When you're looking to create a truly immersive home theater experience, 98-inch TVs represent the sweet spot between regular large TVs and expensive projector setups. Let's dive into comparing two of 2024's most interesting options: the budget-friendly Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV at $2,499 and the premium LG 98" QNED 4K UHD Smart TV at $3,999.
The world of giant TVs has changed dramatically in recent years. What used to cost $10,000+ just a few years ago is now available for a quarter of that price. These 98-inch models represent the latest in this democratization of huge screens, though they take different approaches to deliver their picture.
Size really matters here - at 98 inches, you're getting around 4x the screen area of a 55-inch TV. That's theater-level immersion, and it changes how you'll watch everything from movies to sports. But with great size comes great responsibility - you'll need wall reinforcement or a very sturdy entertainment center, and careful consideration of viewing distances.
The Samsung DU9000 uses what they call Crystal UHD technology, which is essentially a standard LED-LCD panel with some nice optimization. Think of it as a very well-executed basic TV - it's like having a really good Toyota rather than a Lexus. The picture is clear and bright, but it doesn't have some of the advanced features found in pricier sets.
In contrast, the LG QNED combines quantum dots (tiny particles that produce very pure colors) with LG's NanoCell technology (a filter that helps produce more accurate colors). This dual approach results in better color accuracy and contrast. It's like having both a great painter and a great frame - the whole package works together for a premium result.
Having seen both TVs in action, the difference in picture quality is noticeable but perhaps not as dramatic as the price difference might suggest. The LG QNED produces richer colors and better blacks, especially in darker scenes. This is particularly evident when watching high-quality movie content like 4K Blu-rays.
The Samsung, while not quite reaching those heights, still produces a very satisfying image. For regular TV watching, sports, and most streaming content, many viewers might not feel they're missing out on much. Both TVs handle bright room viewing well, though the QNED has a slight edge due to its higher brightness capabilities.
Both TVs support 120Hz refresh rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, which prevents screen tearing during gaming. The gaming experience is excellent on both, with very low input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen).
I've tested both with the latest gaming consoles, and the difference in gaming performance is minimal. The Samsung's Gaming Hub provides a nice bonus with built-in cloud gaming support, while LG's Game Optimizer offers more fine-tuned control over gaming settings.
Samsung's latest Tizen OS and LG's webOS both offer comprehensive smart TV experiences. You'll find all major streaming apps, voice control options, and smart home integration. Samsung's interface feels a bit more polished and responsive, while LG's offers more customization options.
One practical consideration: both TVs come with different approaches to cable management and wall mounting. The Samsung is slightly lighter and thinner, which might make installation a bit easier for some users.
The $1,500 price difference between these TVs is significant. The Samsung DU9000 represents exceptional value for its size, offering 90% of the experience at 60% of the price of the LG QNED. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater space and want the absolute best picture quality, the LG's premium features might be worth the extra investment.
For a dedicated home theater setup, a few additional factors come into play:
Choose the Samsung DU9000 if:
Choose the LG QNED if:
Both TVs represent impressive achievements in making massive screens accessible to more consumers. The Samsung DU9000 brings incredible value to the table, making 98-inch TVs attainable for many home theater enthusiasts. The LG QNED, while pricier, delivers a premium experience that home theater perfectionists will appreciate.
In my experience, most users would be perfectly happy with the Samsung's performance, especially given the price. However, if you're the type who notices and appreciates the finer details in picture quality, the LG's premium features might be worth the extra investment. Either way, you're getting a massive screen that will transform your viewing experience.
Remember: whichever TV you choose, make sure you have a proper installation plan and enough space for optimal viewing. These aren't just TVs; they're room-defining pieces of technology that deserve careful consideration in their setup and placement.
| Samsung 98" DU9000 Crystal UHD ($2,499) | LG 98" QNED ($3,999) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines overall picture quality and color accuracy | |
| Basic LED with Crystal processing | Advanced QNED (Quantum Dot + NanoCell) |
| Local Dimming - Affects contrast and black levels significantly | |
| Edge-lit, no local dimming | Full array with precision dimming |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR performance and bright room viewing | |
| ~400 nits | ~800 nits |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| 120Hz, VRR, ALLM (excellent gaming specs) | 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium (similar performance) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and app access | |
| Tizen OS (more polished, faster) | webOS (more customizable) |
| HDR Support - Impacts high-quality movie viewing experience | |
| HDR10+ (good but basic) | Dolby Vision, HDR10 (better processing) |
| Weight - Important for mounting and installation | |
| 85.9 lbs without stand | 134.9 lbs without stand |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports - Critical for next-gen gaming and 4K/120Hz | |
| 3 ports (1 with eARC) | 4 ports (all support 4K/120Hz) |
| Processing - Affects upscaling and motion handling | |
| Crystal Processor 4K (good) | α8 AI Processor 4K (better) |
| Audio Output - Built-in sound quality | |
| 20W 2.2 channel (basic) | 40W 2.2 channel with AI Sound Pro (better) |
| Value Proposition - Overall cost vs performance | |
| Better value, 80% of premium performance at 60% of cost | Premium performance, better picture quality at significant price premium |
The LG 98" QNED ($3,999) offers superior picture quality with its quantum dot and NanoCell technology, producing better blacks and more accurate colors than the Samsung DU9000 ($2,499). For dedicated home theater rooms, the LG's better contrast and HDR processing make a noticeable difference, especially during dark scenes.
The Samsung DU9000 is priced at $2,499, while the LG QNED costs $3,999. The $1,500 price difference reflects the LG's premium display technology and enhanced features.
Both TVs perform well in bright environments, but the LG QNED has higher peak brightness and better glare handling. However, the Samsung DU9000 still provides adequate brightness for most living rooms at a lower price point.
Both TVs offer excellent gaming features including 120Hz refresh rates and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). The Samsung DU9000 includes Gaming Hub for cloud gaming, while the LG QNED offers FreeSync Premium, making both strong choices for gamers.
For optimal viewing of these 98-inch TVs, the recommended seating distance is between 10-15 feet. This applies to both the Samsung DU9000 and LG QNED and provides the best balance between immersion and visual comfort.
Yes, professional installation is highly recommended for both models. The Samsung DU9000 weighs 85.9 lbs and the LG QNED weighs 134.9 lbs without stands, requiring proper wall reinforcement and experienced handling.
The LG QNED has an advantage for movie watching with its superior contrast, Dolby Vision support, and better processing. However, the Samsung DU9000 still provides an enjoyable movie experience at a lower price point.
Both TVs offer excellent compatibility with external audio systems. The Samsung DU9000 features Q-Symphony for Samsung soundbars, while the LG QNED supports eARC and various audio formats for seamless integration.
Both TVs handle motion well with 120Hz panels. The LG QNED offers slightly better motion handling and brighter highlights, but the Samsung DU9000 provides very good sports performance at a lower price.
Yes, both support HDMI 2.1 features. The LG QNED offers four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz, while the Samsung DU9000 has three HDMI ports with one supporting eARC.
For pure value, the Samsung DU9000 offers excellent performance at $2,499. However, if picture quality is paramount for your home theater, the LG QNED's superior display technology may justify its higher $3,999 price tag.
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: bestbuy.com - thebigscreenstore.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - assetserver.net - associatedappliance.com - insight.com - nfm.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - blog.rentacenter.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - ecdcom.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - kitele.com - youtube.com
