While 8K content remains non-existent, the argument against buying an 8K TV is still far more compelling than the argument for buying one and we wouldn’t encourage anyone to take the plunge. However, if you have a large budget, a TV that offers 8K support and, crucially, is in no way a downgrade on its 4K rivals could still be a fine investment.
The Samsung Q950TS is that and a bit more. It’s the first 8K TV we’ve tested that actually makes a case for upgrading to an 8K, even for 4K content. The Q950TS is the top model in Samsung’s 2020 TV range, and so gets the One Connect system, which routes all of the TV’s connections through an external box that can be hidden out of sight. It’s a neat solution, particularly when wall-mounting the TV. It also allows the display’s chassis to be exceptionally slim, with the Samsung Q950TS QLED having a uniform depth of just 1.5cm.
Stylish and super-slim
The Q950TS is stylish as well as super-slim. All four edges are covered in tiny holes that allow sound and heat to escape and give the TV a unique look. And while Samsung’s claim that it delivers an edge-to-edge picture (which it calls ‘Infinity Screen’) is pushing it, the flush bezel is extremely thin, with only a couple of millimetres of black frame.
The Q950TS has a standard array of connections, including aerial, satellite, ethernet, an optical output, three USBs and four HDMIs, one of which supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz. In the short term, the latter could be more useful, as it appears to be the format favoured for games on the new PS5 and Xbox Series X. Gamers are generally well catered for here, with support for both VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).