Review: Samsung QN70F (TQ65QN70F)

Samsung has a wide range of models to choose from in its extensive TV range, and among these, the QN70F sits in the centre of the pack: this is a TV for those who aren’t necessarily looking for the best of the best, but still want great picture quality, modern design and smart features – without costing an arm and a leg.

Samsung QN70F: “Neo QLED” with a twist

What characterises the QN70F – and what lies behind the “QN” in the model name – is that this is one of the most affordable Neo QLED models from Samsung this year. It is equipped with so-called Edge MiniLED backlighting, which is a kind of hybrid between full-fledged MiniLED and traditional edge lighting. Here Samsung tries to achieve some of the benefits of local dimming and higher contrast without the price getting out of hand. There aren’t hundreds of LEDs on the inside of the panel, just a few along the underside, but it’s still enough to provide a noticeable improvement in contrast.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because some of the same technology is used in the design model The Frame Pro, which we tested earlier. Like that model, the QN70F has a QLED picture panel with 4K resolution, local dimming and support for up to 144 Hz frame rate. However, it has to do without Samsung’s matte display filter (Matte Display) and wireless connection box – all ports are located directly on the back.

However, you still get four HDMI inputs with full 4K/144Hz support, making this model attractive to gaming enthusiasts. The QN70F is available in screen sizes from 55 all the way up to 85 inches, and we’d guess that the 55- or 65-inch models, for example, would be most relevant for those looking to keep costs under control.

Note! There are also a few so-called derivative models (slightly modified models with different model numbers) on the market. The Samsung QN77F and QN74 have very similar specifications to the QN70F, with only a few minor differences in equipment, and are sold exclusively in chain stores.

Smart TV with AI assistance

The graphical user interface is familiar from Samsung’s other 2025 models. The menus have been updated this year with clearer navigation and the QN70F offers the latest AI features.

Highlights include AI Picture Mode, which continuously analyses and adjusts image processing according to content. This is primarily useful for those who don’t want to adjust the settings themselves. For purists, there is of course also Filmmaker Mode, which shows the film as the director intended it to be watched.

The app selection is impeccable with broad access to both local and global streaming services. And if you need something to watch, there’s also Samsung’s “free with ads” streaming service, Samsung TV+, which has classics like Baywatch and Top Gear in its repertoire.

The QN70F is also one of the models that now has access to Samsung’s Art Store with digital artwork and images previously reserved for The Frame family. This means that you can also use your TV as a stylish “picture wall” when you’re not watching films. But without the fancy frames, of course.

Picture quality

At the end of the day, it’s all about the picture – and the QN70F has more than enough to offer in this price range.

The brightness (measured at around 750 nits) is good enough for the TV to perform excellently in lit rooms. The picture is sharp and detailed, and the QLED panel provides rich, nuanced colours. Movement is silky smooth and Samsung’s image processing produces very little noise.

In fact, the edge-mounted MiniLED lighting provides surprisingly good contrast with visibly better dynamics than regular LCD screens. Bright details have more punch and the black level is deeper – without too much halo effect around objects. This is a clear step up from the more affordable models in the Q7F series, for example.

The image has some similarities with The Frame Pro in terms of brightness and contrast, but it’s worth mentioning that the QN70F uses a slightly simpler video processor. While The Frame Pro is equipped with the latest NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, the QN70F has to make do with the previous generation NG4 AI Gen2, which has fewer so-called neural networks (20 versus 128 in Gen3). This is noticeable in how the TV handles video content of varying quality, such as upscaling streaming or direct broadcast TV with lower resolution.

Some will probably also miss the super matte screen surface of the Frame Pro model. This is especially true if you have a lot of light or windows right behind the sofa – these will definitely be reflected on the screen from time to time. In a more enclosed space, however, this isn’t a problem. So again, it’s important to consider your own needs and the area where the TV will be used when choosing a TV.

Of course, the QN70F can’t match the contrast of an OLED TV or more expensive MiniLED models with multiple dimming zones, which are known to provide a more fireworks-like viewing experience with new HDR films – but you can’t expect that either. And you still get great picture quality for your money.

Competitors

However, this price range is full of challengers, and Samsung has to live with that. Let’s not forget that this year, competitor TCL has introduced a model with direct MiniLED backlighting, the C6K/MQLED75K. It can deliver slightly higher brightness and contrast thanks to a more advanced backlight system. Not to mention support for the popular HDR format Dolby Vision, which we consider an advantage in this price range. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the TCL model is better in all respects. Where Samsung is traditionally strong is when it comes to sharp image processing, smooth movements and a well-functioning user interface that provides a really good overall experience.

Sound quality

On the audio side, the Samsung display does a good job with fine and clear voice reproduction, creating a wide soundstage for both films and music. But sooner or later you’ll definitely miss a little more punch and presence, not to mention bass. In our opinion, a soundbar is almost a must – although the QN70F isn’t the only TV that has a somewhat slim sound. If you choose a compatible Samsung soundbar or a pair of Music Frame speakers, you can also transfer the sound wirelessly via your Wi-Fi network.

 

Conclusion

The Samsung QN70F is a good example of how you don’t necessarily have to go for the top models to get a great TV experience. The QN70F delivers great picture quality for its price range with good brightness, accurate colours and smooth motion. It also has many smart features, a clear and efficient user interface, and for many, the good connectivity options will be a plus.

Of course, the contrast could have been even better with full MiniLED backlighting and even more dimming zones, but within its price range, the QN70F does a good job. Many will want even better sound, but that’s the case with most slim TVs. All in all, the Samsung QN70F is a well-designed and complete TV for those who want a good TV experience without breaking the bank.