Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 vs Sony 6 5.1ch
Quick Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 and Sony 6 5.1ch both earn a 78 score, but they serve different buyers. The Samsung is a feature rich single bar with wireless Dolby Atmos, Q Symphony for Samsung TVs, SpaceFit calibration, and built in Alexa, Google Cast, and AirPlay 2. It suits Samsung owners who want immersive height effects without rear speakers. The Sony is a true 5.1ch package with included rear speakers, a dedicated center channel, and Dolby Atmos plus DTS:X support. It suits buyers who want discrete surround sound and BRAVIA app control. Choose Samsung for smart wireless simplicity and Sony for physical rear surround and DTS:X.
| Spec | Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 | Sony 6 5.1ch |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 7.1.2 (7 front channels, 1 subwoofer, 2 up-firing channels) | 5.1ch (3 front-firing speakers, two rear speakers, subwoofer) |
| Drivers | Side, top, and wide-firing speakers mentioned; individual driver sizes and materials not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Power | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Subwoofer | Included subwoofer; wireless connection not explicitly confirmed in listing | Included; size and driver not published |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Atmos supported; DTS support not stated in listing | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Wi-Fi for wireless Dolby Atmos, Alexa built-in, Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth not explicitly listed | Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | Not published in listing | BRAVIA Connect app for smartphone control; physical remote not stated |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | Subwoofer and rear speakers included; cables and remote not stated |
Sound Quality
The Samsung HW-Q900F uses a 7.1.2 channel layout that includes seven front channels, one subwoofer, and two up firing channels. The listing mentions side, top, and wide firing speakers but does not publish individual driver sizes or materials. Its Sound Quality subscore is 24 out of 30.
The Sony 6 5.1ch uses a 5.1ch layout with three front firing speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. The listing highlights a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue but does not publish driver sizes or materials. Its Sound Quality subscore is 25 out of 30.
Neither listing publishes a power rating, so loudness and headroom cannot be compared from the provided specs. The Samsung includes Active Voice Amplifier for clearer dialogue, while the Sony relies on its dedicated center channel. On paper the Sony has a one point advantage, but both scores are close.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
The Samsung supports Dolby Atmos and uses two up firing channels for height effects. DTS support is not stated in the listing, so DTS:X is unconfirmed. It does not include dedicated rear surround speakers; the 7.1.2 designation means seven front or side channels and two up firing channels.
The Sony supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It includes two rear speakers and a subwoofer, which should create a true 5.1 channel surround field. The listing does not mention up firing channels, but the rear speakers provide physical surround separation.
For immersive height based Atmos, the Samsung has explicit up firing channels. For a traditional surround layout with discrete rear channels, the Sony has an advantage because the rear speakers are included. The Samsung configuration may work better in rooms where rear speaker placement is not possible.
Subwoofer and Bass
Both systems include a subwoofer in the box. The Samsung listing states an included subwoofer but does not confirm whether the connection is wireless; it says wireless connection not explicitly confirmed. The Sony includes a subwoofer but does not publish its size or driver.
Neither product lists a power rating or frequency response, so bass depth and output cannot be compared from the published specifications. The Samsung subwoofer is part of its speaker package, and the Sony subwoofer is part of a 5.1ch setup.
Without measured data, buyers should not assume one subwoofer is more powerful than the other. Both should provide low frequency support for movies and music, but the listings leave the important details unknown.
Connectivity and TV Setup
The Samsung listing states Wi-Fi for wireless Dolby Atmos, which means it can receive Atmos without an HDMI cable. It also includes Alexa built in, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay 2. Bluetooth is not explicitly listed. HDMI eARC and input count are not published in the listing.
The Sony listing states Bluetooth streaming for music. It does not mention Wi-Fi or network streaming. HDMI eARC and input count are not published in the listing. The Sony includes BRAVIA Connect app control and BRAVIA TV integration.
For a cable free Atmos setup, the Samsung has a clear advantage based on the published Wi-Fi feature. For TV setup, the Samsung Q Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TVs, while the Sony integrates with BRAVIA TVs. Neither listing confirms HDMI eARC, so buyers who need verified eARC must check before purchase.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
The Samsung includes built in Alexa, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay 2. It also offers Q Symphony for Samsung TVs, SpaceFit automatic room calibration, and Active Voice Amplifier. These features give it strong streaming and voice control, assuming the user has compatible devices.
The Sony includes the BRAVIA Connect app for smartphone control and BRAVIA TV integration. It also offers a Multi Stereo mode for room filling sound. Bluetooth streaming is available, but the listing does not mention built in voice assistants, Wi-Fi, or network streaming.
The Samsung has more built in smart features, including voice control and multi platform casting. The Sony relies on the BRAVIA Connect app and Bluetooth for control and streaming. Buyers who want a self contained smart soundbar may prefer the Samsung, while those who only need app control may find the Sony sufficient.
Design and Fit Under a TV
Neither listing publishes dimensions for the soundbar, subwoofer, or rear speakers. This makes it impossible to compare physical size or confirm whether either model will fit under a specific TV. Buyers should verify measurements from another source before purchase.
The Samsung is a single soundbar plus subwoofer design with no rear speakers, so it may take up less floor space in the room. The Sony includes two rear speakers, which require placement behind or beside the listening area. The Sony soundbar itself may be similar in width to the Samsung, but no dimensions are given.
Both listings do not state weight or mounting options. The Samsung Q Symphony feature suggests optimization with Samsung TVs, but that does not affect physical fit. The Sony rear speakers add setup considerations but may be mounted on stands or shelves; the listing does not specify.
Who Should Buy It
The Samsung HW-Q900F is best for Samsung TV owners who want immersive wireless Dolby Atmos without adding rear speakers. Its Q Symphony, SpaceFit calibration, and Active Voice Amplifier make it appealing for users who value automatic room tuning and clear dialogue. It also suits buyers who want built in Alexa, Google Cast, and AirPlay 2.
The Sony 6 5.1ch is best for buyers who want a true 5.1 channel system with dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer. Its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X makes it a good choice for format coverage. It also suits Sony BRAVIA TV owners who want app control and BRAVIA integration.
The Sony may be the better fit for movie watchers who want physical surround sound from rear channels. The Samsung may be better for those who cannot or do not want to place rear speakers. Both score 78 overall, so the choice depends on speaker layout and ecosystem.
The Deciding Question
The central question is whether you need physical rear surround speakers or prefer a simpler soundbar with virtual or up firing surround. The Sony includes rear speakers, while the Samsung uses side, top, and wide firing drivers without dedicated rears. That difference shapes the surround experience.
Another deciding factor is DTS:X support. The Sony explicitly supports DTS:X, while the Samsung listing does not state DTS support. If DTS:X content is important, the Sony has a published advantage.
Finally, consider your TV brand and preferred wireless features. The Samsung works with Q Symphony on compatible Samsung TVs and supports Wi-Fi for wireless Dolby Atmos, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, and Alexa. The Sony integrates with BRAVIA TVs and the BRAVIA Connect app but lacks Wi-Fi streaming and voice assistants per the listing. Buyers should choose the ecosystem that matches their setup.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Samsung HW-Q900F if you own a Samsung TV and want Q Symphony, wireless Dolby Atmos, built in voice assistants, and multi platform casting without separate rear speakers. It is a strong single bar option for immersive height effects.
Choose the Sony 6 5.1ch if you want a complete 5.1 channel package with two rear speakers, a subwoofer, and support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It is the better pick for traditional discrete surround sound.
If you need verified HDMI eARC or exact dimensions, neither listing provides enough information to decide. In that case, consult the manufacturer or a retailer before purchase. For all other buyers, the choice comes down to rear speakers and DTS:X versus wireless Atmos and Samsung TV features.
Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2
Pros
- 7.1.2 channel layout with side, top, and wide-firing drivers
- Wireless Dolby Atmos works without an HDMI cable
- Q-Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TVs
- SpaceFit automatic room calibration
- Built-in Alexa, Google Cast, and AirPlay 2
- Active Voice Amplifier for clearer dialogue
Cons
- No published power rating or driver sizes
- DTS:X support not confirmed
- HDMI eARC and input count not stated
- No dedicated rear surround speakers
- Dimensions and weight not published
Sony 6 5.1ch
Pros
- Dedicated center channel for clear dialogue
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Included subwoofer and rear speakers for true 5.1ch surround
- Multi Stereo mode for room filling sound
- BRAVIA Connect app control and BRAVIA TV integration
- Bluetooth streaming for music
Cons
- Listing does not state HDMI ports or eARC support
- Physical remote not confirmed
- No published power output or driver sizes
- No Wi-Fi or network streaming mentioned
- Dimensions not published
Who Should Buy Each
Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2
- Owners of compatible Samsung TVs who want Q-Symphony integration
- Movie fans who want Dolby Atmos height effects from a single bar and sub
- Users who prefer built-in voice assistants and streaming protocols
- People who want automatic room calibration without a separate microphone
Sony 6 5.1ch
- Movie watchers who want physical rear surround speakers
- TV owners who prioritize clear dialogue from a dedicated center channel
- Bluetooth music streamers who want a room filling sound mode
- Buyers comfortable controlling the bar from a smartphone app
Quick Decision Guide
| If you own a Samsung TV and want Q Symphony integration | Choose Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 |
| If you want included rear speakers for true 5.1 channel surround | Choose Sony 6 5.1ch |
| If you need DTS:X support for your movie collection | Choose Sony 6 5.1ch |
| If you want built in Alexa, Google Cast, and AirPlay 2 | Choose Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 |
| If you want wireless Dolby Atmos without an HDMI cable | Choose Samsung HW-Q900F 7.1.2 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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