When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, the latest generation of ultra-large TVs offers some incredible options. Today we'll compare two flagship models - the Samsung 98" QN90D ($12,999) and the Hisense 110" UX ($14,999), breaking down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The 95"+ TV category has evolved dramatically in recent years. While these sizes were once limited to projectors, advances in manufacturing have made large LCD panels both possible and (relatively) affordable. These TVs aim to deliver true theater-sized experiences while offering brightness levels and contrast that most projectors can't match.
What makes these TVs special isn't just their size - it's their ability to serve as the centerpiece of a premium home theater while also working well in bright living rooms. This flexibility comes from their impressive brightness and anti-reflective technologies.
The Samsung QN90D uses Neo QLED technology, which combines mini-LED backlighting with quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color). Released in early 2024, it represents Samsung's latest advancement in their QLED line. Having seen it in person, the anti-reflective coating is particularly impressive - it handles bright rooms better than most TVs I've tested.
The Hisense 110" UX, released in late 2023, takes a similar but more ambitious approach with its Mini-LED ULED technology. With 40,000 dimming zones (areas that can brighten or darken independently), it offers incredible contrast control. The standout feature is its 10,000 nit peak brightness - that's about 2.5 times brighter than the Samsung and creates HDR highlights that truly pop.
Both use mini-LED backlighting, but Hisense has pushed the technology further. Think of dimming zones like pixels of light behind the screen - more zones mean better control over bright and dark areas appearing together.
In dark room viewing, both TVs excel, but they handle bright rooms differently:
For movie watching, the Hisense's extra size and brightness create more impact, especially with HDR content. However, the Samsung typically looks more natural with standard content thanks to better processing.
Both TVs support next-gen gaming features, but there are notable differences:
For competitive gamers, the Samsung's lower input lag might be preferable. For casual gaming, the Hisense's larger size creates a more immersive experience.
Before choosing either TV, consider:
The Samsung QN90D offers better value purely by price-per-inch, but that's not the whole story. Consider:
The Hisense 110" UX justifies its higher price through:
In a dedicated home theater, both TVs can serve as projector alternatives with distinct advantages:
The Hisense particularly shines here due to its size and brightness, creating a more cinema-like experience. However, the Samsung's better processing might be preferred for mixed-content viewing.
Having spent time with both displays, here are some practical insights:
Choose the Samsung QN90D if:
Choose the Hisense 110" UX if:
Both TVs represent the pinnacle of current consumer display technology, but they serve slightly different needs. The Samsung offers a more refined, balanced experience, while the Hisense pushes the boundaries of size and brightness. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific room conditions, primary use case, and budget constraints.
Remember that either TV represents a significant investment that should last many years. Consider future use cases and how your needs might evolve when making your decision.
Samsung 98" QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) | Hisense 110" UX Mini-LED ($14,999) |
---|---|
Screen Size - Critical for immersive viewing and room planning | |
98 inches (better value per inch) | 110 inches (more cinematic experience) |
Peak Brightness - Determines HDR impact and bright room performance | |
~4,000 nits (excellent for most content) | 10,000 nits (class-leading, best HDR experience) |
Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
~1,000 zones (very good control) | 40,000 zones (exceptional contrast control) |
Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
120Hz, VRR, Gaming Hub (lower input lag) | 144Hz, VRR, Dolby Vision Gaming (higher refresh rate) |
Processing - Affects upscaling quality and motion handling | |
NQ4 AI Gen2 (industry-leading upscaling) | Hi-View Engine X (good but less refined) |
Smart Platform - Impacts daily usability and app access | |
Tizen OS (polished, exclusive features) | Google TV (more app options, familiar interface) |
Weight - Consider installation requirements | |
166.9 lbs (heavier, requires sturdy mount) | 102 lbs (lighter, more mounting options) |
Power Consumption - Impacts electricity costs | |
~400W typical (more efficient) | ~600W typical (higher due to brightness) |
Anti-Glare Treatment - Critical for bright room viewing | |
Advanced matte coating (best-in-class) | Standard anti-glare (good but not exceptional) |
The Hisense 110" UX is larger, offering an additional 12 inches of diagonal screen size compared to the Samsung 98" QN90D. For reference, this difference results in about 20% more viewing area.
The Hisense 110" UX is generally better for dedicated theater rooms due to its larger size and superior peak brightness, which creates a more cinematic experience. However, the Samsung QN90D offers better video processing for mixed content.
The Samsung 98" QN90D is priced at $12,999, while the Hisense 110" UX costs $14,999, a $2,000 difference.
Both TVs perform well in bright rooms, but they excel in different ways. The Samsung QN90D has superior anti-glare coating, while the Hisense UX counters ambient light with significantly higher brightness.
The Samsung QN90D is better for competitive gaming due to lower input lag, while the Hisense 110" UX offers a higher 144Hz refresh rate and larger screen for immersive gaming.
Yes, both the Samsung QN90D and Hisense UX require professional installation due to their size and weight. Neither should be attempted as a DIY project.
The Hisense 110" UX offers superior HDR performance with its 10,000 nit peak brightness and 40,000 dimming zones, compared to the Samsung QN90D's ~4,000 nits.
For the Samsung 98" QN90D, the ideal viewing distance is 12-15 feet. The Hisense 110" UX requires slightly more distance at 13-16 feet for optimal viewing.
The Samsung QN90D uses Tizen OS, which offers a more refined experience and exclusive features. The Hisense UX uses Google TV, which provides broader app compatibility and familiar interface.
Yes, both TVs can effectively replace projectors, offering superior brightness and contrast. The Hisense 110" UX is particularly suitable due to its larger size and higher brightness.
Samsung has a longer track record for reliability and more established service network for the QN90D. The Hisense UX comes with similar warranty coverage but has a less extensive service network.
Both TVs offer excellent future-proofing, but the Hisense UX has slight advantages with higher brightness capabilities and refresh rate. However, the Samsung QN90D might have better long-term software support based on brand history.
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: rtings.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - fullcompass.com - digitalhomecreations.com - jeffsappliance.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - image-us.samsung.com - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - prnewswire.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - walts.com - hisense.com.au - imagematrix.tech - techguide.com.au - global.hisense.com - prnewswire.com