Samsung Q7F and Q7C QLED 4K Ultra HD TV Review

QN65Q7F & QN657C 120Hz Smart LED TVs

Samsung’s Q7 series features the entry-level models of their current premium lineup of which Samsung refers to as QLED quantum dot 4K Ultra HD TV displays. Samsung claims this latest technology is an improvement over last year’s quantum dot tech used in their former SUHD TVs.

Samsung states that QLED technology provides a larger color depth range, better wide viewing angle performance and higher brightness levels.

Furthermore, Samsung claims their new QLED TVs have a peak luminance range of 1500 to 2000 nits (brightness); however, I must point out that the Q7 models do not achieve this spec when viewing real (regular) TV content. With that said, the Q7 still achieves good brightness levels, especially with HDR content.

The Q7F is a flat panel model and is available in 55″ 65″ and 75″ screen sizes; while the Q7C is a curved panel option and is available in 55″ and 65″ versions. The Q7F and Q7C are virtually the same TV and contain the same features (with the exception of Auto Depth Enhancer on the Q7C) and do deliver the same performance as I discovered while doing a side-by-side hands-on evaluation.

The only true differences are in their respective designs: Q7F – flat screen, Q7C – curved screen, and stand type: Q7F – T-Type Real Stainless, Q7C – U-Type Real Stainless.

For more info on Samsung’s QLED TVs click here.

Design and Features

Both displays are well built and feature a very thin bezel and a black border that surrounds the screen which is highlighted with a razor-thin silver accent trim. Both screens contain a glossy finish and are illuminated with edge-lit LED backlighting.

As mentioned above both models have attractive stainless steel stands that provide good stability for their large 65″ screen sizes.

Tizen 3.0 Smart Hub: The TV’s Smart Hub has been redesigned and offers even easier navigation, plus quick access; you can even use these convenient features while still watching TV. The new Smart Hub features easy access to content by displaying your favorite and most used TV applications, as well as recommendations for even more entertainment options. Smart Hub offers unique ways to search and access your favorite and new content from the TV’s tuner and network apps.

Other features include:

• New smart remote control – OneRemote with a built-in microphone for voice control. The remote automatically detects and controls all connected devices and content with no manual programming required. However, compatible devices are required to use this feature.
• 4K Color Drive Elite quantum dot technology for increased color range and brightness
• 4K HDR Elite (HDR 10) for extended picture contrast and brightness when viewing HDR content
• Supreme UHD panel dimming, plus Precision Black Pro local dimming with 2X the dimming zones for great contrast and black levels
• 10-bit panel displays more colors with finer steps of gradation for greater color reproduction with HDR sources
• Motion Rate 240 for motion blur reduction – native refresh rate is 120Hz
• HEVC/VP9 decoding for watching streamed 4K video sources like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and YouTube
• DIRECTV 4K Ready – DIRECTV subscribers with the Genie Whole-Home HD DVR can enjoy 4K service and full DVR features without an additional receiver
• One Connect Box: All devices are connected to the One Connect Mini box and not to the back of the TV
• Ultra-thin cable for a more seamless and almost undetectable connection between the One Connect Box and TV
• Netflix Recommended TV – This certification makes it easier for consumers to know which manufacturers HDTVs work best with its streaming video service
• Web browsing capability for surfing the internet from the TV
• 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi to connect to your wireless network
• Wi-Fi Direct
• Bluetooth wireless audio streaming to a compatible speaker or set of headphones
  

  Ultra-Thin Cable

Connection Ports – on One Connect Box

• 4 HDMI 2.0a inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant)
• 3 USB 2.0 inputs
• 1 Ethernet input
• 1 RF input for antenna/cable/satellite
• 1 Digital optical audio output

Note: There are no component or composite analog inputs available for this TV.

Performance

I thoroughly enjoyed the overall picture quality of both Q7 displays. Image detail, clarity and transparency were excellent on these TVs and were what I expected from Samsung’s 4K premium models.

The color performance was also great, thanks in part to the excellent wide color gamut on these displays, which achieves almost 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, which allowed for impressive color rendering on the Q7s with 4K HDR content. Colors were rich and deeply saturated as well as accurate and natural in appearance.

The contrast range was great on the Q7s and delivered plenty of dynamic punch which allowed for deep and dark black levels. This makes these TVs ideal for watching movies in dimly lit or dark rooms.

Black screen uniformity performance was great on these TVs. I was not able to detect any light bleed coming from the corners or edges of the screens. Additionally, while viewing real content, I did not see any blooming around highlighted objects in dark scenes.

I was a bit surprised that the curved screen of the Q7C did not show any screen uniformity issues (light bleed, clouding) or any image distortion, which can be a more common issue with curved screens.

Motion handling was executed very well on both TVs, the motion was very fluid during action scenes. However, if you do experience any motion judder while watching movies, set Auto Motion Plus to “Custom” and adjust sliders as necessary to eliminate or reduce judder. Otherwise, leave this feature off.

Side angle viewing wasn’t all that bad on these displays, yet still suffered from colors appearing a bit washed out and images appearing dimmer when viewed from wide angles, which is typical for most LED TVs.

Conclusion

Samsungs Q7F and Q7C 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs deliver impressive image quality. The wide color gamut allows for excellent color reproduction with 4K HDR sources. Furthermore, color rendering is also very good with non-HDR sources as well.

The strong contrast ratio produces very good peak white and black level performance for a very realistic and dynamic picture image on these displays.

Add to the mix an excellent set of features including its smart TV platform, and you have two very well-rounded performing TVs that get the job done.

HDTVs and More recommended.