Samsung drops the mic: budget micro rgb tvs arrive, but there's a catch
Samsung’s decided to aggressively undercut OLED with a pair of new Micro RGB TVs, the R95H and R85H, that promise a serious price drop. Starting at just $1,599.99 and $3,199.99 respectively, these screens – available in sizes from 55 to 85 inches – are aiming to disrupt the mid-range display market. But don’t expect a flawless experience just yet.
Color pop, dim reality
IGN’s Jacqueline Thomas got a first look, and the initial impressions were… striking. She noted “incredible” color rendition, particularly in movies like Bad Batch, where the TVs really let the blacks shine. However, brightness proved to be a significant limitation; the panels struggled to punch through ambient light, resulting in a noticeably subdued image. Streamed via Xbox Cloud Gaming, Cyberpunk 2077 suffered from lag – a frustrating experience considering the visuals looked good on paper, though menus suffered from some aggressive oversaturation.
Tech under the hood
Micro RGB, Samsung’s latest tech, is pitched as a more resilient alternative to OLED’s notorious burn-in issues. While I witnessed the 115-inch model at CES, I agree with Jacqueline’s assessment: Samsung’s Micro RGB panels deliver vibrant hues, though smartphone photos fail to convey their true vibrancy. It’s not a perfect OLED replacement; the zoned backlighting, similar to Mini LED technology, still leads to blooming around bright highlights in high-contrast scenes. The advantage lies in the use of red, blue, and green LEDs rather than white, theoretically yielding richer color reproduction. Samsung claims these TVs can cover 100% of the BT.2020 color space, a significant step up from competitors like the Samsung S90F QD-OLED, which typically achieves around 80-90% coverage, according to tech outlet measurements.
Specs and subtle differences
Both models boast HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Atmos sound, alongside four HDMI ports, AirPlay, and Google Cast support. But there are key distinctions. The R95H boasts a 165Hz variable refresh rate, a noticeable improvement over the R85H’s 144Hz. The R95H also benefits from Samsung’s Micro RGB AI Engine Pro, providing enhanced image processing. And, crucially, the pricier R95H incorporates “Glare Free Technology,” an anti-glare coating absent in the R85H. Finally, the R95H features an adjustable stand – a feature missing from its less expensive sibling. Consider these sizes and pricing: R95H – 85-inch ($6,499.99), 75-inch ($4,499.99), 65-inch ($3,199.99; R85H – 55-inch ($1,599.99), 65-inch ($2,099.99), 75-inch ($2,799.99), and 85-inch ($3,999.99). Remarkably, the 115-inch MR95F, launched last year, cost a staggering $30,000 – a figure dwarfed by these new offerings.
The bottom line
Samsung’s Micro RGB TVs represent a bold move into the lower-priced segment. While the dimness is a noticeable drawback, the vibrant colors and improved burn-in resistance offer a compelling proposition. But shoppers should temper their expectations - this isn’t a flawless solution, and the compromises are evident. The future of TV is clearly shifting, and Samsung is determined to be at the forefront, even if it means dialing back the brightness.