The Best Mini Led TV 2023 Samsung Neo Qled Qn91b Test

The Best Mini Led TV 2023 Samsung Neo Qled Qn91b Test

The QN91A is an exemplar of state-of-the-art television technology that truly impresses me. Its remarkable picture quality and luminosity are nothing short of awe-inspiring, and its vivid, lifelike color spectrum is an absolute feast for the senses. The QN91A’s outstanding local dimming technology further enhances its already impressive contrast ratio, producing an immersive and dynamic viewing experience that is unparalleled in the market. Moreover, the smart TV functionality of the QN91A is top-notch, offering users a vast array of streaming services and apps, making it an ideal choice for home cinema and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Despite its many impressive attributes, the QN91A does have a few limitations. One notable drawback of this television is its lack of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos capabilities. While this may not be a significant issue for some users, those who prioritize high-quality audio and visual experiences may be disappointed by this omission. Furthermore, the QN91A does not provide any analog connections, which may be an inconvenience for those who have older devices that rely on this type of connection. Nonetheless, for those seeking a top-of-the-line viewing experience, the Samsung QN91A remains a highly recommended choice.

The Neo QLED QN91A is a cutting-edge television that has been put to the test in the HIFI.DE laboratory. This model is not widely available, as it is exclusively sold at MediaMarkt and Saturn. It is a special edition model that is only available through these two retailers. The primary question we seek to answer is how the Samsung QN91A differs from its standard counterparts, the QN90A and QN95A, which come equipped with One Connect Box.

Despite its exclusivity, the Samsung QN91A is currently on sale at an affordable price point and comes in various sizes, including 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch options. This model features the latest Neo QLED technology, which offers superior color accuracy and brightness compared to traditional LED displays. Additionally, it has an ultra-thin design that blends seamlessly into any living room environment.

In terms of performance, the QN91A is a standout among its competitors. It boasts a wide range of features, including a powerful processor, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, and a high refresh rate. These features allow for seamless streaming and an immersive viewing experience. Furthermore, the QN91A’s advanced audio system delivers high-quality sound that complements the visuals.

Anticipating the features of a product is always an exhilarating experience, and the QN91A undoubtedly delivers on this front. Sharing the same housing as its QN90A counterpart, the QN91A boasts of either one or several features found in the top-tier QN95A model. This intriguing combination is sure to attract the attention of technology enthusiasts and savvy consumers alike.

The GQ65QN91A, with its expansive 65-inch screen diagonal, was subjected to rigorous testing, and it emerged as a testament to Samsung’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Moreover, the QN91A is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 55 to 75 inches, corresponding to screen diagonals of 139, 164, and 190 cm, respectively. This diversity ensures that consumers have a range of options to choose from, catering to different preferences and living spaces.

The base of the Samsung QN91A
The Samsung QN91A makes a very high-quality and elegant impression.

The Samsung QN91A is a Neo-QLED television that boasts an impressively slim design, albeit not as narrow as an OLED display. However, the heavy-duty base crafted from sturdy metal material ensures optimal stability, making it a reliable choice for a TV stand.

Samsung QN91A: QLED technology in perfection

  • Mini LED backlight
  • Quantum Matrix

What sets the QN91A apart from its predecessors is its integration of mini LED backlight technology, resulting in stunning visuals with remarkable brightness and deep blacks. This innovative technology functions as a new backlight technology for the LCD panel of QLED TVs, providing users with an exceptional viewing experience.

For tech enthusiasts keen on the specifics, it’s worth noting that the QN90A likely utilizes IPS LCD panels, whereas the QN91A and QN95A feature the same LCD panels. This configuration translates to a higher contrast ratio, further enhancing the picture quality of the QN91A. In essence, the Samsung QN91A is a top-of-the-line Neo-QLED television that delivers exceptional picture quality and design.

THE BEST QLED TVS: SAMSUNG, TCL, OR XIAOMI?

QN91A Neo QLED: New level for LED TVs with Quantum Dots and Mini-LED

In essence, QLEDs represent a novel iteration of conventional LCD TVs, boasting an added layer in the display, known as quantum dots. If you desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of QLEDs, it is highly recommended that you peruse our comprehensive guide “QLED vs. OLED?”.

In 2021, Samsung departed from equipping its top-tier QLEDs with the customary LED backlighting and instead adopted the employment of mini LED backlighting. This technological innovation facilitates a marked enhancement in the richness of blacks and overall luminosity, all while maintaining a reduced depth of the TV. As the moniker suggests, mini-LEDs are a mere fraction of the size of typical LEDs, measuring in at 1/40th the size.

They are positioned in numerous arrays at the back of the liquid crystal panel and are capable of being regulated in hundreds of dimming zones. Samsung refers to the combined utilization of mini-LED, quantum dots, and advanced control mechanisms as “Quantum Matrix Technology”. Further elaboration on the implications of these advancements for image quality will be elucidated later.

Mini LED – Micro LED – OLED

Mini LED TVs are distinct from traditional televisions in several significant ways. One key feature is their use of the latest LED backlight technology, which makes them ideal for 4K TVs. These televisions offer superior brightness and a slim, streamlined design, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Furthermore, Mini LED TVs offer unparalleled contrast, thanks to their direct LED lighting and “real” local dimming.

However, it is essential to note that Mini LED TVs do not use self-illuminating pixels like OLED TVs, which is why they cannot match the latter’s quality. It is essential not to confuse Mini-LED with Micro-LED, which is only available in the most exclusive models with a screen diagonal of around 2.5 meters and a price tag in the six-figure range.

The Mini LED technology employed in modern televisions offers several distinct advantages over conventional LCD and QLED TVs. For instance, these televisions utilize incredibly small LED lights that provide better image quality, higher resolution, and improved energy efficiency.

Direct LED lighting technology also allows for more precise control of individual pixels, resulting in enhanced brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Additionally, Mini LED TVs feature “real” local dimming, which enables them to adjust the brightness of specific areas of the screen, resulting in superior picture quality. Overall, Mini LED TVs offer an unmatched viewing experience that is both immersive and enjoyable.

The picture quality of the QN91A in the test

At first glance, the QN91A television displays a notable disparity in contrast and picture quality when compared to its precursor, the Q90T. The mini-LED technology integrated into this device is the key player in its performance improvement.

Even in the standard picture mode, the QN91A’s display outperforms conventional LED televisions, a characteristic that we had already observed in its counterparts, the QN95A, and the QN90A. The Neo-QLED QN91A, when set to the factory-preset standard mode, achieves an impressive HDR image output of over 1,900 nits, a value that ranks amongst the highest we have recorded thus far.

For fans of films and series, we highly recommend the film image mode which not only presents natural film colors but also registers a peak HDR image output of around 1600 nits in our tests. This, combined with the TV’s strong contrasts, results in a remarkable HDR image quality.

The QN91A boasts exceptional peak brightness and an exceptional anti-reflective coating that ensures an exceptional film experience, even in brightly lit rooms. In fact, the peak brightness of the QN95A test device was similarly outstanding, registering at an impressive 1,800 nits in HDR picture mode Film.

Regardless of whether you’re watching a DVD, TV program, Blu-ray or HDR, we highly recommend both the Film and Filmmaker image modes, as they provide basic settings that enable the QN91A to playback all videos and films with strong and lively contrasts and harmonious colors.

It’s worth noting that these high-end QLED models surpass OLED TVs when it comes to peak brightness. Thanks to the combination of backlight scanning and a 100 Hertz panel, the QN91A delivers clean and seamless movements, even when displaying 24p content without interframe calculation being switched on. Furthermore, users can customize the interframe calculation to their liking via the “Image sharpness” menu or set it to automatic.

Very good anti-reflective coating and improved viewing angle

The QN91A television boasts a remarkable combination of sophisticated features that provide an unparalleled viewing experience, making it an excellent choice for living rooms. With its well-controlled local dimming, top peak brightness, and exceptional anti-reflective coating, this TV delivers a level of picture quality that is simply unmatched.

Unlike some OLEDs, you need not darken your room to achieve the best picture quality, thanks to the QN91A’s impressive specs. The unique surface of the display ensures that reflections in the TV picture are almost non-existent under normal lighting conditions. However, large windows or strong light sources that are directly opposite the TV may cause a rainbow effect, which can be quite bothersome.

The image quality of the QN91A on the QN95A level

Upon perusal of Samsung’s latest television models, it has become apparent that the South Korean conglomerate has employed an almost identical display for both the QN91A and the flagship QN95A of 2021.

This prompts us to deduce that the QN91A flaunts an elevated display technology in contrast to the more commonplace QN90A, which is a run-of-the-mill model in Samsung’s product range.

However, it is important to note that the external aesthetics of the QN91A and the QN90A are indistinguishable, insinuating that Samsung has prioritized technological enhancements over aesthetic alterations in their latest releases.

The astute observer may also discern that Samsung’s QN91A may encompass a display panel that exploits sophisticated technology, such as quantum dot technology, which can generate vivid and accurate colors, in addition to outstanding brightness levels.

Moreover, the incorporation of avant-garde backlighting technology, like Full Array Local Dimming (FALD), can empower the QN91A to yield superior contrast ratios, thereby endowing viewers with a more immersive and dynamic visual encounter.

In contrast, the QN90A may lack these embellishments, rendering it less sophisticated in terms of display quality when juxtaposed with the QN91A.

HDR10 and HDR10+ ensure first-class HDR images on the QN91A

The QN91A television set endorses the high dynamic range (HDR) standards of HDR10 and HDR10+ whilst eschewing the inclusion of Dolby Vision, in line with the usual Samsung practice. It is regrettable that the latter is not available, particularly due to the abundance of Dolby Vision content accessible via prominent streaming providers like Netflix and Disney Plus, of which Samsung TVs exhibit solely the technically inferior HDR10 version. Despite the fact that Samsung’s HDR10+ is comparable in quality to Dolby Vision, it is regrettably less prevalent. Furthermore, through the utilization of its HDR10+ adaptive feature, the QN91A improves HDR10+ material by adapting the exhibit to ambient luminosity.

Notwithstanding, the HDR imagery of the QN91A is striking. The extensive HDR chromatic gamut “P3” is thoroughly encompassed. Moreover, the superior performance of the QN91A permits the complete utilization of the wider gamut of luminance. The television displays both bright and dark regions of the image with great efficacy. A minor irregularity is that the local dimming tends to engulf minute intricacies in certain areas of the image that are extremely dark. Despite this minor observation, we can confidently express our satisfaction with the meticulousness of the reproduction in our assessment. The movies we tested, namely Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II and Blade Runner 2049, rendered no room for denunciation.

Is Samsung QN91A’s HDR Impeccable with Mini-LEDs?

Naturally, we are cognizant of the scenes that push our assessment devices to their thresholds. In the case of the QN91A, the opening credits of Blade Runner 2049 serve as an exemplar. Here, the typeface is impaired by the substantially lower backlight. For instance, the word “Replicants”, which is lit in a dark red shade on OLEDs, only appears faintly reddish on the QN91A. Nevertheless, the outcome is manifestly superior to the previous generation devoid of mini-LEDs that we examined in a head-to-head comparison.

Local dimming with mini-LED: in a class of its own

Local dimming with mini-LED technology: In a class of unparalleled distinction Notably, the black value achieved is particularly impressive. With a staggering seven hundred dimming zones integrated within the 65-inch model, areas of brightness in the visual display are amply lit by the mini-LEDs, while darker regions of the image are cast in a more subdued light. This leads to an optimal contrast and an incredibly refined black level. During our evaluation conducted in a completely obscured test room, the black level marginally differed from that of an OLED TV. Whether one is viewing SDR or HDR images, the QN91A television effortlessly and consistently delivers across the board.

Furthermore, the QN91A television has the remarkable ability to significantly enhance the quality of Full HD and even SD content through its upscaling technology. While it may not elevate a DVD to the level of a UHD Blu-ray, the Samsung television is nonetheless capable of enhancing the resolution of lower-quality content to produce a visually striking display. Overall, in terms of image quality, the QN91A is one of the finest models available outside the realm of premium OLED televisions.

The QN91A offers good connectivity

  • HDMI 2.0 and 2.1
  • Audio outputs digitally only

In addition to its exceptional visual capabilities, the QN91A also offers commendable connectivity options. It comes equipped with HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, as well as digital-only audio outputs. As is commonplace among top-tier television models, the QN91A also features digital twin tuners capable of receiving satellite, cable, and DVB-T2HD signals, which enables viewers to watch two separate programs simultaneously. This allows for the convenience of recording one program while watching another or even recording two different programs simultaneously.

The connections of the Samsung QN91A

The QN91A boasts four HDMI inputs that provide distinct functionalities. The HDMI 4 connection, in particular, offers essential HDMI 2.1 features for gaming, providing gamers with everything they require for the latest Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, including 4K with 120 frames per second, automatic switching to gaming mode (ALLM), and variable frame rates (VRR) with Freesync. The remaining HDMI ports are universally compatible with gamers and older consoles. Furthermore, the HDMI 3 connection comes equipped with the audio return channel eARC for connecting contemporary HDMI-compatible soundbars.

However, the newest Samsung models lack analog connections, and a separately adjustable headphone output would be a valuable option for utilizing existing headphones or hi-fi systems without hesitation. Nevertheless, there are numerous digital interfaces, including WLAN, LAN, and Bluetooth.

The New Smart Remote on the QN91A: rechargeable battery remote control with solar panel.

The QN91A features a novel Smart Remote with a rechargeable battery and a solar panel. Samsung has employed its well-known smart remote concept and easy, minimalist operation. The remote control is equipped with a rechargeable battery, a new feature that saves battery waste and eliminates worries about remote control functionality.

Furthermore, Samsung has incorporated solar cells on the back of the remote control for charging. By placing the remote control with the panel upwards, it can be effortlessly charged with daylight or lamplight, a feature that we find delightful! Additionally, it has a USB-C connection for traditional cable charging. The charging status of the remote control can be checked via the TV itself.

Samsung QN95A 2021 Smart Remote

Samsung’s design philosophy for their Smart Remote is one of minimalism. The current iteration boasts a classic, somber plastic enclosure that exudes a sense of understated elegance. Navigation is a breeze, with a rocker button that allows for easy scrolling through TV programs. In order to access the station media libraries, one must summon a red-colored button that appears as an overlay on the screen. Moreover, multiple video streaming services are made conveniently accessible through a series of shortcut keys, and the split-screen functionality adds an extra layer of utility.

As for the Samsung QN91A Smart TV, the Tizen smart TV system remains a tried-and-true choice. In our practical testing, we found no noteworthy alterations to this established system. Additionally, voice control capabilities are impressively accurate, contributing to an overall seamless user experience. Notably, the ability to display two separate content streams simultaneously is a standout feature that underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation.

Samsung QN91A - App selection and Smart TV
Samsung’s smart TV system Tizen offers a first-class selection of apps.

There are scant alterations discernible in the Smart TV’s function, for it retains its celerity and intuitive interface that Samsung aficionados have grown accustomed to. A novel capability, for instance, is the “Multiview” feature, which grants the user the option to partition the display into two distinct “panes”, hence allowing for the simultaneous exhibition of a duo of contents.

The QN91A’s “Ambient Mode” affords the opportunity to transmute the television into a decorous objêt d’art within the confines of one’s domicile. By activating this mode, the television transmutes into a more parsimonious mode of operation suitable for exhibiting still images. This feature may be accessed through the menu control or the Smart Things application, in contradistinction to preceding QLED TVs which necessitated the pressing of a button on the remote control to activate the ambient mode.

Gaming: Hardly any input lag and full control with the Samsung QN91A

The Samsung QN91A elicits our admiration with its gaming prowess. We are particularly astounded by its virtually imperceptible input latency, denoting the fleeting duration between depression of the controller button and its manifestation on the screen. The Samsung QN91A attains an impressive response time of approximately 10 milliseconds in gaming mode, compared to the relatively sluggish 13 to 20 milliseconds observed in other top-tier models. This renders the Samsung QN91A an ideal choice for avid gamers engaging in fast-paced shooter games.

The gaming bar of the Samsung QN90A

With the advent of the novel gaming bar display, all pertinent information and configurations relevant to gaming can be effortlessly accessed at a glance. The said gaming bar can be made visible or concealed remotely during an active gaming session.

Through the application of the game bar, a menu bar that can be conspicuously exhibited in the image below, complete control over all settings can be maintained whilst engaging in a gaming session. The menu bar offers input lag and frame rate information on the left side and immediate access to the aspect ratio and settings menus on the right side.

The QN91A offers a remarkably vivid and lucid gaming picture, albeit with factory color settings that are slightly boisterous. Despite deactivating the interframe calculation in gaming mode, the television exhibits movements seamlessly and immaculately, all thanks to its 120 Hertz capabilities. As a top-tier gaming television, the QN91A endorses the 2.1 standards in HDMI input number 4, enabling it to display 4K@120Hz, which is supported by the latest consoles and offers Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) features.

Samsung QN91A: All-round good sound quality despite the super slim TV

  • Good sound all round
  • Q Symphony for Samsung Soundbar

Upon initial observation, one may be inclined to deduce that the QN91A, owing to its flat configuration, produces inferior acoustics when compared to other models. However, the latest offering from Samsung might just surprise you in this regard. The Neo QLED TV boasts of an admirably plump and commendable sound emanating from its built-in speakers.

Although other television sets may manage higher decibel levels, the QN900A 8K TV manages to generate even plumper audio than the QN91A during testing. Nonetheless, the sound quality of the 4K Neo-QLED suffices for daily use. The manufacturer claims that additional features like “Object Tracking Sound+” work to synchronize the aural-spatial impression with the visual image. With further customizations, one can even emphasize the vocals.

The Samsung QN91A from behind
Despite the slim design, the sound of the Samsung QN91A is very high quality.

Should you aspire to augment your audiovisual encounters with a heightened sense of cinematic or stadium-esque ambiance, the procurement of a soundbar could prove to be a viable option. Specifically, if one opts for the Samsung HW-Q950A, which endorses the “Q Symphony” scheme, the soundbar and the TV’s built-in speakers operate in tandem, delivering an all-encompassing cinematic spectacle.

Our test result for the Samsung QN91A

With the advent of the Neo-QLED QN91A, Samsung has surpassed its prior QLED flagship models, namely the Q90R or Q90T, with respect to visual fidelity. Particularly in a brightly-lit living space, the television’s exceptional anti-reflective coating renders a remarkable impression. In addition, the peak brightness and vivid hues elevate the television viewing experience to a heightened level. Lastly, the QN91A’s superior display, which is akin to the 4K flagship QN95A, is likely responsible for the exceptional image quality.

As per Samsung’s customary practice in their televisions, the QN91A boasts a vast array of applications, which are accessible via the Tizen Samsung Smart TV system. The intelligent TV bundle is rounded out with Android screen mirroring, voice input, and Apple AirPlay 2.

Lastly, the Neo QLED has proven to be an ideal choice for gaming consoles or a gaming PC, notwithstanding that only one of the four HDMI sockets supports the top-notch features VRR and 4k@120fps.

Current Samsung QN91A offers

Technical specifications
panel type QLED (LCD with mini LED)
frame rate 100/120Hz
Available sizes 55″, 65″, 75″
Tested size 65″
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Smart TV system Tizen
processor Neo Quantum Processor 4K
voice assistants Bixby, Google Assistant, Alexa
AirPlay 2 Yes
digital tuner Twin triple tuners (2x DVB-C/S2/T2)
video inputs 3xHDMI 2.0, 1xHDMI 2.1
HDMI features ARC, eARC, CEC, ALLM, VRR
Other connections 2 x USB, LAN, CI+, 1 x digital audio output
Wireless Bluetooth, WiFi
smartphone app Yes
Average power consumption 102kWh/1000h
energy efficiency class F(SDR) / G(HDR)
Dimensions with base 1446 x 891 x 285 mm (W x H x D)
Dimensions without base 1446 x 829 x 26 mm (W x H x D)
Weight without stand / with stand 24.4kg / 31.1kg
Price around €2,000