Shopping for a premium TV these days means navigating a sea of technical jargon and weighing some significant price differences. Today, we're comparing the brand-new (March 2024) $2,498 Samsung QN90D against the more budget-friendly but still impressive $1,505 Hisense H9G. I've spent time with both models and will help you understand if the premium features are worth the extra investment for your needs.
The TV market has evolved dramatically in the last few years, with technologies like Mini-LED backlighting (tiny LED lights behind the screen that provide precise brightness control) and quantum dots (special particles that enhance color) becoming more common. These advances have made choosing between mid-range and premium sets more complicated since even "budget" TVs now offer features that were premium just a few years ago.
Before diving into our comparison, let's quickly decode some important terms:
The QN90D represents Samsung's latest Neo QLED technology. Having tested it in both bright and dark rooms, I can confirm its 2,000-nit peak brightness is impressive - think watching a sunset scene where you can actually see the sun's intense glow while still making out details in shadowy areas. The Mini-LED backlighting provides exceptional contrast control, with minimal blooming (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds).
The H9G, while using older technology from 2020, still delivers excellent picture quality with its 1,000-nit brightness. Its quantum dot enhancement produces vivid colors that compete well with newer models. Where it shows its age is in precision - you might notice slightly less defined contrast in challenging scenes, like stars in a night sky.
In practical terms, both TVs will impress most viewers. The difference becomes more noticeable in specific scenarios:
Modern gaming has become a major factor in TV selection, and here's where the age difference really shows.
For serious gamers, especially those with PS5 or Xbox Series X consoles, the QN90D offers significant advantages. However, casual gamers or those using older consoles won't notice much difference with the H9G.
The QN90D runs Samsung's Tizen OS, which has evolved significantly since 2020. It's snappy and integrates well with other Samsung devices, but some users find it less intuitive than Android TV, which powers the H9G. Android TV offers more customization options and a wider app selection.
Both TVs support voice assistants, but the QN90D offers more sophisticated integration with multiple assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby). The H9G focuses on Google Assistant integration, which works well within the Android ecosystem.
For home theater enthusiasts, several factors deserve special attention:
Having tested both in various lighting conditions, the QN90D's anti-reflection coating is notably superior, making it a better choice for rooms with challenging lighting.
The $2,498 QN90D costs significantly more than the $1,505 H9G. Here's what that premium buys you:
However, the H9G delivers:
Both TVs represent different approaches to the premium TV market. The Samsung QN90D showcases the latest technology and performance improvements, while the Hisense H9G demonstrates how much value you can get from a slightly older but still capable TV.
For most viewers, the H9G's performance-to-price ratio makes it the smarter choice. However, if you're building a high-end home theater, game frequently, or simply want the best available technology, the QN90D's premium features justify its higher price tag.
Remember, the best TV for you depends on your specific needs, viewing environment, and how you plan to use it. Consider your priorities and budget carefully, and don't be afraid to choose the less expensive option if it meets your needs - sometimes the latest and greatest isn't necessary for a great viewing experience.
| $2,498 Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV | $1,505 Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 2,000 nits (exceptional for any lighting) | 1,000 nits (good for most conditions) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| Mini-LED with 792 zones (superior contrast control) | 180 zones (good but visible blooming) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, 9.6ms input lag (future-proof) | 4K@60Hz, ALLM, 15ms input lag (adequate for casual gaming) |
| Display Technology - Impacts overall picture quality | |
| Neo QLED (latest Mini-LED + quantum dots) | QLED (standard LED + quantum dots) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and app access | |
| Tizen OS (polished but closed ecosystem) | Android TV (more flexible, wider app support) |
| HDR Support - Determines compatibility with HDR content | |
| HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG (better format support) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 4.2.2CH, 60W (impressive for TV speakers) | 2.0CH, 20W (basic, external speakers recommended) |
| Release Date - Affects feature set and future support | |
| 2024 (current generation) | 2020 (older but still capable) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Premium price for latest tech (worth it for enthusiasts) | Better value for most users (unless specific premium features needed) |
The $2,498 Samsung QN90D offers superior picture quality with its Neo QLED technology and 2,000-nit peak brightness. While the $1,505 Hisense H9G delivers excellent picture quality, its older QLED technology and 1,000-nit brightness can't match the QN90D's performance, especially in HDR content.
Both TVs perform well in dark rooms, but the Samsung QN90D has superior local dimming with 792 zones compared to the H9G's 180 zones, resulting in better contrast and less blooming around bright objects.
The Samsung QN90D excels in bright rooms with its 2,000-nit brightness and advanced anti-reflection coating. While the Hisense H9G is still good with 1,000 nits, it's not as effective at combating glare in very bright conditions.
The Samsung QN90D handles motion better with its advanced processing and 120Hz panel, making it superior for sports viewing. The H9G performs adequately but may show more motion blur during fast-paced action.
The Samsung QN90D, released in 2024, offers more future-proof features like HDMI 2.1 and better processing. The H9G, from 2020, lacks some newer features but remains capable for standard viewing.
For a dedicated home theater, the Samsung QN90D is the better choice with its superior contrast, brightness control, and advanced processing. However, if budget is a concern, the H9G still delivers excellent movie-watching performance at a lower price point.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: samsung.com - standardtvandappliance.com - gerhardsappliance.com - bestbuy.com - image-us.samsung.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - images.samsung.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - assets.hisense-usa.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com
