Samsung Nu7100 Vs Qn Series Is The New Qn Really Worth The Upgrade Reddit Reviews

When it comes to upgrading your home entertainment setup, few decisions are as impactful as choosing the right TV. For Samsung owners, the leap from a mid-tier model like the NU7100 to a newer QN (QLED) series—such as the Q60B or Q80C—can feel both exciting and uncertain. With higher price tags and bold marketing claims, many users turn to communities like Reddit to find real-world experiences before making a purchase. So, is the new QN series truly worth the upgrade over the aging but still capable NU7100? Let’s break down the key differences, analyze authentic user feedback, and help you decide if the jump justifies the cost.

Understanding the Core Differences

The Samsung NU7100, released in 2018, was a solid 4K UHD LED TV that offered good picture quality for its time. It featured HDR10 support, a decent contrast ratio, and Samsung’s older Tizen-based smart platform. While reliable, it lacks quantum dot technology, full-array local dimming (FALD), and advanced processing chips found in today’s models.

In contrast, the newer QN series (marketed under various names like Q60, Q70, Q80) uses Samsung’s QLED technology. This means quantum dots enhance color volume and brightness, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. These newer sets also come with improved processors (like the Quantum Processor 4K), better motion handling, and enhanced smart features via updated Tizen OS versions.

The hardware evolution between these two lines isn’t subtle—it reflects nearly half a decade of advancements in display engineering, backlighting, and AI-powered upscaling.

Key Upgrades in the QN Series Over the NU7100

• Quantum Dot Color: Wider color gamut and improved saturation, especially noticeable in HDR content.
• Brightness & Contrast: Higher peak brightness and optional FALD (on mid-to-high-end QN models) for deeper blacks.
• Processor Power: Newer models use AI-driven upscaling, making 1080p and even SD content look sharper.
• Smart Features: Faster interface, voice assistant integration (Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant), and better app performance.
• Gaming Enhancements: HDMI 2.1 on select models, VRR, ALLM, and lower input lag for smoother gameplay.

Tip: If you watch a lot of streamed content or play next-gen consoles, prioritize HDMI 2.1 and low input lag—features absent in the NU7100.

Reddit Reviews: What Real Users Are Saying

Across subreddits like r/TVs, r/SamsungTV, and r/CableFree, dozens of users have shared their direct comparisons between the NU7100 and newer QN series models. The consensus? The upgrade is “noticeable,” but not always “transformative”—especially for casual viewers.

One Redditor with a Q60B wrote: “Coming from an NU7100, the jump in brightness and color pop is clear. Sunsets in nature documentaries look richer, and sports on live TV feel more immersive. But in a dimly lit room, the difference shrinks.”

Another user noted: “The real win is the processor. Upscaling HD content on Netflix looks significantly cleaner. I didn’t realize how much better 1080p could look until I saw it on the Q80C.”

Critics of the upgrade often cite diminishing returns. A long-time NU7100 owner who tested a Q70A at a store commented: “It’s better, sure—but not $500 better. If my NU7100 hadn’t started showing clouding issues, I’d stick with it.”

“Picture quality improvements matter most when you’re watching HDR content in a bright room. If you mostly watch cable TV at night, the NU7100 might still serve you well.” — u/TechSavvyCouch, Reddit TV Enthusiast

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung NU7100	Newer QN Series (e.g., Q60B/Q80C)
Display Technology	LED LCD	QLED (Quantum Dot)
Peak Brightness (nits)	~300–400	500–1000+ (varies by model)
Local Dimming	Edge-lit only	Full-array (mid-range+) or Edge-lit (entry-level)
Color Volume	Good (DCI-P3 ~85%)	Excellent (DCI-P3 ~100%+)
Processor	Samsung 4K Processor	Quantum Processor 4K (AI-enhanced)
HDMI Ports	3x HDMI 2.0	3–4x (some HDMI 2.1 on higher models)
Gaming Features	No VRR, ~30ms input lag	VRR, ALLM, ~10–15ms input lag (HDMI 2.1 models)
Smart Platform	Tizen 2018	Tizen 2022–2023 (faster, more apps)
Average Price (65\")	$400–$500 (used/refurbished)	$600–$1,100 (new)

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, consider your viewing habits and environment. Use this checklist to evaluate whether the QN series offers meaningful benefits for your lifestyle:

• ✅ Do you watch a lot of HDR content (Netflix, Disney+, Blu-ray)? → QN’s superior brightness and color will shine.
• ✅ Do you game on PS5 or Xbox Series X? → HDMI 2.1 and VRR on higher-end QN models are essential.
• ✅ Is your viewing room brightly lit? → QN’s higher nits handle glare better than the NU7100.
• ✅ Do you notice banding or clouding on your current NU7100? → Upgrade may resolve aging panel issues.
• ❌ Do you mostly watch standard cable or 1080p streams in a dark room? → Differences may be minimal; hold off.
• ❌ Is your NU7100 still performing reliably? → You might be paying for features you won’t fully use.

Real-World Example: John’s Upgrade Journey

John, a Reddit user from r/AVSociety, upgraded his 65” NU7100 to a 65” Q80C after four years. He primarily watches streaming movies and plays occasional games. After calibration, he noticed immediate improvements: “The sky in ‘Dune’ had actual texture, not just flat blue. Black levels were deeper during night scenes in ‘Stranger Things.’ And my PS5 games felt more responsive thanks to auto-low latency mode.”

However, he admitted the biggest change wasn’t raw picture quality—it was convenience. “The new remote has solar charging, the voice search actually works, and the TV wakes up faster. Little things that add up.”

His advice? “If your NU7100 is struggling with modern apps or you want future-proof gaming features, go for the QN. But if you’re just chasing ‘better picture,’ test one in person first.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the QN series fix motion blur issues I have with the NU7100?

Yes, to an extent. Higher-end QN models include better motion interpolation and black frame insertion options. While they won’t match OLED, they outperform the NU7100 in fast-action clarity, especially with sports and action films.

Is the NU7100 obsolete in 2024?

Not entirely. It still supports 4K HDR and runs major streaming apps. However, lack of HDMI 2.1, slower processor, and no official support for newer features (like HDR10+ Adaptive) make it outdated for cutting-edge use cases.

Do all QN series TVs have full-array local dimming?

No. Entry-level QN models (like Q60B) often use edge-lit systems. True FALD starts at the Q70/Q80 tier. Check specs carefully—this greatly affects contrast and halo control.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung NU7100 was a strong performer in its era, but technology has moved forward. The newer QN series delivers tangible improvements in brightness, color, processing, and smart functionality—especially valuable for HDR enthusiasts, gamers, and those in bright living rooms.

Reddit sentiment largely supports the upgrade, but with caveats: the value depends on your usage. If you're pushing your current TV to its limits or investing in a next-gen ecosystem, the QN series is a worthy step up. But if you're satisfied with your NU7100 and don’t consume high-end content, the upgrade may feel more incremental than revolutionary.

Ultimately, the decision isn’t just about specs—it’s about how you experience your TV every day. When the details matter, the QN delivers. When basic viewing suffices, the NU7100 still holds its ground.

🚀 Ready to decide? Compare both models side-by-side in a retail store, read recent Reddit threads, and ask yourself: what do I actually need? Share your thoughts or upgrade story in the comments below.