The Samsung One Connect Box is a TV accessory that has a mythical status. However, it is still not as widely used as you would expect.
One Connect Box’s function is to divert cables and wires from the TV. It outsources HDMI inputs and power connections and ensures that the mess doesn’t get near the screen.
The One Connect Box can be placed under a wall-mounted display screen, alongside it on a counter or hidden in a cleverly designed media cabinet. It offers greater flexibility for your own AV setup and home theatre system.
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So far, so good. However, you cannot simply buy a One Connect Box for any new Samsung Television. This restriction makes it a little more difficult to get one for your home.
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Here’s where we step in. This guide will give you a detailed explanation of the One Connect Box’s capabilities and how they are changing for the Slim One Connect Box model in 2021. It also explains what Samsung TVs will include the handy accessory.
What is Slim One Connect?
First, you should know that the Slim One Connect Box is a new model for 2021. This slimmer version of the One Connect Box that we have seen in the past few years is now available in a smaller, more compact form. It also features updated connections and a new form factor. You can attach it to the back a TV Stand.
An blog article from Samsung about its 2021 TV range offers a slight nod to the “Slim One Connect Box”. It calls it “an all new cable management system that can attach to the TV’s rear – which allows for a simpler installation and cleaner aesthetic.”
Samsung describes it as “A minimalist’s dream to reduce clutter” and says that the Slim One Connect hides cables from satellite receivers and gaming consoles. It also has a small box that can be hidden behind the TV or placed on the side.
Slim One Connect Box for Samsung (2021) (Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung One Connect Box connections
The number of connections to the One Connect Box depends on how old or new your Samsung TV is. The box will come with a 2021 model. It will include HDMI 2.0 ports. These are standard features on QLED televisions. You’ll also find 3x USB 2.0 ports and 1x Ethernet port. There is also an RF antenna input.
However, older screens won’t have the same luck.
Most One Connect boxes include ports to connect an IR extender or external speaker (Audio OUT) and a One Connect box. You can also connect an antenna (ANT IN), component, AV IN, HDMI (with AR), Ethernet (LAN), optical and USB.
These inputs were included in the 2019/2020 model:
- 1 x Power
- 1 x Service
- 1 x Antenna IN
- 1 x AV IN / Component IN
- 1 x Digital Audio OUT (Optical) Port
- 1 x Ethernet Port
- 4 x HDMI IN (one equipped with ARC).
- 1 x One Connect Port
- 2 x USB 2.0, 0.5A Ports
- 1 x USB 2.0 5V HDD port
Samsung One Connect Box dimensions
Since its 2014 inception, there have been several One Connect Box variations. Sometimes they even come in a smaller “Mini” model to accommodate those who need fewer inputs.
2019/2020 Model measures 390x130x70mm for 4K TVs. 8K TVs have slightly larger dimensions of 394x177x80mm.
However, the 2021 ‘Slim” model is smaller than any of them. Samsung claims that the new model measures just 41.2 x 325 x 295mm. The longest edge is 330mm, where the inputs and ports are located.
The new model appears slimmer and more compact than the one before. It has the smooth, curved body and polished pebble sheen. This is quite a departure from the squared corners and rectangular shape of the predecessor.
Slim One Connect Box for Samsung (2021). (Image credit to Stephen Withers).
Samsung One Connect Box price: how much does it cost?
This is a tricky question because you cannot buy the One Connect box separately. The One Connect box is included with certain Samsung TV models, increasing the RRP.
For example, the 2020 Q95T was first sold at $2,999 for a 65 inch size. This is $500 (around P350/AU$650) less than the HTML90T which does not come with a box. This is a significant price increase and speaks to its premium nature.
Although it’s confusing and not very consumer-friendly, we can walk you through the boxes that come with Samsung TVs. It is easy to see that support levels vary greatly from one year to the next.
2021 Samsung TVs (Slim One Connect Box)
- Samsung QN95A Neo QLED (4K)
- Samsung QN85A Neo QLED (4K)
- Samsung QN900A Neo QLED (8K)
- Samsung QN800A Neo QLED (8K)
2020 Samsung TVs (One Connect Box)
- Samsung Q95T 4K QLED
- Samsung Q950TS 8K QLED
2019 Samsung TVs (One Connect Box)
- Samsung Q85R 4K QLED
- Samsung Q90R 4K QLED
- Samsung Q900R 8K QLED
- Samsung The Frame
- Samsung Serif
Samsung QN900 Neo QLED TV (2021) (Image credit: Samsung)
The future of cabling: Samsung One Connect Box
Samsung clearly sees a future for the One Connect box, even though it is only available in limited quantities.
The form factor has changed a lot in 2021. It is now slimmer and more compatible with HDMI 2.1. However, the accessory’s true potential will not be realized until it can be packed with a flatscreen or a compatible soundbar.
Despite this, no other major TV brand is doing as well as the One Connect box. For now, however, Samsung’s slow progress places it in the lead.
- Samsung TV 2021 – Every new QLED or MicroLED TV
