When it comes to massive 98-inch TVs, the Samsung QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) and LG UT90 Series ($2,499) represent two very different approaches to bringing theater-sized entertainment into your home. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your space and budget.
The 98-inch TV category has evolved significantly in recent years. What was once an ultra-premium niche with astronomical prices has become more accessible, though still representing a serious investment. Both these 2024 models showcase how far TV technology has come, but they target different segments of the market.
The size itself is transformative - at 98 inches (measured diagonally), these displays create an immersive viewing experience that approaches what you'd get in a small commercial theater. But size isn't everything, and that's where these models diverge significantly.
The Samsung QN90D uses Neo QLED technology with MiniLED backlighting, which means it has thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled. Think of it like having thousands of tiny spotlights that can dim or brighten independently, creating amazing contrast between bright and dark areas of the picture.
The LG UT90 uses more conventional LED technology, which still produces a good picture but can't match the precise control of light that MiniLEDs offer. It's like having fewer, larger spotlights - still effective, but not as precise.
This technological difference becomes most apparent in two scenarios:
The LG still performs admirably in normal lighting conditions, but it won't have quite the same "wow factor" in challenging scenarios.
Here's where things get really interesting. At $12,999, the Samsung QN90D costs about five times more than the LG UT90 at $2,499. This massive price difference is crucial to understanding their target markets:
Having spent time with both Neo QLED and standard LED technologies (though not these specific models), I can say the difference is noticeable but may not matter equally to everyone.
The Samsung excels in:
The LG delivers solid performance for:
Both TVs offer comprehensive smart platforms:
Both provide access to all major streaming services and have voice control capabilities. The Samsung offers more advanced gaming features and better integration with other Samsung devices, but LG's platform is known for being user-friendly and reliable.
If you're building a dedicated home theater, several factors come into play:
For 98-inch TVs, optimal viewing distance is:
Choose the Samsung QN90D if:
Choose the LG UT90 if:
These TVs represent two valid approaches to large-screen entertainment. The Samsung showcases what's possible with today's best TV technology, while the LG makes giant-screen viewing accessible to more people. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities between performance and value.
For most people, the LG UT90 will provide an excellent viewing experience at a much more palatable price point. However, if you're building a premium home theater and want the absolute best picture quality available, the Samsung QN90D delivers a truly spectacular viewing experience that justifies its premium price for discerning viewers.
Remember, regardless of which you choose, proper installation and room setup are crucial for displays of this size. Consider professional installation and make sure your viewing space can accommodate these massive screens appropriately.
| Samsung QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) | LG UT90 Series ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines contrast, brightness, and overall picture quality | |
| Neo QLED with MiniLED (superior contrast and brightness) | Standard LED (good but basic performance) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and daytime viewing | |
| 2,100+ nits (exceptional for bright rooms) | 400-500 nits (adequate for normal lighting) |
| Processor - Affects upscaling quality and smart features | |
| Neural Quantum 4K (20 neural networks, excellent upscaling) | α8 AI (basic AI upscaling, good for most content) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro (premium gaming suite) | 4K/120Hz, basic VRR (good for casual gaming) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Tizen OS with Gaming Hub (more features, slightly complex) | webOS 24 (simpler, very user-friendly) |
| HDR Support - Impacts color range and contrast in HDR content | |
| HDR10+, HLG, HDR10 (full premium HDR support) | HDR10, HLG (standard HDR support) |
| Viewing Angle - Important for group viewing | |
| Narrower optimal viewing angle (better for centered seating) | Wider viewing angle (better for side seating) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price to performance ratio | |
| Premium price, best-in-class performance (enthusiast choice) | Excellent value, good performance (practical choice) |
The Samsung QN90D Neo QLED ($12,999) offers superior contrast and HDR performance, making it the better choice for a dedicated theater room. However, in a controlled light environment, the LG UT90 ($2,499) still performs well at a fraction of the cost.
The main difference is display technology. The Samsung QN90D uses advanced MiniLED backlighting for superior brightness and contrast, while the LG UT90 uses standard LED technology, reflected in their significant price difference.
The LG UT90 offers significantly better value, costing about one-fifth of the Samsung's price while delivering good picture quality. The Samsung QN90D offers premium performance but at a substantial premium.
The Samsung QN90D can reach over 2,000 nits of brightness, making it excellent for bright rooms. The LG UT90 outputs around 400-500 nits, which is adequate for normal lighting conditions but may struggle in very bright rooms.
The Samsung QN90D offers superior gaming features including FreeSync Premium Pro and better HDR performance. While the LG UT90 supports 4K/120Hz gaming, it lacks some premium gaming features.
For both the Samsung QN90D and LG UT90, the optimal viewing distance is between 8-15 feet, with 10-12 feet being ideal for most home theater setups.
Yes, both TVs are extremely large and heavy. Professional installation is recommended for both the Samsung QN90D and LG UT90 to ensure proper mounting and safety.
Both offer comprehensive smart platforms, but the Samsung QN90D has more advanced features including Gaming Hub. The LG UT90 uses webOS, which is known for being more user-friendly.
The Samsung QN90D handles motion better and has superior brightness for daytime sports viewing. The LG UT90 is still good for sports but may not look as clear during fast motion.
For cinema enthusiasts, the Samsung QN90D offers better contrast, HDR performance, and color accuracy. However, the LG UT90 still provides a satisfying movie experience at a lower price point.
The Samsung QN90D excels in bright rooms due to its high brightness and anti-reflection technology. The LG UT90 performs better in moderate to low light conditions.
Both the Samsung QN90D and LG UT90 come with standard 1-year warranties on parts and labor, but extended warranty options are recommended for such significant investments.
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 - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
