Hisense has been has been responsible for some of the best ultra short throw projectors, and the Hisense PX3-Pro is among its latest. The PX3-Pro has a daunting task following up on the Hisense PX2-Pro, but Hisense has pulled it off with some key upgrades.
The new Hisense PX3-Pro differs in design from the PX2-Pro, but under the hood, it gets an upgraded projection system that’s much brighter at 3,000 lumens and also boasts a 1080p/240Hz mode. This feature turns it from an exceptional ultra short throw (UST) projector into a speed demon of a gaming projector – Hisense even bills it as the "world's first designed for Xbox UST projector." And with rich color, strong contrast, and Dolby Vision HDR support, the PX3-Pro ranks up there with the best 4K projectors when it comes to picture performance.
While the PX3-Pro’s built-in sound isn’t quite as impressive as its picture, it at least has the volume level to match the visuals, and Hisense offers plenty of ways to connect to better speaker systems. All of this comes at a higher price than its predecessor, but it seems well worth the extra expense.
Hisense PX3-Pro review: price and release date
First available: October 2024
Price: $3,499 / £2,499
Availability of the Hisense PX3-Pro is set to begin in mid-October 2024. It is priced at $3,499 / £2,499, a marked increase over the lower brightness PX2-Pro, which launched at $2,999 in June 2023. Like the rest of the Hisense PX series, the PX3-Pro doesn’t come with a projection screen.
The Hisense PX3-Pro comes with a full-size remote control and features the Google TV smart TV platform for streaming (Image credit: Future)
Hisense PX3-Pro review: Specs
The PX3-Pro features dual HDMI 2.1 ports and supports gaming at 1080p/240Hz (Image credit: Future)
Hisense PX3-Pro review: design and features
Futuristic-looking design
All-in-one capability plus flexibility for different setups
Streaming and gaming benefit from hardware and software upgrades
Where the Hisense PX2-Pro was a simple under-the-hood refresh of its predecessor, The PX1-Pro, the new PX3-Pro sees some bigger changes both to its internal components and its outward appearance. The design has a stylistic resemblance to its predecessors, but it gives off more of a proper futuristic vibe than the prior models with their retro-futuristic looks.
The whole unit is done up in gray and silver surfaces of all types: matte, shiny, smooth, and coarse. It features large grilles on either side for air intake and exhaust – generating 3,000 lumens creates some heat even when using lasers. The front also gets a perforated grille for the built-in speakers. At either side of the grille are vertical slots in shiny housing that have standby lighting built in, so when the projector is turned off, these illuminate the mirrored finish inside. This may appeal to some, but I found it a little tacky compared to the PX2-Pro’s subtler design.
Style aside, perhaps the most critical design change is the projector’s size. It’s a little wider and taller than its predecessors, but not as deep front-to-back. That combined with a shift from a 0.25:1 throw ratio to a 0:22 throw ratio means the PX3-Pro can sit closer to a wall, protruding into the room less, and still provide a massive picture.
The PX3-Pro sits on four height-adjustable feet, which helps get the picture aligned with a screen. It also offers digital image correction and adjustable focus, letting you dial in everything perfectly.
Around the back, you’ll find three HDMI ports, including one with eARC. There’s also a high-speed USB type-A port (and another on the right side), and both and optical digital and 3.5mm audio output. With Google TV onboard, the PX3-Pro can tap into plenty of streaming services, including Netflix, and has both Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet network connections.
The Hisense PX3-Pro has comprehensive high dynamic range support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Its built-in speakers support Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced for DTS, though audio is best passed on to an outboard sound system. Unlike its predecessors, the PX3-Pro offers Active 3D support (requires optional 3D eyewear).
There are still a few features the PX3-Pro could have benefitted from. Optical image adjustments beyond focus would be a welcome addition, especially zoom, though I’ve never seen that feature in a UST projector. A cover would be a more reasonable one, as dust can gather quickly on top of UST projectors.
Design and features score: 4.5/5
The PX3-Pro has exceptional color, along with powerful contrast in dim lighting conditions (Image credit: Future)
Hisense PX3-Pro review: picture and sound quality
Exceptional color and brightness
Crisp 4K picture with comprehensive HDR support
240Hz mode is a perk for gamers
The Hisense PX3-Pro builds on a strong picture quality foundation. The PX2-Pro offered stunning color from its tri-chroma projection system and the PX3-Pro takes that up a notch with a notably brighter picture, rated to reach 3,000 lumens. For some content, like cartoons and sports, that’ll make a very presentable picture even with high ambient room lighting. It also gives the PX3-Pro plenty of latitude in dim lighting conditions, with a bright enough picture that it can call for some dimming of the laser in a dark room.
While the projector has powerful contrast as is, a High Dynamic setting for Laser Luminance can further enhance its picture. I’m normally wary of settings like this that adjust the picture based on the content being displayed as they tend to have noticeable artifacts, but the PX3-Pro managed it admirably, with imperceptible transitions. The only odd behavior I noted was a sudden brightening when white subtitles appeared onscreen during dark scenes. Otherwise, this played out well for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, helping to punch up the bright scenes while avoiding pumping up black levels in dark ones.
The PX3-Pro’s comprehensive HDR support made the latest seasons of The Rings of Power in HDR10+ and The Avengers: Endgame in Dolby Vision both look fantastic. The wide color gamut of the triple-laser projection system played a big part in this, giving the PX3-Pro simply astounding color. One downside of this is that rainbows, a regular artifact of DLP technology, can seem a little more pronounced.
The PX3-Pro serves up a big, bright 4K picture ranging from 80 to 150 inches. While it’s possible to project images beyond these sizes, the focus range is limited and you may end up with a softer image.
For gamers, the Hisense PX3-Pro has something extra special in store. In addition to simply switching to a game mode with lower input lag, the projector can swap over to a 1080p/240Hz mode. This sacrifices some picture detail but provides buttery smooth visuals, and the DLP system has minimal ghosting. The gameplay is highly responsive and a big perk. Though the projector will also display 4K 120Hz signals, it doesn’t appear to display every frame but rather skips every other one as checked with Blur Busters’ frame skipping tool.
Audio on the PX3-Pro isn’t half-bad either. Its 50W Harman Kardon-designed speakers can get loud enough to match the size of the pictures the PX3-Pro projects, and the sound has an impressive range with booming bass, though it doesn’t get deep into sub-bass territory. What it really lacks is the spatial aspect. The stereo separation isn’t very wide, and there are no side, rear, or height channels. This means that even though the projector supports Dolby Atmos and Imax Enhanced for DTS, it’s best used with external speakers.
Picture and sound quality score: 4.5/5
The PX3-Pro's Google TV smart interface (Image credit: Future)
Hisense PX3-Pro review: value
High price but a compelling picture
Versatility adds to its value
The Hisense PX3-Pro doesn’t come cheap at $3,499. Its price puts it a ways above its predecessor and sets it up against others like the Epson Home Cinema LS800. It also raises the question of whether you should instead opt for a big TV since you can get an 83-inch OLED like the LG C4 for not too much more.
But the PX3-Pro brings a lot to the table. It has enough brightness and detail to comfortably stretch its 4K picture to massive proportions. The PX3-Pro also supports 3D content and a wide range of HDR formats, has a 240Hz refresh rate mode, and has Google TV built-in (with a fast enough processor to run it smoothly). There’s little question that the PX3-Pro UST offers a lot, and it’s a worthy rival to TVs and other projector types.
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Hisense PX3-Pro?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Epson LS800 The Epson LS800 uses a 3LCD laser light source to beam a stunningly bright 4,000 lumens image. This makes it a great option for daytime sports viewing and it also has good built-in sound.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the Hisense PX2 Pro at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with standard definition and 4K HDR streamed content, and PC gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
I measured the Premiere 9’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.
The idea of using pixel doubling to turn a 4K monitor into a native 1080p panel isn't new. But it hasn't been very successful so far. Can the new dual-mode Alienware AW2725QF do anything to change that, or will it prove just another failed attempt at having both high-res visual sizzle and high-refresh speed in a single monitor?
Apart from the dual 4K and 1080p modes, this Alienware panel looks like it has a decent shot of qualifying as one of the best gaming monitors out there. It runs at up to 360Hz and boasts a claimed response time of just 0.5ms. That's seriously fast for an IPS-type LCD monitor.
It also sports HDR 600 certification and both G-Sync and FreeSync support. If there's one area where it's a little lacking, it's connectivity. You do get a USB hub, but there's no USB-C input for single-cable connectivity, which is a pity.
Alienware AW2725QF: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
How much does it cost? $599 / £599 (estimated) / AU$899 (estimated)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US
At $599 in the US, the Alienware AW2725QF is fairly pricey for a 27-inch 4K gaming panel that lacks a mini-LED full array backlight. The larger 32-inch Gigabyte M32UC is actually cheaper. So you're really going to have to want that dual-mode functionality.
Whether it's worth the money is a tricky call. It certainly looks a little better at 1080p than the dual-mode LG UltraGear 32GS95UE. But it's ultimately a bit of a niche feature. The good news is that purely as a high-refresh 4K panel, the Alienware AW2725QF is an absolute zinger and nearly worth the asking price simply on those terms.
For now, pricing in the UK and Australia hasn't firmed up. But we expect the market positioning to be pretty similar. In other words, it'll be more expensive than a regular 4K panel of similar specs minus the dual-more functionality.
Alienware AW2725QF: Specs
Alienware AW2725QF: Design and features
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
For a monitor from an out-and-out gaming brand like Alienware, the AW2725QF is pretty restrained. Yes, there are a few RGB flourishes including the power button and logos on the rear (all fully configurable) and hexagonal base design. But for the most part, it's pretty businesslike and sober suited, though the slim bezels do make for a suitably contemporary overall vibe.
Is that a disappointment? Might Alienware customers expect something a little more extroverted? Possibly. But fussier styling tends to date faster, so the restraint Alienware has shown here will probably be welcome for most users, as will the solid build quality and full range of adjustment, including tilt, height, swivel and pivot into portrait mode.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
The OSD menu is similarly comprehensive with settings for pretty much everything you need.
It's a fairly logical menu and makes it very easy to jump between the 4K and 1080p modes. You simply hit the main OSD menu selector button twice to toggle between the two modes. Less impressive is the display's connectivity.
The two HDMI and single DisplayPort inputs all support the full 4K at 180Hz resolution, which is good. There's also a USB hub that includes two USB-A ports at the rear, plus a USB-A and a USB-C on the lower bezel. But there's no USB-C input and thus no single-cable connectivity option for laptops.
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Alienware AW2725QF's hexagonal base (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
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Alienware AW2725QF 's on-screen display for swapping resolutions and other settings (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
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The port selection on the bottom of the Alienware AW2725QF (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
Some would argue that's fine for a gaming display. Given the limitations of USB-C power supply and the elevated power consumption of a proper gaming laptop, you can't really keep one fully juiced with a USB-C cable.
But it would still make this a more versatile display to offer USB-C upstream connectivity. With a USB-C input, you could share this panel between a gaming desktop and a laptop. And who knows what you might like to do with it in future. With USB-C, you simply have more options and with the price point Alienware has gone for, it's a thoroughly reasonable expectation.
The Alienware AW2725QF also lacks an audio line-out jack, which can be handy for headphones. Again, it's not exactly a deal breaker. But this isn't a cheap display and it's the kind of feature you'd have thought Alienware would throw in just to cover all the bases on a premium monitor.
Alienware AW2725QF: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
The Alienware AW2725QF's IPS LCD panel makes a very strong first impression. It's extremely bright and punchy, with up to 450 nits in SDR mode and 600 nits peak for HDR. It's also beautifully calibrated in sRGB mode, with rich but accurate colors.
Of course, in default 4K resolution, the pixel density is super sharp and crispy, so fonts look fab. In-game, there's a crazy amount of detail to go with the visual sizzle. This is a very sweet looking panel.
It's also seriously fast for an IPS display. Alienware claims 0.5ms GTG response for the Extreme setting in the display's Overdrive submenu. That does bring in a tiny bit of overshoot and inverse ghosting. But the two less aggressive options are still very fast and look just great. In fact, this panel is fast enough that pure speed is barely a concern. Or a reason to upgrade to an even more expensive OLED.
(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
The same can't be said for the HDR performance and more broadly contrast and black levels. This monitor is edge-lit and does not have full-array local dimming. So, there's plenty of light bleed and relatively poor contrast, which goes with the territory with any LCD panel without local dimming. SDR colors also aren't terribly well calibrated in HDR mode, so you'll want to switch between modes depending on content type, which is a bit of a pain.
But what about that secondary 1080p mode achieved via pixel doubling? The idea is that for some game types, such as online shooters, you want more speed not more pixels. So, the 1080p mode offers a boost up to 360Hz refresh and is easy to access.
As for how it looks, well, it doesn't quite look like 1080p on a native 1080p display. It's certainly better than the similar feature on LG's own dual-mode 4K OLED, the UltraGear 32GS95UE-B.
That might be thanks to the conventional RGB subpixel layout of this IPS display. The superior pixel density will help, too. Whatever, the results on the desktop are fairly good, though you wouldn't confuse it with true native. Everything looks just a little jagged and pixelated.
In-game, for the most part, the 1080p mode works better and is very playable to the extent that you forget it isn't true native 1080p much of the time. The exception is that just occasionally, certain details can look quite messy and pixelated. One example is fine foliage and grass. When it happens, it can be pretty ugly.
Pixelated in-game foliage on the AW2725QF's 1080p resolution setting (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)
In the end, there will always be shortcomings with pixel doubling, but this display does it better than any yet, including that LG, which looks soft and blurry by comparison.
Should I buy the Alienware AW2725QF?
Buy it if...
You want two monitors in one
The Alienware AW2725Q's dual-mode functionality isn't perfect. But the 1080p mode ups the refresh rate to 360Hz and looks OK in-game most of the time.
You love crispy, speedy visuals
The 4K resolution on a punchy, well-calibrated 27-inch IPS panel looks fabulous, and this is also just about the fastest gaming monitor of its type we've yet tested.
Don't buy it if...
You're expecting a true 1080p native experience
The 1080p pixel doubling mode is the best we've yet seen. But it still doesn't look like a true 1080p panel and adds significant cost to this display...
You love HDR sizzle
The Alienware AW2725Q does have HDR 600 certification. But there's no full-array dimming and it doesn't come close to an OLED panel for HDR or contrast performance.
Also Consider
Gigabyte M32UC
This is a larger 32-inch display, which arguably makes better use of a 4K pixel grid. It's not as fast as the Alienware, but it is a fair bit cheaper and offers better contrast from a VA panel.
If you want 4K gaming on a very tight budget, you could do a lot worse than the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q. It's only 60Hz, but has a quality IPS panel and basic HDR support.
I rigged up the Alienware AW2725QF as my primary display for a week. The aim was to use it across a wide range of applications to get a really good feel for how it delivers in both 4K and 1080p for everything from daily desktop duties to hardcore gaming sessions.
As a 4K IPS panel, it's actually well suited to precision productivity. But what the Alienware AW2725QF is really built for is gaming, and for the most part it's pretty stellar. I assed everything from color accuracy and response to latency and HDR performance.
It was particularly interesting to see how it stacked up against LG's dual-mode OLED display, not to mention all the other recent OLED monitors, numerous examples of which I've reviewed. Plenty of more conventional 4K gaming panels have passed under my beady gaze, too, so putting the Alienware AW2725QF into context was certainly intriguing.
I’ve been waiting a long time for a monitor like the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED. With a brilliant OLED display and a gorgeous 4K resolution, backed up by an ample 240Hz refresh rate and brilliant picture quality, this LG monitor makes OLED technology a must-have for anybody who plays PC games or bases their home life around their computer desk.
There’s a noticeable quality difference between OLED and IPS monitors when playing cinematic and competitive games alike on a computer, and with this thing sitting on your desk you’re bound to get bang for your buck on the picture quality front.
But while we can celebrate LG for bringing the cost of an OLED monitor down with the 32GS95UE-B, let’s be honest with ourselves – $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,399 is still expensive for a monitor no matter how impressive the tech is.
Those looking more greater image depth and HDR performance may also want to look elsewhere, as the LG's peak brightness doesn't reach the retina-searing heights of similarly priced Samsung and Alienware models. My biggest bugbear though? Surely we can give peripherals better names than difficult to understand numbers and letters.
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: price and availability
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
How much does it cost? $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,399
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? LG directly and technology retailers in the US, UK and Australia
It’s tough to find a cheap 32-inch gaming monitor – especially one with an OLED panel (with prices often starting well above $800 / £800 / AU$1,000) – but the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED offers a sensible price-to-cost ratio for enthusiasts. It’s kind of a rarity, considering that it ditches an ultrawide profile and a curved screen for a more standard design, while most OLED monitors elect to have at least one of the aforementioned traits.
Similar monitors are available from Gigabyte and Alienware with significantly lower costs, with the closest competitor being the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD (with a listed price of $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$1,999).
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Design
(Image credit: Techradar / Zachariah Kelly)
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED Key Specs
Screen size: 32-inch Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Brightness: 275 nits full screen, 1,300 nits max HDR Color coverage: 98.5% Response time: 0.03ms Refresh rate: 240Hz (4K) / 480Hz (1080p) HDR: DisplayHDR True Black400, HDR10 Features: FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, Dual Mode, Pixel Sound, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Headphone out, 1 x USB-A upstream, 1 x USB-A downstream
An achilles heel of many gaming displays is the design – thick bezels, beefy stands and a focus on big, obvious branding offen make a monitor look cheap and overdesigned. This is in no way a problem for the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED.
It’s tempting to head this section off with ‘it’s a big black rectangle with a pentagonal stand’ but we can entertain the monitor more than that. It’s a premium design language that LG and Samsung alike have been leaning into with their high end monitors.
It’s mature to the point of only having the ‘UltraGear’ and ‘LG’ brand signifier in the front of the pentagon stand, without any branding on the actual display bezels. There’s RGB lighting on the back, allowing you to shine numerous colors onto the wall behind. If you know this feature isn’t for you, it’s easily turned off through the monitor settings.
Cables can be fed through the back of the monitor easily thanks to a neat cable management system, and you’re able to raise the panel quite high up off the base.,It would be nice if it could go lower, but we’re being quite picky. The monitor can swivel, tilt and pivot as well if you want to adjust the pitch of the display.
The panel is extremely premium, too. It’s polished with an anti-glare coating that only shows a warped reflection at most in low-light or reflective light situations. This is quite remarkable for an OLED display, as the technology, inherently, can’t go particularly bright. This means it can occasionally suffer in bright rooms, but as I found during testing in my office-bedroom – which is filled with light at all times during the day – I was able to play games with little issue.
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Features
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
The big sales pitch of the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED is its ‘dual mode’ functionality. At the press of a hotkey (located conveniently under the monitor), this monitor can switch between 4K 240Hz to 1080p 480hz. The first is more ideal for those after more cinematic, graphically beautiful gameplay, albeit at a lower framerate, while the second is intended for high octane competitive gamers after smooth frames.
We can err on the critical side with this feature and note that 4K 240Hz gameplay, at its height, would be difficult for even the most expensive gaming computers to reach in gorgeous single player games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws. I would even go as far as to say that 240Hz is not just difficult to attain but is also very much overkill – 144Hz will suffice for a story-rich game.
The flipside of the feature makes much more sense to me – 1080p gameplay at 480Hz for fast-paced games where you want to see more frames rendered in a second. I can see the benefit of this in a game like Counter Strike 2 and League of Legends – but those high frame rates may even be seen as unnecessary by a competitive gamer. Leveling with you, dear reader, that’s not me – I prefer a pretty picture to a consistently smooth one (though I do like my frames to be above 60FPS). The monitor has a smart cleaning process for when it doesn’t detect an input, refreshing the pixels to avoid burn-in – a common issue with OLED monitors.
The monitor also comes with FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync. It has a Display Port, HDMI, headphone jack, USB (downstream) and USB (upstream) ports, with support for a 100 x 100 mm wall mount. Satisfying me as someone who likes to watch stuff on their computer in bed, the monitor also has built-in speakers and comes with a Displayport and HDMI cable in the box.
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: performance
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
The LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED’s display is matte – not glossy like you’d expect from most displays. The extreme blacks and darker shades that the OLED pulls off in use – and when turned off – are so deep that you’ll at most see a rough reflection of yourself, but not enough to ruin the experience.
That’s an OLED panel’s entire deal and it leads to better performance on every front – deeper blacks equals better contrast – the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image.
And at the 32-inch size, I’ve found this monitor to be the best way to experience a lot of cinematic games. Star Wars Outlaws and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II both play exceptionally well on the monitor and look much more gorgeous on the OLED screen than my previous 32-inch Gigabyte M32Q monitor.
TV shows like The Acolyte and The Bear look equally impressive – particularly The Bear for its attractive use of color sharpness in central objects amid a bland palette. The LG 32GS95UE-B aces it on color clarity.
The speakers are pleasantly surprising, too. I was expecting sound that peaks too readily and sounds washed out, but the 32GS95UE-B performs just about as well as any TV without a separate speaker system. This can be chalked up to LG’s ‘Pixel Sound’ feature, which provides a directed sound experience without any external speaker system.
The monitor performs relatively well on brightness and HDR – though both could be better at this pricepoint. The maximum brightness (1300nits) and enhanced darkness clarity doesn’t fare much better for content than just using the display with HDR disabled (275nits standard luminosity).
And while it doesn’t fit into any other category in Techradar’s review format, I’ve just got to say it – this name, the LG 32GS95UE-B, is just letters and numbers. They have meanings obviously but it’s extremely difficult to communicate to a customer – so much so that LG just calls the display the ‘32" UltraGear OLED Dual Mode 4K UHD’ on its website, and hence why we’ve been naming it interchangeably throughout this review. Less letters and numbers please.
Should I buy an LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED?
Buy it if...
Don't buy if...
Also Consider
LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED: Report Card
How I tested the LG 32-Inch UltraGear OLED
As soon as I received this monitor, I got to work unpacking it and setting it up. Pulling it out of the box was easy, as was the process of putting the stand together (no tools were needed, as everything slots and screws into place by hand). As my main space in my home is my bedroom-office, this monitor was switched on at almost all hours whenever I was home. To avoid burn-in, the panel was often turned off for cleaning when not being used.
The main use of the monitor was for gaming using a separate headset. I played a variety of games, including Caravan SandWitch, Team Fortress 2, What The Car, Star Wars Outlaws, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5.
I also used the monitor for watching Twitch streams, YouTube videos and lots of TV shows, including The Bear and The Acolyte.
The Samsung Premiere 9 is a highly capable example of the best ultra short throw projectors and builds on the brand’s earlier successes in this growing market segment. The key to this popularity is the triple-laser light source that uses red, green and blue lasers to generate cinematic images that are bigger than the largest TV screens. But these pictures aren’t just big, they’re bright enough to handle white walls and ambient light, while creating a huge gamut for more vibrant colours.
Samsung’s The Premiere 9 uses single-chip DLP display technology, which results in sharply defined images due to there being no alignment issues, and while not strictly native 4K the level of detail on show is often impressive. The Premiere 9 delivers superb motion handling regardless of the content – a recognised strength of DLP – but also suffers from poor black levels, which is weakness of the technology. On the plus side, a triple-laser should help reduce incidences of rainbow artifacts that can accompany DLP tech.
The Premiere 9 delivers accurate pictures thanks to the inclusion of Filmmaker Mode, while highly effective HDR tone mapping also ensures shadows are detailed and highlights free of clipping. The colour gamut covers the entire HDR standard, and beyond, so, as a result, the performance with high dynamic range is exceptional. Whether it's HDR10, HLG or HDR10+ (but not Dolby Vision, an HDR format not supported by Samsung TVs and projectors) the pictures burst off the big screen with dazzling highlights and vibrant color primaries that are a treat for the eyes.
This beamer sports an attractive lifestyle-friendly design and is easy to install and set up, while the Dolby Atmos audio system is genuinely immersive – acting more like a built-in soundbar thanks to its 2.2.2-channel speaker layout. There’s also Samsung’s AI-enhanced Object Tracking Sound processing for non-Atmos audio. There are extensive gaming features, a full smart platform with a comprehensive choice of streamers, good connectivity, and a myriad of control options.
In fact, the only real complaint is the lack of any built-in tuners, but otherwise, this capable beamer artfully blurs the line between projector and supersized TV. It does an excellent job of producing big and bright images that rival the largest examples of the best TVs, and as a result, it provides a viable, more affordable, and definitely more practical alternative, and comes highly recommended.
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: price and release date
First available: September 2024
The Premiere 9 (LPU9D): $5,000 / £5,999
Samsung’s The Premiere 9 (LPU9D) is the new range-topper in the brand’s line-up of laser-powered ultra short throw (UST) 4K HDR projectors and is available now for $5,999 / £5,999. It replaces the older The Premiere LSP9T, although this is also still available for the same price of $5,999 / £5,999. In addition, Samsung will release the mid-tier Premiere 7 in October, although pricing has yet to be announced. The Premiere 9 is not currently available in Australia.
The Premiere 9 uses single-chip DLP display technology and supports HDR10+ high dynamic range (Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: Specs
The Premiere 9's lens (Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: design
Stylish and discreet design
Excellent connectivity
SolarCell remote control
The Premiere 9 is surprisingly stylish for a UST projector, with a curved chassis that’s well-built and finished in a neutral white. The front is covered in grey fabric, with the speakers behind, and there are air vents on either side for cooling. Despite being relatively large, this projector’s lifestyle-friendly design allows you to place it discreetly up against the wall.
Better connectivity is offered on The Premiere 9 than most other UST projectors, with three HDMI 2.0 inputs, one of which supports eARC. There’s also a USB port for multimedia playback and powering dongle-style streaming devices, an optical digital output, and an Ethernet port. The wireless connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and support for Apple AirPlay.
Samsung provides a variation of the SolarCell remote included with its current range of TVs, although the controller is styled in white to match the projector. The zapper is well-designed, intuitive to use, and comfortable to hold. There’s also a far-field microphone for the built-in voice assistants, although those wishing privacy can switch this off at the back of the projector.
Design score: 4.5/5
Ports include 3 HDMI 2.0 connections (1 with eARC) (Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: features
Triple-laser light source
HDR10, HLG and HDR10+ support
2.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio system
Samsung’s The Premiere 9’s headline feature is its triple-laser light source that uses red, green and blue lasers for 3,450 lumens brightness plus a wide colour gamut and 20,000-hour lifespan. This gives it an advantage over most other UST projectors and delivers sufficient luminance to handle rooms with white walls, large windows or ambient light.
As a UST beamer it’s able to project 100 inches from only 11cm (around 4 inches) , and can fill a 130-inch screen at just 24cm (9.5 inches), so even those with limited space can enjoy big screen fun. You change the image size by physically moving the projector towards or away from the wall, centre it by moving to the left or right, and level it using the adjustable feet. There are also manual controls for focusing the image.
The Premiere 9 is a single-chip DLP projector with a claimed resolution of 4K – although this is achieved by shifting pixels. It also supports most high dynamic range formats with HDR10, HLG (hybrid log-gamma), and HDR10+. Samsung doesn’t support for Dolby Vision on any of its current displays, but the RGB laser light source ensures HDR is punchy with bright and vibrant colours.
This projector sports a built-in sound system with a 2.2.2-channel speaker layout and 40W of amplification. There’s support for Samsung Object Tracking Sound (OTS) AI-enhanced audio processing, along with Dolby Atmos decoding. As a result, there’s an immersive soundstage, with clear dialogue, width at the front, some bass presence, and effectively rendered overhead sound.
There’s also support for music casting, as well as various proprietary audio features such as AI-powered Adaptive Sound Pro enhancements, Adaptive Voice Amplifier Pro for making dialogue clearer, and Q Symphony for synching the Premiere 9 with a compatible Samsung soundbar. The latter would definitely provide benefits for those who enjoy seriously deep bass with their movies.
Once installed the setup is exactly the same as a Samsung TV, with the SmartThings app taking you through the entire process. Just follow the instructions, and within minutes you’ll have the Wi-Fi connected and all the streaming apps installed. There’s even a Vision Boost feature that uses a built-in light sensor to adjust the image brightness based on levels of ambient light in the room.
The Premiere 9 runs the full Tizen-powered smart TV system found in Samsung’s TVs, and crucially has sufficient processing power to ensure the platform is responsive. There’s smart assistance in the form of built-in Bixby and Amazon Alexa, along with a comprehensive choice of video streaming services. Where available these all offer 4K, HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos.
For gaming, there’s support for ALLM (auto low latency mode), although when in the game mode the input lag is still 53ms, which is too high for competitive gamers. In addition, the HDMI 2.0 inputs cap the frame rate at 4K/60Hz and there’s no VRR. However, the motion handling is excellent, resulting in smooth gameplay that also benefits from the immersive big-screen images.
There’s a host of other features including Samsung’s Game Hub for gaming without a console, plus a Game Bar that curates all the main settings and technical data in one place and provides access to gaming-related settings for a more personalised gaming experience. Finally, the AI Auto Game Mode allows the projector to automatically optimise settings for specific gaming genres.
This is a well-specified projector and about the only TV features missing are built-in terrestrial and satellite tuners. This is fairly common on UST projectors, probably because it makes them easier to manufacture and market globally. While you can use the TV catch-up apps instead for most shows, if you really want to watch live linear broadcasts you’ll need a set-top box of some kind.
The Premiere 9 beams bright, colorful 4K images using a triple-laser light engine (Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: picture and sound quality
Sharp and detailed 4K images
Bright and punchy HDR
Extremely wide colour gamut
The Samsung Premiere 9 immediately impresses with its bright and punchy big screen pictures. There’s no doubt the triple-laser adds value, not just in terms of lumens but also with its wider colour gamut. The projected image is sharply defined thanks to the use of single-chip DLP, while focus and uniformity across the screen are also good, resulting in a clean and even presentation.
The out-of-the-box picture accuracy is excellent, with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting close to their saturation targets for BT.709, but this can be improved through calibration. I was able to get a near reference-level accuracy through adjustment, and when you factor in the cost of a Premiere 9 the additional expense of a calibration is worth considering.
This accuracy also extends to HDR, with the Premiere 9 covering 100% of DCI-P3, and 92% of the even wider BT.2020 colur gamut. The previous generation of Samsung’s UST had trouble reigning in this massive native colour gamut, resulting in noticeable errors, so I was pleased to discover the accuracy of the Premiere 9 has definitely been improved with better tracking of saturation targets.
The blacks look more of a dark grey, which is fairly standard for a DLP projector, and while the claimed native contrast ratio is 1,500:1, I actually measured it at 1,700:1. The dynamic contrast ratio is a claimed 2,000,000:1, but this is basically achieved by turning the laser off on a black screen, so it doesn’t really reflect real-world content. There’s also a Real Depth Contrast Enhancer feature to help with contrast.
The Premiere 9 certainly has sufficient lumens to light up a 130-inch screen, even in the dimmer Filmmaker Mode, which doesn’t hit the brightness peaks of the Dynamic mode. It also means the HDR has plenty of punch and although the black levels might not be great, the tone mapping is very effective, sticking close to the PQ curve and thus avoiding unwanted crush or clipping.
The imaging is based around the Quantum Processor 4K picture engine, applying AI upscaling to lower-resolution content to take full advantage of the available pixels. The result is a finely detailed image, regardless of the original resolution, and the processing is also able to clean up the image, reducing noise or compression artefacts to deliver expertly rendered big-screen pictures.
As you’d expect from a DLP beamer, motion handling is superb, with the lightning-fast response times of the technology delivering smooth movement. Samsung includes its Motion Xcelerator technology, along with a Film mode to ensure that film-based content looks natural but is also free of judder, while fast-paced sports can enjoy smoother motion without introducing artefacts.
In standard HDR10, the brightly lit snowy landscapes of The Revenant look absolutely stunning. The same is true when watching Dune Part 2 with its desert vistas, and in both cases, these native 4K films reveal exceptional levels of detail in the sharply rendered images. Inside Out is a movie that fully utilises the wider gamut, and its deeply saturated colours really pop off the screen viewed on The Premiere 9.
Alita: Battle Angel includes HDR10+ and the Premiere 9 correctly detected the signal, applying the dynamic metadata to the tone mapping. The resulting images are well-defined, with colours that are rendered with skill, highlights that are bright, and impressive levels of detail in the shadows. There’s a lot of motion in this film as well, which was handled without judder or other artefacts.
Picture quality aside, the Premiere 9 is quiet in operation, with the noise level going from 30dB next to the chassis, down to 26dB at the main seating position. There is also an eye protection feature designed to automatically reduce the light intensity if something blocks the beam. It’s an important safety feature for anyone with small children or pets, preventing any vision damage.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Samsung's Gaming Hub provides easy access to cloud gaming apps from Xbox and other services (Image credit: Future)
SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9 review: value
More expensive than much of the competition
Cheaper and more convenient compared to a supersized TV
The Samsung Premiere 9 may seem expensive at $5,999 / £5,999, and it’s certainly not cheap compared to other ultra short throw projectors, but most of them don’t use a triple-laser with all the benefits that provides. The Premiere 9 also offers great value compared to jumbo-sized TVs, with the Samsung considerably more affordable than screens with panel sizes over 100 inches. It’s also a lot easier to install – just try getting a TV with a 110-inch screen into your living room.
If you’re looking for alternatives you could consider the Epson LS800, which doesn’t support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision but is even brighter at 4,000 lumens. There’s also the Hisense PX2-Pro, which only delivers 2,400 lumens but offers support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. However, neither has a sound system as good as the Premiere 9 nor do they offer as many gaming features or as comprehensive a smart platform.
Value score: 3.5/5
The Premiere 9's basic remote control for navigating its smart menus (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE 9?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Epson LS800 The Epson LS800 uses a 3LCD laser light source to beam a stunningly bright 4,000 lumens image. This makes it a great option for daytime sports viewing and it also has good built-in sound.
Measurements taken using Calman calibration software
Evaluated using SDR and HDR content
As with all my TV and projector reviews I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen. In the case of the Premiere 9, I also tested it in my lounge in order to simulate the kind of conditions for which it was primarily designed.
The subjective testing is based around watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. These scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.
For the objective testing, I measured the Premiere 9’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3 and BT.2020. To do this I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.
I measured the Premiere 9’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.
Sony consolidated its TV lineup for 2024 with fewer models and a naming convention that was easier to follow. Perhaps what was most interesting about this move was that a mini-LED TV – the Bravia 9 – was spearheading the charge as the new flagship Sony TV, effectively demoting OLED to the next rung down. Enter the Bravia 8, a pure WOLED screen that replaces the excellent A80L.
If you want the absolute pinnacle of Sony’s OLED prowess, the A95L released in 2023 is still available to buy, complete with its much higher price tag. But you may not feel the need to stretch that high, since the Bravia 8 (on review here) takes the A80L's winning formula and makes a few notable improvements.
Sony claims this latest mid-range OLED model is brighter than its predecessor, yet manages to do without some of the brightness-boosting tech we’ve seen applied to other OLED TVs in the past couple of years. Instead, the Bravia 8 relies on Sony’s new Bravia XR processor to do the proverbial heavy lifting and stake a claim as one of the best OLED TVs you can buy.
This processor harnesses the power of AI to better understand the image on screen and make adjustments to ensure it’s delivered at its absolute best. And it does (for the most part) improve over the A80L where brightness is concerned to deliver a gorgeous picture no matter if you’re watching TV or movies, or playing games.
Sony’s Acoustic Surface+ audio system makes a return, maintaining the brand’s position as being one of the best TVs for sound thanks to actuators placed behind the screen to physically vibrate it – a feature that’s exclusive to Sony TVs. It means the Bravia 8 can go loud, is dynamically impressive and is capable of placing objects within a soundfield better than many other flat-screen TVs. When connected to one of Sony’s latest Bravia Theater soundbars – the Theater Bar 8 is a natural pairing – an Acoustic Center Sync feature can be used to turn the TV into a dedicated center channel speaker.
The Bravia 8 is a great option for gamers thanks to its support of all the major gaming features, including 4K support at 120Hz, an auto low-latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR) and Sony’s ‘Perfect for PS5’ tech that automatically adjusts picture settings to their optimum – for both games and movies – when a PlayStation 5 console is detected in either of its two HDMI 2.1 inputs. Yep, the Bravia 8 still only supports 4K/120Hz across two of its four HDMI inputs and you’ll need to use the one marked ‘eARC’ if you plan to connect an external soundbar. Sony isn’t alone in offering support across only half of its TV’s inputs, but it’s a shame that it’s still happening in 2024.
The main caveat at the time of writing, however, is that in some territories the A80L is still readily available and for a more affordable price. While there’s no doubt the Bravia 8 makes improvements over its predecessor, some customers either won’t notice, or won’t care for the admittedly incremental upgrades. The Bravia 8 is indeed Sony’s best mid-range OLED, but it’s not quite the generational leap we’ve seen between some other TV series – see the improvements Samsung makes each year with its S95 QD-OLED series as an example.
Sony Bravia 8 review: Price and release date
Announced in April 2024 for July 2024 launch
Pricing starts at $2,799 / £2,699 / AU$3,495 (55-inch)
No 83-inch model in 2024
The Sony Bravia 8 was announced in April 2024 and released in July 2024 in 55-, 65- and 77-inch sizes. The A80L predecessor was available in a larger 83-inch size, but that has seemingly been dropped this time around.
Pricing has remained relatively consistent compared to the A80L, with the 65-inch model I’ve reviewed setting you back $2,799 / £2,699 / AU$4,495. That’s $200 / £200 more expensive than the A80L in the US and UK and the same as the A80L’s launch price in Australia. Since launch, we’ve already seen small price drops in all markets, so it’s unlikely you would need to pay the full suggested retail price if you decide to buy.
The 55-inch Bravia 8 has been priced at $2,799 / £2,699 / AU$3,495 while the range-topping 77-inch retails for $3,899 / £3,499 / AU$6,995. The Sony Bravia 8’s pricing once again puts it squarely up against the LG C4 (the A80L and LG C3 were similarly priced in 2023) and in most cases, LG’s mid-range OLED comes out the more affordable, and it’s available in a greater variety of sizes.
LG’s telly offers full 4K/120Hz support across all four HDMI inputs, making it a better prospect for gamers and those with multiple external devices, but as was the case in 2023, LG’s TV has weaker built-in sound.
Sony Bravia 8 review: Specs
Sony Bravia 8 review: Benchmark results
Sony Bravia 8 review: Features
New Bravia XR processor
Voice Zoom 3 for improved vocal clarity
New eco-friendly remote control
The Sony Bravia 8 uses a standard WOLED panel as found in its A80L predecessor, but the key metric Sony is keen to advertise with the Bravia 8 is that it's capable of going 10% brighter, thanks to the aforementioned XR Processor. There’s no Micro Lens Array (MLA) or QD-OLED tech to be found here, so it is strictly the power of the new chip and its ability to better understand how to manipulate lighting that is going to result in that brightness boost.
Indeed, Sony says its new XR chip can better detect objects in scenes with greater accuracy and will then automatically optimize the picture to get as close to the creator’s intentions as possible. Also new in the Bravia 8 is a dedicated Prime Video Calibrated Mode (also a feature of the flagship Bravia 9) which will automatically adjust picture settings when you’re watching a raft of content on Amazon’s streaming service. This is in addition to the Netflix Calibrated Mode and Sony Pictures Core Calibrated Mode, both of which work in similar ways and have been carried over from the outgoing A80L.
The latest iteration of Sony's Eco Dashboard gives clear insights into how much energy the TV is using. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Voice Zoom 3, also taken from the high-end Bravia 9, is integrated into the Bravia 8, which can be used to boost (or decrease) voices and dialogue in whatever content you’re watching.
Elsewhere, there is little to separate the Bravia 8 and A80L from a features perspective. Both support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG HDR formats (no HDR10+) and the Bravia 8 once again gets Google TV as the operating system of choice. Sony’s second iteration of its Eco Dashboard makes an appearance too, allowing you to adjust various energy-saving features and view their effects in a neat bar graph-style chart.
Sony also ships the Bravia 8 with a new Eco Remote that has a slight speckled appearance. This remote is made from 80% recycled materials, is backlit and recharges via USB-C.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Picture quality
Wonderfully natural colors
Slightly increased brightness for improved HDR performance
Performs at its best in darker rooms
Sony’s claims of the Bravia 8 benefitting from a 10% brightness increase over the A80L certainly carry some weight, with its latest OLED TV recording a 149.5 nits measurement in HDR Filmmaker Mode on a full screen, compared to the A80L’s 139 nits based on our measurements.
(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
There are noticeable differences in the 10% window brightness measurements in both HDR and SDR Standard modes, too. HDR Standard returned a result of 816.7 nits on the Bravia 8 (compared to the A80L’s 741 nits), while SDR Standard saw the Bravia 8 improve upon the A80L’s 247 nits with a measurement of 287.9 nits. Interestingly, measurements taken for SDR content in Filmmaker mode (or rather, Sony's own version called Professional) returned vastly different results and not in the Bravia 8’s favor, with a measurement of 99.4 nits compared to the A80L’s 224, indicating this is a picture mode you’ll want to avoid when watching SDR content.
Outside of this, it should mean the Bravia 8 will take everything that we loved about the A80L but throws in a helping of improved contrast and, with the new XR Processor acting as the brains of the operation, finer control of light for improved HDR performance.
As for color performance, the Bravia 8 does well against some of its closest competitors, covering 99.1% of the UHDA-P3 color gamut and 75% BT.2020. The LG C4, by comparison, returned results of 98.7% and 72.7%, respectively.
For my real-world performance tests, I streamed the opening fight sequence between Ta Lo and Xu Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on Disney Plus in its IMAX Enhanced version. It's a glorious test of color with various shades of green, yellow and red as the two go head-to-head with their own fighting styles. I was watching in a dark room and so selected the Dolby Vision Bright picture setting, which increases brightness without any sacrifice to detail and found the Bravia 8 reproduced this scene beautifully. Dolby Vision Dark was a little too dim for my preference in this case.
Sony’s XR Triluminos Pro technology, which aims to reproduce natural and accurate colors, worked to full effect, with the greens and yellows of the forest setting looking incredibly realistic – it was easy to notice the different shades depending on where the light was hitting and the characters’ faces were clear and detailed.
The Sony Bravia 8 demonstrates excellent control of light and highlights (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Even the rings around Xu Wenwu’s arms gave off a satisfying blue shine as they were powering up for attack, highlighting the Bravia 8’s – and more specifically, the XR Contrast Booster’s – ability to precisely control the light. What makes this all the more impressive is the fact that there is no MLA technology or Quantum Dot layer, but instead a traditional WOLED panel.
After we meet present-day Shang Chi and he’s speaking with friends in a dimly lit bar, the Sony Bravia 8 flexes its muscles with regard to picking out detail where there’s little to no light. His dark T-shirt is clearly distinguishable from his even darker cardigan, while the stripes on his female friend’s blazer can also be seen. There’s no discernible light blooming around the bright table lamps, both the one at the front and center of the screen, and the numerous others dotted about in the background.
The Sony Bravia 8 offers the option to switch to a dedicated 'calibrated' mode when watching content on Prime Video (as above), Netflix or Sony Pictures Core (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
An Ultra HD stream of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare on Prime Video provided a good opportunity to test out the new Prime Video Calibrated Mode. Switching this mode on and off is as simple as toggling a switch in the picture settings, but in the instance for this particular movie, I noticed absolutely no difference between the Calibrated picture settings and Sony’s own Professional picture mode (the brand’s version of Filmmaker mode). This could potentially be because the Bravia 8 doesn’t support HDR10+, which Prime Video uses, but regardless, in either mode, I was presented with a beautiful, natural image with great depth. I compared the same opening scene on the LG G4 and, while the better-specced TV did have more refined light control, it wasn’t quite the stark difference I was initially expecting – which is kudos to Sony.
I switched the overhead lights on and loaded up Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on Disney Plus – while there was a fair amount of reflection noticeable in the opening, very dark scene, it wasn’t enough to distract me from my viewing. And that viewing was glorious, with the Bravia 8 managing to pick out the individual strands of fur on the apes, while also handling Caesar's burning funeral pyre without any noticeable signs of blooming.
Picture quality score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Sound quality
Accurate placement of object sounds
Dynamically impressive
Still lacking in the bass department
Sony has once again employed its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology here, which sees actuators placed behind the screen to physically vibrate it, turning the entire surface into a speaker. Not a lot has changed in this iteration compared to the A80L, although Sony says its added a new tweeter to help boost higher frequencies and, in particular, dialogue.
It’s a really remarkable system – and the first time I’ve personally heard it in action – as when using the same opening fight sequence from Shang Chi, gusts of wind, flailing arms and attacks using the 10 rings were accurately placed within the soundfield; when an attack was landed towards the bottom left of the screen for example, that’s exactly where it could be heard, as opposed to a full sound coming from all speakers.
When I began the stream, I received a pop-up asking if I wanted to activate the IMAX Enhanced DTS:X soundtrack (the Sony Bravia 8 is an IMAX Enhanced-certified TV) and there was a genuine effect of height to the audio. These effects were only amplified the louder I turned up the volume and they remained distortion-free.
The Voice Zoom 3 feature works incredibly well, too, for any spoken content that you may have a little trouble hearing. Not only does increasing the level help dialogue become easier to hear, it does so without sounding separate from the rest of the soundtrack or other audio, instead sounding entirely natural. The same feature can be used when connected to an external soundbar or speaker system.
The only slight downside is that bass performance still isn’t a strong point of Sony’s audio system. While this will undoubtedly be a blessing to your neighbors, it does mean that despite the Bravia 8 being more impressive than its peers in the sound department, you will want to invest in one of the best soundbars to experience more engaging home cinema thrills. Taking the car chase scene from The Batman as a prime example, there isn’t a deep rumble from the Batmobile’s engine that you would get from an external subwoofer, but is certainly more engaging than most other TV sound systems.
Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Design
Height adjustable feet in two positions
Slimmer rear makes it easier to wall mount
Invisible speakers
As well as the Bravia 8 delivering a 10% increase in brightness, I’m going to also say it’s 10% better looking. For starters, Sony has slimmed the TV down to a depth of just 37mm, making it easier to wall mount in the process. This is due to Sony removing the protruding rear housing for all the connections, subwoofers and processing electronics on the A80L. Instead, the rear is a uniform panel – something Sony calls “One Slate” design – and the grid of etched squares has now been increased in size to cover the entire rear.
You’ll still find a similar set of connections on the right-hand side when viewed from the back, including four HDMI ports (only two of which are HDMI 2.1, and one of these supporting eARC), optical digital audio out, an ethernet port, RF antenna port, two USB type-A and an input S-Center speaker input, which you can use to turn the TV into a center speaker as part of a wider external sound system. If you connect one of Sony’s new Bravia Theater soundbars, you can bypass the need for this connection and still use the TV as a center-channel speaker via Acoustic Center Sync.
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The Bravia 8's feet can be adjusted to two different heights in both a narrow or wide position. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
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The Sony Bravia 8 TV remote is backlit and made from up to 80% recycled materials. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
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It employs a unique speckled effect. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
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(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Also new for the Bravia 8 – and the entire 2024 Bravia lineup – is the ability to position the included feet in any of four ways, up from the previous three. You can position them in either a narrow or wide configuration – meaning those with smaller TV stands can place the Bravia 8 on top with little issue – and this time you can raise the screen a few inches in both narrow and wide configurations, to better accommodate a soundbar beneath.
A single remote control comes in the box this time around, which is effectively the same as the one that shipped with the A80L. It’s relatively long and thin, with a central mic button for voice recognition – I figure this positioning is Sony’s attempt to encourage users to interact with the Bravia 8 more with their voice – and direct buttons for six streaming services at the bottom.
What is perhaps more interesting about this remote control, however, is the fact it’s made from approximately 80% recycled plastic, and the way in which Sony produces the speckled design means that each one is ever so slightly different. It’s backlit and rechargeable via USB-C.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Smart TV and menus
Google TV smart system
Google Assistant baked in and 'Works With' Alexa/Apple HomeKit support
Eco Dashboard 2 for power saving tips
The Bravia 8 continues Sony’s appreciation for the Google TV platform, which is a smart thing to do. As expected, the full suite of major video and music streaming apps is available, along with (quite literally) tens of thousands of others. The home screen, which Google TV calls 'For You', shows you content you’re currently in the middle of watching across any installed apps, followed by recommended content based on your viewing habits and Google Search history across other devices when you’re logged into the same account. Google Assistant is available for voice commands and to help you find whatever you want faster.
(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
I did appreciate Sony’s implementation of a quick settings menu system, whereby you just press a button on the remote control with the wrench icon to bring up a row of common settings along the bottom of the screen, each with its own set of choices to cycle through. The order of these can be personalized, so if you know you’re going to want to adjust picture and sound settings the most, for example, you can place these at the start of the row.
Sony has installed the second-generation of its Eco Dashboard in the Bravia 8, which presents the TV’s power consumption history in the form of animated graphs. You can also adjust power-saving settings from this screen, with the dashboard indicating how much power in kilowatt-hours (kWh) you’ll save.
Naturally, Chromecast is supported for streaming to the TV from compatible devices, as is AirPlay 2. And, despite using Google TV, Sony clearly doesn’t want to discriminate, as it’s added ‘works with’ support for Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
This was the first time in a long time I’d personally used Google TV. I’d read and heard good things, so I was keen to experience it for myself. However, in comparison to LG’s webOS TV system, which I’m very familiar with, I found Google TV here to be quite slow and clunky. Button presses on the remote control weren’t received with the immediacy I’d expect for a TV of this caliber.
Smart TV and menus score: 3.5 / 5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Gaming
4K @ 120Hz and VRR support
Dolby Vision Gaming for compatible sources
Improved 12.8ms input lag
The Bravia 8 presents itself as a great option for gamers thanks to its excellent color reproduction and improved HDR brightness, and is a natural partner for the PlayStation 5 thanks to Sony’s ‘Perfect for PS5’ feature that automatically adjusts the image to deliver optimum results.
Even if you don’t have a PS5, you can still benefit from VRR and ALLM, while Xbox gamers can take advantage of Dolby Vision Gaming. During my testing, I measured an input lag of 12.8ms, which is a significant improvement over the 16.5ms lag on the A80L, putting the Bravia 8 on par with the likes of the LG G4, although the LG C4 – Sony's closest competitor for this telly – undercuts it further with a figure of 9.2ms.
(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)
Loading up Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and it’s clear the Sony Bravia 8’s excellent lighting control when watching video content is carried over to gaming. Spidey’s suit and buildings exhibit clear shine where they’re being hit by sunlight, while the stunning vistas in Grand Theft Auto 5 exhibited fantastic depth, with plenty of detail to buildings and bushland when viewed up close.
Sony’s Game menu pops up at the press of the Menu button on the TV remote control, bringing up quick-select options for game type, toggling VRR on or off and a new, previously promised feature to adjust the screen size. You're also able to toggle on an on-screen crosshair, which could help players of FPS games get an upper hand.
The picture does improve when switching to the LG G4, but this is to be expected with its greater control of light and increased peak brightness. But, for a mid-range OLED, the Sony Bravia 8 will be great for gamers.
The only thing that does continue to hold it back is that only two of its four HDMI ports support the 2.1 standard for 4K/120Hz. If you only have one games console, this won’t be an issue but, if you have multiple, then you'll be better served by a model from LG or Samsung. There's also no support once again for Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync.
Gaming score: 4/5
Sony Bravia 8 review: Value
Small premium over A80L but with improved performance
Already receiving discounts
LG C4 can be found for similar money
The Sony Bravia 8 presents itself as good value for money. Its launch price is a little higher than its predecessor in some territories, but you are getting a number of upgrades, such as the new processor and Dolby Vision Gaming mode, to justify it. However, since launch, we've seen its price come down and, at the time of writing, there are savings of up to $900 / £200 / AU$1,100 direct from Sony, with third-party retailers likely price-matching or beating those prices.
While some may have wished for a greater leap in terms of brightness, it’s not a total shock that Sony has continued to omit brightness-boosting technology, such as MLA or Quantum Dot, as these technologies are reserved for the flagship screens – the LG C4 gets the same treatment for example.
But considering what the Sony Bravia 8 can do, such as displaying movies with great detail and light control, and offering up a number of picture modes that work well as opposed to the one or two you sometimes find on competitor screens, it’s a fantastic, affordable option for those with dark rooms.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the Sony Bravia 8?
Buy it if...
You want a glorious TV for movies without breaking the bank
The Bravia 8’s beautifully natural image processing and 4K clarity makes it perfect for watching movies, especially in HDR, all for a relatively affordable price.
You want a TV to sound good without an external system
Sony’s Acoustic Surface audio system continues to prove why it’s the best at built-in sound. It’s fired directly into the room and is especially capable at placing objects in your space.
Don't buy it if...
You watch content during the day
The Bravia 8 does an admirable job at countering brightly lit rooms, but it can’t compete against TVs that have much higher peak brightness credentials.
You want a super slick TV OS
Google TV offers plenty in the way of apps and connectivity, but it’s slow and clunky in comparison to others on the market.
Also consider...
LG C4 LG has made great improvements to its mid-range OLED TV, including boosting its brightness to above-average levels. It continues to support 4K/120Hz across all four HDMI ports, making it a great choice for gamers. Read our full LG C4 review
TCL C855 If you're not loyal to OLED but you still want the best bang for your buck, the mini-LED TCL C855 is one of the best choices you could make. It delivers a stunning picture and has a strong set of features, all for an incredibly affordable price. Read our full TCL C855 review
Hisense U8N Another great choice for gamers with Dolby Vision gaming and 4K/144Hz support, the Hisense U8N is another wallet-friendly wonder. It can go incredibly bright, yet controls it well with powerful local dimming. Read our full Hisense U8N review
How I tested the Sony Bravia 8
While this was my first time using a Sony TV for an extended period of time, I have previously tried and tested a few LG TVs. So the first I did was dive into menus to familiarize myself with the setup, then played a variety of content from streaming apps and via 4K Blu-rays playing on a PlayStation 5 over the course of five weeks.
I streamed content in both SDR and HDR and assessed the available picture mode options for each from services including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video. I found Professional to offer the best results for non-Dolby Vision content, and the Dolby Vision Bright setting for content produced in that HDR format. I also toggled between the calibrated picture modes for Netflix, Prime Video and Sony Pictures Core, and found the settings for Prime Video to be the weakest of the three, in the sense that there was no obvious difference to the overall picture.
QD-OLED 4K gaming screens these days are becoming more numerous. That can make it particularly difficult to pin down a model that’s just right for you, with the right spec, at the right price. Fortunately, Alienware’s AW3225QF might well be the best gaming monitor of the bunch, certainly today. It’s not cheap, but the build quality, image quality, specs, warranties, and overall design do give it a considerable edge in contrast to some of its competition, and go a long way to justify its price tag.
Top-line stats are out of this world. The true panel size actually falls at around 31.6 inches, giving you a pixel density of 139.87 dpi. Combine that with a 240Hz max refresh rate, broad color depth thanks to that impressive individual illuminated QD-OLED tech, and a solid 250-nits brightness on SDR content, plus a 2.1 ms MPRT response time, and this thing soon becomes a top-tier choice rather rapidly.
If you’ve got the graphical horsepower to drive it at 4K, gaming it on is unlike anything else. Even without HDR, titles like The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077 look and feel exceptional. Textures are crisp and sharp, anti-aliasing smooth as butter, and that refresh rate combined with G-Sync (or FreeSync) just delivers an event unlike any other. Is this the best gaming monitor money can buy? On PC, it’s a close bet.
Still, that price tag is a lot to swallow, and for some, the 32-inch 16:9 form factor can be particularly difficult to adapt to, especially if you’re used to the 21:9 or ultrawide aspect ratios. While the 240Hz refresh rate takes it beyond what the modern consoles can achieve, it’s still a belter of a PS5 monitor or Xbox Series X monitor; it will automatically pivot to 120Hz and you still get that brilliant image quality, colors, curved immersion and everything else the monitor offers.
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
Alienware AW3225QF: Price and availability
Seriously pricey
Readily available from parent company Dell
Flagship spec is unmatched
You can buy Alienware’s AW3225QF both in the US and the UK right now and it’s readily available at parent company Dell. It’s based on Samsung’s QD-OLED panel tech, as a result, there are five total models out there from different brands and manufacturers, all with effectively the same screen at their core.
Alienware’s is the second most expensive offering with both the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P and Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM coming in joint first, for typically an extra $100 / £100 added on top. MSI’s MPG 321URX QD-OLED is the cheapest of the bunch, but again only by $50-100 so not exactly bank-breaking, and you do get a worse stand if you’re going that route.
Otherwise, top-line specs remain the same, 3840x2160 resolution over a 31.6-inch panel, 240Hz max refresh rate, and 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, all packed into a 16:9 aspect ratio. Alienware’s stand and cabling solution does look the slickest out of the lot, and it’s opted for a curved screen, giving it a unique edge over the competition.
Alienware AW3225QF: Specs
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
Alienware AW3225QF: Design and features
3rd Gen OLED delivers hard
Super-low response times leads to no ghosting
HDR in Windows is carnage still
Straight out of the box, the AW3225QF is a thing of beauty to behold. General construction is a breeze, the stand comes in two parts, the main neck, and the base. You attach those two together and secure them with a single thick screw at the bottom. Then with the panel carefully placed on a table or desk, you slide and click the stand into place behind it and you’re done. There’s a release button on the back, and that’s about it. Super fast, super easy. At the base of the panel itself, there’s a removable cover to hide all your cable management, and a hollowed-out segment of the stand helps run your cables and keep everything hidden and out of the way behind the monitor.
The stand is seriously sweet, with a wide-based stance, decked out in a matt white plastic that does give it somewhat of an imperial empire vibe, but it works really incredibly well for an aesthetic. On the rear of the panel, Alienware’s baked in some fairly minimal RGB lighting. It’s okay, and not particularly bright, which feels like a bit of a misstep, certainly with the amount of RGB LED ambient lighting solutions out there right now.
But let’s be clear here, it’s the panel on this 4K gaming monitor that’s the show stopper. It’s a beautiful design, with thin bezels and a slight curve to it (1700R) with a 31.6-inch radius and a gloss finish. There’s some Alienware branding at the very bottom of the screen, but once again in no way is it distracting or even that visible.
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
Still, it’s the top-line spec of the thing that really draws you in. The AW3225QF packs in a 3840x2160 resolution into that 31.6-inches, complete with 240Hz refresh (DSC enabled) and a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time (2.1 ms MPRT in testing). The panel itself is actually Samsung Display’s QD-OLED third gen, which was showcased first at CES in January 2024. Compared to second-gen, it features a Quantum Enhancer AI processor that’s bespoke for each panel directly, Samsung claims this should increase panel durability by a factor of two, along with providing improved brightness and power efficiency over the last-gen models. Samsung’s also using a new Pico-inkjet printer technology to produce a higher quality quantum-dot layer (the part of the panel that applies the color to each pixel), which is now more accurate and efficient, making it cheaper and easier to mass produce the screen tech. That means we should see the price of these panels fall dramatically over the course of the year.
On top of that barrage of specs there, the AW3225QF also features G-Sync certification, Free-Sync support, and Vesa’s AdaptiveSync certification eliminating screen tearing, alongside HDR support for Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400.
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
Alienware AW3225QF: Performance
Outstanding gaming experience
240Hz is a game changer
HDR in Windows is still underwhelming
I’ve been testing gaming and professional monitors since I started in tech journalism many years ago, and I can wholeheartedly say that this screen is something else.
240Hz refresh rate, combined with a 4K resolution and that super low 2.1 ms MPRT, it’s just outstanding. There’s not a moment in game, certainly on PC, where you’re not impressed by it. Going from 60Hz to 120 or 144Hz feels good, really good. It’s smooth, but you can tell there’s still judder there. Going to 240Hz though, it’s like frames become incomparable at that point. It’s as close to real life as it gets, in how fluid it is, as long as your graphics card can drive it at that refresh rate, and that is going to be the bigger challenge.
We do have tech to help alleviate some of those issues. DLSS and FSR, along with Nvidia’s Frame Generation tech make a massive difference here. Still even with the very best of that tech-enabled, and in its lowest configuration, if you take something like an RTX 4080 Super, and run Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS in its Ultra Performance mode (and put up with the terrible anti-aliasing as a result) you’re still not going to max out that 240Hz refresh rate. AAA titles require a seriously beefy graphics card. That said, if you’re playing older games, or less graphically intense titles that don’t have 200 rays bouncing around the environment, it’s unlike anything else, and arguably becomes one of the best high-refresh gaming monitors as a result. Ghosting is non-existent, every test I ran it through I couldn’t spot any of it, but that is a tell-tale trait of a good OLED panel after all.
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
As for general content streaming. Netflix, Amazon Prime. It’s equally such a joy to use, the HDR support is rich and vibrant, and impeccably immersive, the colors are deep and saturated where they need to be, and it’s truly tantalizing. There are problems, however, and that mostly comes down to how Windows handles HDR in particular. On desktop, It’s still a mess, with a cornucopia of settings, and if you don’t get it right it looks and feels washed out in general day-to-day web browsing, and underwhelming on video content. Likewise, Alienware also included an arsenal of HDR profiles and settings on the display itself to further add to the confusion, with some profiles working well in one bright scene, only to fall foul in a darker scene two seconds later. It’s problematic, but still more of a general issue in HDR on PC anyway, with less to do with the actual display itself.
Similarly, there’s a total of 12 different preset modes by default even for SDR content. All of which slightly tweak brightness, contrast, and color warmth. In my opinion, SPORTS or Standard modes are the way to go out of the box.
There's not a noticeable difference between gaming on PS5 and PC with the Alienware AW3225QF. It provides beautiful imagery, excellent gaming performance, and one of the best monitor companions you can get for the current-gen consoles. The only caveat is that, naturally, as it's built with a PC focus, you won't be able to get all the benefits of its top-draw specs, like the maximum refresh rate. If you're you're looking for the absolute best monitor to team with a PS5 or Xbox Series X or gaming on a dual PC and console setup, then it's perfect for you. However, it is worth bearing in mind that you can probably save a few bucks elsewhere for a PS5 monitor if you're savvy in choosing the right spec combination.
Alienware’s AW3225QF is ultimately an exceptional screen. If money is no option, it may well be one of the best gaming monitors out there right now. It's fast, crystal clear, with low latency, and a beautiful color depth and brightness that really does give it an edge over the previous generations of OLED. Better yet it’s leaps and bounds ahead of anything that even the best LCD panel can muster. If you’re after the absolute best of the best, the AW3225QF is it.
(Image credit: Future/Zak Storey)
Should you buy the Alienware AW3225QF?
Buy it if...
You want the best 4K gaming experience available With a super sharp resolution and an outstanding refresh rate, combined with low latency and phenomenal color breadth, the AW3225QF is on another level when it comes to 4K gaming on PC or current-gen console.
You’re concerned about OLED burn-in Not only do Samsung’s third-gen OLED panels come with an enhanced AI chip to double the life expectancy, Alienware’s also include a three-year burn-in warranty as well.
Don't buy it if...
You’re looking for a wallet-friendly QD-OLED model It’s the second highest priced QD-OLED of this generation, with Asus and Gigabyte models pipping it to the post, but only just. There are cheaper options out there.
You want simple HDR HDR in Windows is complicated enough, but multiple HDR profiles don’t help on Alienware’s AW3225QF.
Also consider
If the Alienware AW3225QF isn't quite for you then consider these great alternatives of different screen resolutions to widen your search.
MSI MPG271QRX
Looking for something a little slimmer, easier to drive with your gaming PC, but still packs in that impressive QD-OLED high refresh punch with primo color accuracy? The 271QRX is a good pick, and with a 360Hz refresh rate, it’s truly outstanding to behold.
There’s something to be said for that what twin 27-inch screens side-by-side offers. Samsung cut out the middle bezel and combined two OLED panels into one with the G9, and it is faultless if you’re after a 32:9 gaming behemoth.
Tested for multiple weeks across a variety of games and platforms
Professional industry tests applied
OSD fully explored
To put the AW3225QF through its paces I used it as my primary office monitor for three weeks before testing, and the write-up. I used it side-by-side next to a Viewsonic VP3268a-4K, a professionally calibrated artwork and creative 100% sRGB display.
I tested the AW3225QF through a multitude of different content types, including gaming across The Witcher 3, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Total War: Warhammer III. I also streamed YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime on it, with both SDR and HDR content. Additionally, I tested it using a Playstation 5, and took advantage of Blur Busters array of tests to diagnose any ghosting, or MPRT issues too.
Gaming monitors that have taken inspiration from Samsung's 32-inch 4K QD-OLED display have been around for a little while. But this is Samsung's own take, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD. In theory, that should make it the ultimate example of the breed and a nailed-on certainty to top the tables among the best gaming monitors in 2024, right?
It certainly all bodes well. You get Samsung's stunning QD-OLED panel tech combined with crispy 4K resolution and high pixel density, plus a 240Hz refresh. More to the point, this is Samsung using its own QD-OLED panel. In other words, you'd think Samsung knows how to get the best out of it.
Of course, it's far from cheap and hardly looks like good value compared to a much larger 4K OLED TV for about the same money. Speaking of which, it just so happens that TV-style functionality might just be this monitor's greatest flaw. Hold that thought.
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
How much does it cost? $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$1,999
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
No 32-inch 4K OLED monitor is cheap. But the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD is still one of the most expensive of this new breed. By way of example, the MSI MPG 321URX can be had for $899, albeit that's such an attractive price it's usually sold out.
There are various other monitors using essentially the same QD-OLED panel from brands like Gigabyte and Alienware that are between $100 and $200 cheaper. That's problematic given this Samsung option is not without its flaws. On a pure value basis, it's hard to recommend.
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD: design
(Image credit: Future)
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD Key Specs
Screen size: 32-inch Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Brightness: 250 nits full screen, 1,000 nits max HDR Color coverage: 99% DCI-P3 Response time: 0.03ms Refresh rate: 240Hz HDR: HDR10 Features: Samsung QD-OLED 3rd Gen panel, Adaptive Sync, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, SmartTV, phase-change cooling
No question, if it's a gaming monitor with a mature, upmarket vibe you're after, look no further than the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD. It's got the same premium design language as other Samsung Odyssey OLED monitors. Put simply, it looks and feels grown up and expensive in a way that most, if not all, of the competition simply doesn't.
With slim and symmetrical bezels on all four sides of the 32-inch QD-OLED panel, it's sleek and modern, too. You do get some programmable RGB lighting on the rear, which is a subtle nod to the monitor's gaming remit. But for the most part, Samsung has sidestepped the usual adolescent gamer design cues in favor of a more mature look.
Design: 5 / 5
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD: features
(Image credit: Future)
Up front and center is the 32-inch QD-OLED panel. The big attraction is the combination of 4K resolution and therefore pixel density with the speed and HDR performance of OLED. Samsung rates the monitor at 250 nits for full screen brightness, 1,000 nits for peak HDR, plus 0.03ms for response time. Add in the 240Hz refresh rate and you very much have the same recipe as other 32-inch 4K monitors using this QD-OLED panel.
Where the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD notably differs is its SmartTV functionality. It's what makes this a "Smart Gaming Monitor" in Samsung terms, and it's a bit of a mixed bag. The positives involve the full Samsung SmartTV platform complete with a NQ8 AI Gen3 processor for video upscaling and motion enhancement.
So, assuming you watch your TV over IP rather than using a tuner, then this monitor effectively has full TV functionality with support for all the major streaming apps. The problem is that this functionality has been put up front and center to the extent that the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD ends up feeling like a very small and expensive 32-inch TV.
The on-screen display (OSD) interface kicks you back into the "Smart" functionality at every opportunity. Indeed, there's a certain amount of SmartTV setup you have to go through to even use the monitor as, well, a monitor. The OSD in general also has quite a steep learning curve. It's not nearly as straightforward to access the DisplayPort and HDMI inputs as it should be, and there are multiple and overlapping menus that make adjusting some settings absolutely baffling.
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Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD IR remote (Image credit: Future)
Obviously all of this is something you'd learn to navigate eventually. And the bundled IR remote control does help with accessing some features. But it really shouldn't be this hard or this confusing. It's also a pity because SmartTV would be a welcome extra feature if done right. As it is, it feels like a nuisance if what you mainly want to do, again, is use this monitor as a monitor.
Elsewhere, Samsung has implemented a phase change cooling system for the panel known as Pulsating Heat Pipe, which bodes well for both brightness and panel durability. Speaking of which, Samsung has also implemented various burn-in mitigation features, including logo and taskbar detection.
Finally, along with DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity, there's also USB-C with 90W of power delivery, enabling single-cable functionality with a laptop. So, pretty much all your connectivity needs should be covered.
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD: performance
(Image credit: Future)
The first thing you'll notice in terms of image quality with the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD is that it has a matte anti-glare coating rather than glossy. There are pros and cons to both types of coating, but it's notable that every other monitor based on this QD-OLED 4K panel we are aware of has a glossy finish.
Broadly, glossy coatings maximize contrast, which in turn makes the most of the perfect per-pixel lighting of an OLED screen. The matte panel does detract a little from those characteristically deep and inky blacks. It's also a little odd given that all of Samsung's actual TVs are glossy and Samsung is pitching the SmartTV functionality here. But the matte coating also helps to mitigate the quantum-dot associated greyness these panels can suffer from in strong ambient light.
In the end it's a subjective call. We think glossy coatings really let OLED panels zing. But this is still a mostly stunning monitor. Full-screen brightness is as good as OLED monitor technology currently allows, which means it's about the same as a 250 nit LCD monitor for SDR content. But for HDR games and video, it'll hit 1,000 nits for small highlights. That's some serious sizzle.
The catch is that the calibration in both SDR and HDR modes could be better. Connected to a PC, the SDR colors are oversaturated. The factory default HDR color balance could do with a little tweaking, too. To be clear, this is not a massively wonky monitor in terms of color accuracy. But given the price, you'd be justified in expecting near perfection. And you're not getting that.
That said, you can't argue with the speed. The combination of 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response makes this a seriously rapid panel. For both latency and pixel response, it's pretty much impeccable. The only catch is that the 4K resolution takes some driving. If you want to hit high frame rates and make the most of that 240Hz refresh at 4K, you're going to need one of the best graphics cards on the market.
Performance: 4 / 5
Should I buy a Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don't buy if...
Also Consider
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD: Report Card
How I tested the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD
I had the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD as my primary PC and Mac display for two weeks. That meant everything from daily work duties to watching YouTube and streaming services. Oh and gaming - lots of gaming.
The latter is really what this monitor ought to be about, though with the SmartTV functionality dominating proceedings, it's easy to forget that. Along with my usual suite of test images and apps, I used the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD across multiple gaming genres, from shooters to strategy titles.
Most of all, it was intriguing to see how it compared with other 4K OLED monitors. This is the fifth such model I have personally reviewed, so I have a pretty good feel for how they all stack up.
The Hisense U6N is an affordable mini-LED TV, and though its budget price means there are limitations, there is still plenty to like here thanks to its solid overall picture quality and gaming performance.
Picture quality is generally good across the board for the Hisense U6N, with its detail and vibrant, punchy colors being the strongest highlights. Black levels and contrast are solid, although blacks can sometimes look more of a gray-ish tone. Motion is one area where the U6N struggles, requiring some settings adjustment to accurately display action movies and sports. (Viewers may generally find they need to tweak picture settings to get satisfactory performance from the U6N.)
Sound quality is one of the U6N’s low points. Its limited speaker array delivers clear dialogue and a generally meaty bass, but its soundstage is limited, feeling contained to the screen itself. Some may find the built-in sound fine, but I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars to this TV.
Although the U6N lacks 4K 120Hz support, a key feature of the best gaming TVs, gaming on the Hisense is still an enjoyable experience overall. Dolby Vision gaming, VRR and ALLM are on offer and there’s a Game Bar menu for those looking to quickly adjust settings.
The U6N uses the VIDAA smart TV platform in the UK and Australia and Google TV in the US. VIDAA is easy enough to navigate, although the home menu can be cluttered with too many recommendations (some unnecessary) and this can affect performance. Menus, however, are well organised and there are a good number of picture settings. US readers can check out our recent TCL QM851G review for an idea of how Google TV works.
Value is a highlight for the U6N – although this is less so in the UK. Mini-LED TVs come at a premium, but with the U6N you can get a 65-inch set for as low as $599, a price that rivals budget options such as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED. It’s bested by the Hisense U7N, one of the best TVs of 2024, in terms of value, but the U6N stands out as a cheap option in a crowded and competitive mini-LED TV market.
The Hisense U6N has better-than-expected detail (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Prices & release date
Release date: 2023
50-inch Hisense U6N: N/A/ £899 / N/A
55-inch Hisense U6N: $599 / £999 / AU$995
65-inch Hisense U6N: $799 / £1,299 / AU$1,295
75-inch Hisense U6N: $1,199 / £1,699 / AU$1,495
85-inch Hisense U6N: $1,799 / N/A / AU$2,995
Serving as the entry-level model in Hisense’s ‘ULED’ range, which uses mini-LED backlight tech, the U6N sits below the Hisense U7N and Hisense U8N. It’s available in a wide range of sizes from 50 to 85 inches, but some model availability depends on region. The smaller 50-inch model is available in the UK only, but the UK misses out on the larger 85-inch model, available in both the US and Australia.
Already competitively priced in a crowded mini-LED TV market, particularly in the US, the U6N’s price has dropped since its release, with the 65-inch model I tested available for as low as $599. There have even been discount codes in the UK, where prices for Hisense TVs usually take longer to reduce.
Hisense U6N review: Benchmark results
Contrast fades on the Hisense U6N when viewed from an angle (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Features
QLED panel with mini-LED backlight
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
VIDAA / Google TV Smart TV platform
The U6N uses a QLED panel and a mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming to provide improved contrast over standard LED TVs. It has complete HDR support, with the ability to display both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats.
For gaming, the U6N’s features are limited compared to its more premium U7N and U8N counterparts, with no HDMI 2.1 ports included, though the U6N still features VRR and ALLM support and a Game Bar menu for settings adjustments. Support for 120Hz is available at 1080p resolution (without VRR) but those looking for 4K 120Hz will miss out.
The U6N has a 2 x 10W built-in speaker array with Dolby Atmos and DTS: Virtual X support. There are preset sound modes for different categories – Movie, Standard, Sport and more – plus an Enhanced ACR mode that creates a sound profile based on content.
Hisense’s smart TV platform varies depending on your region – in the US it’s Google TV, and in the UK and Australia it’s Hisense’s own VIDAA platform (the 65-inch U6N I tested used VIDAA). You'll have access to major apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video regardless, but in the UK, VIDAA hosts Freely, a live TV streaming platform that requires no satellite or antenna for live viewing. It’s backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five and plays host to their catch-up services – BBC iPlayer, ITVX and more. In the US, the U6N features an ATSC 1.0 digital TV tuner, a step-down compared to the U7N’s next-gen ATSC 3.0 tuner.
The U6N’s design is pretty basic overall, favoring simplicity. It has solid build quality and uses two support feet as opposed to the pedestal stand used for the U7N. It also has a mixed metal and plastic frame compared to the U7N’s metallic frame. The included remote is a cheaper-feeling, button-heavy design, whereas the U7N has a smaller, rechargeable remote.
Features score: 4 / 5
The Hisense U6N has good contrast and strong overall picture quality when viewed front-on (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Picture quality
Refined detail
HDR sources look great
Inconsistent motion handling
As the U6N is an entry-level mini-LED model, I didn’t expect high levels of brightness overall but was still surprised by the results it yielded, which were low for a mini-LED TV. Measuring peak HDR brightness on a 10% window, it gave a result of 651 and 612 nits in Filmmaker and Standard picture modes respectively. That puts it around the level of the LG B3, LG’s 2023 entry-level OLED TV. It’s also significantly dimmer than its more premium sibling, the Hisense U7N, which yielded results of 1074 and 809 nits in Filmmaker and Standard picture mode respectively.
Full-screen brightness results were much better. The U6N yielded HDR brightness results of 580 and 572 on a 100% window, making it a good budget choice for daytime viewing. During testing, the U6N did suffer from mirror-like screen reflections from our testing room’s overhead lighting, but very few TVs have successfully nullified these – the Samsung S95D being the best example.
Starting with lower-resolution sources, the U6N’s upscaling struggled to improve the fuzzy textures and dull colors of standard-definition broadcast TV compared with more premium sets. However, it did a good job with HD broadcast TV, maintaining clear textures across its 65-inch screen.
I next moved on to 4K and HDR sources. Starting with the demo footage section of the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray, the U6N demonstrated good detail. Textures gave animals and nature shots good depth, and although they didn’t rival that of a premium mini-LED TV such as the Sony X95L, they were better than anticipated. Colors were also bright and punchy, as shown by images of butterflies and exotic birds.
Contrast overall was good l and although some backlight blooming was present, black levels were deep enough for an entry-level mini-LED – even during night sequences with dark skies, and in studio shots with black backgrounds.
Switching to reference movie scenes I use for testing, the U6N performed solidly when displaying The Batman’s gritty, dim tones. Since The Batman is a Dolby Vision disc, there were several Dolby Vision picture modes to choose from, and I switched between Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Vision Dark.
Black levels weren’t naturally as good as you’d find on the best OLED TVs, but they were decent overall, only taking on a slightly gray hue when in Filmmaker Mode. Contrast was surprisingly good, with the U6N demonstrating a solid balance between light and dark tones in The Batman’s opening crime scene.
Another pleasant surprise was the U6N’s ability to show details in these dark scenes, such as in Batman’s armor and Jim Gordon’s clothing. I found Dolby Vision Dark to have a more accurate picture here, but for those looking for a brightness boost, Dolby Vision IQ will do the job.
The Hisense U6N's colors are punchy and vivid (Image credit: Future)
Moving onto Ready Player One, the U6N demonstrated dynamic colors throughout, handling the shimmering blues of the OASIS and Parzival well and giving the fireworks and gold coins during the opening race a glistening punch. Watching a stream of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Disney Plus, the throne room fight scene showcased the U6N’s control of bright colors, with the vibrant reds within the scene maintaining a natural look while still appearing vivid.
Motion handling is where things get complicated for the U6N. As it's a 60Hz panel, it benefits from motion settings including blur and judder reduction, but I found that these had to be experimented with heavily. I generally found placing both blur and judder at the lower-end to mid-way settings to be best. Watching the Batmobile chase from The Batman, the U6N initially struggled on long, panning shots and swerving vehicles, but the above settings helped with this.
The same motion settings were very much necessary when watching a stream of a soccer game on Prime Video. Of the motion presets, I generally found Smooth to be the best for handling the quick motion of the camera trying to keep up with the ball, while Film or Standard were the best for movies. There is an AI Sports mode to aid with clarity, but while it helped with motion, it oversaturated the greens of the field and bright colors of the uniforms. The Standard picture setting with the above motion clarity settings seemed to suit sports viewing the best.
Like other mini-LED TVs, the U6N is subject to backlight blooming. Viewed off-angle, this became more noticeable, and contrast and black levels also faded when viewed from off-center seats.
While the U6N doesn’t wow in any area, it has a good overall picture for a budget TV.
Picture quality score: 4/5
The Hisense U6N has a modest 2.0 speaker array (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Sound quality
Good dialogue clarity
Average directional sound
Limited soundstage
With a 2 x 10W speaker array, the U6N isn’t going to sit amongst the best TVs for sound. Dolby Atmos and DTS: Virtual X processing is a welcome feature here, but the U6N’s speakers limit the impact of both.
Of available sound presets, I generally found Theater to be the most consistent across all sources and suited movies best. Viewing both the Batmobile chase in The Batman and the opening race in Ready Player One, the U6N demonstrated solid, punchy bass and good dialogue clarity even throughout these intense sequences.
Unfortunately, the U6N’s speakers struggled in other areas. There was a decent sense of directional sound, but Atmos effects like the pounding rain in The Batman were inaudible. The soundstage was also very limited, with sound never extending beyond the confines of the screen. I’d strongly recommend using a soundbar with the U6N.
Sound quality: 3 / 5
The 65-inch Hisense U6N's uses support feet (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Design
Solid build quality
Mix of plastic and metal materials
Basic, safe design
The U6N’s design is safe – in both good and bad ways. Its build quality is solid enough and the mix of plastic and metal materials on the rear means it feels slightly more premium. However, there is no denying that the plastic elements of the screen are on the cheaper side.
Hisense uses support feet for the U6N as opposed to the pedestal stand found on the step-up U7N. These are sturdy enough when placed on furniture, although once again the feet feel a little on the cheap side.
The U6N has a trim enough bezel and frame, but is undoubtedly thicker than other sets in its price range. I’d have expected a slimmer design given its modest speaker array. Finally, the U6N’s supplied remote is basic and feels on the cheap side compared to the slim, streamlined remote supplied with the U7N.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
The Hisense U6N uses VIDAA (pictured) as its smart TV platform in the UK and Australia, but Google TV in the US (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Smart TV & menus
Google TV (US), VIDAA (UK & Australia)
Numerous picture settings
Basic and sometimes cluttered layout
The U6N comes with Google TV in the US and VIDAA in the UK and Australia. As I’m based in the UK, I will be focusing on the VIDAA smart TV platform, but if you're based in the US and want an idea of how Google TV works, check out our recent TCL QM851G review (although some settings and options will differ).
VIDAA has access to all major apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, as well as Freely, a relatively new service that enables live TV streaming without the need for a physical antenna or satellite connection for both HD and SD channels. It also hosts the UK-based streaming apps BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Five and even bases recommendations on viewing history.
The VIDAA home menu looks cluttered, with a large banner ad at the top of the screen and a long list of recommendations underneath that can affect scrolling speed and navigation, giving it a clunky feel. It is packed with settings for tweaking the TV's picture, however, and the menus are well laid out and user-friendly, with settings neatly organized.
Smart TV & Menus score: 3.5 / 5
Although it has only a 60Hz refresh rate, gaming on the U6N is still an enjoyable experience, and VRR is supported (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Gaming
Dolby Vision Gaming, VRR, and ALLM
No HDMI 2.1 ports
13.2ms input lag
The U6N has limited gaming features compared to more premium sets. There are no HDMI 2.1 features (except for eARC) such as 4K 120Hz support, though it does support Dolby Vision gaming, VRR and ALLM. There is an option to play at 120Hz with a lower resolution, although VRR is unavailable with this setting. It also features a Game Bar menu where settings such as Dark Detail and FPS Viewing can be adjusted.
Despite having fewer features, gaming on the U6N is still a fun experience. Playing Battlefield V, intense combat sequences felt smooth. From scanning the environment to sprinting to avoid incoming enemy fire, everything was seamless and felt suitably fast-paced despite being locked at 4K 60Hz.
The U6N also delivered strong picture quality while gaming, with the desert sections in Battlefield looking sufficiently bright. The U6N’s picture in darker sections demonstrated solid black levels overall, but a gray wash sometimes appeared. Textures and details were also refined, although they looked a little softer than on the Hisense U7N and Samsung QN85D.
The U6N’s input lag was average compared to other TVs in this range, yielding a result of 13.2ms. However, this is still below the 15ms threshold that most gamers look for.
Gaming score: 4/5
The Hisense U6N's supplied remote feels on the cheap side (Image credit: Future)
Hisense U6N review: Value
Brilliant value in the US and Australia
Competitive mini-LED market
Significantly cheaper than some rivals
The U6N’s value is affected by region. In the US, the 65-inch model I tested has fallen as low as $599 and the 55-inch model has dropped to a staggeringly low $449. That’s very affordable for a mini-LED TV and even cheaper than some regular LED sets. It may not come with all the gaming features we look for, but you’re unlikely to find those elsewhere at this price.
In the UK, the U6N doesn’t demonstrate the same value. For example, the 65-inch model is priced at £1,299, which puts it only slightly below the Samsung Q80D, a TV that delivers impressive QLED performance and a wider range of gaming features.
It’s worth remembering that the step-up Hisense U7N is also excellent value, offering more local dimming zones, better contrast, and superior gaming features for $200 more in the 65-inch size ($799).
Still, the U6N mini-LED TV delivers good performance at a price you'd usually expect to pay for a standard LED model.
Value score: 4/5
Should I buy the Hisense U6N?
Buy it if
You want mini-LED for cheap Good mini-LED pictures are on offer here for the same as you'd expect to pay for a basic LED TV.
You want a good picture for less Crisp textures, rich detail and punchy colors are just some of the U6N's picture quality highlights.
You want a good budget gaming TV VRR and ALLM are on offer here, as well as decent performance and a solid picture, all at a budget price.
Don't buy it if
You're looking for good built-in sound The U6N's speakers sound thin, with a limited soundstage and lacking bass. A soundbar is recommended for this TV.
You need a complete gaming TV With no HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, 4K 120Hz isn't an option here, though you'll find it on the step-up Hisense U7N.
You'll be watching off-center The U6N's picture falters when viewed from an angle, losing contrast and displaying obvious backlight blooming.
How I tested the Hisense U6N
Hisense U7N The U7N is the step-up model from the U6N and offers better picture quality, more gaming features and is overall better value for money. If you can stretch your budget that little bit further, it's worth opting for the U7N over the U6N. Check out our Hisense U7N review to see what the step-up gets you.
Samsung QN85D The Samsung QN85D delivers more than the U6N in every area – picture, sound, design, gaming – but comes at a significantly higher price. Opt for this if you're a Samsung fan and can spend the extra money. Check out our full Samsung QN85D review for more info.
Samsung QN90D The Samsung QN90D is a more premium option than the U6N, U7N and QN85D and from what we've seen so far is set to have the strongest picture of the group, while also offering a full list of gaming features. But the QN90D's high price tag is hard to justify against more budget options, so this really comes down to how much more you're willing to spend for a better picture.
I started the testing process of the U6N with some casual viewing to determine the most accurate picture mode, in this case, Filmmaker, which would be used during both subjective testing and objective testing for measurements.
Starting with subjective testing, I viewed standard-definition broadcast TV and DVDs, and 4K HDR ones, such as Blu-ray and streaming, to test picture quality, judging based on contrast, color, black levels, shadow detail, motion processing and more.
I played reference scenes from 4K Blu-rays (using the Panasonic DP-UB820, the best 4K Blu-ray player available) I am familiar with to determine how accurately the U6N displayed them.
After subjective testing, I moved on to objective testing, taking measurements using specialized equipment – a test pattern generator and colorimeter – and recorded the results using Portrait Displays' Calman calibration software.
I also used an Xbox Series X to test the U6N's gaming performance and a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester to test its input lag.
The Innocn 49Q1S is a 49in 5120×1440 240Hz ultrawide curved gaming monitor based on a QD-OLED panel with a high contrast ratio, DCI-93 99% colour gamut, a 0.03ms grey to grey response time, Variable Refresh Rate and HDR 400 support. It also includes 2.1 22w speakers and integrated microphones.
We’ve tested the latest best business monitors but finding key specs on the Innocn 49Q1S proved difficult. I can only assume that the 49Q1S is such a new display that Innocn themselves have yet to update their website as it is nowhere to be found.
The known key specs are:
Screen Size: 49in
Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440
Aspect Ratio: 32:9
Max Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Screen Curvature: 1800R
HDR: HDR400
Response Time: 0.03ms (GTG)
Colour Gamut: DCI-93 99%
Speakers: 2.1 stereo speaks with 22W
Microphone Array
Innocn 49Q1S: Packaging & assembly
The monitor came in a gargantuan box measuring some 130cm x 29cm x 48cm (length, width and height) weighing in around 14.5kgs. Once opened the box revealed a large polystyrene foam shell taking up the entirety of the box.
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The polystyrene foam came in two parts encapsulating the monitor with the legs, stand and cables placed externally. Other than the stand and UK plug to IEC C13 power cable, the additional extras included are, a HDMI Cable, DisplayPort Cable, USB C to USB C cable and a USB 3.0 A to USB 3.0 B cable. Also provided were four large standoffs for VESA mounts.
(Image credit: Innocn)
The 49Q1S only came with a quick start manual in several languages, essentially a page of A3, on how to put the display together and what could be plugged where, it wasn’t very in depth. It goes into no detail about the OSD menus other than the joystick directions, specs or basic troubleshooting, in one place the so-called manual is also misleading, more on that later.
The vertical stand and its V shaped legs are put together simply by slotting the vertical mount to the legs and then using the thumbscrew to tighten it down. The stand has a small cable tidy hook on the back in red and towards the top is a concealed hook for headsets or headphones. Once the stand was assembled, it was simply snapped into place on the back of the monitor.
The vertical stand allowed the usual movements of tilt and swivel. Height adjustments allowed the top of the display to be as low as 45cm to as high as 57cm from the desktop, with the stand attached the overall display was 36cm deep and 120cm wide, so ensure you have a large enough desk to accommodate the display.
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On the back can also be found some RGB coloured lighting to add some gaming credentials. These are not configurable and just cycle through a series of colors. They can be switched on or off via the OSD and frankly I quickly forget they were even there.
Innocn 49Q1S: Connectivity
As you can see from the photos, I have mounted the display on a basic desk arm using the 100x100mm VESA mounts, Innocn has provided these large standoffs to assist with VESA mounting as the screw holes are quite deep but I managed fine without them.
Connectivity wise the 49Q1S does not fall short on and comes with:
2 x DisplayPort 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.1
1 x USB-C 90W
2 x USB-A (at USB 3.0 standard)
1 x USB-B (at USB 3.0 standard)
1 x RJ45 (100Mb)
1 x 3.5MM Audio Jack
The DisplayPort, HDMI and USB-C ports are all capable of receiving and delivering the full 240Hz from several sources.
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Innocn 49Q1S: Performance
With a resolution of 5120×1440 at 49in with a 1800R curve, the monitor would be reminiscent of having two 27in displays side by side.
The outlay means you now have a large screen where you can display several windows, all at the same time with each one still maintaining usability. You could for example be writing an article or essay on one side of the screen whilst having reference material on the other at the same time. Windows 11 has large screen support, letting you easily snap windows in place.
(Image credit: Innocn)
As previously mentioned, the Innocn 49Q1S improves over the 49C1R in several fields. This is mostly helped by the fact that the panel went from a standard VA Panel to a QD-OLED panel. The QD-OLED in turn means darker blacks, brighter screen with more vibrancy in colors when viewing content. The screen finish is a glossy type which does reflect light, I suspect that this may hinder some depending on the lighting of the room you intend to use it in. The high 99% DCI-P3 color space coverage also gives it utility in the field of best monitors for video editing.
The HDR400 coupled with QD-OLED means blacks are truly inky black. Greens, reds, blues and yellows were also tested and it was noted the entire screen was even on all colors and no dead or stuck pixels. Colors appeared accurate, Innocn also provides calibration certificates for the display with serial numbers to show that the display was indeed calibrated using a Konica Minolta CA-410 Display Colour Analyser.
(Image credit: Innocn)
Innocn 49Q1S: Useability
There is a single blue light illuminated joystick like button beneath the bottom of the microphone array for navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu.
(Image credit: Innocn)
There are the standard settings of brightness, contrast, color temperature, picture modes, gaming modes etc.), the Innocn 49Q1S also supports Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture modes, allowing you to display two sources on the screen simultaneously. There are a few gaming-centered features such as having an onscreen crosshair displayed as well as Adaptive Refresh Rates.
I used the 49Q1S as any normal person would, using the display for work, general browsing, gaming and watching films. For work, the 49Q1S large real estate was useful for being able to display several windows at once as previously mentioned. General browsing was at times a bit too intense with such a wide field of view, I found it easier to put Chrome to one side of the screen and read articles from there.
(Image credit: Innocn)
Gaming had no issues, I tested the display playing both Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West, two games which are PS5 console ports, so more modern PC games should have no issue. The only use case that did have an issue was watching content, Amazon Prime (here seen is Fallout) has two large black bars on either side, as did Netflix
(Image credit: Innocn)
YouTube was the same though this was content dependent. In this example I am viewing a video in the 2160p mode
(Image credit: Innocn)
The 49Q1S has a claimed 2.1 Stereo speaker set up with 22W of power, I listened to the speakers over a day or so using a variety of music, films, games and other genres. Whilst they will do in a pinch, I would not recommend them over dedicated speakers. I noted some audio distortion and audio lacking punch. My aging Creative Gigaworks T40 with only 16W in a 2.0 configuration sounded far better.
The Innocn 49Q1S has an integrated microphone array below the bottom bezel of the display, it is essentially two microphones working in tandem to provide recorded audio and appears to be geared towards voice. I tested the microphone against a similar array from a Creative X7 DAC placing my mouth about approximately 18 inches from both the X7 and 49Q1S.
I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the microphone, it performed very well against the X7 where I could hear a slight background hum, none was heard through the Innocn. The voice audio was clear, crisp, loud enough to understand but not so loud to distort, if you had no other high-end microphone and needed to do a Teams or Zoom meeting, this microphone would work very well.
Innocn 49Q1S: KVM
One feature not mentioned by the manual or any documentation was the KVM or docking feature of the display. I did as the quick start guide told me, hooking up my usual mouse and keyboard to the monitor using the 2 x USB-A connectors and plugging in the RJ45 cable into my switch. I then connected my main PC to the USB-B port and the one of the DisplayPorts. I turned on my PC and it worked flawlessly. Mouse and keyboard were detected and worked without a hitch, I noted that the Ethernet from the monitor showed connected and as expected at the 100Mb speed, so far so good.
The aforementioned quick start guide is misleading as it only shows a smart phone being connected to the USB-C port. I was surprised that it, from the manual, made no mention of using the 49Q1S as a dock for portable computers.
(Image credit: Innocn)
Experimenting, I initially used a generic brand USB-C to USB-C cable to connect a business-orientated Lenovo ThinkPad X13 capable of display, mouse, keyboard and ethernet via USB-C, however nothing came up on the display. I then used the Innocn supplied cable, the laptop immediately detected the display, mouse, keyboard and network switch. As an added benefit, the laptop was also charging as well. I also tried plugging in a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and enabling Samsung Dex, whilst it worked fine, I needed to adjust some of the settings in the 49Q1S so that text was sharp, but this did mean black bars on either side.
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It would mean that you could have the display set up in an office or studio like environment, with attached ethernet, mouse and keyboard. You could then supply your staff with company laptops or even encourage Bring Your Own, plug this in via USB-C and are good to go with just one cable. An alternative would be to have two workstations connected to the display sharing a common mouse and keyboard. An incredibly useful feature in this day and age of mobile computing and hot desking, which could have been missed by the casual end user.
All seemed to be going well until I stumbled across an odd anomaly. With my mouse and keyboard connected to the 49Q1S, I left my PC long enough that it put the display to sleep. This in turn disconnected the mouse and keyboard meaning I could not wake the PC by tapping a few keys or moving the mouse. Jiggling the joystick gave me a very small window in order to wake the PC tapping the keyboard but this wasn’t always guaranteed. An unfortunate oversight despite other monitors overcoming this.
Innocn 49Q1S: Final verdict
Overall, the Innocn 49Q1S boasts some very high-end features and specs aimed to be a jack of all trades in the best ultrawide monitor space, of which it does most of them well. The calibrated QD-OLED means a sharp, crisp and well contrasted display, useful for a wide variety of tasks.
The sheer number of connectors allows end users the flexibility to use several consoles or workstations with the 49Q1S as well as peripherals. I do wish they gave an additional USB-A connector on the back.
The downside are that there is a lack of support or exact specs on the 49Q1S as they can’t be found on the Innocn website and documentation is non-existent save for a quick start guide which isn’t clear on the capabilities of the 49Q1S which means some users may not even be aware of what they are leaving behind.
The speakers are lacking though the microphone pleasantly surprised us for being clear and noise-canceling.
The JVC DLA-NZ800 is the latest high-end projector from the brand, combining its existing BLU-Escent laser light source with a redesigned D-ILA 4K chipset that delivers deeper blacks, brighter images, and improved uniformity. As a result, this excellent beamer builds on JVC’s established strengths, maintaining the company’s position as a preeminent maker of the best 4K projectors.
The JVC DLA-NZ800's native 4K images are crisply detailed, while the upgraded 8K/e-shiftX processing makes great content look even better. The overall picture accuracy is superb, the SDR images impressive, and the HDR performance state-of-the-art thanks to JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features, along with support for HDR10, hybrid log-gamma and HDR10+.
Key improvements for this newly evolved model include an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and native contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. The 8K/e-shiftX upscaling is now more sophisticated, and quieter, while the laser power setting offers greater control. The new features include a Deep Black function, a Balanced dynamic laser mode, and a Vivid picture setting.
The NZ800 supports 3D, with pictures that are bright, punchy and free of any crosstalk, and it has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. There’s an effective remote, intuitive menu system, and flexible installation – although whether stand or ceiling mounting, bear in mind that this beamer is very big and heavy.
The NZ800 is also rather expensive, although the pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. As with the earlier NZ8 it also has no direct competitor, so if you want exceptional cinematic performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing, this remarkable high-end projector is in a literal class of its own.
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: price and release date
MSRP: $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999
Release date: May 2024
The JVC DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200) is the mid-range model in the brand’s 4K laser-powered line-up. It’s available now and retails for £15,999 /$15,999 / AU$24,999. The NZ800 replaces the outgoing DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) and sits below the flagship DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200), which has also been given an upgrade and replaces the discontinued DLA-NZ9 (DLA-RS4100). The entry point remains the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which is retained from the previous generation.
JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features bring out the best in 4K movies with HDR (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: Specs
The projector has basic control buttons (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: design and features
Gen3 0.69in 4K D-ILA device
Gen2 8K/e-shiftX
Gen2 Frame Adapt HDR
The JVC DLA-NZ800’s big new feature is the third generation of the brand’s proprietary D-ILA 4K chipset, which has been redesigned to be more efficient. These refinements allow for brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. It’s also the reason why the NZ800 has an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and an improved contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1.
The NZ800 includes JVC’s second generation 8K/e-shiftX device, which physically shifts each pixel by half a pixel in four directions (up, down, left and right), thus allowing the projector to deliver a full 8K (8,192 x 4,320 resolution) image. This updated version of the proprietary feature uses sophisticated 8K upscaling for improved sharpness and detail across a wide range of content.
In addition to the improved black levels offered by the upgraded D-ILA chipset, JVC has added a new Deep Black function that employs a revised algorithm to further enhance the contrast without crushing shadows. In addition, the dynamic laser control adds a new Balanced setting for even punchier pictures without introducing the annoying brightness fluctuations seen on earlier models.
Speaking of brightness, JVC has improved the sliding scale setting on the laser power control, and while it still goes from 1 to 100 it’s now more granular, which means you can gradually boost the brightness without a sudden increase in fan noise, thus making it more useful. JVC has also added a “Vivid” mode for watching SDR sports or gaming in a room with some ambient light.
The NZ800 retains JVC's BLU-Escent laser diode light source with its claimed 20,000-hour lifespan and greater consistency. Other features include motorised focus, zoom and shift controls to simplify installation, plus lens memories for different screen aspect ratios. There’s also a Filmmaker Mode, along with extensive ISF-certified calibration controls.
JVC’s tone mapping is state-of-the-art, with the latest proprietary Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analysing HDR10 content on a frame-by-frame basis to optimise the image, while 18-bit gamma processing results in smoother and finer gradations. JVC also includes the Theatre Optimiser which enhances tone mapping by taking into account the size, shape and gain of your projection screen.
In addition to the existing analysis of an incoming HDR signal, the NZ800 now reads the Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata. This tells the projector’s tone mapping function the peak brightness of the display on which the content was originally mastered and is useful because the more metadata the tone mapping has to work with, the better the results in terms of the displayed HDR images.
Design and features score: 5/5
Rear-panel ports include two HDMI 2.1 connections (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: picture quality
Detailed and cinematic 4K delivery
Bright and punchy HDR images
Exceptional image processing
The JVC DLA-NZ800 impresses right out of the gate, with the redesigned D-ILA chipset delivering images that are sharp, well defined and free of any uniformity issues. On the review sample I was testing there were also no signs of the dreaded ‘bright corners’ that have been apparent on some JVC projectors in the past, even when staring at a black screen in my dedicated home cinema.
The perceived black levels also appear slightly better when compared to my NZ8, the NZ800’s predecessor, and this was borne out by actual testing, with the NZ800 delivering contrast measurements of up to 100,000:1. The peak brightness approaches the claimed 2,700 lumens, although this was in the Vivid mode, and in the Filmmaker mode or calibrated Natural mode this is closer to around 2,000 lumens.
Out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting close to their saturation targets for BT.709. This can be improved through calibration, and I was able to get a reference level accuracy, so if you’re spending this kind of money you really should get your NZ800 professionally calibrated.
This accuracy also extends to HDR, and the NZ800 covers 100% of DCI-P3 with its colour filter in place. This filter reduces the brightness by about 20% – so those extra lumens come in handy – but if you’d rather not use the filter (and with HDR10+ you don’t have a choice) then the brightness increases but the gamut coverage drops to around 90% of DCI-P3 instead.
Where JVC projectors are streets ahead of the competition is in terms of HDR tone mapping with the NZ800 not only accurately tracking the PQ curve standard, but also using dynamic tone mapping to get the best out of content based on the available metadata and real-time analysis of the HDR signal. The ability to read the Display Mastering Luminance also helps in this regard.
The new Deep Black feature certainly adds value, teasing a touch more detail out of shadows while keeping the blacks suitably inky. A Balanced dynamic laser setting also helps, creating more depth at the lower end while also boosting the brightness at the other without any ‘pumping’ in the image itself. The NZ800’s superior tone mapping ensures the highlights are also free of clipping.
Processing is also superb, taking lower resolution content and flawlessly upscaling it to the 4K panel, while the 2nd generation 8K/e-shiftX device is a revelation, shifting pixels to create images with the perceived resolution and detail of 8K. While I like the effect of e-shift I don’t use it on my NZ8 because I can hear it in operation, so I was delighted to discover it’s nearly silent on the NZ800. In addition, the 65mm all-glass lens delivers all these pixels with perfect geometry.
The NZ800 can read Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata in sources to optimize its tone mapping function (Image credit: Future)
The NZ800 is equally impressive with motion handling, producing smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. An ability to handle frame rates up 120p adds to the beamer’s motion prowess, and its 36ms input lag – low for a projector that’s not specifically designed for gaming – and longer-life laser light source make the JVC a great choice for the well-heeled big screen gamer.
JVC’s NZ800 is a cracking performer with SDR content, producing detailed and natural images that enjoy added depth thanks to the awesome contrast ratios. Watching Gravity on Blu-ray revealed a remarkable image, where the whites of the space suits are juxtaposed against the black backgrounds, and every pixel of the computer-generated effects is rendered with precision.
Moving on to HDR, the NZ800 proves to be a stellar performer, delivering all the specular highlights of the sun-bleached desert landscapes of Dune Part Two, pulling out every detail in shadows during the nighttime action of The Crow, and reproducing the rich and saturated colours of La La Land, helping to replicate the Technicolor musicals to which it pays homage.
The projector’s dynamic tone mapping is very adept at optimising the performance of the NZ800, and the resulting HDR is often comparable to high-end video processors that cost more than the projector itself. When able to use the dynamic metadata of HDR10+, the results are equally impressive, and the bright flares in the nighttime scenes of 1917 are precisely rendered against the dark sky.
Finally, the 3D performance is excellent with plenty of depth and pictures that are bright, accurate, and free of any ghosting. You’ll need to purchase the optional RF transmitter and glasses, but if you’re a fan of 3D you’ll be rewarded with wonderfully layered images such as when you’re down in the streets of Iron City in Alita: Battle Angel, or floating inside the ISS in Gravity.
Picture quality score: 5/5
The JVC DLA-NZ800's remote control (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: value
It’s a significant investment
There’s no direct competitor
The JVC DLA-NZ800 represents significant value for money, which might sound like a mad statement to make when you consider its price, but I’ll explain. The range-topper in JVC’s range is the DLA-NZ900, which costs $25,999 / £25,999, but in terms of features and performance, the NZ800 is very similar with the only real difference being the NZ900’s larger 100mm lens.
The NZ800 also doesn’t have a direct competitor, and the closest is the Sony VPL-XW7000ES in the UK (£12,999) or VPL-XW6000ES in the US ($11,999). While the XW7000ES is rated at 3,200 lumens, the XW6000ES only hits 2,500 lumens, and neither has support for 8K, 4K/120p or HDR10+, nor do they have HDMI 2.1 inputs. In addition, the NZ800 has better black levels and superior HDR tone mapping, making it the ideal choice for any discerning film fan.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector?
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BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long throw capability of the JVC and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.
As with all my TV and projector reviews I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen.
The subjective testing is based on watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K, 3D and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. These scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.
For the objective testing, I measured the NZ800’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3 and BT.2020. To do this I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.
I measured the NZ800’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.
Finally, because I currently use the JVC DLA-NZ8 as my reference projector, I was able to directly compare the NZ800 to its predecessor.
