The Samsung S90C OLED TV stands as a monumental achievement in display technology, delivering a spectacular picture quality that redefines expectations for its price point. With category-leading brightness and unparalleled color reproduction, it caters to both cinematic purists and competitive gamers. While its smart interface presents minor navigational challenges and it foregoes Dolby Vision, its exceptional performance-to-price ratio firmly establishes it as an Editors' Choice, albeit with a cautionary note regarding reported display anomalies.
- Superb, category-leading brightness in SDR and HDR modes (only surpassed by S95C).
- Outstanding color reproduction with Delta-E beating comparable sets.
- HDR color gamut coverage ahead of all but the higher-end Sony A95K.
- Fastest TV measured in terms of input lag, ideal for competitive gaming.
- Excellent gaming features, including 4K 120Hz and VRR across all four HDMIs.
- Deep, rich, and consistent black levels for superior contrast.
- Excellent handling of shadow detail during dark scenes compared to its predecessor.
- Picture quality rivals sets costing significantly more.
- Includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner for next-generation broadcasts.
- Elegant and simple design that complements any luxury interior.
- Seamlessly integrates with Samsung SmartThings, Bixby, and Alexa voice assistants.
- The Tizen smart interface can be unwieldy and convoluted to navigate.
- Remote control design is considered undercooked by some experts.
- Slight loss in shadow detail or 'crushing blacks' compared to the LG C3.
- Subtle green- or magenta-colored fringe along edges of certain picture elements (common for QD-OLED).
- Does not support Dolby Vision, relying on HDR10+ for dynamic metadata.
- SDR color gamut coverage is marginally lower than LG C3 and S95C.
Community Feedback
The Samsung S90C has garnered significant praise within the user community, with many describing the experience as "mindblowing" and highlighting its stunning high-resolution HDR and 4K content delivery. Users frequently commend its exceptional color accuracy, superior processing, and unparalleled upscaling capabilities, alongside its fantastic brightness that truly elevates the OLED experience. However, a notable concern has emerged regarding potential display glitches. Several users have reported issues such as flickering white lines, persistent display anomalies, or even complete screen failure after some period of use. These reports, spanning various forums and direct customer feedback, suggest a widespread issue that prospective buyers should be aware of, despite the overwhelmingly positive initial impressions of its picture quality.
Conclusion
The Samsung S90C OLED TV represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of premium displays, offering an almost unparalleled blend of cutting-edge QD-OLED technology, breathtaking visual fidelity, and exceptional value. Its ability to deliver over 1,000 nits of brightness, coupled with industry-leading color accuracy and an unassailable gaming performance, positions it as a formidable contender in the high-end market. While the Tizen interface could benefit from further refinement and the absence of Dolby Vision is a notable omission for some, these are minor quibbles against a backdrop of truly spectacular performance. The S90C consistently punches above its weight class, often outperforming rivals that command significantly higher prices. However, the reported instances of display glitches warrant careful consideration, suggesting a potential long-term reliability concern that tempers an otherwise near-perfect proposition.
You demand a television with class-leading brightness and color reproduction for an immersive cinematic experience. You are a serious gamer seeking the absolute fastest input lag and comprehensive 4K 120Hz/VRR support across all HDMI ports. You desire premium QD-OLED picture quality that rivals much more expensive sets, offering exceptional value.
Dolby Vision is a non-negotiable feature for your content consumption. You prioritize absolute perfection in shadow detail, as the LG C3 may offer a slight edge in this specific area. You are highly sensitive to potential long-term display reliability issues, given the user reports of glitches and screen failures.
Alternatives to consider
LG C3
The LG C3 is a strong competitor, often similarly priced, and excels in displaying near-black picture detail with less 'crushing blacks' than the S90C. However, it typically peaks around 800 nits of brightness, making the S90C a brighter option for HDR content.
Samsung S95C
As the S90C's higher-tier sibling, the S95C offers even greater brightness, topping out between 1,300 and 1,400 nits. While marginally brighter, it comes at a significantly higher price point, making the S90C a more compelling value proposition for most users.
Sony A95K
The Sony A95K is a premium QD-OLED offering that boasts slightly higher HDR color gamut coverage. While it delivers exceptional picture quality, it is typically positioned at a much higher price point, making the S90C an attractive alternative for those seeking top-tier performance without the ultra-premium cost.
Verified Sources
- Samsung S90C QD-OLED TV Review - Reviewed
- Samsung S90C OLED review | Tom's Guide
- Samsung 65-Inch S90C OLED TV Review | PCMag
- Samsung S90C review: a brighter OLED TV for a lower price | TechRadar
- Samsung S90C vs. LG C3: What I chose after exhaustive research
- S90C is mindblowing : r/hometheater - Reddit
- S90C Hate : r/4kTV - Reddit
- My horrid experience with Samsung OLED TVs and their service!
- Samsung 65" S90C OLED TV Persistent Display Glitch...
- S90c defective? : r/OLED - Reddit
- Samsung S90C issues| Raw Take - YouTube