Samsung Q70R vs Sony X950G Review (QN55Q70R vs XBR55X950G, QN65Q70R vs XBR65X950G, QN75Q70R vs XBR75X950G, QN85Q70R vs XBR85X950G)

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Sony X950G is the top model of the Sony’s 2019 4K HDR LED TV lineup. It is the successor of the 2018’s X900F. On the other hand, the Samsung Q70R is the middle range of Samsung’s 2019 QLED TV lineup. In this lineup, it sits behind the Samsung Q60R and Q70R.  In the market, the X950G comes in 4 screen sizes including 55 inches (XBR55X950G), 65 inches (XBR65X950G), 75 Inches (XBR75X950G) and 85 inches (CXBR85X950G). Meanwhile, the Q70R is available on 4 screen sizes options including 49 inches (QN49Q70R), 55 inches (QN55Q70R), 65 inches (QN65Q70R), 75 inches (QN75Q70R), 82 inches QN82Q70R), and 85 inches (QN85Q70R).

Meanwhile, with the same screen sizes (QN55Q70R vs XBR55X950G, QN65Q70R vs XBR65X950G, QN75Q70R vs XBR75X950G, QN85Q70R vs XBR85X950G), the price of X950G is relatively more expensive than the Q70R, albeit for certain screen like their  75 inches model, the Q70R is sold more expensive than the X950G. But of course, their prices are not fixed and may still change as time goes by. Considering their prices which are not far adrift, which is a better choice between them?

Sony X950G vs Samsung Q70R Key Specs

Specs and Features	Samsung Q70R	Sony X950G
Screen sizes available	49 inch (QN49Q70R), 55 Inch (QN55Q70R), 65 inch (QN65Q70R), 75 Inch (QN75Q70R), and 82 Inch (QN82Q70R)	55 Inch (XBR55X950G), 65 inch (XBR65X950G), 75 inch (XBR75X950G), 85 inch (XBR85X950G)
Panel Technology	VA panel	VA Panel
Resolution	4K (2160 x 3840)	4K (2160 x 3840)
Backlight Technology	Direct LED	Direct LED
Local Dimming	Full Array Local Dimming (Direct Full Array 4x)	Full Array Local Dimming
Viewing Angle Enhancement	No	55 Inch and 65 Inch : No, 75 inch and 85 Inch : X-Wide Angle
Picture Processor	Quantum Processor 4K	4K HDR Processor X1 Ultimate
HDR Support	HDR10, HDR10+	Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10
Clarity Enhancement	4K AI Up-Scaling	4K X Reality Pro, Dual Database Processing, Object Based Super Resolution
Contrast Enhancement	Ultimate UHD Dimming	X-tended Dynamic Range Pro 6X, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object Based HDR Remaster
Color Enhancement	Quantum Dot Panel	Live Color Technology, Precision Color Mapping, Super Bit Mapping HDR, TriLuminos Display
Native Refresh Rate	120 Hz (49”(QN49Q70R): 60 Hz)	120 Hz
Motion Enhancement	Motion Rate 240 (49” model (QN49Q70R): Motion Rate 120)	X Motion Clarity
Smart TV Platform	Tizen 2019 with Bixby Voice Assistant	Android TV 8.0 Oreo
Remote	Samsung Smart Controller TM1950C	Sony’s 2019 Voice Remote Control
HDMI Ports	4	4
USB Ports	2	3
Audio Channel	2.1 CH	2 Ch
Audio Power Output	40 watts	10 watt + 10 watt
Speaker Type	Na	Acoustic Multi Audio
Price	See today’s price	See today’s price

Features and Technology of Sony X950G and Samsung Q70R

Panel Technology

The panel of the Sony X950G and Samsung Q70R use VA (Vertical Alignment) technology. As is typical of VA panel, this makes them have excellent native contrast ratio. Meanwhile, in order they both can deliver wide color gamut, the LED panel of the Q70R is supported by quantum dot technology while the X950G is supported by TriLuminos Display technology. Special for the 75 inches model (XBR75X950G) and 85 inches model (XBR85X950G) of X950G, their panel also has an optical layer called “X-Wide Angle” that can improve their side viewing angle coverage. This optical layer technology is also found on the Z9G and Z9F or is similar to “Ultra Viewing Angle” on Samsung Q90R. The use of this optical layer technology may make them have better side viewing angle coverage than most VA TVs, but on the other hand, this will reduce their native contrast ratio.

Backlight Technology

Sony X950G and Samsung Q70R both use direct LED backlight Technology with Full Array Local Dimming. But unfortunately, there is no explanation in detail on their official website, how many dimming zones of each. Meanwhile, to dim their backlight, they both use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming system). But even so, in most modes, they have a difference in dimming frequency. For this case, the Sony X950G uses 720 Hz while the Samsung Q70R uses 960 Hz of dimming frequency. Nevertheless, in certain modes or when their BFI (Black Frame Insertion) is enabled, their dimming frequency will automatically change to 120 Hz or 60 Hz, depend in the mode. About their dimming frequency and BFI mode will be discussed in details on Motion Technology Section below.

Image Processor

As their image processor, the Sony X950G is powered by 4K HDR Processor X1 Ultimate, the highest level of X1 processor. This processor is claimed can do better job in handling motion, improving fine details, and processing HFR ( High Frame Rate) content like 4K @120 Hz than the X1 Extreme, the image processor that is found on its predecessor X900F. In addition to the features embedded on the X1 Extreme like Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Precision Color Mapping, Super Bit Mapping HDR, and Object Based HDR Remaster, it has also a new feature called “Object Based Super Resolution”.

On the other hand, the Samsung Q70R is powered by Quantum Processor 4K. This chipset has applied AI (Artificial Intelligence) based algorithm in processing image, including when up-scaling non UHD content to 4K resolution. Additionally, this chipset also has machine learning capabilities.  Combination of AI and machine learning capabilities is very helpful to optimize the picture produced.  Additionally, this AI based chipset also makes the Samsung Q70R has some AI related features like Adaptive Sound, Adaptive Volume, and Adaptive Brightness that can automatically adjust the menu setting based on your viewing habit and condition of a room where it is used.

HDR Support

Both of them support more than one HDR format. In addition to HDR10, a static HDR images by UHD alliance, they both also supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) a HDR format developed by NHK and BBC for TV broadcasting. Additionally, the both also already supports HDR format that use dynamic metadata. But even so, the dynamic HDR format that supported by them is different. For this case, the Sony X950G supports Dolby Vision by Dolby Laboratories while the Samsung Q70R format HDR10+, the other dynamic HDR supports developed by Samsung and its alliance.

Motion Technology

For optimizing their performance in handling motion, the Samsung Q70R is powered by the Motion Rate 240 technology while the Sony X950G is powered by X Motion technology. But basically, these technologies are based on native 120 Hz refresh rate panel.  As you need to know, except the 49 inches model of Q70R (QN49Q70R), they both have native 120 Hz refresh rate panel. Meanwhile, special for the QN49Q70R, it only has native 60 Hz refresh rate panel and is powered by Motion 120 technology. Special for the Q70R, except its 49 inches model (QN49Q70R), it also already supports FreeSync Variable Refresh Rate technology that can improve its game experience. With 1080p and 1440p resolution, its refresh rate panel can change between 20 Hz – 120 Hz, while with 4K resolution, its refresh rate panel can change between 48 Hz – 60 Hz. Meanwhile, the Sony X950G doesn’t support any VRR Technology.

Just we have mentioned above, to dim their backlight, they both use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Dimming System. But even so, their dimming frequency is different. For this case, their dimming frequency can change to 120 Hz, depending on the Picture mode. Additionally, they both also have an optional BFI (Black Frame Insertion) that can help to make motion looks crisper. Enabling the BFI mode will automatically change their dimming frequency. But even so, the lowest possible frequency of their BFI when playing 60 fps content is different. The lowest possible frequency of the X950G is 120 Hz while the Q70R is 60 Hz. Of course, when playing 60 fps content like sports or video games, the BFI mode of the Q70R is more effective to make motion looks crisper than the X950G. But on the other hand, the lower dimming frequency will makes the backlight’s flicker is more noticeable.

Connectivity

Sony X950G and Samsung Q70R both have 4 HDMI port as their major connectivity. Their HDMI ports already support HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth, HDCP 2.2., CEC, and ARC (Q70R is on HDMI 4, X950G is on HDMI 3). The advantage of the Q70R, it supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). This allows it can automatically switch to low latency mode like game mode once there is a request from the source like a game console. Meanwhile, the X950G doesn’t support ALLM. On the other hand, the advantage of the X950G, in addition to its HDMI port (HDMI 3) supports ARC, it also supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). This allows its HDMI is able to pass higher audio quality like TrueHD encoded Dolby Atmos or DTS:X via DTS-HD MA.

Furthermore, the Sony X950G has 3 USB ports while the Sony Q70R only has 2 USB ports. One of the USB ports of X950G is USB 3.0 while the rest is USB 2.0. On the other hand, the Q70R doesn’t have USB 3.0 that means all of its USB ports are USB 2.0. Meanwhile, the X950G and Q70R both have 1 Tuner In (RF In), 1 Ethernet port, and 1 digital audio Out (optical). The X950G also has 1 Composite In (Adapter required, not included). The X950G also has 1 analog Audio Out (Mini Jack 3.5 mm), and IR in for its IR Blaster, while the Q70R doesn’t have these inputs.

Smart TV Platform

Both of them have a great of Smart Features. The Samsung Qt0R runs the latest version of Tizen OS or 2019 version. Its interface is well organized, very smooth and very easy to navigate, smoother than previous version. If on previous version, its interface is inconsistent and there is dropping frame occasionally, on this version, there is almost no serious issue. Meanwhile, talking about its apps, it has huge selections of apps. There are VoD Service like YouTube, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and more, Web Browser, Live TVs, Games, and many more. It also has an apps tore called “Samsung Apps Store” that provides tons of downloadable apps, games, and content.  The Tizen OS also already supports voice navigation that works with Samsung’s Bixby Voice. The Tizen OS now also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. But even so, the Q7R doesn’t have built-in Amazon Alexa built-in, so to get the advantage, you must buy Amazon Alexa compatible devices separately.

On the other hand, the Sony X950G also runs the latest version or Android TV or Android 8.0 Oreo. The Android Oreo is the best version of Android TV that ever. The main interface is very fast and well organized, faster better than previous versions. But even so, the complex interface can be somewhat confusing to beginners. Meanwhile, just like Tizen OS, the Android TV also has huge selections of pre-installed apps. There are VoD Service like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Videos, and more. If on its predecessor X900F, high bandwidth/resolution videos on YouTube cannot play smoothly, they now can play smoothly on X950G. Additionally, this TV also gives you access to the Play Store, the most excellent Apps store that provides tons of apps you can directly download from your TV. Just like other smart TVs, it also already supports voice navigation and works with Google Voice assistant. This TV also already supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and AirPlay 2, and others.

Remote

As their controller, Samsung Q70R comes with Samsung Smart Controller. Its remote is similar to we found on other models of Samsung’s 2019 TV lineup. This remote is small and only has few buttons. It doesn’t have “Number” buttons. But even so, this remote has three quick access buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, allows you to launch this apps without entering menu. Additionally, just like other smart remote, this remote also has built-in microphone for voice navigation. As we have mentioned, its voice navigation works with Samsung’s Bixby Voice Assistant. Bu a bit unfortunate, its voice navigation cannot perform function within apps like search within apps, and others. Furthermore, this remote also has “OneRemote” feature, allows you to control non CEC devices over IR. This means, not only CEC compatible devices that can be controlled by this remote, but also other devices that don’t support CEC.

 The Sony X950G comes with Sony’s Voice Remote. Contra with the Samsung’s remote, its remote is large and has a lot of buttons. It has two direct access buttons for Google Play Store and Netflix. This remote also have a design change from the last year model and has better button layout. It may be still made from a plastic material, but it now come with metallic tint. Just like the Samsung’s remote, this remote have a built-in microphone that allows you to give a voice command to the TV. To operate it, this remote have both IR and Bluetooth Connection where the IR connection is necessary for buttons function while Bluetooth connection is necessary for voice command.

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Samsung Q70R vs Sony X950G Performance

Black Level and Contrast

Both of them have excellent native contrast ratio. But even so, compare between them, the Samsung Q70R has higher native contrast ratio than the X950G. The native contrast ratio of the Samsung Q70R is around 7000:1 while the native contrast ratio of X950G is around 4500:1. Meanwhile, although not a lot, their local dimming feature is able to boost their native contrast ratio. With local dimming enabled, the contrast ratio of the Q70R is around 8000:1 while the contrast ratio of the X950G is around 5000:1.With this behavior, can be ascertained, the Samsung Q70R can produce deeper black level, which is around 0.012 nits. Meanwhile, although not as deep as black produced by the Q70R, black produced by the X950G actually is also fairly deep, that is around 0.02 nits. Regardless their difference, black produced by them is equally great, deep enough to show black looks really black, even when they are set in a pitch dark room. Additionally, black produced by them is also dark enough to reveal details in a dark scene, makes shadow details of HDR images looks excellently the way they should be.

Note: The 75 inches and 85 inches model (XBR75X850G and XBR85X950G) have an optical layer called “X Wide Angle” for improving their side viewing angle coverage. This causes their contrast ratio is reduced and relatively low for a TV with VA panel.

Winner: Q70R

SDR Peak Brightness

Both Samsung Q70R and Sony X950G also have good SDR peak brightness. But even so, compare between them, the X950G can get brighter than the Q70R. With real content, the X950G can get around 700 nits, while the Q70R get around 450 nits only. Meanwhile, with a test window, their peak brightness is depending on the content. The X950G can get its brightest peak brightness on 10% window (10 % of screen is white while the rest is black),   where it can get around 1150 nits. On 2% window, it can still get above 1000 nits. Meanwhile, the on 50% window, the X950G get its lowest peak brightness, which is around 675 nits. When showing the entire screen is white, it even is still able to hit above 700 nits. With this behavior, can be ascertained, its peak brightness is bright enough to fight the glare, even in a very bright room with a lot of lights. And combined to its excellent reflection handling, this makes it as a great TV when used in a very bright room.

On the other hand, even though not as bright as the X950G, the Samsung Q70R also has good SDR peak brightness. With real content, it can get 450 nits, bright enough to overcome the glare in most bright rooms.  Just like the X950G, the brightest peak brightness reached by the Q70R is on 10% window where it hit around 730 nits. On 2% window, it can still hit around 670 nits. Meanwhile, on 50% and 100% window, it hit around 450 nits where this is the lowest peak brightness reached by them.  With this behavior, the Samsung Q70R is not only able to get bright, but also can show highlight brighter than the rest.

Winner: X950G

HDR Peak Brightness

Just like with SDR content, the Sony X950G also has brighter peak brightness than the Samsung Q70R. With real content, the X950G can hit around 1100 nits that means it is great. On the other hand, although not as bright as the X950G, it can still hit around 750 nits, bright enough to show HDR images the way they should be. Meanwhile, with a test window, their peak brightness also depends on the content due to their local dimming. Both of them get their brightest peak brightness equally on 10% window where the X950G can hit around 1200 nits while the Q70R hit around 750 nits. Meanwhile, when showing the entire screen is bright, they get their lowest peak brightness where the X950G get around 750 nits while the Q70R get around 430 nits.

With this behavior, can be ascertained, the Sony X950G can show brighter HDR images than the Q70R. Even in certain scenes, it is able to show highlights of HDR images at 1000 – 4000 nits of brightness range intended by the content creator.  This TV really ahs remarkable HDR peak brightness, only a bit worse than the Q90R, the top model of Samsung’s 2019 QLED TV lineup. Meanwhile, the peak brightness of the Q70R may be not as excellent as the X950G. But its peak brightness is still bright enough to show bright HDR images with highlights that pop. But even so, since its peak brightness is still less than 1000 nits, of course it is not able to show HDR images at 1000-4000 nits of the target intended by the content creator.

Winner: X950G

Color Gamut and Volume

Samsung Q70R might be able to deliver slight wider color gamut than the X950G, but their difference is not too significant and doesn’t has a significant impact on the normal content. And overall, their color gamut is equally very good. In DCI P3 color space, their color gamut coverage is almost similar where their color gamut can cover around 93% of DCI P3uv and 88% of DCI P3xy. This means, most colors of HDR images that mastered in DCI P3 color space like HDR10 can be shown fairly well. Meanwhile in Rec.2020, the color coverage of Q70R is a bit better where it can cover around 74% while the X950G cover around 70%. But even so, even though its color gamut coverage in Rec.2020 is not as wide as the Q70R, but this is still acceptable for Dolby Vision content that mastered in Rec.2020.

Furthermore, the Samsung Q70R also has a bit better color volume than the Sony X950G. But even so, this is more caused the Q&0R has a bit wider color gamut than the Q950G. But even so, regardless their difference, their color volume is equally decent. They both can well produce bright and dark colors at almost of their entire color gamut. But as is typical of LED TV, they both cannot produce very bright blues. Overall, combination of their wide color gamut and decent color volume allows them to produce colorful HDR images with vivid colors.

Winner: Q70R

Color Gradient

While the Samsung Q70R has a bit better color gamut 50G, in term of color gradient, the Sony X950G can deliver smoother color gradient. On the screen of X950G, color gradient of HDR images displayed on their screen looks very smooth. In dark green and grey, there might an almost imperceivable amount of banding, but this should not be a problem in normal content. Nevertheless, if you still feel bothered with them, you can correct this by setting the “Smooth Gradation” to “Low”.  But on the other hand, this may be able to cause the picture loses some fine details. Meanwhile, although not as smooth as the X950G, overall, the Q70R also has good color gradient. There may be some banding in almost all dark shades of colors, but for most people, this should be hard to notice. Nevertheless, just like on X950G, if you still feel bothered with them, the Q70R has a feature called “Digital Clean View” that has a function like “Smooth Gradation” on the X950G. By setting this feature to “Auto”, this will eliminate most of banding, but at the same time, it can cause some a loss of some fine details in certain scenes.

Winner: X950G

Side Viewing Angle

As is typical of LED TVs with VA panel, the Sony X950G and Samsung Q70R also has poor side viewing angle coverage. Started at around 15 degrees off center and front, their black level will rise quickly. So, from the side, black will tend to look grey. Additionally, their color also will lose its accuracy started at around 25 degrees off center. Not only that, their peak brightness also drops quickly started at around 30 degrees off center. This means, when viewed from the side, the picture displayed on their screen will look less accurate and not as good as when viewed from the center and front. But even so, as long as you don’t often watch TV from the side, this should not be a problem. But even so, if you need a TV with good side viewing angle, you can go to IPS TV like LG SM9500 or OLED TV like LG B9 or Sony A8G.

Note: Just we have mentioned, the 75 inches and 85 inches model of X950G have an optical layer called “X-Wide angle”.  This makes them have better side viewing angle coverage than most VA TVs, but still worse than IPS TV or OLED TV.

Winner: Draw (equally bad)

Motion Handling

The Sony X950G has slightly lower pixel response which is around 10 ms than the Samsung Q70R that has pixel response time of around 14 ms. And we have known, the lower pixel response time of a TV, the less blur that may be noticeable.  But even so, regardless their difference, their pixel response time is equally low enough to make motion looks smooth and clear. When they are playing fast moving images like sports or video games, motion looks very smooth and clear with only very short faint trail following fast moving object.  The blur that may be visible is more due to persistence.

To minimize blur that caused by persistence of backlight flicker, both Samsung Q70R and Sony X950G has an optional BFI (Black Frame Insertion) mode. By enabling this mode, this will help to make motion looks crisper. Bet even, their BFI mode has difference in behavior when playing 60 fps content like video games or sports. The lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern of the Q70R when its BFI mode enabled is 60 Hz while the X950G is 120 Hz. This means, in reducing persistence blur when they playing 60 fps content, the BFI mode of Q70R is more effective than the X950G. But just we have mentioned, the lower frequency of flickering pattern causes the backlight’s flicker is more noticeable. The other advantage offered by the Q70R, it already supports FreeSync Variable Refresh Rate panel technology that can improve its game experience.

Meanwhile, when playing 24p movies, they both can do excellent job. This means, regardless the 24p source, whether it s native 24p content like DVD or Blu-Ray Movies, 24p content via native apps like YouTube, Netflix, and others, 24p content via 60i signals like movies from satellite TV, or even 24p content via 60p signal like movies from streaming devices, all of them can be shown clearly and smoothly on their screen with judder-free. Nevertheless, to play 24p movies with judder- free, on Samsung Q70R, you must set the “Auto Motion Plus” to “Custom” and both Blur and Judder Reduction slider to “0”. Meanwhile, on Sony X950G, you must set “Motion Flow” to “Custom”, “CineMotion” to “Auto”, “Smoothness” to “Min”.

Note: The 49 inches model of Q70R (QN49Q70R) doesn’t support VRR technology and only has native 60 Hz panel.

Winner: The X950G is better in pixel response time, The Q70R has better BFI mode and already supports Variable Refresh Rate

Input Lags

Both of them have excellent input lags in PC and Game mode. But even so, compare between them, overall, the input lags of the Samsung Q&0R is lower than the Sony X950G. With 60 fps content, regardless the resolution, the input lags of Q70R is almost similar, which is around 15 ms. On the other hand, the input lags of the X950G is also similar at any resolution, which is around 20 ms. Meanwhile, with 120 fps content, the input lags of Q70R is around 6 ms on both 1080p and 1440p resolution, while the input lags of X950G is around 11 ms at 1080p resolution. You need to know, the X950G doesn’t support 1440p and 4K @ 120 Hz, while the Q70R doesn’t support 4K @ 120 Hz. As we have known, the Q70R also supports Variable Refresh Rate. In VRR mode, its input lags at 1080p and 1440p resolution is around 6 ms while at 4K resolution, its input lag is around 14 ms.

With this behavior, can be ascertained, when used for playing games, the Q70R is a bit more responsive than the X950G. Let alone the Q70R also supports VRR technology that offer better game experience with nearly screen tearing-free, this certainly makes the Q70R is better when used for playing games. On the other hand, even though not as low as the input lags of Q70R, the input lags of X950G actually is also low enough to make it very responsive when used for playing game. Its input lags even are lower than the predecessor X900F.

Note: The 49 inches model of Q70R (QN49Q70R) only has native 60 Hz refresh rate panel that means it doesn’t support 120 fps content.

Winner: Q70R

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Summary

Performance	Samsung Q70R	Sony X950G
Picture Quality	(4.1/5)	(4.1/5)
HDR	(4.3/5)	(4.2/5)
Motion Handling	(4.6/5)	(4.3/5)
Inputs	(4.8/5)	(4.6/5)
Sound Quality	(3.3/5)	(3.0/5)
Smart TV	(4/5)	(4/5)

Conclusion

As we have discussed a lot above, both Samsung Q70R and Sony X950G actually are good TVs for their price range. Except their side viewing angle, their performance in almost all aspects are very good, make them are as good TVS for any usage. This means, no matter they are used for watching movies in a dark room, watching sports in a bright room, playing movies, watching HDR content, or smart TV experience, their performance is not disappointed. Meanwhile, compare between them, each of them has advantages and disadvantages than the others. The Q70R is superior in producing black, color gamut and volume, BFI mode, VRR Technology, and Input Lags. On the other hand, the X950G is superior in SDR and HDR peak brightness, color gradient, and pixel response time.

So, which is a better choice between them? The decision certainly comes back to you according to your preference. If you need a brighter TV, particularly for HDR experience, the X950G might be a better. But on the other hand, if you want to buy TV for watching movies in a dark room or playing games, we think the Q70R is better.  But keep in mind, this comparison is not as true to the 49 inches model of Q70R (QN49Q70R) particularly on its motion handling performance, or the 75 inches and 85 inches model of the X950G (XBR75X950G and XBR85X950G), particularly on their contrast ratio and side viewing angle.

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