In 2025, Samsung TV descriptions mention the use of NQ4 AI Gen3 processors. Many are wondering what this processor actually represents. The name “NQ4” stands for Neo Quantum, a third-generation 4K processor similar to the NQ8 Gen3, a third-generation Neo Quantum processor with 8K resolution and artificial intelligence technology. These processors are derived from the processors used in Neo Quantum TVs until 2022. There’s also a very common misconception online that Samsung is developing processors specifically for its TVs; in fact, NQ4 AI is just a commercial name for the processors for TVs and is developed by MediaTek, not Samsung.
History of AI Processors and Their Features in Samsung TVs
In 2022, MediaTek, one of the leading manufacturers of TV chipsets, introduced a new generation of processors called Pentonic. These processors became the foundation for many modern TVs, including premium models from Samsung.
Samsung used three main lines of Pentonic chips: Pentonic 2000 for 8K TVs, Pentonic 1000 for flagship 4K models, and Pentonic 700 and 800 for advanced mid-range TVs. In more affordable Crystal UHD models, Samsung continued using older-generation chips without advanced AI features.
What made the Pentonic processors stand out was the integration of built-in AI-based image and control technologies. This eliminated the need for TV manufacturers to develop their own image enhancement algorithms. For example, the AI Picture Quality feature recognizes faces on screen and improves skin tones for a more natural look. AI Super Resolution adjusts sharpness, contrast, and brightness depending on the scene—dark scenes are automatically brightened and enhanced. MiraVision Pro improves image clarity on large displays by removing blurry edges. With AI Voice, basic voice control commands are handled directly by the processor, without needing to connect to the cloud, making the response faster and more reliable.
Generations of artificial intelligence processors in Samsung TVs
While Samsung continues to announce “new generations” of these processors every year, in reality these updates are mostly minimal and marketing-driven. Developing an entirely new processor architecture every year would be extremely costly and unnecessary, especially given the long chipset development cycles.
According to market claims, by 2025 Samsung TVs will allegedly feature third-generation artificial intelligence processors such as the NQ4 AI Gen3 and NQ8 AI Gen3. However, these so-called “generations” mostly refer to improvements and tweaks to existing hardware platforms at the software level, or support for new peripherals, rather than entirely new chips.
