Okay, so nobody really needs an 8K telly. They've been around for a while now and there's still not much 8K content available - especially when most of us are using streaming apps that provide up to 4K at best.

But it turns out there are other reasons for choosing 8K than just the content. 

The trend has been for our screens to get bigger and bigger. 50-inches used to be a large TV; not anymore. Even my 65-inch panel is starting to look a little underwhelming compared to the 75, 85 and even larger options out there.

Am I trying to compensate for something? Probably.

The point is, the larger the screen, the higher definition required to keep things looking nice and crisp. And if it's higher definition you're looking for, jamming in a heap more LED's would be a pretty good start too.

As I say every year, this is one of my favourite reviews; Samsung's latest top-of-the-line offering; in 2022 that means the Neo QLED 8K QN900B.

In terms of how the TV looks before you even turn it on, Samsung has been setting the standard for a fair old while. If you haven't checked out the infinity screen on one of these incredible tellies, next time you're walking past an appliance store, grant yourself five minutes to pop in for a look. How Samsung manages to cram one of the world's most advanced displays into a screen that's just 15mm thick is truly a wonder of modern engineering. Not only that but its Infinity One classification means there's basically no bezel at all. The final effect is picture and nothing else, suspended on your wall or hovering on its minimalistic, silver stand.

To be honest, assembling the stand is a bit of a mission - it comes in three parts in the box and there are quite a few screws to be inserted before it's securely in place. However, when all else fails, follow the instructions and you should be good to go pretty smartly.

I was a little worried last year when Samsung introduced the option of attaching the One Connect control box to the stand itself; for me, the One Connect box is such a genius innovation - taking all the connection points and processing electronics out of the TV and letting you hide them away somewhere else - I couldn't quite understand why anyone would want to stick it back on the telly. Mine certainly gets stuffed rather unceremoniously into a cupboard in my entertainment unit - the less boxes and cables I can see the better. However, Samsung has persisted with the stick-on-the-stand option this year and I suppose it might actually be more subtle if you have the QN900B set up on a table with a power point directly behind; there's a shorter One Connect cable for this option and you would then have the illusion of a cable-free TV from the front.

Regardless, the One Connect box is similar to last year; four HDMI inputs including an eARC for your soundbar, optical out for digital audio, a mini-jack for non-digital audio, three USB-A slots for external storage or perhaps powering accessories like Chromecasts and a USB-C for Samsung's Slim Fit Cam - a web cam that magnetises to the top of the TV so you can make video calls or perhaps check your form while working out.

Once you're all plugged in and you've fired up the QN900B for the first time, you'll need to pair the remote; again similar to last year's with the enviro-friendly solar panel on the back, although now there are four dedicated shortcut buttons; Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and the new (and quite weird) Samsung TV Plus. No batteries doesn't just mean you're saving the planet, it also makes the remote very light - but be sure to leave it face down so that solar panel can keep it charged. (There's a USB-C charging port if you get desperate)

From there you can set up using the remote or via Samsung's Smart Things app on your phone - if you're migrating from an earlier model Samsung TV, the latter would be the way to go as some of your settings can be restored. However, the new Tizen OS looks quite different this year. The home button brings up a full screen of shortcuts, no more scrolling icons along the bottom of the display. The QN900B will remember the last app used to make it easier to jump back in where you left off.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about this years OS update is the addition of the Xbox app. Incredibly, this means just by signing in with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you'll be able to play the full Xbox Cloud Gaming library on this incredible TV without having to connect an actual Xbox. All you need is a compatible bluetooth controller and you're away. This is a very smart telly indeed - it knows when you're gaming and will adjust its settings accordingly, utilising its Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ to bring you the best of 4K, 120Hz gaming.

That's just the beginning when it comes to the exceptional picture quality on offer here. Call it AI, call it the Neural Quantum Processor, call it whatever you want - Samsung has figured out how to control 33 million pixels to achieve unparalleled brightness, contrast and clarity. I have the QN900B set up in my living room which is frustratingly bright during the day yet that makes no difference at all. This TV won't let a little thing like sunlight get in the way of a premium viewing experience. All that built-in processing means you can safely let the television optimise your picture for you or now there's even a Filmmaker Mode which does quite the opposite; stripping away much of the artificial enhancements to let the picture display the way the director and cinematographer intended. How wonderful to have the choice.

I have to admit though, I expect nothing less. This is why these TV's keep being the best.

What did surprise me a little was how good the sound is; not only has Samsung upgraded its rather cunning Object Tracking feature to Pro status, there's quite a bit of woofer action built into the rear of the TV for genuine bass boost. And yes, the 3D effects of Dolby Atmos are definitely discernible. Look, I'm not trying to claim this speaker array will out-perform a half decent soundbar/surround/sub setup but if you've already stretched the budget to stump up for the best telly in the world, you might be relieved to hear you won't have to rush out for a new sound system too - at least not straight away.

Yes, the QN900B costs a pretty penny - especially if you go the whole hog and have the space for the 85-inch model - but it really is the best you can get right now; it looks incredible before you even switch it on and once you do, the brightness, clarity and contrast are unbeatable. And thanks to the app, it now basically comes with Xbox built in. I'm not sure what more you can ask for and that's why it's worth top dollar.

 

 

 

Click here for more information on the Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900B.