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If you have gazed longingly at the latest Samsung QLED 4K UHD TVs but have been turned off by their high prices, now may be the time to take the plunge. Amazon is running some limited-time deals on both the 2018 and 2019 versions of the 65-in. QLED sets, and the savings can be significant. These 2018 6 Series sets and 2019 Q60 Series sets at are at the low end of the 4K QLED line, but they are still highly impressive TVs that will elevate your viewing experience in a big way.
Limited Time Deals on Samsung 65-in. QLED TVs
The two recommended deal options here are the 2018 Samsung QN65Q6FN 65-in. QLED 4K 6 Series Smart TV at $1,099.99 and the 2019 Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA 65-in. QLED 4K Q60 Series Smart TV at $1,197.99. Both are highly appealing options with a definitive big-screen feel, so read on for our insights on them.
2018 Samsung QN65Q6FN 65-in. QLED 4K 6 Series Smart TV
Personally, we purchased the 2018 Samsung QN65Q6FN 65-in. QLED in June of 2018 at about $2,200. Right now, the very same set can be had at $1,099.99. That’s a great deal on a large set that can be a perfect fit for many medium- to -large-sized viewing areas of your home. This stunning display was our third Samsung flat panel purchase, and all have been rock-solid reliable and thoroughly capable performers.
In the 2018 65-in. QLED, you get all of the attributes that make these TVs such a pleasure to use, including the 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution, a barely-there thin bezel, Q High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging, and a quad-core processor. They also have Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant.
Ambient Mode Part of the Package
This 6 Series QLED, like all Samsung 2018 and 2019 QLEDs, features Samsung Ambient Mode, a special screen-saver mode that can make the TV appear to blend into the wall when not in use. After snapping a photo of the TV and the surrounding wall from the Samsung app, software overlays the on-screen wall image with artwork, photos, clocks, or other special effects.
It works quite well, and Samsung continues to add more Ambient Mode options. Recent additions include the animated (and often mesmerizing) Sand, Water, and Window options.
If you happen to find a good deal on a 2017 QLED, keep in mind it will not have Ambient Mode. After living with and loving Ambient Mode, that would be a deal breaker for us.
SmartThings App for Smart Device Control
As another plus for the connected home, these QLEDs also include the Samsung SmartThings app, so all of your devices and automations appear on-screen and become controllable from the TV remote, in the same manner as they work in the SmartThings smartphone app. You will still need to have a separate SmartThings Hub in your home, however, to enable the SmartThings functionality.
Get Started with 4K Programming
On the 4K programming, we found Netflix is the best way to experience it, but you will need to upgrade to the Netflix Premium plan in order to get it. You can also attach an Apple TV 4K box, a Roku Ultra, or other options depending on your streaming preference.
2019 Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA 65-in. QLED 4K Q60 Series Smart TV
This 2019 model of the Samsung 65-in. QLED is currently at a price of $1,197.99. The biggest difference between the 2018 and 2019 versions of the Samsung 65-in. QLED TVs is the enhanced support for voice assistants. In the 2018 model, you will need to use Samsung Bixby, but in the 2019 version you can also connect it to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant speakers for control with relevant Alexa or Google Assistant commands.
The 2019 model also gets the Apple TV app, bringing much of the functionality of the Apple TV set-top box without the actual box. You also get Apple AirPlay 2 support.
And while we have not personally tested the 2019 model, the fact that Samsung removed the subwoofer that it had in the 2018 model means the built-in sound output will suffer. That may be moot if you plan to use a soundbar or other external audio setups with your QLED.
We also prefer the very slim silver bezel and legs on the 2018 model to the 2019’s wider black bezel and legs, which makes the 2018 version look like a much higher-end set.
But the 2019 QLED model is still a great deal, though the overall appearance of the black bezel makes it look more like one of Samsung’s non-QLED 4K TVs. The 2019 Samsung UN65RU7100FXZA 65-in. 4K UHD 7 Series model is representative of these, but they will also save you hundreds of dollars over the QLED versions: this TV sells for $647.99.
Time to Upgrade to QLED?
If you are looking to upgrade to a 4K UHD TV, these Samsung 65-in QLED sets have much to commend them. And at these plummeting costs, there may no longer be a legitimate reason to hold off on getting a reasonably-sized QLED for your media space.
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