l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Samsung HW-S40T vs LG S80QR. The Samsung HW-S40T was rated 5, while the LG S80QR has a rating 8.4.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-S40T has 2.0 and S80QR has 5.1.3. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 100 versus 490 (overall) according to devices. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Samsung HW-S40T. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-S40T for audio features and specs, but the LG S80QR received 8 out of 10.
The S80QR can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the S80QR. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung HW-S40T versus 1/1 HDMIs in the LG S80QR. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the S80QR. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-S40T at 6 out of 10, while the S80QR was rated 10/10.
The manufacturer of the HW-S40T provides a device control application. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the S80QR. The S80QR can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HW-S40T was rated 5/10, while the S80QR received a mark of 10/10 for multichannel surround.