Samsung, which launched its first TV way back in 1970, has been the world's largest manufacturer of televisions since 2005. It was among the very first TV brands to launch Mini LED TVs (Neo QLED), OLED TVs, QLED TVs, QD-OLED TVs, Micro LED TVs, and 8K TVs. And Samsung doesn't just sell TVs. It also sells projectors, soundbars, and speakers. In fact, it has also been the world's biggest soundbar brand since 2013. So, it has a vast lineup of projectors, soundbars, TVs, and wireless speakers.
Of late, Samsung has started integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) features in many of its audio and video products. Most of its TVs these days have smart functionality built-in, which means they can connect to the internet and let you stream music and videos straight from the internet. They can also be controlled using your smartphone or tablet via Samsung's SmartThings app or directly via voice commands. Higher-end TVs can also control other compatible smart home devices and act as smart home hubs. They also AI to improve the audio and video quality.
Since Samsung has a vast lineup of speakers and TVs, it is easy to get confused, especially for those who aren't into audio-video devices. So, we wanted to help Samsung fans and our readers navigate through the company's vast lineup of TVs and speakers in an informed way and understand the technologies used in them and the differences between them.
Samsung TVs
Samsung offers TVs for every kind of consumer, ranging across virtually all price ranges. It sells 32-inch non-smart TVs that cost as low as $150 to giant 292-inch Micro LED TVs that cost over $1.5 million. It also uses a wide range of display technologies in its TV lineup, ranging from LCD to Micro LED. It also sells lifestyle TVs that cater to those who prefer their TVs to match their home's aesthetics and look the part. After considering the vast range of price ranges, designs, and technologies the South Korean firm uses, Samsung's TV lineup is divided into seven broad categories:
- Non-Smart TVs
- Smart TVs
- Crystal 4K UHD TVs
- QLED & Lifestyle TVs
- OLED TVs
- Neo QLED TVs (4K & 8K)
- Micro LED TVs
Non-Smart TVs
Samsung's entry-level TVs usually feature an LCD panel with HD (1,366 x 768 pixels) or Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) resolution and basic stereo speakers. Some TVs in this lineup support high dynamic range (HDR), but it won't be effective due to the lack of local dimming zones and lower brightness.
These TVs are not smart, which means they don't have internet connectivity. So, you can't stream music and videos from the internet, and you can't connect these TVs using your phone or tablet via the SmartThings app. You can play media files by connecting a hard disk drive, SSD, or USB flash drive via the TV's USB port.
They have at least two HDMI ports, a USB port, a radio frequency (RF) port, a composite audio video (AV) port, and a 3.5mm audio output port.
Smart TVs
These are Samsung's entry-level smart TVs and are priced anywhere between $200 and $350. They usually use LED-backlit LCD TVs with HD (1,366 x 768 pixels) or Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) resolution. Samsung's smart TVs also support HDR. They have basic stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus.
They also feature at least two HDMI ports with HDMI Quick Switch and Audio Return Channel (ARC), a composite AV input port, an RF port, an optical audio output port, and a USB port. These TVs' wireless connectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPlay 2, Miracast, Smart View, and DLNA.
Since these TVs run Tizen OS and have internet connectivity, you can install popular music and video streaming apps from Samsung's App Store to stream music and videos. TVs in this lineup also feature DLNA, which means you can stream audio, photos, and videos from a multimedia server on your local network (LAN) to the TV. You can also mirror your phone's or laptop's screen to the TV using Smart View or Miracast.
You can also control these TVs remotely using the SmartThings app on your Android, iOS, or iPadOS device. The Samsung Internet app on the TV allows you to browse the web, and the pre-installed Samsung TV Plus app allows you to stream free TV channels.
Crystal 4K UHD TVs
Samsung's Crystal 4K UHD TVs are entry-level 4K models with better display panels, HDR (HDR10 and HDR10+), and Tizen OS. They use a faster processor called Crystal UHD Process 4K that can upscale any low-resolution video to 4K resolution for improved image quality. Crystal UHD 4K TVs also have some advanced features, such as Adaptive Sound, Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM), Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite), and Q-Symphony.
Thanks to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and SmartThings, you can control your TV using the SmartThings app. The SmartThings app on the TV can also control other compatible smart home devices in your account. The app displays your home's layout in 2D or 3D Map View, making it easier to view all the smart home devices in your home and their current status.
Crystal 4K UHD TVs are also more secure, thanks to Samsung Knox. The AI Energy Mode can help set compatible TVs in the lineup to reduce power consumption. You can control the TV or offer voice commands through Bixby, Samsung's AI-powered digital voice assistant. In some countries, these TVs are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
You can also stream your phone's, tablet's, or laptop's screen to a Crystel 4K UHD TV using AirPlay 2, Miracast, or SmartView. In addition to all the usual connectivity options, these TVs usually have faster versions of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, HDMI with eARC, and more HDMI ports.
QLED & Lifestyle TVs
Samsung's mid-range TVs use 4K QLED panels, which are LED-backlit LCD or VA panels that have a Quantum Dot layer for more accurate and deeper colors. Some TVs in the lineup have a 120Hz native refresh rate, but that varies depending on the TV size in any particular model. Some models also have a Dual-LED backlight for cold white and warm white backlighting, offering more accurate colors. Some models also have ‘Pantone Validated' colors, indicating they have more color accuracy.
All the TVs in the QLED and Lifestyle lineups run Tizen. Besides all the smart TV features seen in Crystal 4K UHD TVs, QLED and lifestyle series TVs have Game Bar, SmartThings Hub, 360 Audio Mode, and Samsung Daily+ features.
Samsung's Lifestyle TV lineup includes four primary models, each with unconventional designs that transform them into decorative objects.
The Frame: This TV looks like a picture frame hung on a wall or put up on a canvas stand. It has magnetic bezels that can be swapped, and you can use colors that match your home's interiors. Its screen has a matte finish, making it look like a photo frame, perfect for displaying art pieces or paintings when you're not actively using the TV. Its ports are on a separate One Connect Box that can be placed anywhere else, and a thin (almost invisible) wire carries those signals to the TV.
The Sero: It is made for the modern crowd who enjoy watching content that is optimized for smartphones. It has a motorized mechanism that allows the TV to rotate between landscape and portrait orientations. When you are watching videos on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, the TV automatically switches to the portrait orientation, taking full advantage of its screen real estate. Its stand includes a 4.1-channel 60W speaker system for more impactful and immersive audio. It can also be moved around, thanks to its wheels.
The Serif: When viewed from the side, this TV looks like the letter I in the serif font family. It is meant to be used as a decorative object in your living room. It has all the features found on The Frame TV, but it can only be installed on a stand.
The Terrace: This TV is made to be used outdoors, such as on your terrace or patio. It has higher brightness and a matte finish to compensate for higher ambient light or direct sunlight. It is also more resistant to heat and has some form of water/moisture resistance.
OLED TVs
Samsung's OLED TV lineup includes QD-OLED and WRGB OLED models. After nearly a decade of not selling OLED TVs, Samsung launched its first QD-OLED TV in 2022. These are Samsung's high-end TVs with exceptional picture quality, unparalleled black levels, and nearly infinite contrast ratio. As a result, they are some of the world's best-rated TVs in terms of viewing experience.
OLED TVs from Samsung use 4K OLED panels with a 120Hz or 144Hz variable refresh rate, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and FreeSync Premium Pro. They have more powerful processors for improved AI-powered 4K upscaling, professional color calibration by experts, AI Auto Game Mode, and built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos audio.
These OLED TVs come with the SolarCell Remote that can recharge itself using ambient light. Other features found on these TVs include 360 Audio Mode, Active Voice Amplifier Pro, Adaptive Sound Pro, AI Energy Mode, Game Bar, Object Tracking Sound+, Samsung Daily+, Samsung Knox, SmartThings Hub, and Ultrawide GameView.
Neo QLED TVs
Samsung's Neo QLED TVs come in 4K and 8K resolution models. Both variants use Mini LED backlighting, which is known for offering extremely high brightness, deeper colors, and a contrast ratio that is better than QLED panels but not as perfect as OLED panels. So, the picture quality might not be as perfect as OLED TVs, but Mini LED panels don't have issues related to pixel burn-in, an image ghosting phenomenon that appears after displaying static content for a prolonged period.
The 8K models in the Neo QLED TV lineup have a more powerful processor for AI-powered video upscaling to 8K resolution. They also come with AI HDR Remastering, up to 120W multi-channel speakers with Cinema OTS, and an all-metal frame design.
Neo QLED TVs have the same audio and video features as Samsung's OLED TVs. So, you get video features like HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, ALLM, VRR, ALLM, Game Bar, Ultrawide Game View and audio features like multi-channel speakers, Dolby Atmos, 360 Audio Mode, Active Voice Amplifier Pro, Adaptive Sound Pro, and Object Tracking Sound+. Neo QLED TVs also come bundled with SolarCell Remote.
Micro LED TVs
Samsung's Micro LED TVs use a Micro LED display panel. It comprises pixels that can change color and offer backlight independently. So, the image quality of Micro LED panels is similar to that of OLED TVs, but since its pixels don't use organic material, they are not susceptible to pixel burn-in seen on OLED TVs. However, these TVs don't come pre-built and need to be installed by professional engineers at your home or office. They are also extremely pricey and are currently only accessible to those with very deep pockets.
The company uses three primary advanced display panel technologies for its premium TVs.
Samsung Projectors
Samsung also sells projectors, and it currently has two models: The Freestyle and The Premiere. These projectors run Tizen OS and have almost all wireless connectivity and IoT features as its high-end TVs.
The Freestyle: It is a relatively lower-cost projector meant for travel. It is compact and cylindrical, with a cradle stand that allows you to adjust its orientation. It has an instant setup mechanism to make cornerstone adjustments. It also features premium speakers built-in for 360-degree audio. It runs Tizen OS and has wireless connectivity features, so you can stream audio and video directly from the internet via Wi-Fi or mirror your phone's screen using AirPlay or SmartView. It can also be powered by an external power bank via its USB Type-C port.
The Premiere: It is Samsung's highest-end projector. It has a triple-laser ultra-short-throw projection system with 4K resolution, 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness, and HDR10+. It can display up to 120-inch images on a wall or a projector screen. It has a 2.2-channel speaker system with Adaptive Sound and Multiroom Link. It runs Tizen OS and has all the audio and video streaming options, including installable apps, AirPlay 2, SmartView, Tap View, DLNA, sound mirroring, Bluetooth audio, and more.
The Premiere lineup has four ultra-short-throw projectors: Premiere 5, Premiere 7, Premiere 8K, and Premiere 9. Premiere 5 is a 4K projector with up to 100-inch image projection size, while the Premiere 7 and the Premiere 8 have up to 120-inch and 130-inch projection sizes, respectively.
The Premiere 8K is Samsung's first 8K projector. It features a 100W speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With Q-Symphony, you can pair any Samsung soundbar with this projector.
Samsung Soundbars
Samsung has a range of speakers that includes soundbars, lifestyle wireless speakers, and even sound towers.
Lifestyle Speakers
Samsung's first lifestyle speaker is the Music Frame. It is a wireless 2.2.2-channel speaker with Dolby Atmos. It can be used independently to stream music using Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tap Sound or connected to a Samsung TV or a compatible Samsung soundbar via Q-Symphony. When hung on a wall or placed on a table, it looks like a photo frame and blends into the aesthetics of your home's interiors.
Soundbars
Samsung sells various soundbars, ranging from entry-level to absolute high-end ones. In fact, Samsung has been the world's biggest soundbar brand for nine years in a row (since 2013). Its entry-level soundbars have a 2.1-channel speaker system with Bluetooth connectivity, while its high-end soundbars have a 3.1-channel, 4.1-channel, 5.1.2-channel, and even 11.1.4-channel speaker systems. Its high-end soundbars have advanced features like Dolby Atmos, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tap Sound.
Most Samsung soundbars have the Q-Symphony feature, which lets you pair a Samsung TV's speakers with the soundbar's speakers to create a more immersive audio experience. They also feature Active Voice Amplifier, Adaptive Sound Pro, and Object Tracking Sound. Most of the company's mid-range and high-end soundbars have SmartThings compatibility, which means you can control the soundbar and alter its settings using the SmartThings app on your phone.
Sound Towers
Samsung's Sound Tower speakers are Bluetooth wireless speakers intended for parties or outdoor locations. Most of them have an IP rating for dust and water resistance. They also feature attractive lighting systems, audio grouping with other Sound Tower speakers, multiple input and output ports, and a karaoke mode.
