Samsung Q70R vs Q7FN Review (QN55Q70R vs QN55Q7FN, QN65Q70R vs QN65Q7FN, QN75Q70R vs QN75Q7FN)

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The Samsung Q70R is a mid-ranged model of Samsung’s 2019 4K HDR QLED TV lineup while the Samsung Q7FN is its predecessor, as a mid-ranged model of Samsung’s 2018 QLED TV lineup. Compared to the predecessor, the Q70R comes with some improvements and additional new features to make performance better than the predecessor. The Samsung Q7FN predecessor comes in 3 screen size options including 55 inch (QN55Q7FN), 65 Inch (QN65Q7FN), 75 inch (QN75Q7FN), whereas the Q70R comes with more screen size options — in addition to 55 inch (QN55Q70R), 65 inch (QN65Q70R), and 75 inch (QN75Q70R), the Q70R also comes in 49 inch (QN49Q70R) and a huge screen 82 inch (QN82Q70R). Aside from the 49 inch model (QN49Q70R), where it has a different native contrast ratio and level of Motion Rate technology, and a native refresh rate panel of 60Hz with Motion Rate 120 technology, the bigger models have a native 120 Hz refresh rate panel with Motion rate 240. Additionally the 49 inch model doesn’t support FreeSync VRR while the bigger screen size models support VRR. Since the 49 inch model has a different spec, the text of this review refers to the 55 inch and bigger models. So what new features and improvements are offered by the Q70R over the Q7FN predecessor?

Samsung Q70R vs the Q7FN Key Specs

Technology and Features Samsung Q70R Samsung Q7FN
Screen Size Available 49 inches (QN59Q70R), 55 inches (QN55Q70R), 65 inches (QN65Q70R), 75 Inches (QN75Q70R), 82 inches (QN82Q70R) 55 inches (QN55Q7GN), 65 Inches (QN65Q7FN), 75 Inches (QN75Q7FN)
Resolution 4K (3840 x 2160) 4K (3840 x 2160)
Panel Technology VA Panel VA Panel
Backlight Technology Direct LED Edge-Lit LED
Local Dimming Technology Full Array Local Dimming (Direct Full Array 4x) Yes
Dimming Technology Ultimate UHD Dimming Supreme UHD Dimming
Processor Quantum Processor 4K Q Engine
HDR Enhancement Quantum HDR 8X Q HDR Elite
HDR Supports HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
Color Technology Quantum Dot Quantum Dot
Depth Enhancing Technology n/a Contrast Enhancer, Q Contrast Plus
Moth Eyes Technology n/a Ultra Black Elite
Up-Scaling Engine 4K AI Up-Scaling UHD Up-Scaling
Motion Technology Motion Rate 240 (49” model : Motion Rate 120) Motion Rate 240
Native Refresh Rate Panel 120 Hz (49”: 60 Hz) 120 Hz
Smart TV Platform Tizen 2019 with Bixby Voice Assistant Tizen 2018 with Bixby Voice Assistant
Processor Quad Core Quad Core
Support Google Assistant Yes
Support Amazon Alexa Yes
Remote TM1950C TM1850A
Speaker Channel 2.1 4.1
Total Sound Output 40 watts 40 watts
HDMI Ports 4 4
HDMI Supports HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, CEC, HDCP 2.2 HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, CEC, HDCP 2.2
USB 2.0 2 3
USB 3.0 No No
Price See today’s price See today’s price

Technology and Features of the Samsung Q7FN and the Q70R

The Samsung Q70R and the Samsung Q7FN are a flat model of Samsung’s QLED TV series 7. As is typical of Samsung TVs, for the display panel they both use the VA panel technology that makes them produce a deep black. Between the two, their is a difference in the backlight and local dimming system. Similar to the Samsung QLED TVs, th quantum dot panel has become the mainstay technology of both of these series. This allows them to produce a wide color gamut with good color volume. With HDR technology, the Samsung Q7FN and the Q70R are supported by different image engines, but the HDR formats they support are the same. In addition to HDR10 (static HDR), they both support HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and HDR10+ (Dynamic HDR). Unfortunately, unlike the mid-range models of Sony and LG TV which support Dolby Vision, both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN don’t support Dolby Vision.

For handling motion, both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN are powered by Motion 240 technology and the have the same native refresh rate panel of 120 Hz. They both also support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which allows their input lag change to synchronize the input device’s output. Although the 49 inch model of the Q70R (QN49Q70R) only has a native 60 Hz refresh rate panel and doesn’t support VRR.  For connecting with other devices, both the Samsung Q7FN and the Q70R are equipped with 4 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports.

The Differences

Image Processor

As seen on the table above, the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN are powered by an image processor with different market names. The Samsung Q7FN is powered by the Quantum 4K Processor while the Q70R is powered by the Q Engine.  One of the advantages of the Quantum New 4K processor over the Q Engine processor, is that it provides various AI-based features to make its performance more optimal. One of its features based on AI is the 4K AI Up-scaling engine. For up-scaling non 4K content to 4K, its algorithm uses AI to maximize performance over time by the means of tweaking through machine learning. This means the more data collected and analyzed by its machine learning, then its processor has the potential to fine-tune different up-scaling components further over time. This also makes its performance in up-scaling non UHD content better. In addition to good Up-scaling, the AI is also used for the Intelligence Mode. This mode will intelligently optimize both picture and sound based on the environment variables such as room acoustics, ambient light and also based on type of content. On the other hand, the Q7FN does not use AI for its features.

Backlight Technology

The other main difference between the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN is their backlight. As we see on the comparison table above, the Samsung Q7FN uses an edge-lit LED backlight while the Q70R uses a direct LED. Aside from this, they both have local dimming. For the Q70R, its Full Array Local Dimming is called Direct Full Array 4x while for the Q7FN, there is no market name for its local dimming. Unfortunately, Samsung doesn’t reveal how many dimming zones each series has. Nevertheless, the Full Array Local Dimming of the Q70R can perform better than the local dimming of the Q7FN that uses an edge Lit LED backlight.

Dimming Technology

Aside from the local dimming we discussed above, each series also has a software based dimming system. As seen on the comparison table above, the Samsung Q7FN has Supreme UHD Dimming while the Q70R has Ultimate UHD Dimming.  The Supreme UHD Dimming is the best software based dimming system we’ve seen over the years, while the Ultimate UHD Dimming was just introduced in this year. We don’t know for sure what their differences are. Although the ultimate UHD Dimming brings some improvements where we expect its performance to be better than the Supreme UHD Dimming.

Anti Reflective Screen/Moth eyes Technology

The other difference between the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN is their anti-reflective screen (or moth eyes) technology. The Samsung Q7FN has a technology called Ultra Black Elite while the Q70R Samsung doesn’t list this technology for its specs on the official site. This technology is very helpful to absorb ambient light. As a result, it has an impact on the performance in handling reflections. As near as we can ascertain, with the anti-reflective filter called Ultra Black Elite, the Samsung Q7FN works better in handling  reflections than the Q70R.

Connectivity

Both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN are equipped with the same number of HDMI ports, but the number of USB ports for the Q7FN is more than the Q70R. The Q7FN has 4 HDMI ports and 3 USB ports while the Q70r has 4 HDMI ports but only 2 USB ports.  Even so, the main difference between them is precisely about where the inputs/outputs are housed. The inputs/outputs of the Q70R are located at the back of the TV while all inputs/outputs of the Q7FN are housed on separate box called the One Connect Box.

Smart TV Version

The Samsung Q7FN features a 2018 version of the Tizen Operating System while the Q70R features the 2019 version. In terms of the user interface, there’s not many changes offered by the 2019 version over the 2018 version. But in terms of performance, the 2019 version is much smoother than the 2018 version. On the 2018 version, the interface is not consistent where it occasionally freezes for few seconds and frequently drops frames on animation, while on the 2019 version this issue is minimized. Another improvement offered by the 2019 version, is it now works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.  Although since it doesn’t have those apps built in, to get the benefit offered by each you must separately buy the compatible devices such as the smart speakers like Amazon Echo and the Google Home others. On the other hand with default firmware, the 2018 version doesn’t support Amazon Alexa or Google Home. But even so, with a firmware update then the 2018 version is able to work with Amazon Alexa or Google. The other improvement offered by the 2019 version is the Universal Guide now powered by an AI Algorithm. This makes recommendations that are more accurate than the older version which was not powered by AI.

Remote Control

For their controller, the Samsung Q7FN comes with the Samsung Smart Controller TM1850A series while the Q70R comes with the TM1950C series. Physically they are similar for design and color. Their button layout is also similar. But in the newer model, there are three additional buttons for Netflix, Amazon Video and Hulu. Both of these models have a built-in microphone for Voice Navigation. Since the voice navigation of Samsung’s TV is powered by the Bixby Voice Assistant, its navigation is no better than before. Another improvement offered by the 2019 model, it has far field voice capability which allows you to make a voice command without needing to press and hold the microphone button on the remote. Whereas the 2018 model doesn’t have those far-field capabilities.

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q70R <<

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q7FN <<

Samsung Q70R vs Q7FN Performance

Contrast and Black Level

The Samsung Q7FN as the older model has an excellent native contrast ratio that allows it to produce a deep black, but the native contrast ratio of the Q7R is even better. Additionally as they both have local dimming, the local dimming of the Q70R is more effective in boosting contrast ratio than the Q7FN. On the other hand, when the local dimming of the Q7FN is activated, there is almost no improvement in its contrast ratio. Additionally its local dimming also makes the black uniformity of the Q70R a bit better than the Q7FN predecessor. The result is a black produced by the Samsung Q70R that is deeper than the Q7FN that certainly makes dark scenes look better. Additionally the local dimming of the Q70R can work better in reducing blooming than the Q7FN. So in addition to black looking deeper on screen, highlights also look better because blooming can be minimized more than compared to the screen of the Q7FN. Overall the Samsung Q70R is better than the Q7FN in producing black.

Ignoring the superiority of the Q70R, performance of the Q7FN in producing black is also great and that certainly means its performance in a dark room is also great.  Black produced by both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN is even deep enough to show shadow details of HDR images excellently as intended.

Winner: Samsung Q70R

Peak Brightness

Which one is brighter between the Samsung Q70R and the Samsung Q7FN is actually dependent on the content. With SDR content, the Samsung Q7FN is brighter than the Q70R. With real content, the Q7FN can reach a peak brightness of up to 700 nits which means it’s great for most bright rooms. This means its peak brightness is bright enough to overcome  glare in most bright rooms. Even with a test pattern, when showing small highlights, it can show the small highlight at around 1100 nits, making small highlights standout in a dark scene. Not only that, the dimmest peak brightness is also still excellent, at around 750 nits. And this is reached when it is showing areas where the screen is bright. This certainly makes bright scenes very bright. On the other hand, the peak brightness of the Samsung Q70R is not as bright as its predecessor. With real content, peak brightness reached by the Q70R is around 400 nits. Meanwhile with window a test, the brightest peak brightness reached by the Q70R is when showing around a 25% area of screen is bright, where peak brightness reached is brighter than 500 nits. When showing all the area of the screen as bright, peak brightness reached by the Q70R is even less than 400 nits. But even so, although it’s peak brightness is not as bright as the Q7FN, this actually is bright enough to overcome glare, making it is still suitable for use in a bright room as its pretty good.

Meanwhile with HDR content, the peak brightness of the Samsung Q70R is much brighter, even brighter than the Q7FN predecessor. With a windows test, the peak brightness of the Q70R is not as bright as the Q7FN. On the screen of the Q7FN, a small highlight in a dark scene can be shown brighter than 900 nits, while on the screen of the Q70R, it is shown at around 600 nits. Additionally when showing all area of screen as bright, the Q7FN can show at up to 800 nits while the Q70R can only show at around 400 nits. The result is HDR images look brighter on the screen of the Q7FN than the Q70R. Even at times, the Q7FN is able show a highlight within the 1000-4000 nits level intended by the movie content creator.

Overall with a brighter peak brightness and better reflection handling, performance of the Samsung Q7FN is better than the Q70R when viewed in a bright room. Additionally, highlights of HDR images can be shown better on the screen of the Q7FN than the screen of the Q70R. Although not as bright as the Q7FN, the peak brightness of the Q70R is also still acceptable for HDR content.

Winner: Samsung Q7FN

Color Performance

Both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN have great color gamut. Compared among them, although the Q70R has a wide color gamut, its color gamut is not as good as the Q7FN predecessor. The color gamut of the Samsung Q7FN is outstanding, even describing it as the best ever. Its color gamut coverage in DCI P3 is nearly perfect where it can cover more than 99% of DCI P3 color space. Additionally in Rec.2020, its color coverage includes the best ever where it can cover more than 80%. On the other hand, although not as great as what’s offered by the Q7FN predecessor, the Samsung Q70R also has excellent color gamut. Its color gamut can cover more than 93% of DCI P3 that means it is wide enough to show HDR images colorfully. This means that although some certain colors can not be shown as accurate as the Q7FN, overall the color of HDR images displayed on the screen of the Q70R looks very accurate.

Additionally the color volume of the Samsung Q70R is just not as good as the Q7FN predecessor. Although this is more due to the Q7FN having a wider color gamut than the Q70R. Overall the Samsung Q70R can produce dark and bright colors across most of its gamut. But just like other LED TVS, it can not produce very bright blues well. Although the Q7FN has better color volume than the Q70R and it can produce outstanding bright colors, it can not produce deep dark colors as well as the Q70R.

While the color gamut and color volume of the Samsung Q70R is not as good as its Q7FN predecessor, its color gradient is actually better than the predecessor. On the screen of the Q7FN, some faint banding is noticeable almost everywhere. Even major color banding is visible for dark green and blue. On the screen of the Q70R, faint banding is less visible. Some faint banding is only visible in dark shades. Nevertheless their color gradient is good. While some faint banding is visible in certain colors, this is not very noticeable, and most people shouldn’t notice this very much.

Winner: Q7FN

Side Viewing Angle

Just like other LED TVs with a VA panel, both the Samsung Q7FN and the Samsung Q70R have a poor side viewing angle. The picture displayed on the screen looks inconsistent when viewed from the side. Started at around 25 degrees, color is washed out. The black level is degraded even is starting at around 15 degrees off center and front. This makes the picture look worse when viewed from the side. And the wider the angle you watch TV (like with a group of people spread out), the picture will look worse. In 2019, Samsung actually introduced a new optical layer technology called Ultra Viewing Angle that can improve the side viewing angle coverage of a Samsung TV. But this has just been for the high-end models of Samsung’s 2019 QLED TVs like the Q900R, the Q90R, and the Q80R.

Winner: Draw

Motion Handling

Both the Samsung Q70R and the Q7FN have excellent pixel response time and their pixel response time is almost similar. Their pixel response time is around 13 ms and this is low enough to make motion look smooth and clear. Following a fast moving object, there is only a short faint trail and most people might not notice this much. The result for playing fast moving images like fast movies, games, and sports, is that the picture displayed on screen looks smooth and clear with very little blur. The blur that may be visible could be more caused by persistence than by pixel response time.

For dimming their backlight they both use a PWMN Dimming system. However, their dimming frequency is not fixed and depends on the picture setting. Although both series use the same PWM system, the default dimming frequency of the Q70R is much higher than the Q7FN. In most modes like ‘Movie Mode’ and others, with the Auto Motion Plus disabled, the dimming frequency of the Samsung Q70R is 960 Hz while the dimming frequency of the Q7FN is 240 Hz.  Since the Q70R has much higher dimming frequency, backlight flicker is less visible on its screen than on the screen of the Q7FN. You might not even notice backlight flicker on the screen of the Q70R since its dimming frequency is so high. On the screen of the Q7FN, with its dimming frequency ot as high as the Q70R, people who are sensitive to flicker might notice its backlight flicker althoug most people may not notice this much. On the other hand, the use of a high dimming frequency can cause persistence blur, particularly when playing 60 fps content.

To solve this issue, both the Samsung Q7FN and the Q70R have an optional BFI (Black Frame Insertion) mode that is able to lower the dimming frequency. By enabling the ‘Auto Motion Plus’, the backlight will automatically change to 120 Hz. For further reducing the dimming frequency to 60 HZ, you can turn on the ‘Led Clear Motion’. Not only that, by setting these series in ‘Game Mode’ this also makes their dimming frequency steady at 120 Hz. By lowering the dimming frequency, this will help make motion look clear, particularly that caused by 60 Fps persistence. On the other hand, this potentially makes backlight flicker more visible, especially for those who are sensitive to judder.

When playing 24p movies, the Samsung Q70R offers better performance than the Q7FN, particularly when playing 24p movies via 60p signal like movies from satellite TV or a cable box. With this source, the Samsung Q70R can show picture clearly with judder free while the Q7FN can not remove the judder completely. Except 24p movies via 60i judder, their performance is similar. This means whether they are playing native 24p movies like DVD or Blu-Ray Player, via 60p signal like movies from streaming devices, or movies from native apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others, both the Samsung Q7FN and the Q70R can show them clearly with judder-free.

An interesting feature offered by each is for gamers and is the Variable Refresh Rate. Except for the 49 inch model of the Q70R (QN49Q70R), both have a native 120 Hz refresh rate panel. Both series support FreeSync VRR that allows them to synchronize the refresh rate with an input device’s output. In 1080p resolution, the refresh rate can change between around 20 Hz to 120 Hz; while in 4K resolution, the refresh rate can change between 48 Hz to 60 Hz. This feature is very useful to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, particularly when playing a game with a compatible device like an X Box One or a PC with a supported Graphic Card. Keep in mind that the 49 inch model of the Q70R (QN49Q70R) doesn’t support VRR.

Winner: Q70R

Inputs

The HDMI ports of the Q70R support more resolutions than the HDMI ports of the Q7FN predecessor. At 60 Hz, the Q7FN supports 1080p, 4K, 4K with HDR, and 4K at 4:4:4 chroma. In addition to these resolutions, at 60 Hz the Q70R also supports 1440 resolution. At 120 Hz, the resolution supported by each is similar, being 1080p and 1440p. Both don’t support 4K resolution at 120 Hz.

About the input lag for PC Mode and Game Mode, at 60 Hz the Samsung Q70R offers an improvement over the Q7FN predecessor. If the input lag of the Q7FN is around 20 ms in most resolutions, the input lag of the Q70R in most resolutions is around 16 ms. This certainly makes the Q70R more responsive than the Q7FN. Since their difference is not very significant, this also does not have much of an impact on the display ability. At 120 Hz, the input lag of the Q70R is even higher than the Q7FN. The input lag of the Q7FN at 120 Hz is excellent being around 10 ms, while the input lag of the Q70R at 120 Hz is between 15ms – 19 ms, depending on the resolution. The input lag will be further enhanced when they are in VRR mode with their input lag for 1080p and 1440p is around 6 ms; for 4K resolution it is around 15 ms.

Compared between them, the Samsung Q70R is superior at 60 Hz while the Samsung Q7FN is superior at 120Hz. Even ignoring this difference, the input lag is low enough to make each very responsive for any game, whether for causal or fast paced games, 1080p or 4K games, with HDR and without HDR. And combining together their excellent picture quality, great motion handling, low input lag and permanent burn in risk free with additional features like FreeSync VRR, Auto Low latency Mode, certainly makes them a great TV for gaming.

Winner: Q70R

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q70R <<

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q7FN <<

Summary

Performance Samsung Q70R Samsung Q7FN
Picture Quality (4.1/5) (4.1/5)
HDR (4.4/5) (4.3/5)
Motion Handling (4.6/5) (4.3/5)
Inputs (4.9/5) (4.7/5)
Sound Quality (4.8/5) (4.7/5)
Smart TV (4/5) (3.9/5)

Conclusion

As discussed above, even though the Samsung Q70R is the successor of the Q7FN, the Q70R brings improvements although not in all areas of functionality. In terms of contrast ratio and local dimming performance, the Samsung Q70R is better than its predecessor, but in terms of color reproduction, the performance of the Q70R is not as good as the Q7FN. In terms of peak brightness, the Samsung Q70R is not better than the Q7FN and maybe worse. The other improvement offered by the Q70R over the Q7FN is about performance in handling motion, flicker, and 24p movies. Although this doesn’t have a significant impact in normal usage. Additionally the Samsung Q70R also offers an improvement in its input lag particularly at 60 Hz. Its input lag at 120 Hz is worse than the Q7FN. Having an AI algorithm, the Samsung Q70R offers smarter features than the Samsung Q7FN. In general, both are great TVs for mixed uses, whether for watching movies in a dark room, watching sports, playing games, the HDR Experience, and for the Smart TV experience. Since they both have poor side viewing angle, they both are not suitable when used in a wide room with wide seating.

So which is a better choice for you? With the same screen size, (QN75Q70R vs QN75Q7FN, QN65Q70R vs QN65Q7FN, QN55Q70R vs QN55Q7FN), despite that the price of the Q7FN has dropped while the Q70R still has its full price, the Q7FN is priced more expensive than the Q70R. Both of them have good performance for mixed uses, whether in a dark room or a bright room. Now the decision is yours based on your own preferences.

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q70R <<

>> Please click here to see today’s price for the Samsung Q7FN <<

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