Also: The best Samsung TVs
Time to game with the S95C OLED
First up, I checked out the 77-inch Samsung S95C OLED 4K smart TV. Older OLED models can feel bulky and take up a large amount of space. The new model is about as thick as my Google Pixel 6 Pro, making it great for both TV stands and wall mounting. This is in part thanks to Samsung’s signature design of placing the processor and other chipsets into a panel behind the display that can rest on the console while the TV is mounted up top. Also: My must-have OLED TVs: The crown jewel of home theaters Its display features a glossy finish, a design that will truly make all the colors pop on-screen. It’s the first model that features Quantum Dot technology, making scenes from Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power pop, but I was in a windowless room, so I didn’t get to see how it worked in a bright space. Therefore, out of caution, I hesitate to recommend this for brightly lit living rooms. However, if you’re putting it into a den or a darker living room, this is the display for you because the rich contrast coupled with the color makes for one gorgeous, detailed 4K cinematic experience for both casual viewers and, most importantly, gamers. I played both Stardew Valley and Skyrim and immediately noticed the detailing – and automatic 4K upscaling – the S95C offers. The millions of self-lit pixels in this panel gave the gaming picture a fine contrast that kept my eyes glued to the screen, and the audio was solid enough that I felt it could be used sans a soundbar, but I will always recommend one to go with any TV. Of all the TVs I tested, this picture was by far the best for wandering around Riften or fishing around Stardew. If you’re a gamer, this TV is the one for you. This panel is available to order right now from Samsung’s website in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch displays starting at $1,700.
Samsung’s QN95C QLED wins for best all-around TV picture
Next up, I checked out the 77-inch Samsung S95C QLED smart TV. Unlike the OLED, this 77-inch panel didn’t have any glare and displayed an even brighter picture than the QN90B I tested last year. I attributed this to the enhanced dimming and brightening zones used in this panel. Also: The best QLED TVs I put it to the test with a David Attenborough documentary and found myself blown away by the detailing of the QLED packed into its 77-inch screen. According to Samsung, experts at Pantone validated the colors on-screen to give a truly life-like picture – and I’d believe that. Every flamingo feather came in crystal clear detailing and color. Had I not known better, I would have thought this panel gave me 8K picture because the quality is so dang great, but I also attribute this to the enhanced Neo Quantum HDR+ and lighting technology implemented. By far, the S95C QLED was my favorite TV to test because it also provided a truly bright picture for any space, with one of the largest improvements being the enhanced lighting and dimming zones. It also gave the most vivid coloring of all the TVs I tested, especially when it came to Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Another great feature of all of these panels is the built-in gaming hub, making it easy to play fan favorites for only $15 per month, no console needed. While I didn’t spot any issues with the audio (it was quite good), I also didn’t spot the Slim One Connect hub, meaning it’s all in the TV. It reflected in a slightly thicker display, but nothing that’s a make-or-break scenario for any living room. My verdict? This display will be the perfect blend for gaming and watching TV, and while you can most likely expect it in 65, 77, and 85-inch panels, it’s not available quite yet. Stay tuned as I’ll update this page when it drops.
Movie enthusiasts: The QN900C is your new go-to display
The last TV I tested was Samsung’s flagship 8K panel: The QN900C smart TV. Samsung gave the zero-bezel TV some top-notch upgrades, including enhancing its Quantum Matrix technology to the Quantum Matrix Pro which brings up to 1.5 times more lighting zones. Ironically, of all the TVs I tested, I felt this panel was the darkest, but I was able to adjust the settings thanks to the expansive calibration settings the panel offers. Also: OLED vs. QLED: Which is better? This panel offers the same Pantone-validated colors as the QN95C, Not only did the elves and Numenor provide life-like imaging, but also I felt I could spot every stitch in the costumes, and landscapes looked like cinematic masterpieces on the 77-inch screen. For movie enthusiasts, you’ll want to pre-order this model. You can pick it up in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.
