Best 2026 Samsung TVs for HDR tone mapping accuracy

#1

Midtones track the HDR brightness target remarkably well, with only modest limitations at the very brightest levels.

#2

Accurate modes track creative brightness intent closely and preserve fine detail. Some processing options increase impact at the expense of accuracy.

#3

HDR luminance tracking is impressively faithful, retaining detail through most mastered brightness ranges.

#4

Calibrated tone mapping is generally strong, though blacks can be slightly lifted and some shadows crushed. Game HDR and brighter presets can overemphasize the image.

#5

Despite limited panel output, its HDR brightness tracking is impressively smooth and carefully controlled.

#6

Most midtones are tracked well with a gentle rolloff near peak brightness, although blacks remain raised.

#7

HDR luminance tracking is impressively accurate through shadows and midtones, even though peak brightness and black depth remain limited.

#8

HDR luminance tracking generally follows the intended curve well, retaining a sensible balance between light output and fine highlight detail.

#9

PQ tracking is generally strong through the midtones, with orderly highlight roll-off, though limited contrast affects near-black presentation.

#10

Overall tonal tracking can be impressive, though some scenes expose exaggerated highlights and loss of shadow detail. A brighter setting can further trade accuracy for punch.

#11

Tone mapping can preserve some gradation, but clipping and luminance errors cause lost highlights; adjustments provide limited improvement.

#12

Tone mapping can preserve good detail in mainstream streaming, but HGIG overbrightens and very demanding 4,000-nit material can lose highlight information.