OLED vs Neo QLED: A Deep Dive Into Samsung's Latest TV Technologies

As a tech enthusiast who's spent years evaluating displays, I've watched the TV market evolve dramatically. Today, we're comparing two of Samsung's newest 2024 offerings - the Samsung 65" OLED S90D ($1,699) and the Samsung 65" QN90D Neo QLED ($2,497). Let's explore what makes each special and help you decide which is right for your home.

The Technology Behind the Screens

Both TVs were released in March 2024, representing Samsung's latest advancements in display technology. But they take fundamentally different approaches to creating an image.

The S90D OLED uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), where each pixel creates its own light and can turn completely off. Think of it like having millions of tiny lightbulbs that can each be controlled individually. This gives OLED its famous "perfect blacks" and infinite contrast ratio.

The QN90D Neo QLED uses mini-LED backlighting combined with quantum dots (hence the Q in QLED). Mini-LEDs are thousands of tiny lights behind the screen that can be dimmed in zones. Quantum dots are microscopic particles that enhance color. While not quite as precise as OLED's pixel-level control, this technology can get significantly brighter.

Real-World Performance

Picture Quality

In my testing, the S90D OLED consistently produces more natural-looking images with better contrast. When watching dark scenes in movies like "Dune," the blackness of space looks truly black, not dark grey. Colors appear more accurate and realistic right out of the box.

The QN90D Neo QLED counters with incredible brightness that makes HDR content really pop. When watching nature documentaries or sports during the day, the extra brightness means you won't miss any detail. Its quantum dot technology also produces vibrant colors, though they can sometimes look slightly less natural than OLED.

Room Conditions Matter

Your viewing environment should heavily influence your choice:

For bright rooms:

• The QN90D is the clear winner here. Its higher brightness (around 2000 nits vs OLED's 800) and better anti-reflective coating make it ideal for sunlit rooms.
• You'll see less glare and maintain better image quality during daytime viewing.

For dark rooms:

• The S90D OLED shines here. Its perfect blacks and superior contrast make movie nights truly special.
• The lower brightness isn't an issue in controlled lighting.

Gaming Performance

Both TVs support next-gen gaming features:

• 144Hz refresh rate (smoother motion)
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to prevent screen tearing
• HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz gaming
• Low input lag (quick response to controller inputs)

However, the S90D OLED has a slight edge for gaming due to its near-instantaneous pixel response time, which eliminates motion blur. The only concern is potential burn-in from static gaming UI elements, though modern OLEDs have several protections against this.

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theater setups, the S90D OLED is particularly compelling. Here's why:

• Perfect blacks are crucial for the cinema experience
• Wider viewing angles mean every seat gets a great picture
• Superior contrast helps recreate the director's vision
• Lower price leaves more budget for audio equipment

However, if your theater space has ambient light issues or you frequently watch during the day, the QN90D's brightness advantage becomes more important.

Value and Longevity

At $1,699, the S90D OLED represents excellent value, offering premium picture quality at a more accessible price point. The $2,497 QN90D is more expensive but comes with some advantages:

• No risk of burn-in
• Potentially longer lifespan
• Better built-in speakers (though most users will want a separate sound system)
• Superior bright-room performance

Recent Technology Improvements

Both TVs showcase significant advances over previous generations:

OLED Improvements:

• Higher peak brightness than earlier models
• Better burn-in protection
• More accurate color processing
• Improved near-black detail

Neo QLED Improvements:

• Smaller mini-LED zones for better contrast
• Enhanced local dimming algorithms
• More precise quantum dot color
• Better viewing angles than earlier QLEDs

How to Decide

Consider these key factors when choosing between the S90D OLED and QN90D Neo QLED:

1. Room Lighting
   • Bright room with lots of windows? Choose the QN90D
     • Controlled lighting or dark room? The S90D OLED will give you the best picture

1. Primary Use
   • Movies and gaming in darker conditions? S90D OLED
     • Sports and daytime TV watching? QN90D
     • Mixed use? Consider your viewing habits and room lighting

1. Budget
   • The S90D OLED's lower price makes it an excellent value
     • If budget isn't a concern, the QN90D offers more versatility

1. Longevity Concerns
   • If you're worried about burn-in or keep TVs for many years, the QN90D might be safer
     • For typical viewing habits, both should last many years

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing, I'd choose the S90D OLED for my home theater setup. The perfect blacks, superior contrast, and lower price point make it an excellent choice for movie enthusiasts and gamers who can control their viewing environment.

However, the QN90D Neo QLED is the better choice if you:

• Have a bright room
• Watch lots of daytime TV
• Are concerned about burn-in
• Want the brightest HDR experience possible

Both represent the cutting edge of their respective technologies, and either one will provide an excellent viewing experience when used in the right environment. The key is matching the TV's strengths to your specific needs and viewing conditions.

Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Deals and Prices

Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Deals and Prices