Should You Buy a Samsung QN90D or Hisense QD7? A Complete Guide to Premium vs Value 100" TVs

Introduction to Large Format TVs in 2024

When you're looking at TVs approaching 100 inches, you're entering a special category of home entertainment. The Samsung 98" QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) and Hisense 100" QD7 QLED ($1,799) represent two very different approaches to delivering a theater-like experience at home.

Both of these 2024 models showcase how far TV technology has come, but they target different types of buyers. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Understanding the Technology

What Makes These TVs Special

The Samsung QN90D uses what's called Mini LED technology (which Samsung brands as "Neo QLED"). Think of it like having thousands of tiny flashlights behind your screen that can turn on and off independently. This allows for very precise control of bright and dark areas, creating what we call "local dimming zones." The result? Deep blacks next to bright highlights without the light bleeding into dark areas.

The Hisense QD7 uses more traditional QLED technology, which is still good but lacks those precise Mini LEDs. It's like having fewer, larger flashlights behind the screen. This means you might see some light bleeding into dark areas, especially in dark rooms.

Recent Improvements

Both TVs benefit from 2024's processing improvements. The Samsung's Neural Quantum Processor brings AI-enhanced upscaling - meaning it makes non-4K content look better by intelligently filling in details. The Hisense also includes AI upscaling, though it's not quite as sophisticated.

A major advancement in both models is their gaming capability. Even just two years ago, TVs this size struggled with fast motion. Now they both handle gaming remarkably well, though in different ways.

Real-World Performance

Picture Quality

Having tested many large format TVs, I can say the Samsung QN90D delivers noticeably better picture quality, especially in darker scenes. When watching movies like "Dune" or "The Batman," you'll see details in shadows that the Hisense misses. The Samsung also gets brighter, making HDR content (shows and movies with extra brightness range) really pop.

The Hisense QD7 isn't bad - far from it. In bright rooms, it performs admirably. Sports and news look great, and casual viewers might not notice the difference in most content. However, in dark scenes or when watching in a dark room, the limitations become more apparent.

Gaming Experience

Both TVs support modern gaming features, but implement them differently:

Samsung QN90D:

• 120Hz refresh rate (120 frames per second)
• Very low input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action)
• Better HDR gaming due to higher brightness

Hisense QD7:

• 144Hz refresh rate
• FreeSync Premium (prevents screen tearing)
• Game Mode Pro with gaming-specific features

For most gamers, either TV will work well. The Samsung offers better picture quality for gaming, while the Hisense has a slightly higher refresh rate and more gaming-specific features.

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater, there are special considerations. The Samsung QN90D really shines here. Its superior contrast and black levels make it more comparable to what you'd see in a commercial theater. The anti-reflective coating also helps manage any ambient light better.

The Hisense QD7 can still work in a home theater, but you'll want to carefully manage lighting. It performs better with some ambient light rather than in a completely dark room where its contrast limitations become more noticeable.

Both TVs require similar installation considerations:

• Need about 12-15 feet of viewing distance
• Require robust wall mounting (these are heavy TVs)
• Benefit from external audio systems

Value Proposition

This is where the discussion gets interesting. The price difference between these TVs is about $11,200 - enough to buy a decent used car!

The Samsung QN90D offers:

• Better picture quality
• Superior processing
• Better build quality
• Likely longer lifespan
• Premium brand support

The Hisense QD7 provides:

• Very good picture for the price
• Larger size (100" vs 98")
• More gaming features
• Incredible value

How to Decide

Consider these factors:

1. Budget
   • If $12,999 feels uncomfortable, the Hisense offers tremendous value
   • If you want the absolute best and can afford it, the Samsung is worth it
2. Room Environment
   • Bright room: Either works well
   • Dark room: Samsung has clear advantages
   • Mixed lighting: Consider your primary viewing time
3. Content Type
   • Movies/TV shows: Samsung has the edge
   • Sports/News: Both perform similarly
   • Gaming: Both are capable, but serve different needs
4. Long-term Plans
   • 5+ years: Samsung might be worth the investment
   • 2-3 years: Hisense represents less financial risk

Final Thoughts

The Samsung QN90D is objectively the better TV, offering premium performance across all metrics. However, the Hisense QD7 delivers incredible value, providing 90% of the experience at less than 15% of the price.

For most people, the Hisense QD7 makes more practical sense. It's a lot of TV for the money, and its limitations won't bother most viewers. However, if you're a picture quality enthusiast, have a dedicated home theater, or simply want the best available, the Samsung QN90D is the clear choice.

Remember, both TVs represent current technology and will serve well for years to come. The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities between absolute performance and value.

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

Hisense 100" QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices