TV Comparisons

Samsung Q60D vs Sony S30: Which One Should You Buy?

The Sony BRAVIA 3 and Samsung Q60D are entry-level 2024 4K televisions with native 60 Hz panels, no independently controlled local dimming and different picture priorities. In the side-by-side presentation, the Sony produced richer, more natural-looking movie colors and revealed more shadow detail. The Samsung generally looked brighter, delivered smoother motion processing in the test pattern and provided the stronger gaming presentation and more extensive Game Bar. Sony also supplies Dolby Vision, four HDMI inputs and Google TV, while Samsung offers HDR10+, a slimmer edge-lit QLED design and more screen sizes.

Model-by-model comparison

Samsung Q60D vs Sony BRAVIA 3: Picture Quality, Motion and Gaming Compared

Feature	Q60D	S30	What it means
Movie picture	Samsung Q60D: Brighter presentation, but less background and shadow detail in the demonstrated scenes	Sony BRAVIA 3: Richer natural color and more visible shadow detail	Tech Steve preferred Sony's color and detail for movie content.
Sports presentation	Samsung Q60D: Brighter standard-mode image	Sony BRAVIA 3: Richer color with a darker contrast presentation	The preferred image depends on whether the shopper prioritizes brightness or richer color.
Motion processing	Samsung Q60D: Picture Clarity controls produced the smoother demonstrated result	Sony BRAVIA 3: Motionflow adjustments showed more artifacts in the test pattern	Samsung's automatic and custom motion controls performed better in the demonstrated test.
Gaming presentation and controls	Samsung Q60D: Brighter Game mode with a more extensive Game Bar	Sony BRAVIA 3: Useful Game Menu and PS5-specific automatic picture features	Samsung provided the brighter gaming image and more extensive on-screen gaming controls.
Native and maximum 4K refresh rate	Samsung Q60D: 60 Hz native; maximum 4K at 60 Hz	Sony BRAVIA 3: 60 Hz native; maximum 4K at 60 Hz	Both use native 60 Hz panels and are limited to 4K at 60 Hz.
HDR formats	Samsung Q60D: HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10 and HLG; no Dolby Vision	Sony BRAVIA 3: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG; no HDR10+	The advantage depends on whether the shopper prioritizes Dolby Vision or HDR10+.
HDMI connectivity	Samsung Q60D: 3 HDMI inputs with eARC and ALLM	Sony BRAVIA 3: 4 HDMI inputs with eARC and ALLM	Sony provides one additional HDMI input.
Available sizes	Samsung Q60D: 32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches	Sony BRAVIA 3: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches	Samsung offers two additional sizes, including 32-inch and 70-inch models.
Smart platform	Samsung Q60D: Tizen, SmartThings and Samsung Gaming Hub	Sony BRAVIA 3: Google TV, Chromecast built-in and Google Assistant	Both are capable smart platforms with different ecosystems and priorities.
Local dimming	Samsung Q60D: No independently controlled local-dimming zones	Sony BRAVIA 3: Frame Dimming without independently controlled local-dimming zones	Neither television provides independently controlled local dimming.

Samsung

Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV

A native 60 Hz edge-lit QLED TV with HDR10+, Tizen, three HDMI inputs and screen sizes ranging from 32 to 85 inches.

Key technology

Quantum Processor Lite 4KSamsung's entry-level 4K picture processor handles upscaling and scene-based picture adjustments.

100% Color Volume with Quantum DotA quantum-dot color layer is used to preserve a broad range of colors across different brightness levels.

Dual LEDThe edge-light system adjusts between different LED color temperatures to better match the displayed content.

Quantum HDRSamsung's HDR processing for HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG content; no manufacturer peak-brightness figure was located.

Supreme UHD DimmingSoftware-based image analysis divides the picture into processing regions; it is not a full-array local-dimming backlight.

Motion XceleratorMotion processing intended to improve clarity on the native 60 Hz panel without increasing its physical refresh rate.

Object Tracking Sound LiteVirtual audio processing attempts to position effects in relation to action on the screen using the television's two-channel speakers.

Q-SymphonyAllows the TV speakers to operate with compatible Samsung soundbars rather than being disabled.

Samsung Gaming HubProvides access to supported cloud-gaming services and connected gaming sources through the Tizen interface.

Buyer advantages

Sony produced richer, more natural movie color and more visible shadow detail in the comparison.
Samsung delivered the brighter-looking sports and gaming presentation.
Samsung's motion controls produced a smoother result in the demonstrated test.
Sony includes Dolby Vision, four HDMI inputs and Google TV with Chromecast.
Samsung offers eight sizes, including 32-inch and 70-inch options unavailable in the Sony series.
Both support ALLM and provide dedicated gaming menus.

Things to consider

Both televisions are limited to native 60 Hz and a maximum of 4K at 60 Hz.
Neither television provides independently controlled local-dimming zones.
Neither model is a strong match for shoppers seeking VRR or 4K/120 Hz console gaming.
Samsung does not support Dolby Vision and has only three HDMI inputs.
Sony does not support HDR10+, and its motion processing showed more artifacts in the demonstrated test.
Sony's gaming image appeared darker than Samsung's before manual adjustment.

Sizes, mounting and buying details

Size / model	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
32"QN32Q60DAFXZA	—	100 x 100	25.5 in	3.7–5.0 ft	Check price ↗
43"QN43Q60DAFXZA	—	200 x 200	26.7 in	4.9–6.7 ft	Check price ↗
50"QN50Q60DAFXZA	—	200 x 200	29.8 in	5.7–7.8 ft	Check price ↗
55"QN55Q60DAFXZA	—	200 x 200	35.3 in	6.3–8.6 ft	Check price ↗
65"QN65Q60DAFXZA	—	400 x 300	39.4 in	7.4–10.1 ft	Check price ↗
70"QN70Q60DAFXZA	—	400 x 300	46.8 in	8.0–10.9 ft	Check price ↗
75"QN75Q60DAFXZA	—	400 x 400	49.6 in	8.6–11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"QN85Q60DAFXZA	—	600 x 400	55.9 in	9.7–13.2 ft	Check price ↗

Complete specifications

Audio

Speaker System2.0-channel

Speaker Count2

Woofer Count0

Included SubwooferNo

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Audio Output Watts20 W

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby MS12 2-channel decoder

Sound ModesAdaptive Sound

Voice AssistantsBixby, Amazon Alexa, Works with Google Assistant

Optional AccessoriesCompatible Samsung wall mounts, Samsung SlimFit Cam, Compatible Samsung Q-Series and S-Series soundbars

Connectivity

HDMI Ports3

HDMI Inputs3

HDMI Outputs0

HDMI eARCYes

Optical Inputs0

AirPlayYes

Design & Installation

Wall Mount IncludedNo

Gaming

Native Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz

Maximum Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz

VRRNo

ALLMYes

Picture

Display TechnologyEdge-lit QLED LCD with quantum-dot color and Dual LED backlighting

Resolution3840 x 2160

Local DimmingNo

HDR FormatsHDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG

Size Details

Dimensions Without Stand Inches28.5 W x 16.6 H x 1.2 D in

Weight Without Stand lb11.7 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches38.0 W x 22.0 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb18.5 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches44.0 W x 25.4 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb25.4 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.5 W x 27.9 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb34.2 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.1 W x 32.7 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb46.1 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches61.4 W x 35.5 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb62.8 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches66.0 W x 37.8 H x 1.0 D in

Weight Without Stand lb69.2 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.8 W x 42.7 H x 1.1 D in

Weight Without Stand lb91.5 lb

Smart Features

Operating SystemTizen Smart TV

ProcessorQuantum Processor Lite 4K

Specifications

Screen Sizes32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 85

VESA By Size32": 100 x 100 mm, 43": 200 x 200 mm, 50": 200 x 200 mm, 55": 200 x 200 mm, 65": 400 x 300 mm, 70": 400 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm

Stand Width By Size32": 25.5 inches wide position; 22.8 inches narrow position, 43": 26.7 inches, 50": 29.8 inches, 55": 35.3 inches, 65": 39.4 inches, 70": 46.8 inches, 75": 49.6 inches wide position; 40.9 inches narrow position, 85": 55.9 inches wide position; 46.8 inches narrow position

Stand Depth By Size32": 6.1 inches, 43": 7.1 inches, 50": 8.8 inches, 55": 8.8 inches, 65": 10.8 inches, 70": 12.6 inches, 75": 12.6 inches, 85": 13.6 inches

Picture Modes SDRFilmmaker Mode

Buy Basic Remote with Number Pad ↗

Sony

BRAVIA 3 LED 4K HDR Google TV

A native 60 Hz direct LED television with Dolby Vision, Google TV, four HDMI inputs and sizes from 43 to 85 inches.

Key technology

4K HDR Processor X1Sony's picture processor adjusts color, contrast, clarity and upscaling for the displayed content.

TRILUMINOS PROSony color processing designed to reproduce a wider and more finely differentiated range of colors.

4K X-Reality PROAnalyzes lower-resolution sources and restores detail while scaling them to the 4K panel.

Motionflow XR 240Motion processing for the native 60 Hz panel; the XR 240 label does not represent a 240 Hz physical refresh rate.

Dynamic Contrast EnhancerAdjusts contrast processing according to scene content; it does not add independently controlled local-dimming zones.

X-Balanced SpeakerUses a non-circular speaker shape intended to improve clarity while fitting inside the slim television enclosure.

Auto HDR Tone Mapping for PlayStation 5A connected PS5 can automatically configure HDR tone-mapping settings for the television.

Auto Genre Picture ModeAutomatically changes compatible PlayStation 5 picture behavior between gaming and video content.

Buyer advantages

Richer, more natural movie color makes skin tones and cinematic content look less exaggerated.
Greater visible shadow and background detail improves dark-scene readability in the demonstrated material.
Dolby Vision support includes Vivid, Bright, Dark and Game modes for different rooms and content.
Four HDMI inputs accommodate one more source device than the Samsung Q60D.
Google TV includes Chromecast built-in, AirPlay and Google Assistant for broad streaming compatibility.
Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode simplify compatible PlayStation 5 setup.

Things to consider

The native 60 Hz panel and 4K/60 Hz input limit rule out 4K/120 Hz gaming.
VRR is explicitly unsupported, so screen tearing cannot be managed through variable refresh synchronization.
Frame Dimming does not provide independently controlled local-dimming zones for precise dark-scene backlight control.
The gaming image appeared darker and less immediately impactful than Samsung's Game mode.
Motionflow adjustments produced more artifacts than Samsung's Picture Clarity processing in the demonstrated motion test.
HDR10+ is not supported, and US specifications list no DTS audio-format support.

Sizes, mounting and buying details

Size / model	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
43"K-43S30	—	200 x 200	28.25 in	4.9–6.7 ft	Check price ↗
50"K-50S30	—	200 x 200	28.25 in	5.7–7.8 ft	Check price ↗
55"K-55S30	—	300 x 300	40.5 in	6.3–8.6 ft	Check price ↗
65"K-65S30	—	300 x 300	46.38 in	7.4–10.1 ft	Check price ↗
75"K-75S30	—	300 x 300	52.38 in	8.6–11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"K-85S30	—	400 x 400	60.38 in	9.7–13.2 ft	Check price ↗

Complete specifications

Audio

Speaker System2.0-channel, Full Range Bass Reflex

Speaker Count2

Woofer Count0

Included SubwooferNo

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Audio Output Watts20 W

Dolby AtmosYes

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Audio, Dolby Atmos

DTS SupportNo

Dialogue EnhancementNo

Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Works with Amazon Alexa

Optional AccessoriesCompatible Sony wall-mount bracket

Connectivity

HDMI Ports4

HDMI Inputs4

HDMI Outputs0

HDMI eARCYes

Optical Inputs0

AirPlayYes

ChromecastYes

Design & Installation

Wall Mount IncludedNo

Gaming

Native Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz

Maximum Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz

VRRNo

ALLMYes

Picture

Display TechnologyDirect LED LCD

Resolution3840 x 2160

Local DimmingNo

HDR FormatsDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

Size Details

Dimensions Without Stand Inches37.95 W x 22.17 H x 2.72 D in

Weight Without Stand lb21.9 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches44.06 W x 25.55 H x 2.76 D in

Weight Without Stand lb26.5 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.54 W x 28.07 H x 2.83 D in

Weight Without Stand lb35.3 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.17 W x 32.91 H x 2.83 D in

Weight Without Stand lb47.2 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches66.0 W x 37.88 H x 2.88 D in

Weight Without Stand lb69 lb

Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.88 W x 43.0 H x 2.88 D in

Weight Without Stand lb96.1 lb

Smart Features

Operating SystemGoogle TV on Android TV OS

Processor4K HDR Processor X1

Specifications

Screen Sizes43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85

VESA By Size43": 200 x 200 mm, 50": 200 x 200 mm, 55": 300 x 300 mm, 65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 300 x 300 mm, 85": 400 x 400 mm

Stand Width By Size43": 28.25 inches, 50": 28.25 inches, 55": 40.5 inches, 65": 46.38 inches, 75": 52.38 inches, 85": 60.38 inches

Stand Depth By Size43": 10.5 inches, 50": 10.63 inches, 55": 13.25 inches, 65": 13.25 inches, 75": 16.25 inches, 85": 18 inches

Picture Modes SDRVivid, Standard, Movie Theater, Game, Graphics, Photo, Professional

Picture Modes Dolby VisionDolby Vision Vivid, Dolby Vision Bright, Dolby Vision Dark, Dolby Vision Game

Buy the 32-inch model ↗Buy the 70-inch model ↗Buy Basic Remote with Number Pad ↗

Which one should you buy?

The Sony BRAVIA 3 is the better fit for movie-focused shoppers who value natural color, visible shadow detail, Dolby Vision, four HDMI inputs and Google TV. Its tradeoffs are a darker-looking presentation in several modes, less effective motion interpolation in the demonstrated test and a gaming system limited to 4K/60 Hz without VRR. The Samsung Q60D is the stronger choice for shoppers who want a brighter-looking sports and gaming image, smoother adjustable motion processing, a more extensive gaming interface, HDR10+ or a size unavailable from Sony. Its main compromises are the absence of Dolby Vision, only three HDMI inputs, no independently controlled local dimming and the same 60 Hz gaming ceiling. There is no universal picture winner: Sony has the advantage for cinematic color and detail, while Samsung has the advantage for brightness, motion controls and the demonstrated gaming experience.

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