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Samsung Q8F: Two-minute review
The Samsung Q8F is a blended bag of a TV. It has a good array of options, a pleasant design and strong sufficient image high quality, however an absence of key gaming options, together with common sound high quality, maintain it again. And with loads of funds rival mini-LEDs available on the market, such because the TCL C7K, considered one of 2025’s best TVs, the Q8F’s worth is a troublesome ask.
Sound quality is sub-par on the Q8F. Speech is clear enough, but the soundstage is very narrow, the bass is thin and the volume still feels lacking even when pushed to high levels. You’ll want to get one of the best soundbars for this TV.
For a TV at this worth vary, the bodily design is fairly good. The Q8F is slim, glossy and has easy-to-fit toes that may be put in two positions: large (for a soundbar) or slender (for furnishings). Plus, it has a trim bezel and Samsung’s rechargeable SolarCell distant.
Tizen 9.0, the newest model of Samsung’s Tizen good TV platform, is likely one of the greatest up to now. It has a user-friendly interface, a helpful fast menu, tons of customization choices and plentiful image settings. Some settings are buried deep within the menus, nevertheless, which might be irritating in the event you repeatedly regulate your image.
The Q8F is a median gaming show. Efficiency is nice general and it has a low 9.2ms enter lag, however it lacks key options we search for in one of the best gaming TVs, corresponding to 4K 120Hz and VRR assist. It does include Samsung’s helpful Gaming Hub portal, however in the event you’re searching for a gaming TV at this worth, Hisense and TCL’s mini-LED TVs are a greater choice.
Whereas the Q8F isn’t a badly priced TV, it’s a robust promote when higher performing mini-LED TVs with extra options, particularly for gaming, can be found for a similar worth or much less in 50-inch and above, such because the TCL C6K.
Samsung Q8F review: Price and release date
- Release date: May 2025
- 43-inch: £549
- 50-inch: £699
- 55-inch: £899
- 65-inch: £1,199
- 75-inch: £1,799
- 85-inch: £2,499
The Samsung Q8F is the flagship model in Samsung’s 2025 QLED lineup, sitting above the Samsung Q6F and Q7F. It is available in a wide range of sizes, including a 32-inch model (US only). The 65-inch model I tested launched at £929 in May 2025.
Since its launch, there have been discounts across every screen size, with the 65-inch I tested now priced at £869 on average. You can now find the 55-inch size for £629 and the 75-inch for £1,299.
Samsung Q8F review: Specs
|
Screen type: |
QLED |
|
Refresh rate: |
60Hz |
|
HDR support: |
HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
|
Audio support: |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Smart TV: |
Tizen |
|
HDMI ports: |
3 x HDMI 2.0 |
Samsung Q8F review: Benchmark results
Samsung Q8F review: Features
- Q4 AI Processor
- Tizen smart TV platform
- HDR10+ support
The Samsung Q8F uses a QLED panel and features Samsung’s Q4 AI processor. It supports the HDR10+ high dynamic range format, however like different Samsung TVs doesn’t assist Dolby Imaginative and prescient. It additionally has a Filmmaker Mode image preset and helps new Samsung TV options corresponding to Shade Booster Professional.
The Q8F’s 2-channel, 20W speaker array helps Dolby Atmos together with Samsung audio options corresponding to Energetic Voice Amplifier and Object Monitoring Sound (OTS) Lite. It additionally helps the Q-Symphony function, the place the TV’s audio system can work in tandem with appropriate Samsung soundbars.
For gaming, the Q8F helps 4K 60Hz, HGiG, ALLM, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a portal for cloud gaming providers corresponding to Xbox and Luna. It doesn’t assist increased refresh charges corresponding to 120Hz, and there’s additionally no VRR assist. There are solely three HDMI ports in complete as nicely.
One factor price noting is that within the US, the Q8F really helps 120Hz and VRR. We’ve got reached out to Samsung to search out out why the gaming specs are completely different within the US and UK and can replace this overview once we obtain a reply.
The Q8F options the newest model of Samsung’s Tizen good TV platform, Tizen 9.0. Together with a Fast Menu the place essential settings might be simply accessed, Tizen supplies tailor-made suggestions and integration with the Samsung SmartThings good residence platform. It has a number of new AI options, together with one that gives data in regards to the present you’re presently watching, and Samsung TV Plus, which provides tons of of free ad-supported streaming channels.
UK viewers ought to observe that Samsung TV Plus is included instead of FreeView/Freely, however with the fitting aerial and satellite tv for pc cable connections, the same old UK-based channels can nonetheless be accessed.
Samsung Q8F review: Picture quality
- Punchy colors
- Middling blacks and contrast
- Screen reflections
Starting with brightness measurements, the Q8F hit 458 nits peak HDR brightness (measured on a 10% white window pattern) in Movie mode and 485 nits in Standard mode. These are average results for a QLED TV and much lower than the Samsung Q80D from 2024, which hit 1,028 nits HDR peak brightness in Filmmaker mode.
Whereas fullscreen HDR brightness sits at a decent 463 nits in Film mode and 495 nits in Commonplace mode, the Q8F’s cheaper TCL C6K mini-LED rival produced increased peak and fullscreen brightness (705 nits peak and 586 nits fullscreen).
Measuring the Q8F’s HDR colour gamut protection, it hit 91.7% for UHDA-P3 and 68.6% for BT.2020. These are disappointing outcomes as we search for 95% protection and above for UHDA-P3, and most TVs now hit over 70% of BT.2020. The TCL C6K, as an illustration, hit 94.1% and 71.9% respectively once we examined it.
Watching an HD stream of Combat Membership on the Q8F, each textures and distinction have been largely good. I did discover some movement artifacts at instances, nevertheless, and textures did often look delicate.
Shade copy is the Q8F’s foremost image high quality energy. When watching a scene the place Ember mends a damaged vase within the animated film Elemental, the oranges, purples and reds of the vase appeared punchy sufficient and had good vibrancy. Mia’s yellow gown within the ‘A Pretty Night time’ scene in La La Land had a daring look, whereas the extra refined orange and purple hues of the sky appeared pure and true-to-life.
Colours appeared most correct in Filmmaker Mode, however Film proved extra appropriate for colourful scenes on account of its increased brightness. I additionally discovered that turning on Distinction Enhancer within the image settings gave brighter scenes extra punch. Pores and skin tones gained a pinkish-red hue on this mode that I’d not beforehand seen on different Samsung TVs I’ve examined, indicating that colours weren’t essentially correct in Film mode
Movement was surprisingly nicely dealt with with the fitting image settings utilized. I discovered that setting judder discount between 3 and 5 (within the Image Readability settings submenu) offered one of the best stability, with a panning shot of a rocky hillside in No Time To Die trying easy, with very minimal judder.
For sports activities, the identical settings delivered good outcomes however I modified the image mode to Commonplace to swimsuit the brightness of the uniforms and the pitch throughout a soccer match on Prime Video. Nonetheless, textures appeared a bit unclear at instances on this mode, particularly when the digital camera was zoomed out.
Darkish scene viewing is a blended bag for the Q8F. Distinction is generally strong, with an excellent stability between darkish and light-weight tones. I discovered the opening crime scene at Mitchell’s home in The Batman appeared as I anticipated in Film mode, if not a bit of vibrant. Lamps contrasted nicely with the darkish environment, and shadow element was commendable, with work on the partitions revealed throughout darkish moments.
Sadly, deep blacks took on a grey tone all through when watching The Batman. I additionally famous a display clouding impact, and whereas The Batman is a torture check for most of these image points, I additionally discovered it to be the case at the hours of darkness scenes from Alien: Romulus.
Watching the black and white scenes from Oppenheimer, there was an excellent vary of grey tones, however deep blacks once more appeared elevated.
There’s no getting round the truth that the Q8F has a extremely reflective display. With overhead lights on in our testing room, I might see mirror-like reflections in any image that wasn’t extraordinarily vibrant. Different funds TVs I’ve examined, such because the LG B5 OLED, didn’t yield practically as many reflections on darker scenes.
- Image high quality rating: 3/5
Samsung Q8F review: Sound quality
- 2-channel, 20W speaker system
- Clear speech
- Thin bass and narrow soundstage
The Samsung Q8F has a 2-channel, 20W speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos. There are two sound presets, Standard and Amplify, and Adaptive AI sound settings such as Adaptive Volume, Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Amplifier.
The Q8F delivers clear speech and its OTS Lite feature accurately links sound to the action on screen, something that was obvious when watching the Batmobile chase from The Batman with its bullet sprays and screeching tires.
Otherwise, the Q8F’s sound is lacking. Bass is extremely thin, with the same Batmobile scene lacking impact during crashes, or the rumble from the engine upon ignition. The soundstage is also narrow, feeling completely confined to the screen. When watching, I found I had to push the Q8F to a very high volume to clearly hear the sound, and this made it a bit flatter and thinner.
I tried out the AI sound settings and Adaptive Sound (found under Advanced Features/AI Mode Settings/Adaptive Sound Settings), which added a bit more punch and volume, but at the expense of bass and accuracy. In the end, I’d strongly recommend using a soundbar with the Q8F.
Samsung Q8F review: Design
Image 1 of 2
- Sleek design for the price
- Two-position feet
- SolarCell remote
The Q8F is well-designed for a more affordable TV. A near bezel-less screen, slim depth, and matte gray color give it a sleeker appearance than most TVs at this price range.
The Q8F comes with two easy-to-install feet that require no screws, making setup a breeze. The feet can be positioned in two positions: narrow and wide. The narrow position is good for those with smaller TV stands, while the wide position allows room for a soundbar.
The Q8F comes with Samsung’s SolarCell remote, which can be charged using the solar panel on the rear or via its USB-C charging port. In the UK, you’ll also get a second remote with number buttons.
Samsung Q8F review: Smart TV and menus
- Tizen smart TV platform
- Good layout and organization options
- Some settings buried in menus
The Samsung Q8F features the latest and greatest version of Samsung’s smart TV platform, Tizen 9.0. This features a useful quick menu for easy adjustment of common settings such as Brightness, along with hubs for different app categories like Home, Daily+, Game and Art mode. Navigation is intuitive, and Tizen’s AI tools are great for content recommendations and getting info on shows you’re watching.
App access with Tizen is better than most smart TV platforms on the market, and it includes major apps like Netflix, Disney+ Plus and Prime Video. There are also apps such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX, and even exclusives like Spotify’s first-ever podcast channel.
A good number of picture settings allow for picture customization and there are AI enhancement tools for both picture and sound that some users should find useful. The one drawback of Tizen 9.0 is that some settings, such as those for motion, are buried among several sub-menus and can be difficult to find.
- Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5
Samsung Q8F review: Gaming
- Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming
- Low 9.2ms input lag
- No 4K 120Hz or VRR support
The Samsung Q8F lacks many key features we look for in modern gaming TVs, such as 4K 120Hz and VRR support. It does support ALLM, however, and features Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a gaming portal for cloud-based services such as Xbox, Luna, and more.
The Q8F performs well at 60Hz, with the targeting and movement during chaotic battles on Battlefield V feeling smooth enough when I played it. While there is no VRR or 120Hz support, a Game Motion Plus mode does simulate slightly faster gameplay. Overall, though, I found myself going back to the default 4K 60Hz settings. The Q8F’s measured input lag was an ultra-low 9.2ms, a result that competes with the best gaming TVs.
Compared to similarly priced, and in some cases cheaper, mini-LED TVs like the TCL C6K, which features 4K 120Hz and VRR support, the Q8F comes up short as a gaming TV.
In the US, the Q8F actually supports 120Hz and VRR. We have reached out to Samsung to find out why the gaming specs are different in the US and UK and will update this review when we receive a reply.
Samsung Q8F review: Value
- Average features and performance for the money
- Available in smaller sizes
- Better-performing mini-LED TVs available for less
The Q8F’s price is tough to justify. While it does have acceptable picture quality and solid enough features for casual viewing, similarly priced, and in some cases cheaper, mini-LED TVs with more features and better performance are available.
For one example, the 65-inch Q8F costs £849, while the TCL C7K, which uses a mini-LED panel and has better gaming features and built-in sound is available for £799. And the step-down TCL C6K also uses a mini-LED panel and has a full suite of gaming features. lt costs £599 for its 65-inch model, making it substantially cheaper than the Q8F.
One area where the Q8F demonstrates value is in its smaller-sized models. The rival mini-LED sets I’ve mentioned aren’t available in a 43-inch model (and 32-inch in the US), so the Q8F is one of the higher-quality sets you can get in a small screen size. But at larger sizes, you’re better off opting for one of TCL or Hisense’s mini-LED TVs.
Should I buy the Samsung Q8F?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Features |
Intuitive smart TV platform and HDR10+ support, but no modern gaming features and only three HDMI ports |
3.5/5 |
|
Picture quality |
Punchy colors with decent contrast and solid motion but local dimming lacks refinement |
3/5 |
|
Sound quality |
Clear speech and accurate placement but minimal bass and limited soundstage |
3/5 |
|
Design |
Sleek design with thin depth and easy to install feet |
4/5 |
|
Smart TV and menus |
Best version of Tizen smart TV to date but some settings buried and performance can stutter on the Q8F |
4.5/5 |
|
Gaming |
Low input lag time at 60Hz but lacks 120Hz or VRR support |
3/5 |
|
Value |
Pricier than better performing and similarly priced mini-LEDs from Hisense and TCL |
3/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung Q8F: Also consider…
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Samsung Q8F |
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2023) |
TCL C6K |
Samsung QN80F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price (65-inch) |
£1,199 |
£999 |
£799 |
£1,699 |
|
Screen type |
QLED |
QLED |
QLED w/ mini-LED |
QLED w/ mini-LED |
|
Refresh rate |
60Hz |
60Hz |
144Hz |
144Hz |
|
HDR support |
HDR10+,/HDR10/ HLG |
Dolby Vision/ HDR10+/HDR10/HLG |
DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG |
HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
|
Smart TV |
Tizen |
Fire TV |
Google TV |
Tizen |
|
HDMI ports |
3 x HDMI ( 1 x eARC) |
4x HDMI (1 x eARC) |
4 (2x HDMI 2.1) |
4 x HDMI 2.1 |
How I tested the Samsung Q8F
- Subjective tests made using HDR and SDR sources
- Measurements taken using Calman calibration software
- Tested in varying lighting conditions in our testing lab
Before conducting my subjective and objective tests, I did some casual viewing with the Q8F to determine its best picture mode. While Filmmaker Mode seemed the most accurate, Movie mode delivered the best picture for the Q8F, adding more brightness and vibrancy.
For my subjective tests, I used reference scenes from a variety of HDR (4K Blu-ray and 4K streaming) and SDR (broadcast TV and lower-resolution formats such as DVD) sources to evaluate the Q8F’s picture. I focused on the Q8F’s colour, contrast and black levels, detail, motion handling and upscaling. I also tested the Q8F’s built-in speakers.
I took several measurements of the Q8F using a colorimeter, test pattern generator and Portrait Displays Calman Color Calibration software program. To measure brightness, I used 1-100% white window patterns in each SDR and HDR, with outcomes offered for peak (10%) and fullscreen (100%) brightness.
I additionally measured the Q8F’s grayscale and colour accuracy, recording its Delta-E outcomes (the margin of error between the check sample and what’s displayed on display) and its HDR colour gamut protection for the BT.2020 and DCI-P3 colour areas.
You’ll be able to try a extra in-depth information to how we test TVs at TechRadar within the hyperlink.
