Samsung Q80CA QN98Q80CAFXZA 98 Inch 98" 2023 Review

The Samsung Q80CA is a 98-inch 4K QLED TV built for impact. It offers a massive, immersive screen with excellent gaming features and arguably the best built-in audio on the market. However, its picture quality doesn't quite match its premium price tag when compared to top-tier OLEDs or Mini-LEDs.

If you're hunting for a massive 98-inch screen that doesn't just fill a wall but dominates it, the Samsung Q80CA is a serious contender. This 2023 4K QLED TV is built for home theaters and big living rooms, packing a Direct Full Array backlight for better contrast and a 120Hz panel that's ready for gaming. At around $6,200, it's a major investment, but you're getting one of the largest TVs Samsung makes without stepping into true 'wall' territory. It's designed to be the centerpiece of your entertainment, whether you're streaming movies, watching sports, or diving into the latest games.

Our data shows this TV excels in a few key areas. Its audio system scores in the 100th percentile, meaning the 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos setup is among the best you can get built-in, a huge plus for a screen this size. The display quality itself is in the 98th percentile, and gaming performance lands in the 91st, thanks to that 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support. That means fast-paced action looks smooth, with less tearing and stutter. The HDR and smart TV features, while good, are more middle-of-the-pack for this premium tier, sitting around the 71st percentile. So you get fantastic core performance, especially for sound and motion, but some of the polish isn't quite top-tier.

At over six grand, the Q80CA is a luxury purchase. You're paying a premium for that enormous 98-inch panel. For the same money, you could get a top-tier 83-inch OLED from LG or Sony with arguably better picture quality, or a slightly smaller but more advanced Samsung Neo QLED. The value here is entirely in the size. If you absolutely need a screen this big and want the convenience of great built-in sound, it makes sense. If you're flexible on size, there are more refined pictures to be had for less cash.

This TV sits in a weird spot. It's competing with giants from other brands. The LG OLED evo C5 (83-inch) will destroy it in contrast and black levels, but it's smaller and costs a similar amount. The Sony BRAVIA 5 Mini-LED is a more direct competitor in brightness and size, though Sony's processing is often better. Then you have Hisense and TCL offering Mini-LED TVs with great specs for literally half the price, though they max out at 85 inches and their build quality and software can be a step down. The Q80CA's ace is its combination of sheer scale and that fantastic audio system. You won't need a soundbar with this one, which is a real cost savings.

Skip this TV if you're a videophile chasing the absolute best picture quality. Our data suggests you can get a more refined image from a high-end OLED or Mini-LED TV for similar or less money, especially if you don't need the 98-inch size. Also, if your room is small or you ever plan to move, this thing is a permanent installation. Look at 77-inch or 83-inch OLEDs from LG or Sony instead.

Should you buy the Samsung Q80CA? Only if your top priority is screen real estate and you want to avoid external speakers. It's a fantastic TV for turning a large room into a home theater, and gamers will love the smooth performance. But our data flags its picture quality score as surprisingly average for the price. That means you might notice some competitors have a slight edge in color accuracy or HDR pop. We'd recommend it for big-room gamers and movie watchers who value immersive size and integrated audio above absolute picture perfection. For videophiles who crave the best contrast, a smaller OLED is still the king.