Mother's Day deal: Samsung The Frame QLED TV

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See more of today's best TV deals and the best OLED TV deals happening right now. You can also look forward to upcoming discounts at the Memorial Day sales event, which will include Memorial Day TV sales. 

The Samsung S85D series sits beneath the flagship Samsung S95D and mid-range Samsung S90D OLED TVs. We selected the S90D’s predecessor, the Samsung S90C as our best TV in 2023 for its compelling combination of performance and value, and expect that the new S85D series will follow in its footsteps.

Pricing for the S85D series OLED TVs is as follows:

• 55-inch: $1,699.99 (around £1,350 / AU$2,560)
• 65-inch: $2,099.99 (around £1,670 / AU$3.165)
• 77-inch: $3,399.99 (around £2,700 / AU$5,120)

According to Samsung, the new OLED TVs feature the same NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor and 4K AI Upscaling found in the company’s other 2024 OLED TVs, the flagship S95D series included. They also support Pantone Validated Colors and come with the Samsung TV Plus free TV portal and Samsung Gaming Hub.

Samsung S85D TVs provide four HDMI 2.1 ports with 120Hz and ALLM support. For audio, they have 2 x 20-watt built-in speakers, Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Lite, and a Q Symphony feature that lets the TV’s speakers work in tandem with a Samsung soundbar for an enhanced presentation.

Along with the S85D OLED TVs, Samsung also announced US pricing and availability for its new 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90D OLED TV models. Pricing for other sizes had previously been announced.

• 42-inch: $1,399.99 (coming soon)
• 48-inch: $1,599.99 (around £1,270 / AU$2,400)
• 83-inch: $5,399.99 (around £4,290 / AU$8,140)

With their smaller screen size options, 144Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium VRR, plus the Samsung Gaming Hub cloud-based gaming portal found in the company’s other TVs, Samsung is positioning the S90D series as the perfect option for gamers.

Opinion: The more OLED TVs the better – if it keeps prices down 

The best OLED TVs are getting brighter and, with 83-inch models now common, bigger. But OLED TVs generally remain a pricey option compared to regular QLED and even mini-LED TVs. That’s why it’s encouraging to see Samsung branch out with a third, lower-cost OLED TV series in the new S85D models, and add smaller, more affordable screen sizes to its S90D series.

That’s not to say Samsung’s new S85D OLED TVs are cheap. They exactly match the launch prices of last year’s S90C series, which the higher-cost models in the new S90D series replace. So, while prices of Samsung OLED TVs in general are going up (the new S95D series flagship OLEDs start at $2,599 for the 55-inch screen size), at least the company is providing us with a less expensive option.

One important thing to consider about the new TVs is the type of display panel being used. While the new S95D series TVs use QD-OLED panels manufactured by Samsung, the 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90D series models use regular W-OLED panels sourced from LG display. Even more confusing, Samsung hasn’t confirmed that the other screen sizes in the S90D series will use a QD-OLED instead of a W-OLED panel, a situation that’s been characterized as an OLED TV “screen lottery.”

Samsung hasn’t specifically stated if the new S85D series will use QD-OLED or W-OLED panels, though given the cheaper pricing, it’s possible that Samsung went with W-OLED. That’s not to say the new S85D TVs won’t look good. We had a chance to do a hands-on test of a 48-inch Samsung S90D OLED, a model that uses a W-OLED panel, and found the picture quality to be very good overall.

QD-OLED or W-OLED, the new Samsung S85D series TVs are the company’s entry-level OLED models for 2024, and while we won’t know for sure about its performance until we get an S85D in for testing, we’re hoping it will provide the same bang for the buck as last year’s Samsung S90C series.

You might also like,,,

• LG, Samsung and others are rolling out their 2024 OLED TVs – here are 5 things you need to know about them
• I saw Samsung’s new flagship OLED TV, and its anti-reflection tech is the star
• I lived with Samsung’s S95D QD-OLED TV for a week, and it’s a game changer

• Browse all TV deals at Best Buy

Let's start with the LG C3 77-inch 4K OLED TV for $2,299.99 (was $2,699.99). This display still holds firmly in our best TV guide for its great performance and fantastic picture quality for TV shows, films, and gaming. While it has been slightly cheaper before, this is still a great price for an enormous OLED screen.

If you want a cheaper but still top-quality display, consider this Samsung Q80C 65-inch 4K QLED TV for $999.99 (it was $1,299.99). It's a steal at $1,000, which is a benchmark we like to aim for if you want an affordable QLED TV. It's especially great for sports and gaming, thanks to its high brightness levels and impressive ability to handle motion.

Those are just two of the many highlights from the latest Best Buy 4K TV sale. You can check out more of my recommendations below.

Best Buy 4K TV sale - quick links

• Samsung S90C 65-inch 4K OLED TV: was $1,699.99 now $1,599.99 at Best Buy
• LG C3 77-inch 4K OLED TV: was $2,699.99 now $2,299.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung QN90C 65-inch 4K QLED TV: was $1,699.99 now $1,599.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Q60C 43-inch 4K QLED TV: was $529.99 now $479.99 at Best Buy
• Sony X80K 85-inch 4K LED TV: was $1,599.99 now $1,299.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung CU7000 55-inch 4K TV: was $379.99 now $369.99 at Best Buy
• Sony A75L 55-inch 4K OLED TV: was $1,599.99 now $1,199.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Q80C 65-inch 4K QLED TV: was $1,299.99 now $999.99 at Best Buy

Today's best TV deals at Best Buy

If you want to browse more options you can find more of the latest TV deals hand-picked by TechRadar below. And if the set you've been waiting for isn't in this sale then do check back soon as we've got the Best Buy Memorial Day sale and Memorial Day TV sales coming at the end of May.

The Hisense U9N series TVs slot between the company’s flagship ULED X series and the new U8N series (review coming soon) TVs, and incorporate technology from the ULED X lineup. Specifically, they use Hisense’s Hi-View Engine X picture processing and a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones. That’s a strikingly high number, even among the best TVs that use mini-LED – the Hisense U8K, in contrast, topped out at around 1,000 local dimming zones.

As you might expect, the premium tech packaged in the U9N series comes with a price boost over the U8N series, with the 75-inch version selling for $2,999 (around  £2,400 / AU$ 4,530) and $3,999 (around  £3,200 / AU$ 6,050) for the 85-inch version. (Compare that to the $1,999 pricing for the 75-inch Hisense U8N.) Hisense plans to ship both models this summer, and they will be sold at Best Buy and Amazon.

The U9N series also has a premium design that aligns closely with the ULED X series TVs. That includes an aluminum bezel and side-mounted speakers, with the latter providing the left and right channels for the TV’s built-in 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker system, which gets up to 82 watts of power (on the 85-inch model).

Picture-enhancing features of the U9N series include Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range support, and IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode presets. An ultra-wide viewing angle feature ensures that picture quality is maintained when viewing from off-center seats and the screen also has an anti-glare coating to reduce reflections.

On the gaming front, the U9N series supports a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. 

The Google TV platform handles smart features and streaming and there’s an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving next-gen digital TV broadcasts.

Picture Performance

Along with its massive dimming zone count, Hisense has made dramatic brightness claims for its U9N series and the other new Hisense TVs announced for 2024. With the TV in its Filmmaker Mode picture preset, I measured around 3,000 nits peak brightness on a 10% white window pattern – a result that bests even the new Samsung QN900D flagship 8K TV, which measured around 2,400 nits on the same test. Dramatically high brightness confirmed!

Brightness with a fullscreen white test pattern in the same mode was 600 nits, a result that also bests Samsung’s flagship TV. On other tests, the 75-inch U9N managed a very impressive 99.3% coverage of the UHDA-P3 color gamut and 82% of the BT.2020 color gamut, and a measured input lag of 15.2ms when in Game mode. That level of input lag isn’t the best we’ve measured – some of the best gaming TVs clock in under 10ms – but it’s still considered good enough.

Along with its stellar measured performance, the QN9 has excellent off-axis uniformity. Looking at a pattern from the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc designed to test off-axis performance, the TV’s ultra-wide viewing angle feature ensured that color and contrast were perfectly uniform even at a far off-center viewing position.

With 5,300 local dimming zones, you’d expect to see detailed reproduction of shadows in dark scenes, and the UN9 didn’t disappoint. Watching the scene in Dune: Part One where Paul Atreides is tested by the Reverend Mother (Question: “What’s in the box?” Answer: “Pain”), backgrounds in the dim environment had a high level of clarity, and the mesh covering her face was a deep, solid black tone.

While I didn’t notice anything off with movies, I did note some “black blotching’ effects on a starfield test pattern on the Spears & Munsil disc designed to test local dimming performance. Basically, with local dimming switched off, I could see plenty of stars in the pattern, and when switched to the Filmmaker Mode’s default High setting, large patches of stars disappeared. Hisense told me the issue is something they had also noted, however, and it will be fixed before the UN9 ships this summer.

Turning to No Time to Die, another demo 4K Blu-ray and one that I use to test motion handling, there was a high level of motion judder in a shot where the camera pans across a cemetery on a craggy hillside. Adjusting both the Custom Judder and Blur settings in the Motion Clarity menu to +4 remedied the issue, and it only added a very slight amount of “motion smoothing” to the image.

Although the U9N is touted as having an anti-glare screen, I could see a fair amount of screen reflections when I turned on the overhead lights in the room I tested it in. It certainly wasn’t the worst instance of this I’ve encountered, but having seen the new Samsung S95D OLED TV’s Glare-Free technology in action, which proved completely immune to room lighting, I’m starting to have higher expectations for glare-reduction tech.

Sound performance 

Most high-end TVs now arrive with built-in 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker systems, which use actual upfiring speaker drivers on the TV’s top edge rather than virtual processing to deliver Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Hisense’s U9N managed to play loud during the action scenes in both Dune and No Time to Die without sounding overly strained and there was good bass and dialogue clarity. Built-in TV speakers typically aren’t a match for the best soundbars, but anyone wanting spacious Dolby Atmos sound from a TV alone will not be disappointed with the U9N’s performance.

Mini-LED to the max 

The Hisense U9N’s high brightness and impressive local dimming make it a hot prospect to land among the best TVs of 2024. And even though the 75-inch model’s $2,999 price could be considered high for a TV, it’s still quite reasonable compared to the mini-LED competition – it's lower than the 75-inch Samsung QN90D, for example, which costs $3,299.

Does the Hisense U9N leave room for improvement? Its motion handling isn’t the best, and when I measured it in Filmmaker Mode, both gamma and white balance were less accurate than what I usually expect from a premium TV. Even so, I walked away from my encounter with the U9N impressed, and could see it making serious waves this summer once it arrives.

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The Samsung HW-Q990D follows in the footsteps of one of the best soundbars in recent years, the Samsung HW-Q990C, but adds gaming features including 4K 120Hz and VRR pass-through, along with a more refined and controlled sound profile. 

Filled to the brim with features, the Q990D offers plenty of settings for those who like to experiment. AI enhancements including Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit allow the Q990D to analyze sources and the viewing environment to create the best possible experience. Alongside these, the new gaming features enable users to get the most from their PS5 or Xbox Series X. And for those with a Samsung TV, there’s also Q-Symphony and a wireless Dolby Atmos option.

Carrying 22 speakers across four units, with an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D confirms Samsung's continued domination of the soundbar market, especially when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. But, it’s not just immersive sound where it succeeds, as bass levels are punchy yet refined and trebles and mids can breathe easy over the bass.  The Q990D also serves as an excellent music streaming option whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with its wide soundstage giving every aspect of a song the space it needs.

Although on the bulkier side, the Q990D feels every bit its premium price thanks to its solid build quality, and it has a sleek, modern look. The main soundbar’s size may be an issue for some and its front LED display is not the most user-friendly, but for many, it will beat the mess of cables you get with a wired home theater setup.

With a variety of control options including a supplied remote and the Samsung SmartThings app, the Q990D is easy to use and tailor settings to how you like. Initial setup is a breeze, making it simple to get great sound. 

The Q990D may be a premium soundbar, and there are cheaper options such as last year’s Samsung Q990C and this year’s Samsung HW-Q930D, but neither of those carries the full range of features or the performance found in the Q990D. Although pricey, it delivers the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience you can get today. 

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Price & release date

• Release date - March 2024 
• Price - $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995 

The Samsung HW-Q990D is Samsung’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2024. Released at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar package.

For context, that’s roughly $400 more than the JBL Bar 1300X, an older soundbar that includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer, but is roughly $500 more than the most widely available Sonos home theater package, which features the Sonos Arc, Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a pair of Sonos Era 100s as rears.

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Specs

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Features

• 11.1.4 speaker channels 
• HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support  
• Wireless Dolby Atmos  

The Samsung Q990D has many of  the same features as its impressive predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990C, including 11.1.4 speaker channels and 22 speakers spread across the four units (soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers).

One new feature is HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, with both HDMI inputs supporting 4K120Hz and VRR. Both HDMI ports also pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.

Supported sound formats include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD. 

The Q990D is stacked with sound-enhancing features including Adaptive Sound, which analyzes what you’re watching and intelligently adjusts audio levels; SpaceFit Sound Pro, which analyzes your environment and tunes the Q990D’s audio output for the space; and Game Mode Pro, which tailors directional sound to optimal levels when gaming.

Wi-Fi streaming on the Q990D supports hi-res audio formats including ALAC, FLAC and WAV and also Dolby Atmos music tracks found on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. Speaking of streaming, there is also Spotify and Tidal Connect support. 

There are some Samsung-exclusive enhancements alongside these features (meaning they only work with compatible Samsung TVs). The first is Q-Symphony, where the Q990D works with the speakers of a Samsung TV to boost sound even further. The next is wireless Dolby Atmos, where a Samsung TV can stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks - albeit a compressed version - to the Q990D.

Last is Tap Sound, where you tap your Samsung smartphone on the Q990D and it starts playing the music you’re streaming. 

Control options include a hardware remote control and the Samsung SmartThings app. With the app, you can make EQ adjustments, activate voice and bass enhancement, and select Night Mode, which adjusts the sound to a suitable level for late-night viewing or listening. The app also isn’t just for the Q990D, but can control any compatible Samsung product.

• Features score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Performance

• Exceptional immersive sound
• Powerful, yet detailed audio 
• Impressive gaming performance 

For years, Samsung’s flagship soundbars have continually impressed, serving as a pinnacle of what a soundbar-based home theater audio system is capable of, and the Q990D continues this trend. 

With 22 speakers across the four units, including four height channels, in an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D creates an outstanding immersive experience, with expert reproduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks and real surround sound.

Watching Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus, the final attack and ensuing space battle involving the Death Star was every bit as cinematic as it should be. As X-Wings and Tie Fighters shot across the screen from every angle, the direction of the soaring engines glided across the speakers impeccably and John Williams’ iconic score in the rear speakers kept the tension high without drowning out other effects. Dialogue was crisp and clear, cutting through the densely packed mix of engines, lasers and music. Watching this, I truly felt like I was in the cockpit, as the iconic screech of the Tie Fighter passed over my head. 

Although immersive sound is where the Q990D succeeded the most,  bass levels from the weighty subwoofer also impressed. The rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in The Batman during the Penguin car chase sounded meaty with plenty of low-end punch. On previous Q990 generations, the bass could get carried away on occasion, but the Q990D’s bass feels more nuanced and controlled - dynamic but without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Even when watching movies with a stereo soundtrack such as The Amazing Spider-Man on DVD, the Q990D boosted the sound through upmixing and gave more oomph to every fight sequence and web swing through NYC. 

Other parts of the audio mix are well-balanced on the Q990D. High notes come across without being too shrill whilst mids sit comfortably where they should in the mix, with everything combining to create a full, detailed sound. 

Although it’s not as impressive with music as with movies, the Q990D is still a triumph. When I streamed tracks from Tidal and Spotify in uncompressed hi-res and compressed formats respectively, the Q990D did a good job of balancing instruments and handled every genre well. Listening to Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, the bass and drums sounded punchy, and the trebles of the synths and guitars sliced through evenly.

Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks via Tidal, the Q990D again showed its prowess. Thelonius Monk’s Monk’s Dream (Take 8) spread out across the Q990D’s speakers, with every instrument given equal room to breathe - from the twinkling piano to the bright sax and the warm bass notes. 

Sometimes the mix would sound forced on these Dolby Atmos tracks, with some instruments pushing a little too hard. But the Q990D generally continued to shine and even tracks streamed over lower quality Bluetooth sounded good. 

The Q990D was connected to a Samsung S95D TV during my testing, with Samsung-centric features such as Q Symphony available. And while this did provide an extra layer to the sound, adding a greater sense of space and power, the Q990D gave a great cinematic experience without it. 

As for gaming performance, when playing Battlefield V with an Xbox Series X, gaming was smooth, as switching between targets felt easy and the action suitably pacy. 

The most surprising element of the Q990D’s gaming performance was the low 9.2ms input lag time, meaning its HDMI pass-through didn’t add any latency. For those needing 4K 120Hz, VRR and low input lag for their console, the Q990D can provide. 

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Design

• Solid, premium design 
• Front display isn’t easiest to read
• Slightly wider than a 55-inch TV  

The Q990D comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is sizable and hefty, but its wireless connection allows it to be placed anywhere in the room (as long as there’s a mains socket nearby to plug in for power). The rear speakers, meanwhile, have a compact yet sleek design. 

The soundbar itself measures 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, making it slightly longer than a 55-inch TV (which roughly measures 1200mm). At 595mm, it isn’t the tallest soundbar, but could still cut off the bottom of a lot of TVs. The soundbar is also weighty, although that demonstrates its premium quality. 

The soundbar and rear speakers sport a gray/navy matte finish that gives them a minimalist, modern appearance. A mesh grille on the soundbar’s front makes it quite difficult to see what input you’re using and other information provided on the front panel LED display, however.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Setup & usability

• HDMI eARC connection to TV
• Wireless connection between units  
• Remote or SmartThings app for control  

With four separate, wireless units, setting up the Q990D seems like it would be daunting, but the Q990D makes setup almost effortless. Once all units are plugged in and the soundbar is connected to the TV by HDMI eARC, the subwoofer and rear speakers connect by simply pressing a button on the back and you’re ready to go.

You can either use the supplied remote or the Samsung SmartThings app for control, with adjustments for boosting voice, bass and more. The Q990D can also be controlled via the TV remote using HDMI-CEC. Finally, there are control buttons and an LED display on top of the soundbar. 

For those looking to optimize audio based on their room’s layout, there is also the SpaceFit Pro calibration system, which can be performed during initial setup or on the fly using the SmartThings app. 

• Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Value

• Premium price 
• Best home theater soundbar option
• Samsung Q990C still available   

Priced at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar. And although its features and excellent all-around performance justify the price, it is no doubt going to push some people’s budgets.

The Samsung HW-Q990C, the Q990D’s predecessor, is still available and sells at a reduced price that’s only going to fall further - I’ve seen it selling for roughly $400 / £600 cheaper than the Q990D. It does miss out on the Q990D’s gaming features, but if they’re not relevant to you, the Q990C is fine. Another option is the Samsung HW-Q930D, the step-down model from the Q990D which comes with fewer channels and features. 

Still, in terms of features and performance, the Q990D offers a Dolby Atmos home theater experience no other soundbar can offer. To beat it, you’d need to look at full AV setups that don’t allow for the same tidy installation or ease of use.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990D?

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Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider

How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990D

• Connected to the Samsung S95D 
• Tested with variety of sources 
• Both surround sound and stereo sound tested

To test the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, I connected it to the Samsung S95D - the flagship 2024 OLED TV from Samsung. The majority of testing was done with Q-Symphony and any other Samsung-centric features turned off to see how the Q990D would fare if connected to sets from other brands. 

After some run-in time, I selected reference scenes from both streaming and 4K Blu-ray to test spatial sound, mainly Dolby Atmos. I then used lower-resolution sources such as DVD to test the Q990D on its handling of non-surround movie audio. I analyzed the Q990D's spatial sound but also bass, trebles, mids, and dialogue clarity. 

After this, I streamed music through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to test the Q990D's music playback quality. I played hi-res audio and Atmos music tracks from Tidal and lossy quality tracks via Bluetooth from Spotify. 

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: May 2024

If you love to sit back and enjoy movies but also like to lean in and get sweaty with the latest competitive games, the BenQ X300G could be just the projector for you. This short-throw model combines impressive capabilities in a compact package that rivals Xgimi’s Horizon Pro and Horizon Ultra. 

The BenQ X300G manages decent color from its LED light source, and puts on a strong show with bright, 4K visuals. But it can also dial up the speed, switching to a 1080p/240Hz mode for fast, responsive gaming. We’ve seen this trick in action on the BenQ X3100i, and it’s a real treat for gamers. 

Between its cinematic capabilities and gaming prowess, the BenQ X300G has a lot to offer. There’s room for improvement — the limited ports and so-so audio come to mind — but at $1,799, this projector puts up a respectable value, especially with its ability to play dual roles, something that not all the best 4K projectors can do. 

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: price and release date

• Release date: December 2023
• MSRP: $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720)
  

The BenQ X300G is a fairly new model in BenQ’s lineup. With an original price of $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720), the projector hasn’t yet seen any discounts, though its price is reasonable for a 4K model. 

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: Specs

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: design and features

• Compact and flexible design
• Built-in speakers and streaming stick
• Rare DisplayPort over USB-C support

The BenQ X300G takes up less than a cubic foot and has roughly cube-like dimensions. Inside that small footprint, it packs a 2,000-lumen DLP projection system, 2.1-channel speakers, an internal streaming dongle, and the necessary hardware for optical zoom. 

It’s an impressive package and not an unsightly one. Like many of BenQ’s recent designs, the BenQ X300G has a mostly white, plastic chassis complemented by a glossy black face with orange accents. In this case, those accents also extend to little LED fins that protrude from the projector’s back edges. That orange glow calls to mind heat – not a good thing for a projector – though the BenQ X300G deals with that well. Its internal fans do emit a light buzzing noise, but the sound is easily drowned out by its speakers. 

The whole unit sits on rubber feet for grip. The front foot is especially wide and built around a hinge for propping the front of the projector up to adjust its projection angle, though the feet don’t offer any horizontal tilt adjustment if the projector is set on an uneven surface. There is also a threaded hole for mounting onto a tripod or ceiling mount. 

The BenQ X300G includes a few ports on its side and uses an external brick for power. There’s an HDMI 2.0 port with eARC, a USB-C port with DisplayPort support — a rarity among projectors – and a USB 2.0 port. I found it regrettable to see neither a 3.5mm audio jack nor an optical audio output. The rear of the BenQ X300G hides a small compartment that hides BenQ’s included streaming stick. This has a built-in mini HDMI cable and micro USB cable for charging, and this fairly unusual design offers limited options for swapping the dongle out for a different unit such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV streaming stick down the line. 

A large remote control operates both the included dongle and the projector. This has similarities to typical Android TV remotes but also quite a few shortcuts to projector settings. Backlighting provides helpful visibility in the dark, and activates after a button has been pressed. In addition to the remote, a set of controls is on top of the unit. Manual adjustments are made electronically, including focus, zoom, and keystone. Focus and keystone adjustments can also be made automatically, making setup quite quick.

The streaming stick BenQ includes is a first-party model running Android TV OS 11, which is a little behind the times now, though at least it saw a recent February 2024 security patch. The dongle still provides quick and easy access to the best streaming services like Disney Plus, Max, Netflix, and Prime Video. While Hulu also loaded onto the system without issue, I couldn’t successfully use it as all clicks on the Sign In button failed to register. 

• Design and features score: 3/5

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: picture and sound quality

• Short throw provides big picture in smaller rooms
• Good image with movies and games
• Average sound quality

The BenQ X300G is a capable little projector that’s ready to beam a big and bright picture without much fuss. It’s plenty bright for a dim room and excels in the dark, where it can readily produce a gorgeous, large image. In fact, you’ll likely have a hard time getting anything less than a huge picture due to the projector’s short throw. 

This projector is better suited for small rooms or coffee table installations. During setup, I already had a 77-inch diagonal image at a little under 4 feet from the screen. The projector’s optical zoom can shrink that down a bit, but if you place the projector at the back of a room, you’ll be sacrificing image quality quickly as it relies on digital zoom to shrink images down beyond the optical zoom range.

Once positioned, the BenQ X300G is a strong projector. Color rendition isn’t the best I’ve seen – BenQ rates it for 84% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut – with that crown going to triple-laser models like the Hisense PX2 Pro and LG Cinebeam HU915QE, but it’s not far off. The Na’vi looked plenty blue when I watched Avatar: The Way of Water, and the colorful world of Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade was presented quite well throughout my testing. 

A main perk of the BenQ X300G is its flexibility. It can provide a cinematic image with 4K HDR movies and shows at 24 or 60Hz, but also dial up the speed by dropping to 1080p at 240Hz for gaming. The projector’s DLP chip not only provides a high refresh rate but a stunning pixel response time that’s virtually free of ghosting. If competitive gaming is your speed, the BenQ X300G can keep up. 

Speed is a critical advantage for the BenQ X300G, as it has competition from other models like the JMGO N1 Ultra and Hisense C1. Both models come in at similar prices and use triple-laser light sources to provide 4K visuals with far more stunning color, but they lack the option to ramp up to 240Hz in game mode. 

The BenQ X300G speakers complement the imagery. While not amazing, they do a decent job, pumping out plenty of sound in the small rooms this projector is ideal for. They’ll fall flat unless you’re sitting close in larger rooms, and the sound is grating at high volumes. But at middle volume, they sound clear and full. 

• Picture quality score: 4/5

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: value

• Has major competition at $1,799
• Powerful for the price

The BenQ X300G is a strong all-around option. Cinema-focused projectors like the Hisense C1 can do better for the same price but lack the gaming capabilities that set the X300G apart. The BenQ X300G does a great job with both, upping its value for anyone who wants that flexibility. It does cut some corners on the hardware front, so it that’s a concern, the BenQ X3100i offers extra hardware adjustments and image upgrades, but costs $600 more. 

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the BenQ X300G 4K projector?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

How I tested the BenQ X300G 4K projector

• Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
• Viewed with a variety of media and formats
• I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the BenQ X300G at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it challenged by ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, and ambient noise that the projector’s speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested on both a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen and was presented with streamed HDR and non-HDR content and console gameplay. 

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance and takes into consideration its price and competition from other models.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer. 

First reviewed: May 2024

Right now, you can pick up the smallest 42-inch model for $1,399 (was $1,499) at Amazon or the slightly larger 48-inch model for just $1,499 (was $1,599) - both surprise discounts considering this TV has just been released. If you're looking for a discount on one of the larger variants then you'll have to sit this one out, but these are both great deals for those in need of a smaller model. 

The latest LG C4 OLED is so new we haven't had a chance to post our full review just yet but stay tuned as it'll be coming in the next few weeks. In the meantime, you can check out our hands-on LG C4 OLED review for our first impressions from when we viewed this stunning display in person earlier this year. 

The LG C4 features a significantly brighter display versus the previous model, which was one of our complaints with the otherwise excellent C3. Aided by the new Alpha 9 AI chipset inside, the LG C4 also now supports LG's wireless lossless Dolby Atmos sound, which again was something we were hoping to see with this latest iteration. Overall, it's shaping up to be a real contender - and one that we're happy to recommend at today's record-low price.

Too pricey? Check out more of this week's best TV deals just down below.

LG C4 OLED TV first ever price cut at Amazon

• See more: check out all of today's TV deals at Amazon

More of this week's best TV deals

The Hisense UN range, headlined by the U8N, successor to one of the best TVs of 2023 the Hisense U8K, accompanied by two other models the U7N and U6N, all use mini-LED technology for a brighter picture. The U8N boasts 3,000 nits of brightness, is available in 65 and 75-inch models and comes with gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate. The U7N is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches, supports Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced and also 144Hz refresh rate. Finally, the U6N serves as the entry-level mini-LED entry and is available in sizes ranging from 50 to 75 inches.

The other newest entry is the Hisense E7N PRO. Touted as Hisense’s gaming TV, the E7N PRO is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches and is stacked with gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate, AMD Freesync Premium and 240 High Refresh Rate.

Hisense has also announced its the first manufacturer to come with Freely built-in on all of its UK 2024 TVs. Freely is a new streaming service based in the UK that enables users to watch live TV without the need for a dish or aerial and is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Hisense also serves as a sponsor for this year’s UEFA Euros 2024. 

For a more detailed breakdown of each TV in the range, scroll down. Whilst we don’t have a full list of prices for each model, we’ll be sure to update them when we find out so keep an eye out. 

Hisense U8N

The Hisense U8N (shown above) is one of Hisense’s flagship mini-LED models in the UK for 2024. Boasting over 3,000 nits of brightness, with 1600+ and 2000+ dimming zones in the 65 and 75-inch models respectively, Hisense continues to invest in bright mini-LED technology. The U8N also supports all major HDR formats including HDR10+ (adaptive) and Dolby Vision (IQ). 

The U8N comes with gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate, VRR including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Dolby Vision gaming. For audio, it features a 2.1.2-channel speaker array and supports Dolby Atmos. 

Finally the U8N also has a Low Reflection Screen to cut out reflections in brighter viewing environments and introduces several eco features including a solar-powered remote and a new energy saving mode within the TV itself.

Prices for the U8N start from £1,799.

Hisense U7N

The Hisense U7N also uses mini-LED technology and carries over a lot of the same features of the U8N including HDR10+ Adaptive, Dolby Vision IQ and IMAX Enhanced support, Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro and Hisense’s Hi-view Engine Pro, which analyses action on screen frame by frame. 

It also carries many of the same gaming features including VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision gaming. For audio, it supports Dolby Atmos. 

The U7N comes in a wide variety of sizes, including 55, 65, 75, 85 and 100-inch screens, for those looking for a cinema-sized mini-LED TV at home. Prices for the U7N start from £1,299.

Hisense U6N

The Hisense U6N is the most entry-level set in the mini-LED range and offers a more budget option. Available in 50, 55, 65 and 75-inch sizes, the U6N supports HDR formats including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, and also features a slightly toned-down version of the Hi-View Engine. 

For gaming, the U6N supports VRR and ALLM, but only at a 60Hz refresh rate. Prices for the U6N start at £799.

Hisense E7N PRO

The Hisense E7N PRO is slated as Hisense’s gaming TV for 2024 and whilst it uses QLED technology with a full-array LED backlight rather than the brighter and more premium mini-LED panel tech, it comes equipped with strong gaming features.

Featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and VRR including AMD FreeSync Premium, the E7N PRO is available in 55, 65, 75, 85 and 100-inch sizes, giving gamers plenty of options. It also features a Game Bar to adjust settings on the fly when gaming. 

The E7N PRO uses AI features including AI Adaptive Depth to adjust depth perception, Ultra motion and AI Sports Mode for those wanting to get the most from sports as well as gaming. 

Prices for the E7N PRO start from £799. 

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While there are most certainly other devices you can plug into your TV that do similar things, none of them can quite match the power of the Apple TV 4K, nor Apple’s quintessentially slick navigation. Add on the fact this model not only has an impressive 128GB of storage, but an Ethernet port for a more stable internet connection, along with all the ecosystem benefits of being an Apple product, such as AirPlay and the ability to send audio to a pair of AirPods. 

We’ve occasionally seen the 64GB model (which lacks an Ethernet connection) on sale, but rarely have we seen a discount of such greatness on the beefier 128GB version. You may not necessarily need the extra storage, since it’s mainly used for apps and Apple Arcade games (if you play those), but many may appreciate the Ethernet connection to allow for more stable streams – especially when playing 4K content. 

Do note, this deal is exclusively for eBay Plus members as part of eBay Plus Weekend. If you’re not already a member, you can either sign-up for a 30-day free trial if you’re new to the service, or subscribe for a whole year for just AU$10 for a limited time (usually AU$4.99p/m).

We’ve also noticed this deal has been going off like wildfire, and the Techciti store page says there is limited stock, so if you want to invest in one of the smartest TV upgrades, you’ll want to act fast. 

• For more great deals on Apple products, check out the latest Apple promo codes or for more eBay discounts, check out the latest eBay Australia voucher codes

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YouTube streamer SuperDell-TV (via Android Authority) has managed to get hold of an Onn 4K Pro box running Google TV. Onn is the name of Walmart's own tech brand, and it already sells a basic $20 streaming box with the same moniker attached.

It seems that Walmart may have inadvertently put some of these new boxes on sale ahead of any official announcement, with a retail price of $50. That suggests a boost in specs and features over the current box to justify the higher price.

There's a HDMI port, a USB-A port, and an Ethernet port around the back, as per this early unboxing. There's also a built-in microphone (with a physical off switch), to work with Google Assistant.

Specs appeal

A shot of the specs on the packaging reveals a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU, 32GB of storage, and 3GB of RAM, as well as support for 4K streaming and Wi-Fi 6. The Onn streaming box that Walmart currently sells has a Cortex-A35 CPU, 8GB of storage, and 2GB of RAM, and only goes as high as Wi-Fi 5, though it does support 4K.

The extra processor power and RAM should mean faster app loading and app switching, while offering four times the storage obviously means more space for installing apps. You'll also be able to beam audio and video over from phones, tablets, and computers.

One other change from the current $20 box: the remote is black rather than white. SuperDell-TV also runs through a quick demo of the Google TV interface, which is mostly the same as it is on other Google TV devices.

Given that this box was picked up at an actual Walmart store, a full launch can't be far off – and the likes of Google, Amazon, and Roku will have another affordable streaming box to contend with. The next official Chromecast device, meanwhile, is rumored to be showing up soon too.

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