In the battle of Samsung QN90B versus TCL QM8, there is a clear winner: the TCL QM8. This budget-friendly powerhouse outperforms the more expensive Samsung in almost every category that matters to most buyers, delivering incredible brightness, impressive contrast, and massive screen sizes at a fraction of the cost. While Samsung holds some advantages in processing and smart features, the TCL QM8 simply offers better overall value and performance in 2023.

Specs Comparison

Brightness and HDR Performance

The TCL QM8 destroys the Samsung QN90B when it comes to raw brightness and HDR impact. With peak brightness levels reaching nearly 2,000 nits on larger models, the QM8 makes highlights pop in a way that the QN90B simply cannot match. This is especially noticeable in HDR content like bright outdoor scenes in movies or the intense sunlight of desert planets in sci-fi epics. Samsung's Mini-LED implementation is respectable at around 1,400 nits, but it feels dim and restrained next to the TCL's aggressive light output.

More impressive is how the TCL handles its massive number of local dimming zones. On the 85-inch model, the QM8 utilizes over 2,300 zones compared to Samsung's much lower count. This results in deeper blacks and far less blooming around bright objects. The difference is night and day when watching content with high contrast ratios. Samsung's QN90B suffers from noticeable haloing in dark rooms, while the TCL maintains impressive control even during the most demanding scenes. If you're a movie lover who values cinematic HDR performance, the TCL QM8 is the undisputed champion here.

Gaming Capabilities and Motion Handling

Both TVs are excellent for gaming, but the TCL QM8 edges ahead with higher refresh rate support and better input lag performance. The QM8 supports 4K at 144Hz on PC, giving PC gamers a noticeable advantage over the Samsung's 120Hz ceiling. Both feature full HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM, making them perfect companions for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, the TCL's Game Accelerator mode delivers lower input lag numbers across the board, making it feel more responsive during fast-paced competitive gaming.

Motion handling is where Samsung shows some of its traditional strengths. The QN90B's motion processing algorithms are slightly more refined, reducing judder in 24fps film content without introducing excessive soap-opera effect. That said, the difference is minor, and most users will be perfectly happy with the TCL's motion performance, especially given its significantly lower price point. For console gamers, the TCL QM8 is the smarter purchase by a wide margin.

Smart Features and Build Quality

Samsung's Tizen platform remains one of the smoothest and most responsive smart TV interfaces available. The QN90B offers faster navigation and a more polished app selection compared to the Google TV platform on the TCL QM8. Samsung also includes its excellent Solar Remote that charges via indoor light, eliminating the need for batteries. These convenience features give Samsung an edge for users who value a premium smart TV experience.

However, Google TV on the TCL has improved dramatically and now offers better content discovery and integration with streaming services. The TCL also supports Dolby Vision, which the Samsung QN90B lacks. This is a significant omission for anyone invested in the Dolby Vision ecosystem through services like Disney+ or Apple TV+. Build quality on both TVs is solid, though the TCL QM8 feels slightly more substantial in its larger sizes despite costing less. The anti-reflective coating on the Samsung is marginally better for bright rooms, but the TCL's superior brightness more than compensates for this.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the TCL QM8 if:

• You want maximum performance per dollar spent
• Brightness and HDR impact are priorities
• You need a very large screen (85" or 98")
• You want Dolby Vision support
• You're primarily a gamer or HDR movie enthusiast

Buy the Samsung QN90B if:

• You prefer the Tizen smart platform and its ecosystem
• You value Samsung's brand reputation and customer support
• You watch a lot of sports with fast motion
• You're in a very bright room where anti-glare performance matters most
• You can find the Samsung at a deep discount

Final Verdict

The TCL QM8 is the clear winner in this comparison for several compelling reasons:

• Significantly higher peak brightness and better HDR performance
• More local dimming zones resulting in superior contrast control
• Better value across all screen sizes, especially at 85 inches
• Dolby Vision support that Samsung omits
• Higher refresh rate support for PC gaming
• Overall performance that punches well above its price class

While the Samsung QN90B is a competent TV with excellent motion handling and a refined smart platform, it simply cannot justify its higher price when the TCL QM8 delivers a more impressive picture for hundreds of dollars less. The TCL QM8 earns an impressive 8/10 in our testing, while the Samsung QN90B manages only a 5/10 given its disappointing value proposition. For most consumers, the choice is obvious: save your money and buy the TCL QM8. It's one of the best values in the entire TV market right now and proves that you don't need to pay premium prices for premium performance.

At the end of the day, television technology has reached a point where budget brands like TCL are legitimately outperforming legacy manufacturers like Samsung in key technical areas. The QM8 series represents a fundamental shift in the TV landscape, forcing companies like Samsung to either innovate faster or risk becoming irrelevant in the value segment. If you're shopping for a new TV in 2023 or 2024, the TCL QM8 should be at the very top of your list.