro-LED

Samsung Micro-LED 

  • Prices TBC
  • 89-110in
  • Micro-LED
  • 4K
  • HDMI 2.1 with 120Hz

Micro-LED technology has been around for a while, but typically as a concept, although Samsung has sold a few to a select number who could afford it. As the name implies, the LEDs are even smaller than Mini-LED so you can fit millions behind the display and they are self-illuminating like OLED. 

The firm calls it the pinnacle of display technology and 2022 Micro-LED panels come with 20-bit greyscale depth for increased detail and finer control with more than one million steps of brightness. 

Things like screen-to-body ratio and colour reproduction for standards like Adobe RGB and DCI are all effectively 100%. 2022 models will offer Art Mode like The Frame as well as Dolby Atmos support.

Last year, Samsung announced the technology in a single panel of 110in size but with eye-watering prices.

Back then we concluded that  Micro-LED TVs aren’t ready for your living room yet, and although the firm has announced smaller 101in and 89in sizes for 2022, they are almost certainly going to be too expensive for the vast majority to even consider.

Where to buy Samsung TVs 

The obvious place to buy Samsung TVs is from the official store. It’s not the best site to browse but you get options for finance, free delivery, free returns and optional things like demo and setup. 

One of the best reasons to buy from Samsung directly is various offers such as cashback or discounts on other products like a soundbar if you buy them together.  

Of course, you can buy from many retailers in the UK although they are unlikely to stock all Samsung models. You can buy Samsung TVs from Amazon, John Lewis, Laptops Direct, AO, Argos, Currys PC World, Very, Box and more. 

Those in the US can also head to the official Samsung store or buy from  Amazon, BestBuy, Newegg,  Target,  Walmart, Costco and B&H.  

, Reviews Editor

Tech Advisor's Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.

Recent stories by Chris Martin: