🔋☀️ Review: The BN59-01385A Solar Voice Remote – A Sustainable & Smart Upgrade for Your Samsung TV
The evolution of the television remote control has been subtle but steady. Gone are the days of bulky, button-heavy bricks; in their place, we find sleek, minimalist controllers. The BN59-01385A Solar Voice Remote, originally included with select 2021-2022 Samsung Neo QLED, QLED, and Crystal UHD Smart 4K/8K Ultra HD TVs, represents a significant leap forward, not just in design, but in sustainability. For those needing a replacement or an extra controller, this model offers a compelling, eco-conscious package.
 |
| Review: The BN59-01385A Solar Voice Remote – A Sustainable & Smart Upgrade for Your Samsung TV |
💡 Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
| SolarCell Charging | Integrated solar panel on the back of the remote. | Eliminates the need for disposable batteries, promoting sustainability. |
| USB-C Port | Secondary charging option. | Provides a quick charge when light is insufficient. |
| Voice Control | Dedicated microphone button. | Allows hands-free control, search, and interaction with Bixby or Alexa. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Wireless signal transmission. | More reliable control without needing a direct line of sight to the TV. |
| Minimalist Design | Slim profile and streamlined button layout. | Enhances aesthetics and simplifies navigation. |
| Dedicated App Buttons | Quick access to popular streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+). | Instant one-touch entertainment access. |
🌿 The Revolution of SolarCell Charging
The headline feature of the BN59-01385A is undoubtedly the SolarCell technology. Samsung introduced this to drastically reduce the environmental impact of their products, addressing the billions of spent batteries that end up in landfills each year.
The built-in solar panel, subtly placed on the remote's rear, can draw energy from nearly any light source—natural sunlight near a window, or even ambient indoor light from your living room lamps. A few hours of exposure to a bright room light is typically enough to keep the remote topped up for weeks or months of normal use.
For users who keep their remotes in drawers or prefer dimly lit viewing environments, the remote also includes a USB-C charging port. This hybrid approach ensures that power is never an issue, offering convenience alongside its eco-friendly credentials. Checking the battery level is also intuitive, with a pop-up guide often available on compatible Samsung TV screens.
Note: This feature is a major selling point. The freedom from constantly replacing AAA batteries is not just environmentally sound, but a welcome relief for the user's wallet and convenience.
🗣️ Voice Control and Smart Functionality
As a "Voice Remote," the BN59-01385A incorporates a built-in microphone, allowing users to interact with their Samsung Smart TV using voice commands.
Effortless Searching: Instead of painstakingly typing out movie titles or YouTube search terms, you can simply press the microphone button and speak your request.
Smart Home Integration: On compatible TVs, the voice assistant (often Samsung Bixby or Amazon Alexa) can be used to control other connected smart devices in your home.
TV Navigation: Commands like "Open Netflix," "Turn up the volume," or "Switch to HDMI 1" simplify day-to-day use.
This feature is particularly valuable for the new generation of smart TVs, which rely heavily on app-based navigation. The voice functionality transforms the remote from a simple clicker into a true interaction tool.
⚙️ Design, Ergonomics, and Usability
The BN59-01385A adopts a minimalist design that has become standard for high-end Samsung remotes. It is noticeably slimmer and lighter than traditional remotes, designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The button layout is streamlined:
Directional Pad: The central hub for menu navigation.
Volume and Channel Rockers: These are often subtly integrated and responsive.
Essential Buttons: Power, Back, Home, and Play/Pause are present, keeping core functions easily accessible.
Dedicated App Shortcuts: Quick-access buttons for major streaming platforms provide instant entertainment without navigating through the Smart Hub.
Crucially, the remote utilizes Bluetooth connectivity rather than just infrared (IR). This means you don't need a direct line of sight to the TV for it to work. You can operate the TV from an adjacent room or with the remote tucked under a blanket, significantly improving convenience.
🤝 Compatibility and Replacement Considerations
While branded as a replacement for 2021-2022 models, the BN59-01385A typically works with a wide range of Samsung Smart TVs (QLED, Neo QLED, Crystal UHD) from that era and sometimes earlier/later models, provided they support the Bluetooth and voice control features.
When purchasing a replacement, it’s important to note that many available units are non-genuine OEM versions. While these aftermarket remotes often mimic the design and functionality closely (including the solar charging and voice features), quality can vary. A genuine Samsung replacement ensures the highest quality build and guaranteed compatibility.
The pairing process for the Bluetooth connection is generally simple: typically holding the Return and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously until a pairing message appears on the screen.
⭐ Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Upgrade
The BN59-01385A Solar Voice Remote is more than just a replacement part; it is an intelligent, eco-friendly upgrade to your Samsung Smart TV experience.
It successfully tackles the perennial frustration of dead batteries with its innovative SolarCell technology, while its Bluetooth and voice control capabilities deliver a premium, seamless, and frustration-free user experience. For owners of compatible 2021-2022 Samsung Neo QLED and UHD TVs, or anyone seeking a more sustainable and functional remote, the BN59-01385A is an excellent investment. It proves that convenience and environmental responsibility can—and should—go hand-in-hand in modern technology.