- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- Contrast and black detail
- HDR effect quality
- Factory color reproduction
- Color reproduction after calibration
- Smoothness of tonal transitions
- Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
- Blur and motion smoothness
- Console compatibility and gaming features
- Input lag
- Compatibility with PC
- Viewing angles
- TV efficiency during daytime
- TV features
- Playing files from USB
- Apps
- Sound
Complete the survey to find out the result
Panel technology: QD-OLED Brand: SAMSUNG Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Tizen Model year: 2024
Our verdict
8.1
Overall rating
The Samsung S90D TV is a model full of pleasant surprises, offering excellent picture quality and modern technologies. It is worth noting that depending on the size, the TV may differ in the type of OLED panel used. The tested model, equipped with a QD-OLED panel, delivers flawless black levels and intense, vivid colours. Thanks to its exceptional brightness, HDR effects make a huge impression, and watching dynamic scenes full of detail can completely capture the viewer's attention. This is the ideal TV for those who want to enjoy cinema at the highest level in their own home. Although the factory colour settings may require adjustments, after proper calibration the Samsung S90D reveals its full potential, competing with the best in its price category. This version stands out with the best viewing angles, allowing for a vibrant and colourful picture from any spot in the room. As a result, even when watching from the side, we do not lose quality, and every detail remains equally impressive. As for the operating system, Tizen makes everyday use of the TV, including handling applications and streaming services, enjoyable and hassle-free. Additionally, the support for AirPlay and access to the rich SmartThings ecosystem elevate the multimedia capabilities of the TV to a very high level.
The Samsung S90D also excels in motion fluidity, thanks to the 120Hz panel, which handles fast scenes flawlessly, eliminating blurring. Watching sports or dynamic films on this TV is pure pleasure. For gamers, the TV offers full support for HDMI 2.1 and low input lag, making it a great choice for console gaming, providing smooth and responsive experiences. Although the Samsung S90D has many advantages, it is worth mentioning a few drawbacks. In bright rooms, the black levels on the QD-OLED panel do not look as perfect as in dark conditions – they lose depth, which may be noticeable when watching during the day. Additionally, the readability of fonts could be better – some text displayed on the screen is less sharp compared to competing models. Nonetheless, the 65" Samsung S90D is a TV that combines excellent picture quality, motion fluidity, and innovation. It is one of the best options in the premium segment, meeting the expectations of both cinema lovers and gamers.
Advantages
Perfect black (OLED)
Great for 4K and HD content
Excellent for gamers - 144hz, HDMI 2.1, low input lag.
One of the best viewing angles on the market
High coverage of a wide color gamut
Above-average sound quality
Disadvantages
No support for DTS soundtracks (may be an issue with external player)
Black level issues during the day
Movies and series in UHD quality8.5
Classic TV, YouTube9.2
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.9
Gaming on console9.6
TV as a computer monitor8.0
Matrix brightness4.7
Utility functions7.7
Apps8.6
Sound quality7.0
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Competing TVs in this price range
TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
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Contrast and black detail
10/10
Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).
Result
∞:1
Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.
Result
∞:1
Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).
Result
∞:1
Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).
Result
∞:1
Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).
Result
∞:1
The Samsung S90D, thanks to the use of a QD-OLED panel, offers excellent contrast, which is one of its greatest advantages. In QD-OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, allowing for perfect blacks and precise detail reproduction in dark scenes. Unlike traditional LCD panels with backlighting, where blacks often appear grayish, the turned-off pixels in QD-OLED remain completely black. This allows the television to offer a dynamic, realistic image with exceptionally deep contrast. For example, in scenes from "Oblivion," the Samsung S90D beautifully captures the intensity of the lantern lights, highlighting details in the bright parts of the image, and in "The Revenant," it perfectly portrays the figure against a deep black forest scene, which underscores the impressive contrast reproduction. It is worth noting that in the Samsung S90D model, only this specific size is equipped with a QD-OLED panel produced by Samsung Display, distinguishing it from other versions. Nevertheless, regardless of the type of panel used, the black in this television will always be perfectly black thanks to OLED technology, which turns off pixels to achieve absolute black. This means that in categories such as black and contrast, the S90D offers excellent picture quality regardless of the type of panel.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
6.7/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
833 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
904 nit
The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).
Result
913 nit
The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).
Result
927 nit
The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).
Result
478 nit
In the HDR effect category, the Samsung S90D delivers remarkable performance. On the luminance graph for up to 10% of the window, the television surpasses the 1000 nits mark, which is a notable achievement. However, in the film scenes we tested, these values were slightly lower. In scenes with fullscreen sun glare the brightness drops to about 500 nits, but this is still considered a very good result. It is also worth noting that this model stands out due to its very high colour gamut coverage, thanks to the QD-OLED panel, giving it an edge over televisions with WOLED panels, which cannot achieve such a wide spectrum of colours.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
In demanding film scenes, such as those from Pan or Billy Lynn, the Samsung S90D performs excellently. While the TV features a dynamic tone mapping option, we recommend setting it to static mode. Without this, while the image may appear brighter, it could lose many subtle details, negatively affecting the viewer's experience. Even with dynamic tone mapping turned off, the TV handles metadata well, adapting to high-quality content.
In Pan, mastered at 2800 nits, the image is displayed with remarkable intensity. Though subtle differences in colour reproduction are noticeable in sunlight, the overall picture quality remains excellent. Similarly, in Billy Lynn, effects like fireworks stand out spectacularly, with distinct shades that prevent the typical blending of bright areas into a single spot—a common issue in lower-end TVs.
HDR luminance chart:
Samsung S90D handles static HDR10 content excellently, even with the dynamic tone mapping feature turned off, improving the picture quality in the displayed scene. While the effects are mostly positive, they are not without shortcomings. For example, in the image on the right, where dynamic HDR10+ metadata has been applied, clearer details can be seen against a bright background, such as blades of grass or a distant forest. This highlights the importance of implementing dynamic metadata in the television, which can significantly enhance picture quality. Unfortunately, it's a pity that Samsung still doesn't introduce support for Dolby Vision, which remains a more popular format than HDR10+.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: HDR10+
Factory color reproduction
7.1/10
The Samsung 65" S90D with a QD-OLED panel has been tested in Filmmaker Mode, which the manufacturer has used for years to deliver optimal picture settings. In this mode, the TV offers a very good image, but there are some shortcomings worth noting.
In terms of white balance, viewers may notice a red dominance in HD content, which can make skin tones appear unnatural and create a warm overall scene, potentially affecting immersion. This issue becomes more apparent in scenes where subtle colour differences are important. The same effect can be observed in 4K HDR content, though the red shift is less pronounced. This shift can prevent certain details and colours from being fully realised, diminishing the naturalness of the image.
As for contrast, the gamma performance is decent but still has some issues. The gamma values fall short of the reference level of 2.4, resulting in bright areas of the image appearing washed out and dark areas lacking detail. This limitation can make certain scenes feel less dynamic and impact the depth and richness of the picture. However, the EOTF curve for contrast in 4K HDR content performs well, showing the TV's ability to handle differences in brightness. That said, these values still fall slightly below the ideal range, indicating room for further optimisation.
Overall, the Samsung S90D in Filmmaker Mode offers solid colour reproduction, but some adjustments are needed to fully unlock its potential, particularly with different types of content.
Color reproduction after calibration
8.9/10
The quality improves more than anticipated after calibrating the S90D television in movie mode. The white balance for HD and 4K HDR content has been fine-tuned to near perfection. While minor imperfections are still noticeable, they are subtle enough not to significantly impact the overall picture quality. Colours have become more cohesive, promoting a natural reproduction of details, particularly in scenes where precise colour representation is essential. It’s important to note that this particular model, in this size, uses a QD-OLED panel, which offers a broader colour gamut compared to other versions of this model equipped with a WOLED panel.
The contrast has also seen a marked improvement. After calibration, the gamma chart is much closer to the expected curve, resulting in a better balance between the bright and dark areas of the image. The EOTF curve, which previously indicated issues with overexposed scenes, now shows significantly better results. This improvement allows for greater preservation of details in the brighter parts of the image, particularly in HDR content.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
8.6/10
In the category of tonal transition fluidity, the S90D delivers significantly better results than its WOLED counterpart. Thanks to the QD-OLED panel, this model offers more consistent and natural transitions between colours. While some minor imperfections were observed during testing, they are subtle enough not to disrupt the viewing experience. When watching various video materials, the tonal transitions are smooth and harmonious, allowing viewers to enjoy the depth and details of the image without distracting interruptions. In scenes where colour changes are especially important, such as in landscapes or dynamic sequences, the S90D excels, accurately capturing subtle shade variations with impressive precision.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
8/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
The television excels at smoothing tonal transitions, allowing colours to blend seamlessly, resulting in a natural and fluid image. The built-in noise reduction feature can further enhance these transitions, useful in certain situations. However, it is important to note that activating this option may overly smooth out the desired film grain structure, potentially compromising the authenticity and atmosphere of the image. Therefore, caution is advised when using this feature, to maintain the character and depth of the content.
The S90D model handles lower-resolution materials effectively, as demonstrated in the displayed image. The model's silhouette remains sharp and naturally reproduced, with fine details preserved. Additionally, the branches of the trees are well-defined, free from any visible jagged edges that might otherwise degrade the image quality. Thanks to efficient scaling, even lower-resolution content appears attractive on the screen, which is sure to please users who rely on a variety of content sources, such as standard cable or antenna television.
Blur and motion smoothness
8.5/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 144Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz: No
Brightness drop with BFI: 50%
The S90D TV, featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate matrix and up to 144 Hz in the appropriate PC configuration, delivers excellent motion fluidity. Samsung highlights a range of sharpness settings on a ten-point scale, allowing users to fine-tune the display to their preferences. In UFO tests, the OLED matrix showcases its strengths by eliminating any blurring. The ultra-fast pixel response ensures dynamic movements are faithfully reproduced.
Similar results can be seen in other sizes of this model with a WOLED matrix, which also offer outstanding image fluidity. Organic technology, in this case, is considered among the best on the market. The S90D image, regardless of the matrix type, is exceptionally sharp and detailed, making this television perfect for dynamic scenes, whether for gaming or sports broadcasts. Additionally, its refresh rate and sharpness capabilities guarantee that every movement is smooth and natural, satisfying even the most discerning users.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Console compatibility and gaming features
9.5/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
48 - 144Hz
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
No
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
Yes
- 1080p@120Hz:
Yes
- 1440p@120Hz:
Yes
- 4K@120Hz:
Yes
- Game bar:
Yes
- G-Sync:
Yes
The S90D television is an excellent solution for gamers, offering a range of advanced features that elevate gaming quality to a new level. Equipped with HDMI 2.1 standard, the model supports modern technologies such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Thanks to these solutions, the image is incredibly smooth, and the response to commands is instantaneous, which is crucial in dynamic titles. Additionally, the S90D supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) as well as G-Sync and FreeSync image synchronisation. This enables a perfect connection with Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, eliminating issues with tearing and stuttering. The built-in operating system offers the Xbox Game Pass app, providing access to a vast library of games directly from the television. This solution makes gaming even more convenient and accessible. The Game Bar feature provides quick access to essential information, such as current settings, performance statistics, and the ability to adjust image options. This allows for on-the-fly display parameter modification, which is extremely useful during intense gameplay. Despite lacking support for Dolby Vision, the S90D still offers excellent HDR image quality, allowing for full utilization of the potential of games and movies. As a result, the S90D represents a unique combination of modern technologies, outstanding image quality, and intuitive features, perfect for any gaming enthusiast.
Input lag
10/10
QD-OLED from Samsung stands out with an incredibly low input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. Regardless of resolution or refresh rate, both in SDR and HDR modes, results around 10 ms are truly impressive. Such a low input lag ensures immediate response to actions on the screen, which is crucial in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Users can enjoy smoothness and precision, making the S90D TV with QD OLED panel a great choice for those prioritizing gaming performance.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 10 ms | 2160p60: 10 ms | |
| 1080p120: 5 ms | 2160p120: 5 ms | |
| 2160p60: 10 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 5 ms |
Compatibility with PC
8/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB
The S90D television works great as a monitor for PC computers. Fonts appear clearly, making it easier to read and use various applications. Support for chroma 4:4:4 at a resolution of 4K and a refresh rate of 144 Hz ensures full color reproduction and excellent image sharpness. Moreover, the impressive input lag of just 5 ms is a significant advantage, especially for gamers and professionals engaged in graphics. However, it should be noted that points were deducted in this category compared to the version with a WOLED panel due to a different, diamond-shaped sub-pixel arrangement, which can lead to the visibility of individual sub-pixels when displaying fonts on a dark background. This issue only affects the 65-inch version, so users who plan to use the television on a desk will not encounter these difficulties in the smaller variants.
Viewing angles
9.8/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 10%
In the category of viewing angles, the S90D television stands out as one of the best models on the market. While traditional OLED televisions already offer strong performance, a QD-OLED panel in the S90D takes image quality to an even higher level. With Quantum Dot technology and self-emissive pixels, users can enjoy exceptional colour reproduction and detail, even when viewing the television from a wide angle. This ensures that the picture remains vivid and accurate, making it ideal for group viewing or any situation where the seating isn't directly in front of the screen.
TV efficiency during daytime
4.7/10
Matrix coating: Glare
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Poor
For TV performance during the day, the S90D model ranks the lowest among the tested variants. While the glossy screen and good reflection handling suggest some efficiency in bright conditions, the quality of black levels during sunny days is the biggest issue. This is due to the close placement of quantum dots to the outer layer of the screen. Under external light, these dots can become activated, leading to a more cherry-like black on the screen. This effect causes the image to lose depth and intensity, particularly in darker scenes. As a result, users who plan to use the TV in bright rooms or areas with high sunlight may encounter challenges in achieving satisfactory image quality. However, when watching films with a lot of black content in the evenings, when sunlight is less intense, the S90D performs significantly better, offering a more enjoyable visual experience. During the day, for regular television viewing, the TV still performs reasonably well, meaning it is not a complete dealbreaker for this model.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Samsung 65 QD-OLED S90D / S94D: 339 cd/m2
TV features
7.7/10
System operacyjny: Tizen
TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
- Recording to USB (terrestrial TV):
No
- Recording programming:
No
- Picture in Picture (PiP):
Yes
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast):
Yes
- AirPlay:
Yes
- Voice search in native language:
Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse:
Yes
- Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV:
Yes
- Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker:
Yes
- Audio only mode:
Yes
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen):
RF
- Backlit remote control:
No
- Teletext:
Yes
The Samsung S90D television offers a range of features that significantly enhance user comfort, making it an ideal device for home entertainment. The Tizen operating system provides a modern and intuitive platform, ensuring users enjoy a smooth and efficient experience. The user-friendly interface makes navigation through apps and settings quick and easy, even for those less familiar with technology. Tizen supports a wide range of applications, including all major streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. A notable addition for 2024 is the availability of voice search in Polish, enhancing accessibility.
Additionally, the S90D features an eco-friendly solar remote that reduces environmental impact and serves as a practical tool for everyday use. It can control multiple devices connected to the TV, eliminating the need for separate remotes. The TV also supports AirPlay, allowing seamless streaming from Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Bluetooth connectivity is another strength, with support for various devices such as mice, keyboards, and headphones, enhancing the TV's versatility and personalising the user experience.
The SmartThings app further enhances the TV’s functionality by enabling integration with other smart home devices. This allows users to control aspects like lighting and security remotely. Additionally, the Philips Hue app enables lighting synchronization with the TV's visuals, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
The only drawback is the lack of USB recording support, which may be a limitation for some users. Despite this, the Samsung S90D offers many advanced features, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality entertainment and wishing to integrate their home devices into a convenient, unified system.
Playing files from USB
8.9/10
| Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
|---|---|
| 4 Mpix | JPEG |
| 6 Mpix | HEIC |
| 8 Mpix | PNG |
| 10 Mpix | GIF |
| 12 Mpix | WebP |
| 16 Mpix | TIFF |
| 20 Mpix | BMP |
| 24 Mpix | SVG |
| 28 Mpix | |
| 32 Mpix |
The Samsung S90D offers a solid set of features for media playback, including a built-in player that supports a wide range of popular video formats. This makes it convenient for users to enjoy movies from various sources without external devices. The TV also provides customisation options for the subtitle font colour, enhancing readability and viewer comfort.
In terms of photo formats, the S90D handles most common formats well. However, it does have a limitation in that it cannot play the popular PNG format, which might be disappointing for users who work with images in that format. Despite this minor drawback, the overall media playback capabilities of the S90D remain excellent, ensuring a high-quality experience for most users.
Apps
8.6/10
Sound
7/10
7/10
Subjective sound quality
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
The Samsung S90D is equipped with an advanced 2.1 audio system, delivering a total power output of 40W, ensuring clear and dynamic sound. The built-in subwoofer, positioned at the bottom of the cabinet, enhances the bass, providing deep and powerful low-end frequencies that enrich the audio experience. This makes the sound more immersive when watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The mid and high tones are well-balanced, ensuring that all aspects of the audio spectrum are well-represented.
Although the TV lacks DTS support, it compensates with other advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, offering a spatial and immersive sound experience. Additionally, Samsung's Q-Symphony feature enables seamless synchronisation between the TV's speakers and a Samsung soundbar, creating an even more enhanced and cohesive audio environment.