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Sony HT-Z9F vs Samsung HW-Q850A

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The BoxBack - BarBack - SubwooferBack - Satellites
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support - ARCAudio Format Support - Full HDMI InAudio Format Support - OpticalLatencyWireless PlaybackOther Input SpecificationsConnectivity - SubwooferConnectivity - Satellites
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants SupportAppOther Features
    Comments

Products

Sony HT-Z9F
Samsung HW-Q850A

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Aug 01, 2025 01:06 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:56 PM

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Amazon.com
Sony HT-Z9F Picture
Samsung HW-Q850A Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

Sony HT-Z9F

Samsung HW-Q850A

The Samsung HW-Q850A is better than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Samsung is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It even comes with more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ. That said, the 3.1 Sony is still a suitable choice for users who mostly listen to dialogue-centric content like TV shows.

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Variants

  • HT-Z9F (Black)
  • HW-Q850A (Black)

Review

See Sony HT-Z9F Review
See Samsung HW-Q850A Review
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Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
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Black
HW-Q850A
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HT-Z9F
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HW-Q850A
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HT-Z9F
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HW-Q850A
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HT-Z9F
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HT-Z9F
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sony HT-Z9F Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sony HT-Z9F Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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Mountable Bar 
 

Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

Sony HT-Z9F In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

HDMI Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Sony HT-Z9F Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Sony HT-Z9F Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Sony HT-Z9F Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

N/A
N/A

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

Sony HT-Z9F Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Sony HT-Z9F Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Sony HT-Z9F THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

eARC 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Sony HT-Z9F Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

Samsung HW-Q850A Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Other Input Specifications 
 

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

Sony HT-Z9F Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Sony HT-Z9F Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Sony HT-Z9F Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Sony HT-Z9F Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Samsung HW-Q850A Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Universal Remote 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Show Text 

App 
 

App image  

Sony HT-Z9F App image Sample

SAMPLE

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Samsung HW-Q850A App image Sample

SAMPLE

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App Name  

Locked

iOS  

Locked

Android  

Locked

Acts As A Remote 
 

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Locked

Casts Device Files 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-Q850A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
B&H
Black
HW-Q850A
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-Q850A
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-Q850A
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-Z9F
SEARCH
Sony
Black
HW-Q850A
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Back to Top

Sony HT-Z9F

Samsung HW-Q850A

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Sony HT-Z9F vs Samsung HW-Q850A: Main Discussion

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