Samsung S85 Samsung S85F 83" 4K HDR Smart OLED TV Review

The Samsung S85F delivers a huge 83-inch OLED screen with perfect blacks and great gaming features for under $2,300. It's a value play, trading some processing finesse for sheer size. While the built-in audio is weak and it lacks Dolby Vision, it's a top pick for gamers and movie buffs who want maximum immersion without a maxed-out budget. Just plan on adding a soundbar.

An 83-inch OLED TV for under $2,300? That's the headline for the Samsung S85F, and it's a pretty compelling one. This isn't Samsung's flagship OLED, but it's a massive screen that delivers the core OLED experience—perfect blacks and infinite contrast—at a price point that usually gets you a high-end LED model. It's for the buyer who wants a cinematic, immersive size and the OLED 'wow factor' without venturing into the $3,5k+ territory of its bigger brothers.

Who is this for? Primarily gamers and movie buffs on a (relative) budget. With a 120Hz panel, FreeSync Premium, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), it's built for next-gen consoles and PC gaming. The Pantone validation is a nice touch for color accuracy, suggesting Samsung is targeting enthusiasts who care about picture fidelity, even in a more affordable model.

What makes it interesting is the context. An 83-inch OLED scoring in the 99th percentile for display and social proof in our database means it's a crowd-pleaser that gets the fundamentals right. But that 45th percentile ranking for overall picture quality is a red flag we need to unpack. It hints that while the panel tech is stellar, the processing might not keep up with the best.

Let's talk about that picture quality score. In the world of TVs, 'picture quality' isn't just the panel. It's the brain behind it—the processor that upscales your 1080p Netflix show, handles motion in sports, and manages HDR highlights. The S85F's OLED panel gives it a near-infinite contrast ratio and perfect black levels, which is a huge part of the battle. Our data shows its display score is top-tier. Where it likely falls short is in processing power compared to pricier Samsung OLEDs or Sony's Bravia line. You're getting the OLED canvas, but not the most advanced brushstrokes.

For gaming, the story is much brighter. That 93rd percentile gaming score is no joke. The 120Hz refresh, VRR support, and low input lag create a buttery-smooth, tear-free experience that's perfect for fast-paced titles. It's a feature set that punches well above its price class. The audio, at 20W and an 80th percentile rank, is serviceable for a TV this thin, but anyone serious about movies or games will want at least a soundbar. The eARC port is there to make that upgrade easy.

The value proposition here is incredibly straightforward: maximum OLED inches per dollar. At $2,298, you are getting an 83-inch screen with core OLED benefits and great gaming specs. To get similar size from LG or Sony in OLED, you're easily looking at double or triple the price. Samsung is using this model to compete on sheer scale.

You are making trade-offs for that size, though. The budget clearly went into the panel and the gaming features, not the top-shelf processor or audio. Compared to a $2,500 65-inch flagship OLED from any brand, the S85F will have a bigger picture but likely a less refined one. It's the choice of size over absolute processing finesse, and for many people, that's a trade worth making.

The most direct competitor is the LG OLED evo G5 series. LG's OLEDs often have better overall processing and support both major HDR formats (Dolby Vision and HDR10+). However, an 83-inch LG will cost significantly more. If you're budget-conscious and size-focused, the Samsung wins. If you're a videophile who watches a lot of Dolby Vision content and wants the best motion handling, save up for the LG.

On the LED side, the Hisense U6 and TCL QM8 offer much higher peak brightness for bright rooms and are far cheaper at similar sizes, but they can't match the OLED's perfect blacks and viewing angles. The Sony BRAVIA 5 Mini-LED is a interesting middle ground with excellent processing and brightness, but again, at 85 inches, it likely rivals the LG on price. The S85F carves its niche by being the most affordable gateway to a giant OLED canvas.

Skip this TV if your primary viewing happens in a sun-drenched room. While OLEDs have improved, their absolute brightness can't compete with modern Mini-LED TVs like the TCL QM8 or Hisense U8 series in such an environment. The reflections and dimmer HDR will be a constant frustration.

Also, hardcore videophiles who prize reference-quality motion handling and the best possible upscaling for cable or old DVDs should look at Sony's OLEDs or Samsung's own QD-OLED flagships. The S85F's processor is good, but it's the budget component here. Finally, if you're deeply invested in the Dolby Vision ecosystem, the lack of support is a deal-breaker; an LG OLED would be a better fit.

For the gamer or movie fan who wants a truly massive, immersive screen and the inky-black contrast only OLED can provide, the Samsung S85F is a fantastic deal. You get flagship-level gaming specs and that 'wow' factor every time you turn it on, without a flagship price. Pair it with a soundbar, and you've got a killer home theater setup.

We'd recommend looking elsewhere if your room is very bright all day, if you're a stickler for the absolute best upscaling of cable TV or non-4K content, or if your movie library is heavy on Dolby Vision. In those cases, a smaller, higher-end OLED or a bright Mini-LED might be a better fit. But for pure, dark-room, big-screen impact on a budget, this TV is hard to beat.