l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – LG S80QR vs Samsung HW-S50A. The LG S80QR was rated 8.4, while the Samsung HW-S50A has a rating 4.8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that S80QR has 5.1.3 and HW-S50A has 3.0. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 490 (overall) versus 40 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 8 out of 10 received the LG S80QR for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-S50A received 6 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 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the LG S80QR versus 0/1 HDMIs in the Samsung HW-S50A. As in the S80QR, so in the HW-S50A there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). We rated the connectivity of the S80QR at 10 out of 10, while the HW-S50A was rated 8/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. 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 S80QR was rated 10/10, while the HW-S50A received a mark of 6/10 for multichannel surround.