Should You Buy a 98-inch Samsung TV? Comparing the Q80C and QN90D

When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, few things can match the impact of a massive 98-inch television. Today, we're comparing two of Samsung's flagship models: the Q80C QLED TV and the newer QN90D Neo QLED.

The State of Large Format TVs in 2024

The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. While 65-inch TVs were once considered massive, manufacturers have pushed into larger sizes while making them more affordable. The 98-inch category represents the current peak of what's practical for most homes, offering a truly theater-like experience without requiring a dedicated projector setup.

Meet Our Contenders

The Samsung Q80C, released in May 2023, brought premium features to a more attainable price point at $7,997. It uses QLED technology (which enhances traditional LED backlighting with quantum dots for better color) and direct full-array local dimming for contrast control.

The Samsung QN90D, launched in April 2024, represents Samsung's latest technology at $14,999. It employs Mini-LED backlighting (using much smaller LED lights for more precise brightness control) combined with quantum dots, which Samsung brands as "Neo QLED."

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Contrast

Both TVs are incredibly bright, but there's a noticeable difference. The QN90D's Mini-LED technology allows for much more precise control of bright and dark areas. In practical terms, when you're watching a space movie, you'll see starfields with pinpoint brightness against truly dark backgrounds, while the Q80C might show slightly less contrast between the stars and space.

Having tested both in various lighting conditions, the QN90D's superior brightness becomes most apparent in well-lit rooms. However, the Q80C still performs admirably, especially in controlled lighting environments like home theaters.

Color Performance

Both TVs use quantum dots, which are tiny particles that improve color reproduction. They're particularly good at producing vibrant reds and greens, which traditional LEDs struggle with. While both perform excellently, the QN90D's newer processor provides slightly more accurate color processing.

Processing Power and Smart Features

The Q80C uses Samsung's Neural Quantum Processor 4K, while the QN90D features the newer NQ4 AI Gen2 processor. In real-world use, both handle 4K content beautifully, but the QN90D's newer processor shows its advantages when upscaling lower-resolution content (like cable TV or older movies) to 4K.

Both TVs run Samsung's Tizen operating system, offering access to all major streaming services and gaming features. The interface is identical, though the QN90D's faster processor makes navigation slightly snappier.

Gaming Capabilities

For gamers, both TVs offer impressive specs:

• 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate
• Variable refresh rate (VRR) support
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Low input lag (under 10ms)

The QN90D has a slight edge in motion handling due to its Mini-LED technology, but the difference is subtle enough that most gamers wouldn't notice during actual play.

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theater use, both TVs excel, but there are important differences:

Room Lighting

• The Q80C performs best in controlled lighting
• The QN90D's higher brightness and better anti-glare coating make it more versatile

Viewing Angles

• Both TVs feature wide viewing angle technology
• The QN90D maintains better picture quality at extreme angles

Audio Performance

Both TVs include object-tracking sound systems that create virtual surround effects, but serious home theater enthusiasts will want to pair either TV with a dedicated sound system.

Value Proposition

This is where the decision gets interesting. The Q80C at $7,997 delivers about 80-90% of the QN90D's performance at roughly half the price. For most users, the Q80C represents the better value, especially when considering the total cost of a home theater setup.

The QN90D at $14,999 offers the absolute latest technology and best performance, but at a significant premium. Its improvements are real and noticeable, but the law of diminishing returns applies strongly here.

How to Decide

Consider these scenarios:

Choose the Q80C if:

• You're setting up a dedicated home theater with controlled lighting
• You want excellent performance while maintaining budget for quality audio
• Gaming is a priority
• You're comfortable with very good (rather than absolute best) picture quality

Choose the QN90D if:

• Budget isn't a primary concern
• You're placing the TV in a bright room
• You want the absolute best picture quality available
• Future-proofing with the latest technology is important

Real-World Perspective

Having spent time with both TVs, I can say that either one will provide an incredible viewing experience. The Q80C represents the sweet spot of performance and value for most users, while the QN90D sets the bar for what's possible in LED TV technology.

For my own home theater setup, I'd probably choose the Q80C and invest the price difference in a high-end sound system. However, if you're building a multi-purpose media room that needs to handle varying lighting conditions, the QN90D's superior brightness and anti-glare capabilities might justify its premium price.

Remember, at these screen sizes, proper viewing distance becomes crucial. You'll want to sit about 12-15 feet away for the best experience with either TV.

The technology gap between these models mainly shows up in very bright rooms or with HDR content. If you're primarily watching in a controlled environment, the Q80C will serve you extremely well while leaving budget for other home theater components.

Samsung 98" Q80C 4K Smart QLED TV Deals and Prices

Samsung 98" QN90D Series Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Deals and Prices