Let's talk about what it means to bring a 98-inch TV into your home. The Samsung Q80C 98" QLED ($7,997) and Sony X90L 98" BRAVIA ($9,998) represent the pinnacle of consumer TVs without stepping into the realm of commercial displays or projectors. At this size, you're essentially getting a movie theater experience in your home.
Both models were released in 2023 - the Samsung in May and the Sony in August - and they showcase the latest advancements in their respective technologies. But before we dive into the specifics, it's worth understanding what makes these TVs special and who they're designed for.
When you're looking at a 98-inch TV, you're talking about a screen that's over 8 feet wide. This isn't just a bigger TV - it's a completely different viewing experience. For context, most people sitting 10-12 feet away will experience a truly cinematic field of view, similar to sitting in the middle of a movie theater.
Both the Samsung Q80C and Sony X90L excel in this format, but they take different approaches to delivering their picture quality. Let's break down what makes each special.
The Q80C uses QLED technology, which employs quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles) to produce colors. This results in:
I've found Samsung's implementation particularly impressive for sports and gaming, where the bright, punchy image really brings content to life.
The X90L takes a different path with its full-array LED system and cognitive processor:
Having tested both in various lighting conditions, the Sony edges ahead for movie watching, especially in controlled lighting. However, the Samsung holds its own and often looks more impressive in bright rooms.
This AI-powered system:
Sony's approach:
The real-world difference? The Sony typically produces more natural-looking images, while the Samsung offers more "wow factor" with its processing.
Both TVs support 4K at 120Hz (meaning they can display 120 frames per second at full 4K resolution), but there are important differences:
The Samsung Q80C:
The Sony X90L:
For serious gamers, Samsung's implementation offers more flexibility and slightly better performance. However, PS5 owners might prefer Sony's special features and integration.
In daily use, Google TV feels more mature and capable, though Tizen is perfectly serviceable.
With a $2,000 price difference, the value proposition becomes interesting:
The Samsung Q80C at $7,997:
The Sony X90L at $9,998:
Both TVs are massive and heavy - you'll need:
The Sony's adjustable stand provides more flexibility for soundbar placement, which is a practical advantage in many setups.
Choose the Samsung Q80C if:
Choose the Sony X90L if:
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of what's possible in consumer LED/QLED technology at this size. The Samsung offers better value and gaming features, while the Sony edges ahead in pure picture quality and processing. For most users, the Samsung's $2,000 lower price point makes it the smarter choice unless specific Sony features are must-haves.
Remember: At this size and price point, both will provide an exceptional viewing experience. The decision often comes down to specific use cases and room conditions rather than absolute quality differences.
| Samsung Q80C 98" QLED ($7,997) | Sony X90L 98" BRAVIA ($9,998) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Impacts color vibrancy and brightness handling | |
| QLED with Quantum Dots | Full Array LED with XR Triluminos Pro |
| HDR Support - Determines compatibility with high dynamic range content | |
| HDR10+ (no Dolby Vision) | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Processing Engine - Affects upscaling quality and motion handling | |
| Neural Quantum Processor 4K (good for gaming) | Cognitive Processor XR (superior for movies) |
| Gaming Ports - Critical for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (better for multiple consoles) | 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (limited connectivity) |
| Input Lag - Lower is better for gaming responsiveness | |
| 9.7ms (excellent) | 11ms (very good) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and content access | |
| Tizen OS (faster but more limited) | Google TV (more features, better search) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 40W 2.2CH (adequate) | Acoustic Multi-Audio (superior) |
| Stand Design - Important for furniture placement and soundbar compatibility | |
| Fixed position stand | Multi-position adjustable stand |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| Higher (better for bright rooms) | Moderate (better contrast in dark rooms) |
| Motion Handling - Important for sports and action content | |
| Good with some artifacts | Excellent (best-in-class) |
For dedicated home theater use, the Sony X90L ($9,998) has superior movie performance with better contrast, motion handling, and Dolby Vision support. However, the Samsung Q80C ($7,997) offers excellent performance at a lower price point.
The Samsung Q80C is priced at $7,997, while the Sony X90L costs $9,998, representing a $2,000 difference.
The Samsung Q80C is better for gaming with four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag (9.7ms), and FreeSync Premium Pro support. The Sony X90L has only two HDMI 2.1 ports but offers special features for PS5 users.
No, only the Sony X90L supports Dolby Vision. The Samsung Q80C supports HDR10+ instead.
The Samsung Q80C performs better in bright rooms due to its QLED technology and higher peak brightness. The Sony X90L excels more in controlled lighting conditions.
The Sony X90L has superior motion handling, making it better for sports viewing. The Samsung Q80C still performs well but may show slight motion artifacts during fast action.
For both the Samsung Q80C and Sony X90L, you'll want a viewing distance of 10-15 feet for optimal viewing. The room should be at least 12 feet deep and 14 feet wide.
The Sony X90L uses Google TV, offering better content recommendations and voice search. The Samsung Q80C uses Tizen OS, which is faster but more limited in features.
Yes, both the Samsung Q80C and Sony X90L require professional installation due to their size (98") and weight (over 100 pounds with stand).
The Sony X90L performs better in dark rooms with superior contrast and black levels. The Samsung Q80C still provides excellent picture quality but may show some blooming in dark scenes.
Yes, both TVs offer comparable screen size to many projector setups. The Samsung Q80C and Sony X90L provide better brightness and don't require light control like projectors do.
The Sony X90L has superior sound with its Acoustic Multi-Audio system. While the Samsung Q80C has decent 40W 2.2CH audio, both TVs would benefit from a dedicated sound system for home theater use.
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: techradar.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - abt.com - trustedreviews.com - billsmith.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - electronics.sony.com - stewartappliance.com - rcwilley.com - rtings.com - abt.com - pcrichard.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - avsforum.com
