I returned the following day and essentially the most blatant points had abated, however the TV’s lack of distinction and black ranges when in comparison with final 12 months’s wonderful QN90C (8/10, WIRED Recommends) made me assured I wasn’t getting the total image (actually). A few colleagues additionally stated the TV seemed nice once they considered it earlier this month. As such, I’m reserving judgment till the total assessment.
What I can say is the TV confirmed the identical wonderful off-axis viewing that gave its predecessor a leg up over many backlit LED and QLED TVs, and I anticipate it to as soon as once more be a high contender in its class when the ultimate model arrives. Even so, Samsung has its work lower out this 12 months, as opponents are promising large issues, together with large upgrades to lower-priced fashions like Hisense’s U8N and TCL’s QM8 that double their peak brightness (or extra) over final 12 months. That ought to make for an thrilling QLED showdown in 2024.
Sonic Framework
Samsung’s Frame TVs have at all times been extra about fashion than efficiency, although they’ve provided sufficient 4K brilliance to turn out to be a well-liked mainstay. That’s what makes the brand new Music Frame audio system such an fascinating addition to the celebration. They’re designed to be each standalone wi-fi audio system and extensions of Samsung TVs and soundbars over Q-Symphony. The query we’ve had since CES 2024 is, do they sound any good?
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The reply in my temporary time with a pair of them is, considerably surprisingly, sure. The stable bass supplied by twin woofers alongside the again panel lends some physique and punch to the sound, whereas the midrange and treble drivers are suitably clear and interesting, if not pristine. That’s higher than you’d anticipate from image frames that spill out sound from small creases alongside their sides.
The Music Frames can sit on stands or be wall mounted, and we solely bought to listen to them within the former place the place their sound was freer to broaden within the decrease frequencies. Still, I walked away impressed by their clear and accessible sound and I’m wanting ahead to listening to extra.