Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018  TV Review

Reviewed May 15, 2018 at 09:10am
Test bench update May 21, 2020 at 08:51am
Tested using Methodology v1.5 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

Track

 0
 TV Settings
Notice: This TVs was replaced by Samsung Q70R
The Samsung Q7F is a 2018 4k QLED TV with great picture quality. It can produce saturated highlights in HDR content due to the very wide color gamut. It also has great bright room performance as the whole screen can get very bright and it has excellent reflection handling. Unfortunately, when viewed in a dark room, the local dimming isn't very effective at producing deep blacks and for those with wide seating, the best picture is reserved for directly in-front of the TV.

Note that this is a different TV to the 2017 QLED Q7F. The 2018 Q7FN is also called Q7F or Q7.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

Great TV for mixed usage. Picture quality is great, but less than ideal viewing experience in a perfectly dark room due to the ineffective local dimming feature. It has an excellent color reproduction and it is very bright, great for HDR content. The TV has an excellent low input lag, which is perfect for use as a PC monitor or for gaming.

Pros
  • Exceptionally wide color gamut
  • Can get very bright to overcome glare
  • Excellent low input lag
Cons
  • Picture quality degrades at an angle
0.0
Movies 

Good for watching movies. The Samsung Q7F has an excellent native contrast ratio, but the ineffective local dimming feature isn't able to boost black levels. It is able to effectively remove judder from most sources and the TV has great motion handling, perfect for fast action movies.

0.0
TV Shows 

Great for watching TV shows in a bright room. It has excellent reflection handling, and is bright enough to overcome most glare. It doesn't have a very wide viewing angle, typical of VA panels. The smart interface works well and has a good selection of streaming apps available.

0.0
Sports 

Great for watching sports in a bright room. It has excellent reflection handling and an excellent response time. The viewing angle isn't very wide, which could be problematic for some people for game day parties. It has great gray uniformity, with little dirty screen effect.

0.0
Video Games 

Excellent TV for playing console or PC games. It has excellent low input lag across all supported resolutions and can interpolate low frame rate games without adding much lag. Motion handling is great, and fast-moving objects look clear, but the viewing angle is limited so split-screen couch co-op isn't the best.

0.0
HDR Movies 

Good TV for watching movies in HDR in a dark room. It has an excellent native contrast ratio, but the local dimming feature is limited and can't boost the black levels. It has the widest color gamut we have measured, and excellent color volume, so movies look closest to what the content creator intended. Bright highlights in some scenes are able to get very bright.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

Great TV for gaming in HDR on a PS4 or Xbox One S or X. It has excepetionally low input lag, and a fast response time, so games respond quickly to every button press and motion looks smooth. Games look amazing thanks to the wide color gamut. It doesn't have a very effective local dimming feature so late night gaming isn't as great as it could be.

0.0
PC Monitor 

Great TV for use as a PC Monitor. The Samsung Q7 supports chroma 4:4:4 so text looks as sharp as it can. It has a limited viewing angle, so it is best when seating directly in front, but if too close, the edges can appear non-uniform. Motion handling and response time are great, so there isn't much mouse lag.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
    2.  Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
    3.  Updated Feb 28, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
    4.  Updated Jun 11, 2018: 1440p @ 120 Hz input lag has decreased as of firmware 1103. The review has been updated.

    Check Price

    55"QN55Q7FN
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    65"QN65Q7FN
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    75"QN75Q7FN
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 55" (QN55Q7FN) version AA01. For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 65" version (QN65Q7FN) and 75" version (QN75Q7FN).

    The warehouse variant of the 2018 Q7F is known as the Q75FN. The stand is black instead of chrome, and depending on the specific warehouse model it might have a simpler remote. We don't expect any other differences and our review should still be valid.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Samsung Q7FN doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

    Size Model Model Short US Warehouse Model Canada UK
    55" QN55Q7FN QN55Q7 QN55Q7FNAFXZA QN55Q75FNFXZA QN55Q7FNAFXZC QE55Q7FNATXXU
    65" QN65Q7FN QN65Q7 QN65Q7FNAFXZA QN65Q75FNFXZA QN65Q7FNAFXZC QE65Q7FNATXXU
    75" QN75Q7FN QN75Q7 QN75Q7FNAFXZA QN75Q75FNFXZA QN75Q7FNAFXZC QE75Q7FNATXXU
     
    The Samsung Q7CN is the curved variant of the model we've reviewed. We expect its performance to be almost identical to the Q7F we've reviewed. It is available in 55" and 65" models.

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: LG  C8 (OLED55C8PUA). Bottom left: Sony X900F (XBR55X900F). Middle: Samsung Q7FN (QN55Q7FNAFXZA). Top right: Samsung Q8FN (QN55Q8FNBFXZA). Bottom right: Samsung NU8000 (UN55NU8000 ).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The Samsung Q7FN is a powerful, versatile TV with great performance for pretty much everyone, but at a very premium price. While it is a great TV, there are some better alternatives depending on your needs. See our recommendations for the best TVs and the best smart TVs.

    Samsung NU8000

    Track

    49" 55" 65" 75" 82"

    The Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018 is better than the Samsung NU8000. The Samsung Q7FN has much better reflection handling so you can easily place it in a bright room with many windows. The Q7FN performs better in HDR as it can get brighter and has a wider color gamut that allows it to display rich and saturated colors with highlights that pop. Finally, the Samsung Q7FN has a slightly better black frame insertion feature, which helps clear the image from motion blur.

    Samsung Q6FN/Q6/Q6F QLED 2018

    Track

    49" 55" 65" 75" 82"

    The Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018 is a bit better than the Samsung Q6FN/Q6/Q6F QLED 2018 for most people. While overall performance is similar, the Samsung Q7FN has a better anti-reflective coating that is better for overcoming glare in a bright room. The Q7FN uses the external One Connect box for all of its inputs. If space is a concern, some people may prefer the simpler installation of the Q6FN with all of the inputs on the TV.

    Samsung Q9FN/Q9/Q9F QLED 2018

    Track

    65" 75"

    The Samsung Q9FN/Q9/Q9F QLED 2018 is better than the Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018. The Samsung Q9FN has much better local dimming performance and a higher contrast ratio and black uniformity that improve picture quality. This becomes more apparent when you watch movies in a dark room. The Samsung Q7FN has better gray uniformity, which is great if you watch sports.

    Samsung Q7F/Q7 QLED 2017

    Track

    55" 65" 75"

    The Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018 is better than the Samsung Q7F/Q7 QLED 2017. The Q7FN is a lot brighter than the Q7F with all types of content, and the Q7FN has better black uniformity, good for dark room viewing. The Q7FN supports some new gaming-oriented technologies, including auto low latency mode and a variable refresh rate.

    Show more 

    Video

    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Stand

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Borders
    BordersLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedLock : 1

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018 Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Samsung Q7FN/Q7/Q7F QLED 2018 Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Color Temp Setting
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Color Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Calibration Function
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    480p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    720p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    1080p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    4k Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    8k Input
    Pixels
    TypeLockedLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedVA

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    LockedLock Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    LockedLocked
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    LockedLock Hz

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    LockedLock ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    LockedLock ms

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    HDMI Forum VRR
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1440p VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    1440p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz + 10 bit HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    1440p with VRR
    LockedLock ms
    4k with VRR
    LockedLock ms
    8k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked4k
    1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Input Photos

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    HDR10+
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1
    LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Audio Passthrough
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    eARC support
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via Optical
    LockedLocked
    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max
    LockedLock
    IMD @ 80
    LockedLock%
    IMD @ Max
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Smart Features
    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked
    VersionLockedLocked
    Ease of Use
    LockedLocked
    Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    LockedLock s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    LockedLock s
    Advanced Options
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Content in Home
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    LockedLocked
    App Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Cast Capable
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive Playback
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    HDR in YouTube
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Remote
    Size
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked
    CEC Menu Control
    LockedLocked
    Other Smart Features
    LockedLocked
    Remote AppLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    TV Controls

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    In The Box

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked