Samsung's 2024 OLED TV Showdown: S90D vs S95D

Understanding Premium OLED TVs in 2024

When Samsung released both the S90D and S95D in March 2024, they represented the latest evolution in OLED TV technology. These TVs use QD-OLED panels, which combine Quantum Dots with OLED technology to produce brighter, more vibrant colors than traditional OLED displays.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs are known for their perfect blacks because each pixel can turn completely off. Think of it like having millions of tiny light bulbs that can each be controlled individually. This ability creates incredible contrast that LED TVs simply can't match, making OLED particularly great for watching movies in dark rooms.

What These TVs Share

Both the S90D at $2,699 and S95D at $3,399 offer impressive core features:

• 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth motion
• Samsung's latest Neural Quantum Processor 4K
• Gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• HDR support including HDR10+ and HLG

The shared gaming features are particularly impressive. Both TVs can handle 4K gaming at 120Hz through their HDMI 2.1 ports, making them excellent choices for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners.

Key Differences That Matter

Brightness and Picture Quality

The S95D pushes brightness to new levels, reaching around 1,600 nits in HDR highlights. This is noticeably brighter than the S90D's still-impressive 1,300 nits. For context, most OLEDs from just two years ago struggled to reach 1,000 nits.

In practical terms, this means:

• HDR content looks more dynamic on the S95D
• Both TVs handle bright room viewing better than older OLEDs
• The difference is most noticeable in HDR highlights like sunlight or explosions

Anti-Glare Innovation

The S95D's new "OLED Glare Free" technology is a game-changer for bright rooms. Unlike traditional anti-glare coatings, this new approach reduces reflections by 70% while maintaining image clarity. The S90D uses a more conventional anti-reflective coating that, while good, doesn't match the S95D's performance.

Think of it like this:

• S95D: Like having high-end anti-glare glasses that don't distort your vision
• S90D: Like having standard anti-glare treatment that still shows some reflections

Design and Installation

The S95D includes Samsung's One Connect Box, which moves all connections to an external unit connected by a single thin cable. This makes wall mounting cleaner and easier. The S90D uses traditional rear-mounted connections.

Real-World Performance

Home Theater Use

In a dedicated home theater setting with controlled lighting, both TVs excel. The perfect blacks and incredible contrast of OLED technology make movies look stunning. However, there are some considerations:

• The S95D's higher brightness can make HDR content more impactful
• Both TVs handle motion exceptionally well for sports and action scenes
• Gaming performance is virtually identical
• The anti-glare difference becomes less important in dark rooms

Bright Room Performance

This is where the differences become more apparent:

• The S95D's anti-glare technology and higher brightness make it notably better for daytime viewing
• The S90D still performs well but shows more reflections
• Both handle bright rooms better than previous generation OLEDs

Value Consideration

The $700 price difference between these TVs is significant. The S90D offers exceptional performance for most users, while the S95D adds premium features that matter most in specific situations.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Since their March 2024 release, both TVs have received software updates improving:

• Gaming features
• Smart TV functionality
• Picture processing
• HDR tone mapping

These updates have maintained their competitive edge against newer releases from other manufacturers.

Making Your Decision

Choose the S95D if:

• You're watching in a bright room frequently
• Clean installation aesthetics are important
• You want the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost
• You watch a lot of HDR content during the day

Choose the S90D if:

• You're primarily watching in controlled lighting
• Standard cable management works for your setup
• Value is important to you
• You want excellent picture quality but don't need the absolute best

Personal Experience and Recommendations

Having spent time with both TVs, I find the S90D offers the better value for most users. The core picture quality is so close that unless you have specific needs addressed by the S95D's features, the price premium is hard to justify.

However, if you're setting up in a bright living room with large windows, the S95D's anti-glare technology makes a meaningful difference in daily use. The One Connect Box is also a nice bonus for clean installations, though not worth the premium on its own.

Both TVs represent significant improvements over previous generations, particularly in brightness and processing capability. The S90D and S95D are excellent choices that will satisfy even demanding users - the choice really comes down to your specific viewing environment and budget considerations.

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