Over the last few weeks, Samsung has been rolling out its 2019 high-end Q series TVs as well as its mid-range RU series TVs across the US and Europe.
Samsung 2019 TVs
Samsung's 2019 TVs were unveiled in February and are now available for purchase in the US, Europe, and other regions. The first wave of 2019 models consists of 4K LCD TVs with or without quantum dots.
The South Korean company's high-end range comprises the 4K flagship Q90R with LCD full array local dimming (FALD) as well as Q85R (Europe only), Q80R, Q70R, and Q60R. Less advanced FALD systems are implemented in the 8 and 7 series models, while Q60R is edge-lit. Q80R and up also come with Samsung's new wide viewing angle technology.
With these improvements, Samsung believes that its latest TVs are more competitive than ever in the battle between LCD and OLED TVs. Competitors such as LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips are increasingly, or exclusively, focusing on OLED technology for high-end TVs. Samsung's Q90R is starting at $3500 (65") in the US and Ł2800 / €2900 (55") in Europe.
The less expensive mid-range RU models will be available in sizes ranging from 42 to 82 inches, and feature 4K resolution, edge-lit LCD panels, and - like the Q series - Samsung's latest smart features. The Tizen platform has reached version 5.0, which is available only in the 2019 models. Previous years' models will not receive the latest version of Tizen.
Samsung has abandoned curved TVs in the high-end segment. A single curved mid-range model (RU7300) has been announced but it will be available only in select regions. In the first few years after launching its first curved TVs, Samsung insisted that the TVs were selling well but market data revealed that consumers had largely rejected them. Other leading TV makers have also phased out curved TVs.
Later this year, Samsung TVs will gain support for Apple AirPlay 2 via a software update. Besides the built-in Bixby voice assistant, the TVs also support voice commands from Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa via external speakers.
Most of the new Samsung Q and RU series TVs are now shipping in the US and Europe, except for a few sizes - typically the very largest TVs. Samsung is also planning to debut new 8K TVs and design TVs this year. See the table below for pricing and availability details for the US, UK, and Germany.
Samsung 2019 TVs - prices & dealers
