Samsung Neo QLED - VA vs IPS vs ADS

neezy on 26/01/2022 - 18:39
Last edited 24/02/2022 - 14:39

UPDATE: For anyone that wants to be brought up to speed regarding panel tech https://theappliancesreviews.com/va-vs-ips-vs-ads-panel-in-t…
and for those that ain't got time to read, this is what the difference looks like https://youtu.be/17_b3lXrywo

TLDR: obvs we all turn to reviews e.g. rtings, but they say it's one panel, and ppl on forums say they are diff panels in Australia, which makes the reviews invalid. Why are ppl saying the panels are different? Where's the proof?

https://www.rtings.com/tv/tools/compare/samsung-qn90a-qled-v…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXtbL29TW08

LONG VERSION:
This is doing my head in. How do you guys know which Samsung Neo QLED has which panel?

I've read that the contrast is great with the VA panel, but the Aussie versions don't have this.

IPS panels aren't great for contrast, but their IPS ADS panels apparently are. Better than VA? I don't know.

I went up to every Neo QLED I could find in the store, to see if the colour washed out when I moved to the side… it didn't look like they did. Does that mean none of them are VA panels?

The kids at HN just said they were all VA panels (even though they had way wider viewing angles). They were pretty much just spitting facts from Rtings.

I contacted Samsung Australia directly, and even they don't have that information (or at least that what their reply said)

So my question is, how do you know what panel you are getting in your TV? And also, does it really matter if you can't tell the difference?

The models I saw def have a wider viewing angle, which is stated on the Samsung page, does this def mean they are IPS panels?
If so, does that mean the contrast isn't as good as it could be with a VA panel.
If so, how can you tell which is better unless you have two side by side?
And when you do have two side by side, how do you know what panels they are using in the first place if it's not documented anywhere?
AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!

Kind regards, Captain Freak Out

Electrical & Electronics Samsung

Comments

  • Hybroid on 26/01/2022 - 18:52

    Sounds like you ought to buy something else if it’s that confusing.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:36

      @Hybroid the type of dude that tells people if they don’t wanna get bullied, "just stay off the internet" 😅

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:37

      or tells people who want to lose weight to "just stop eating" 😂

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:37

      or tells people asking for health treatments to "just not get sick in the first place" 🤣

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:37

      lol, nah, I know you trolling for a laugh, so all good 😊 but just in case there is a minuscule chance that you (or more that someone reading this thinks you) are being serious… although everything above is valid, it doesn't help, just a waste space.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:38

      But I will humor you, to counteract that, and state that it's not confusing, pretty straightforward really. Well, the specs are. But this post is about determining what spec you have, as it seems to be hidden from the consumer (or at least that's what I want to confirm in this post) 🤔

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:38

      This might be a massive mistake, and I could fail spectacularly, but I will try an analogy to help you/others understand 😁

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:39

      So pretend you're looking for a new car, and you're pretty set on which car you want, from what you've researched, there's a clear winner and the best fit for you. But, then you find out there are two versions of the car, and you have no way of knowing which version you are going to get 😕

      Would you just rule that car out… even though it's pretty much perfect… and settle for something else? I highly doubt it. But then again, I could be wrong. Maybe it is too much effort for you to find out if there is a way to tell and you're happy to settle for something else that doesn't require that extra mission. I'd be naïve for me to think that there are not people out there like that… just like it is naïve for you to think there are people like me that will go above and beyond to find something out 🤓

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:40

      I'll go just one step further, because I like this thread I am pulling atm 😅

      Say the difference is the engine. (Disclaimer: I don't know much about ICE and whether this is accurate, but just roll with me for the sake of the story, yeah? 😎)

      One version of the car has a V6 engine which produces more power (let say this is the VA panel for the TV). The other version In-Line a.k.a Straight Six engine, which is more fuel efficient (let say this is the IPS panel). So yeah, both are 6 cylinders in the same car, but slight diff setups, so not exactly the same thing, even though they are labelled the same model. But wait, there's more, you then find out that the I6 engine, actually has a turbo (let say this is the IPS ADS panel), so it is actually more closer to the power of the V6, still is more fuel efficient, and let's throw in that is has better acceleration too.

      So, prob simple at this point yeah? Just choose the one that has the features that matter most to you. If you want more power/top speed, go with the V6. If you want acceleration and fuel efficiency, (some might argue are more practical features) then go with the I6 turbo. Ah-Ha! But that's just it my little hybroid… WE DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE WE ARE GETTING!!! 🤭 You dig?

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:41

      Sure, the overall performance is negligible and the average person wouldn't be able to tell. I agree. But that's not my objective here. My objective was to see if any one was in the same boat as me, and if they were, how they went about it.

      Was the diff panels story a myth people just spread, maybe cooked up from an opposing company, to put doubt in the minds of consumers, so they would in fact, as you suggested, go with something else? 🤯 No HYBROID No! I will not let them win this day. Not now, not ever ✊🏾

      Lol, actually my initial objective was just to find out if people knew how to find out which panel was being used, which I didn't think there was, but thought I might have missed something in my research 🤔

  • Hithere on 26/01/2022 - 19:02
    +1

    does it really matter if you can't tell the difference?

    Don't overthink it. View them all and pick the one you think has the best picture at the best price. Easy peasy.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:43

      telling someone to not 'overthink it' when discussing tech specs… yeah, you in the wrong place my dude 😅

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:44
      +1

      But yeah, my gripe was more about the misleading information. Well, lack of information I guess. So true, I could just walk around the store and see which screen looks best. But then why even have reviews and do all the research that people do? I think you might be in the same boat as the guy above, living that 'ignorance is bliss' life 🙌 Man oh man, I sometimes wish I was wired like that. But alas my friend, I am not, hence why I am here, seeking some help 😊

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:44
      +1

      So I do agree with what you are saying, if I had both my TV choices, side by side, in similar conditions to my brightly lit living room… then of course, easy peasy for sure… BUT I highly doubt that scenario will occur.

      Obvs the stores are gonna place the TVs and adjust lighting in specific ways that allows each set to shine in it's own unique way, right? And what's the chances I would have a 75in QN90A next to a 85in QN85A like in the video I posted 😐

  • Halo375 on 26/01/2022 - 19:14

    You’ve looked at them in the store and they all look amazing so why does it matter? If you’re really keen then download the instruction manual for your model. It should confirm the specs and may also tell you what the model is known as in other regions.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:47

      Well, unfortunately I haven't had the privilege of looking at the specific models I am after in store, because as I have mentioned, it doesn't say which panel they have, so I don't know which one I am looking at. I'm so paranoid that I think even in Australia the panels could be diff for the exact same model and size 🤣 At this point, I'm not even sure if I've seen a Neo QLED with a VA panel 😬 And as I have also mentioned above, the stores would obvs put the TVs in specific places and adjust the lighting to make them look better. And if they aint, well that's just marketing 101 and it's on them, lol. But yeah, if I could compare the models like in the video I posted, thn def man, 100% agree 😁

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:48

      Oh, and instruction manual thing… I dunno when the last time you look at one, I'm thinking it could have been for Lego or IKEA? I can only assume you mean the User Manual, which don't mention anything about specs. User manuals are simple and short, showing the basic functions of the device. Some don't even have text anymore, just pictures, as that's universal language, no need to make multi language versions.

      In my experience, a Service Manual would most likely have the specs… but I doubt Samsung are handing these out willy nilly, lol. Giving up all their secrets. I don’t think Service Manuals would readily available online, but more than happy to be proven wrong 🙏🏾

  • SydStrand on 26/01/2022 - 20:36

    Can you link to threads where people say they have conflicting panels? It seems strange that Samsung would use two very different technologies in the same model for different regions. Have you double and triple checked that it's the exact same model number?

    • rookie317 on 26/01/2022 - 22:39

      Yes It's not that strange for massive TV manufacturers like Samsung to use multiple panel OEMs. It all comes down to cost at the end of the day.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:50

      I was going to post all the links… but honestly, there are too many man 😅 I’m sure they’ll all pop up if you search it, either in Reddit, Whirlpool forums, AVS forums, even YouTube videos if reading aint your thing. Even right here in OzBargain, which is where I first read about it. Maybe search something like “samsung qn90a IPS panel” or “samsung neo qled va or ips

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:51

      Actually, I dislike when people tell you to Google something, does feel like a bit of a cop out aye, lol. But there are honestly too many brah. I will post one though, that was posted in here. And it was after I started this forum, so it's not like those times where people are like "it's everywhere man!" But then can only provide the one source they saw it 🤣 https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/680246

  • rookie317 on 26/01/2022 - 22:59
    +1

    Source
    All QN85A are ADS EXCEPT the 85" which is VA, the simple reason is BOE just doesn't make >75" ADS panels.
    The confusion is really on the QN90A which as you can see, use both VA and ADS, but as the note says, the bulk of QN90A in EU/APAC are ADS, mine certainly is. A quick google will probably show you that majority of Aus QN90A are ADS.

    And yes, wide viewing angle is a typical pros of IPS, however I don't find that important and I think most people don't too. Here is a good place to know how to tell them apart.

    While it's true the general rule of thumb is VA is typically considered better for TV than IPS due to better contrast and black uniformity (ADS is just what BOE names their IPS tech and, well, honestly there's no significant difference), a TV is pretty personal and only you can decide its worth. If it were up to me, I'd pick the 85" QN85A, the only reason I got the 75" QN90A is because it fits my living room better and I did get a really good deal on it.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:52

      rookie317… the name certainly does NOT check out 😍 much love fam. You're my guardian angle to come save the day. Thanks for all the info. Yes, I did read that the 85s MUST be VA, but again, I was skeptical with all the info around, as everyone was talking, but no one really providing official statements/references.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:52

      Originally I was looking at the QN90A, being the top dog, but with all the drama of the panel, and having to fork out for an 85" version to be sure its VA, it no longer seems worth it. So I've decided to go down a notch to the QN85A instead, as I can prob afford the QN85A 85" (can't believe that David Jones Black Friday sale where it was 50% off!!!). Maybe when/if the QN95A get released here, it'll be even cheaper 🤷🏾‍♂️

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:54

      I did leave out my particular setup to keep it simple, but you've wowed me with your comments, so I will divulge a bit more, in case you have more to add 😁

      The room is open living space, so the kitchen, dining, living is one large single room, with large windows, and slide doors outside, which is next to the living room. So obvs brightness/contrast/glare is key, but the viewing angle COULD also be a specific factor for me. I spose it doesn't really matter if I get a full motion wall mount, but that'll be an extra $500 - $700 for a screen that size with a 90 degree angle so I can watch the game while prepping stuff in the kitchen, lol. Then again, the missus ain't a fan of having the TV on during meals, as that's family time 🤗

  • vince088 on 27/01/2022 - 22:22
    -2

    lol and I buy my TVs based on the tv guide software..
    if i turn on my TV and turn on channel 10, then press TV guide, if that lags of freezes for a few seconds to load up all the channel information and tv show names. no thanks.

    • neezy on 01/02/2022 - 19:54

      yeah nah homie, we good, lol. We talking panels over here aye 😅

      No longer a slave to TV Guides/Times. Stream when you want to watch bruv. Can't speak for everyone, but it def makes my life more efficient and routines more manageable 🤓

  • neezy on 24/02/2022 - 14:43

    so this is what I have been doing on every TV I come across (on the sly, lol)

    https://youtu.be/EDH-7MkKHlM

    I am yet to do this on a QN85A 85" as I haven't had reachable access to one…
    The viewing angle test doesn't really work with the models I am looking into.
    I think they have added tech to reduce the washout on VA panels.

  • neezy on 07/03/2022 - 14:00

    DONE! I've finally completed my missions!!! 🥳

    I was able to find multiple QN90A's and QN85A's and the only TV that flashes/sparks when you tap the screen, is the 85" QN85A. So my conclusion is that all the others have the same sub-panel type.

    I also overlooked the part where Rtings mentioned the possible VA panel in 85" QN85A. Before that, it was just posts I saw on forums by randoms, so still wasn't confident about it. Esp when I found out that LG actually do the reverse, in that their larger panel is IPS, and the smaller panels are VA. But yeah I'm confident that the 85" QN85A has a VA panel.

    The other thing I noticed, was the rainbow reflection from bright lights seem to be horizontal on the 85" QN85A, whereas all the others had a short X type pattern. You can see the horizontal rainbow reflection on multiple Rtings reviews that (usually) have VA panels. I couldn't find a photo with the X, so I'll have to upload photos later. I believe this is a mixture of the sub-panel type and the reflecting coating used 🤔

  • neezy on 07/03/2022 - 14:18

    In saying all that, I still don't have a clear winner 🤷🏾‍♂️ The argument that you should just chose whichever looks the best, to me, is not valid. Because they all look amazing, esp playing the Samsung demo content. So it shouldn't matter right? Well, it does 🤓

    I'll go back to the car analogy. If there were two versions of a car, one did 0-60 in 3.4sec, the other did it in 2.9sec. Even though it really wouldn't matter in real life, it's still a factor you would consider. Even if you had to test these side by side for some reason, many other factors come into play, including the the road, the tyres, the driver etc where those figure might not even be accurate. I'd still get the 2.9sec version though 😎

    So back to the TV…
    Yes the QN90A doesn't have the VA panel in Australia like it does in all the reviews online, but it has Quantum HDR 32x/Ultimate UHD dimming/100% Color Volume/QTS+ specs.
    The 85” QN85A does have the VA panel, but has HDR 24x/Supreme UHD Dimming/Quantum Dot/QTS.
    [Taken from Samsung AU compare feature list]

    What does this all mean and how do they integrate together… I have no fukin clue 😅. I wish someone did in an in-depth view with the 85" Aussie version… but that'll prob never happen, esp now since there are new models around the corner. So, I'll put a pin in it for now, as I'll prob decide during Black Friday 2022

  • soob on 03/04/2022 - 17:40
    +1

    https://youtu.be/OergXd20Jrc
    Latin America gets the ADS not the VA. We'd be the same. Samsung can bite me, the whole reason to get the QN90 over an OLED is the brightness but they've hamstrung the Aussie version AND yet left the model code the same for bait and switch sales here. At least with LG OLED I know what I'm getting.

    • soob on 03/04/2022 - 17:47
      +1

      Side by side comparison
      https://youtu.be/JPekRCvfBx0

      • neezy on 04/04/2022 - 06:16

        Cheers for the comparison video though 😁

        I still wanted to see the 75" QN90A (ADS) vs 85" QN85A (VA), but I don't think that will happen, esp since the QN-Bs are being released now 😞

    • neezy on 04/04/2022 - 06:14

      100%!

      Yeah, even the guy from in my video was confused and arguing with his viewers in Latin America, as he was going off what Rtings was saying… until he found out (and apologised, lol)

  • neezy on 04/04/2022 - 06:21

    UPDATE: I was going to put videos and photos from stores I had been to, to give a better comparison between the 85" VA panels vs the ADS panel as I cannot find one online… but since the QN-B models are now being released, seems kinda redundant now (for my models anyway)

    The whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth, and I won't be getting either now 😔 the panels, the blooming, the price fluctuations, the issues with delivery and stock ppl have mentioned… I'm out 😅

  • neezy on 04/04/2022 - 06:26

    And yes, @Hybroid (first commet) ended up being right, even after my extensive rants 🤣 I am now looking into Laser TVs

  • congo on 28/10/2022 - 00:13

    The QN90B 2022 model is VA panel.

    • neezy on 28/10/2022 - 04:06

      but… how do you know 😅

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