An 85-inch screen can make movies, sports, and games feel more absorbing, but screen size alone does not tell you which TV fits your room or devices. This guide to the best 85 inch TV under $1500 compares three models by refresh rate, HDR support, gaming features, picture processing, and smart-TV platform.
These TVs suit different priorities. Samsung lists Mini LED backlighting and VRR gaming up to 4K at 144Hz, while the two Sony models highlight Dolby Vision and PlayStation features, with the BRAVIA 3 II adding 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM through HDMI 2.1.
Pros
- Large 85-inch 4K HDR screen
- Google TV streaming platform
- Google Assistant voice control
- Dedicated PS5 picture features
Cons
- Who should skip it: Buyers requiring confirmed refresh rate or HDMI version
Pros
- 85-inch 4K display
- Mini LED backlighting
- Up to 4K 144Hz VRR gaming
- More than 2,700 free channels
Cons
- Skip if you lack room for an 85-inch, 91.9-pound TV
Pros
- 85-inch 4K screen
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Google TV with Gemini
Cons
- Skip if space or installation constraints make 85 inches impractical
The Best 85-Inch TVs by Use Case
Best for PS5 Gaming: Sony 85 Inch BRAVIA 3 LED 4K HDR Smart GoogleTV
The Sony 85 Inch BRAVIA 3 LED 4K HDR Smart GoogleTV suits viewers who want an extra-large screen with Google TV streaming and features designed for PlayStation 5. Its listing specifies Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode for PS5, plus Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Triluminos Pro is described as displaying over a billion colors, although that claim alone cannot establish how the screen will look in your room.
Google Assistant voice control and access to apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube make it a practical choice for households that stream through the TV. Sony also lists access to SONY PICTURES CORE and 4K UHD movie content. This model’s listing does not specify a high refresh rate or HDMI 2.1 gaming features, so check the exact input and refresh-rate details if you plan to connect a newer console or gaming PC.
Reasons to buy:
- PS5 features include Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
- Google TV, Google Assistant, and several major streaming apps are listed.
- Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Triluminos Pro are specified.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing does not specify a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate.
- Confirm the HDMI input details you need for other consoles, receivers, or a gaming PC.
Skip it if you need listed 4K/120 gaming, VRR, or a stated high refresh rate.
Best for High-Refresh-Rate Gaming: Samsung 85-Inch Class Neo QLED QN70F 4K Mini LED
The Samsung 85-Inch Class Neo QLED QN70F 4K Mini LED is the clearest fit here for shoppers prioritizing fast gaming and a Mini LED display. Its product listing specifies VRR gaming up to 4K at 144Hz and Motion Xcelerator 144Hz. Those features may matter when a compatible gaming source can output high frame rates; they do not mean every game or connected device will run at that rate.
Samsung also specifies Quantum Matrix Mini LED lighting and an NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, which the manufacturer says uses 20 neural networks to upscale content and optimize sound. The TV’s platform includes Samsung TV Plus and more than 2,700 free channels, according to the listing. HDR support is described as transforming SDR into HDR-like quality, but the published details do not identify specific native HDR formats, so verify format support if you have a preferred streaming service or disc player.
Reasons to buy:
- VRR gaming is specified up to 4K at 144Hz.
- Mini LED backlighting and Quantum Matrix Technology are listed.
- Samsung Vision AI, Alexa built-in, and Samsung TV Plus are specified.
Reasons to avoid:
- The published product details do not name Dolby Vision or another specific HDR format.
- Check which HDMI ports support your desired gaming features before connecting devices.
Skip it if Dolby Vision support is a priority or you want the Google TV platform.
Best for 4K/120 Console Gaming: Sony 85 Inch BRAVIA 3 II LED 4K HDR Smart Google
The Sony 85 Inch BRAVIA 3 II LED 4K HDR Smart Google combines Google TV with a more explicitly detailed gaming feature set than the other Sony pick. Its listing specifies four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM. These features make it a strong candidate for buyers with compatible consoles or a gaming PC who want high-refresh-rate play and variable refresh rate support.
For movies, Sony lists Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and an XR Processor with AI scene recognition. The included SONY PICTURES CORE offer is described as five movie credits and a 12-month subscription to hundreds of classics; confirm the current redemption terms before purchase. The product listing also names PS5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. Compared with the Samsung, this Sony’s published gaming ceiling is 4K/120 rather than 4K/144, while specific screen backlight technology is not supplied in the provided details.
Reasons to buy:
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports and 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM are specified.
- Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support are listed.
- Google TV and PS5-specific picture features suit a Sony-focused entertainment setup.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listed refresh-rate gaming feature is 4K/120, below Samsung’s specified 4K/144 ceiling.
- Verify the movie-credit and subscription redemption conditions that apply to your purchase.
Skip it if your priority is the highest listed refresh rate or specifically stated Mini LED backlighting.
How to Choose the Best 85 Inch TV Under $1500
Match refresh rate and gaming features to your source
Refresh rate matters most when you watch fast sports or play games that can output a high frame rate. Samsung lists VRR up to 4K/144Hz; Sony’s BRAVIA 3 II lists 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM. The standard BRAVIA 3 listing highlights PS5 picture modes but does not state a refresh rate, so do not assume all three models offer the same gaming performance.
Check both the TV listing and your source device. A console, computer, game, and cable all need to support the signal you want, and the TV’s relevant input must support it. If you do not play games, a higher maximum refresh rate may not justify choosing one model over another.
Check HDR formats against your movie sources
HDR format support affects whether a TV can receive particular HDR signals from a streaming app, player, or console. Both Sony listings specify Dolby Vision; Samsung’s published details describe HDR-like enhancement of SDR content but do not name a specific native HDR format. That omission does not prove the TV lacks a format, so verify the complete manufacturer specifications if format compatibility is important.
Dolby Vision support is useful only when your source and content also provide it. Compare the services and devices you actually use rather than treating one format name as a guarantee of a better picture in every situation. For a wider explanation of display terminology, see our guide to OLED vs. QLED TV picture quality and gaming.
Choose a smart platform that fits your household
The two Sony models list Google TV, Google Assistant, and access to streaming apps. Samsung lists its smart-TV platform, Samsung TV Plus channels, and Alexa built-in. These are meaningful differences if you prefer one voice assistant or already navigate a particular platform, but the published information does not confirm every app or feature in every region.
Before buying, check the current app catalog for services your household uses and consider how you control connected devices. If you already own a streaming box, platform differences may matter less; confirm that your preferred services work with that device instead.
Think about backlighting and room conditions
Samsung explicitly lists Mini LED lighting and Quantum Matrix Technology. The provided Sony BRAVIA 3 details name LED display technology and Triluminos Pro, while the BRAVIA 3 II details available here do not specify a backlight type. Backlighting can affect how a TV manages bright and dark parts of a picture, but the available product details do not provide comparable brightness or contrast measurements.
Consider where the TV will sit, how much light enters the room, and whether you mostly watch films, daytime sports, or mixed content. Look for manufacturer information about brightness, screen finish, and viewing conditions if those factors are decisive. For other screen-size options, compare our guide to choosing a 55-inch TV.
Measure the room and verify connections
An 85-inch TV needs substantial wall or stand space, and the provided listings do not include cabinet dimensions or weight. Measure the intended location and check the manufacturer’s complete size and mounting information before ordering. Sony’s standard BRAVIA 3 listing suggests an ideal viewing distance of 15 feet or more; treat that as the manufacturer’s guidance, not a universal rule for every viewer or room.
Count the devices you plan to connect, such as a console, receiver, streaming player, or computer. The BRAVIA 3 II listing specifies four HDMI 2.1 ports, but the published details do not give comparable port counts for the other models. Check the full port list and which inputs support the features you need. Browse the TV category for more screen choices, or explore the broader TV and home theater category.
How We Compared
We compared the published product information, focusing on screen resolution, display and backlight details, stated refresh rates, HDR formats, smart platforms, and gaming connections. We also considered listed audio formats, voice features, and streaming services where specified. The available data does not provide consistent measurements for brightness, contrast, input lag, or port counts across all three TVs, and it includes no usable customer feedback for judging recurring ownership experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 85-inch TV suitable for every living room?
Not necessarily. Measure the available wall or stand space and check the model’s full dimensions before choosing a location. The standard Sony BRAVIA 3 listing recommends an ideal viewing distance of 15 feet or more, but seating distance is a personal and room-dependent decision.
Which of these TVs lists the highest gaming refresh rate?
The Samsung QN70F listing specifies VRR gaming up to 4K at 144Hz. Sony’s BRAVIA 3 II specifies 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM. The standard BRAVIA 3 lists PS5-specific picture features but does not state a refresh rate in the published details.
Do all three TVs support Dolby Vision?
The published listings specify Dolby Vision for both Sony models. The Samsung details provided do not name Dolby Vision or another specific native HDR format. Check Samsung’s full specifications if Dolby Vision compatibility is essential to your setup.
Can I use these TVs with a PlayStation 5?
The standard BRAVIA 3 and BRAVIA 3 II both list PS5-specific features: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. The Samsung listing describes VRR gaming up to 4K/144Hz, but the published details do not identify those Sony-specific PS5 features. Check your console settings, TV inputs, and the model’s full instructions when connecting.
Which smart-TV platform should I choose?
Choose based on the apps and voice assistant you use. Sony lists Google TV, Google Assistant, and major streaming apps; Samsung lists its smart-TV platform, Samsung TV Plus, and Alexa built-in. Confirm that your preferred apps and services are available for the specific model and region.
What should I check before ordering an 85-inch TV?
Confirm the TV’s dimensions, mounting details, input count, and support for your devices’ required signals. Also check the exact HDR formats and smart-TV apps you plan to use. Those details are not all provided consistently for these three models, so consult the complete manufacturer listing when a specific connection or format is essential.
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