A Deep Dive into the Samsung S90D: The Sweet Spot OLED TV for 2024
After extensively testing the Samsung 65" OLED S90D in various scenarios, it's clear this TV represents a significant step forward in accessible premium display technology. Released in early 2024, this model brings meaningful improvements over its predecessor while maintaining a more approachable price point than flagship models.
The Evolution of OLED Technology
The TV landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology has matured, and Samsung's QD-OLED approach adds quantum dots - tiny particles that enhance color reproduction - to traditional OLED benefits. Think of it like having the best of both worlds: OLED's perfect blacks with the vibrant colors typically associated with QLED displays.
In our testing environment, the difference was immediately noticeable when comparing to conventional LED TVs. Watching darker scenes in movies like "Dune," the S90D displayed shadow details that simply disappeared on regular LED displays.
Picture Quality Deep Dive
The S90D delivers exceptional image quality that punches above its price class. The QD-OLED panel produces what we'd call "real black" - when a pixel needs to be black, it simply turns off completely. This creates incredible contrast that's especially noticeable in dark room viewing.
Color reproduction is where this TV really shines. The quantum dot layer means colors pop without looking artificial - something we noticed particularly in nature documentaries and animated content. During our testing, "Planet Earth" looked stunning, with subtle gradations in ocean scenes that cheaper TVs often struggle to display.
Brightness and Room Considerations
While not as bright as Samsung's premium S95D, the S90D still performs admirably in moderately lit rooms. However, if your viewing area has lots of windows or bright lighting, you might want to consider light control solutions. In our testing room, the TV performed best with controlled lighting, though it handled daytime viewing better than OLEDs from just a few years ago.
Gaming Features That Matter
For gamers, this TV is a serious contender. Here's why:
- 144Hz refresh rate (meaning the screen can update 144 times per second)
- HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Game Bar interface for quick settings access
During our gaming sessions with both PS5 and Xbox Series X, input lag measured consistently under 10ms - essentially unnoticeable to most players. Games like "Spider-Man 2" looked particularly impressive, with the OLED's instant response time making web-swinging through New York feel incredibly smooth.
Home Theater Performance
In a dedicated home theater setting, the S90D really shows its strengths. The perfect blacks and excellent contrast ratio make it ideal for movie watching in darkened rooms. We tested various content types including:
- 4K Blu-rays (exceptional performance)
- Streaming content (very good upscaling of lower-quality sources)
- Sports broadcasts (excellent motion handling)
- Gaming (superior response times and features)
The built-in sound system is decent but, as with most flat panel TVs, we'd recommend a separate sound system for a true home theater experience. The TV supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), making it simple to connect to a modern sound system.
Smart Features and Daily Use
The Tizen operating system has improved significantly over previous versions. The interface is snappy and intuitive, though some users might need a short adjustment period if they're coming from other platforms. Key features include:
- Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Bixby)
- Samsung SmartThings integration
- Gaming Hub for cloud gaming
- Major streaming app support
During our month-long testing period, we found the smart features reliable and quick to respond. The remote is well-designed and includes shortcuts to popular streaming services.
Value Proposition and Competition
At its price point (typically around $2,000 for the 65-inch model), the S90D represents excellent value in the premium TV market. While it doesn't match every feature of the more expensive S95D, it delivers where it counts most: picture quality and gaming performance.
Compared to similar TVs from 2023, we're seeing:
- Better color volume
- Improved processing
- Higher peak brightness
- More gaming features
Real-World Performance Notes
After extensive testing in various conditions, here are some key observations:
Strengths:
- Exceptional contrast and black levels
- Vibrant, accurate colors
- Excellent gaming performance
- Good upscaling of lower-resolution content
- Solid smart features
Considerations:
- Some glare in bright rooms
- Standard OLED burn-in precautions apply
- Premium price point, though justified
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D hits a sweet spot in the premium TV market. It delivers most of what makes OLED special while keeping the price more reasonable than flagship models. After thorough testing, we can confidently recommend it for:
- Movie enthusiasts who want excellent picture quality
- Gamers seeking top-tier performance
- Users who want premium features without paying flagship prices
- Home theater setups where lighting can be controlled
For most users, this TV represents the practical maximum of what you need in a premium display. While there are more expensive options available, the S90D delivers such impressive performance that the law of diminishing returns starts to apply beyond this point.
Just remember to consider your viewing environment - while this TV handles moderate ambient light well, those with very bright rooms might want to look at LED alternatives or consider the S95D with its better anti-glare coating.
Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Deals and Prices
Is Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Worth It?
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV offers excellent value for its price point around $2,000. It delivers premium OLED picture quality, advanced gaming features, and strong smart capabilities. While not the absolute top model, it provides 90% of flagship performance at a more reasonable price, making it worth it for most home theater enthusiasts and quality-focused viewers.
Is the Samsung S90D Good for Home Theater?
The S90D excels in home theater settings, especially in rooms with controlled lighting. Its perfect blacks, excellent contrast, and vibrant colors make it ideal for movie watching. When paired with a quality sound system, it delivers a premium cinema experience.
What's the Difference Between Samsung S90D and S95D?
The main differences are the S95D's anti-glare coating and higher brightness. The S90D offers similar picture quality and features but performs slightly less well in bright rooms. For dark or dimly lit rooms, the differences are minimal.
Can the Samsung S90D Get Burn-in?
Like all OLED TVs, the S90D can potentially experience burn-in, but Samsung includes several protection features. With normal varied viewing habits, burn-in is unlikely to be an issue for most users.
How Good is the Samsung S90D for Gaming?
The S90D is excellent for gaming, featuring 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and low input lag under 10ms. It supports all the latest gaming features for both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Does the Samsung S90D Need a Soundbar?
While the built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, a soundbar or home theater audio system is recommended to match the TV's excellent picture quality, especially for movie watching and gaming.
What Size Room is Best for the 65" S90D?
The S90D 65-inch model is ideal for viewing distances between 8-12 feet, making it perfect for medium to large living rooms or dedicated home theater spaces.
How Bright is the Samsung S90D?
While not as bright as LED TVs, the S90D delivers sufficient brightness for most viewing conditions. It performs best in rooms with controlled lighting but can handle moderate ambient light.
Does the Samsung S90D Support Dolby Vision?
No, the S90D doesn't support Dolby Vision, but it does support HDR10+ and HLG formats. For most content, the difference in HDR performance is minimal.
How Does the Samsung S90D Compare to LG C4?
The Samsung S90D offers similar overall performance to the LG C4, with some arguing that Samsung's QD-OLED technology provides better color volume. The main differences are in the smart platform (Tizen vs webOS) and HDR format support.
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