- 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: WRGB OLED Brand: SAMSUNG Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Tizen Model year: 2024
Our verdict
8.1
Overall rating
The Samsung S90D (or S94D) TV is a model that surprises in many ways, offering exceptional performance across various aspects. One key feature to note is that depending on the size of the television, it may differ in the OLED panel variants used. Regardless of the specific panel technology, the S90D guarantees perfect blacks, and its HDR light effects, aided by high brightness, truly impress, creating a cinematic experience in the comfort of your home. OLED technology provides deep blacks and vibrant colours, making every movie and series look stunning, with clear details even in dark scenes.
Although the factory colour settings might not be ideal, the television truly shines after calibration, becoming unbeatable in its price range for colour accuracy. This makes the S90D a fantastic option for film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality picture performance. The TV is also an excellent choice for regular TV watching, offering wide viewing angles and an intuitive, feature-rich Tizen operating system, which makes navigating apps and accessing content effortless. With support for popular streaming services and AirPlay, users can enjoy multimedia of the highest quality.
Regarding image smoothness, the S90D excels with its 120Hz panel, effectively eliminating motion blur and ensuring smooth rendering of fast-paced scenes. Watching sports on this television is a joy, with dynamic actions displayed clearly without interruptions. Additionally, the S90D is a great option for gamers, thanks to full support for HDMI 2.1 and low input lag, providing a responsive and fluid gaming experience.
Overall, the Samsung S90D combines excellent image quality, smooth performance, and a wealth of features, making it one of the best choices in the premium TV category.
Advantages
Ideal contrast
Great for 4K content
Excellent for gamers - 144hz, HDMI 2.1, low input lag.
Decent brightness
Advanced and smooth Tizen system
Disadvantages
The colors from the box need improvement
No Dolby Vision (not necessary at this brightness but would be appreciated)
Movies and series in UHD quality8.2
Classic TV, YouTube8.7
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)8.5
Gaming on console9.5
TV as a computer monitor8.6
Matrix brightness6.0
Utility functions7.7
Apps8.6
Sound quality7.4
Complete the survey to find out what fits your preferences
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
Buy in the best price
No links
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, equipped with an OLED matrix, stands out for its infinite contrast, which is one of its most notable advantages. OLED technology allows each pixel to emit its own light, which results in deep blacks and remarkable detail reproduction, particularly in dark scenes. Unlike traditional LCD panels with backlighting, where black areas can often appear gray due to uneven lighting, OLED guarantees that turned-off pixels remain completely black. This capability ensures an exceptionally high contrast ratio, making images more dynamic and lifelike.
In tests, the S90D excels in showcasing high-contrast scenes. For example, in a scene from Oblivion, the TV highlights the intensity of a lantern's light, enhancing the details in the bright parts of the image. In The Revenant, a character against a dark forest is sharply defined, with the OLED matrix creating a striking contrast between the subject and the deep black background, thus highlighting intricate details in the shadows.
Interestingly, despite past disputes, Samsung has used OLED matrices produced by LG in the S90D models, particularly those with the "DAE" suffix. This might raise questions, but, it doesn't diminish the TV’s performance. WOLED and QD-OLED technologies offer the same excellent contrast, with perfect blacks being a common strength. This allows even the most subtle details in shadowed areas to be visible, which is crucial for enjoying films with dark scenes.
Compared to LCD TVs, the Samsung S90D performs exceptionally well, especially in dynamic night shots, offering a much more immersive viewing experience for games and HDR movies. The results of the S90D tests confirm that this model is among the top choices for high-quality contrast and black reproduction.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
HDR effect quality
6.8/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 98.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%
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
960 nit
The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).
Result
990 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
1098 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
1042 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
490 nit
The Samsung S90D demonstrates impressive brightness performance in the tested film scenes, surpassing the 1000 nits mark in the first four shots—an outstanding result for an OLED display. In the final shot, which features a fullscreen flash of sunlight, the brightness dips to around 500 nits. While this is a decrease, it remains within a very good range, ensuring visibility and detail retention even in bright scenes.
Another key highlight of the Samsung S90D is its remarkable colour coverage, achieving 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space. This means the TV can reproduce an exceptionally wide range of colours, contributing to vivid and lifelike images that are particularly beneficial for films, high-quality video, and HDR content. The high colour accuracy and impressive brightness capabilities, makes the S90D an ideal choice for users seeking premium image quality across various lighting environments, whether in darker rooms or bright, sunlit spaces.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
In highly demanding movie scenes, such as those in Pan and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the Samsung S90D performs exceptionally well. While the TV includes a dynamic tone mapping feature, we recommend setting this option to "static" to prevent the image from appearing overly bright and losing important detail. Even with dynamic tone mapping turned off, the television responds well to metadata and is adept at adjusting to high-quality content.
In Pan, mastered at 2800 nits, the imagery looks vivid, particularly in the opening scene where, despite subtle variations in colour under direct sunlight, the overall impression remains excellent. In contrast, the segment from Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk showcases spectacular light effects, such as fireworks, which are rendered distinctly without blending into a single bright mass—a common issue in more budget-friendly models. Additionally, the actor in the foreground is depicted with accuracy, further highlighting the superior image quality that the S90D delivers.
HDR luminance chart:
Even with the dynamic tone mapping feature turned off, the Samsung S90D performs admirably with content recorded in static HDR10, enhancing the image quality in various scenes. While the overall effects are positive, some limitations persist. For instance, in the image on the right, where dynamic HDR10+ metadata has been applied, there is more visible detail against bright backgrounds, such as individual blades of grass or a forest in the distance. This demonstrates the importance of incorporating dynamic metadata and how it can elevate image quality. It's a pity that Samsung still does not implement Dolby Vision in its TVs, which remains a more popular format than HDR10+.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: HDR10+
Factory color reproduction
7/10
The S90D was tested in Filmmaker mode, which provides good colour reproduction, albeit with some imperfections that may be noticeable to more discerning users. This mode might appear overly warm, and those switching from Standard mode could find the change somewhat jarring. It is important to note that this issue stems from suboptimal settings, such as the white balance, rather than the Filmmaker mode.
In both SDR and HDR content, the device shows a drop in blue tones, resulting in colours appearing warmer than intended. In practice, this means that certain shades, such as sky blue or skin tones, may seem less natural, with a slight pink or yellow tint. The Colour Checker test confirms these deviations, indicating a shift towards warmer hues. In SDR content, the gamma chart reveals slight inconsistencies that make the image appear marginally darker, particularly in shadowed areas, which may obscure finer details in darker scenes.
In 4K HDR content, the EOTF curve exceeds the recommended level, leading to an overly bright display in some parts of the image, which can cause highlights to appear blown out. Overall, the Samsung S90D delivers a solid image straight out of the box, but for the best performance, further calibration is advised, especially with more demanding content.
Color reproduction after calibration
8.7/10
After calibration, the Samsung S90D in movie mode exceeds expectations. The white balance for HD and 4K HDR content has been refined to near perfection. While minor imperfections remain, they are so subtle that they don’t significantly impact the overall image quality. The colours are now more balanced, resulting in a natural reproduction of details, particularly in scenes requiring an accurate colour palette. It’s important to note that this model, in this size, uses a WOLED panel, which has a smaller wide colour gamut coverage and doesn't deliver the same vibrant colours as the 65-inch version with its QD-OLED panel.
The contrast has also seen notable improvements. Following calibration, the gamma curve now closely aligns with the expected line, achieving a better balance between the bright and dark areas of the image. The EOTF curve, which previously exhibited issues with overexposed scenes, now produces more accurate results, allowing for improved detail retention in the brighter parts of the image, especially in HDR content.
Smoothness of tonal transitions
7.6/10
The fluidity of tonal transitions on the Samsung S90D is generally impressive, though subtle imperfections can be observed in certain areas. In most scenes, tonal transitions are smooth and well-rendered, ensuring a natural viewing experience. Minor issues may become apparent in more challenging scenes, such as those featuring a dark sky, however, these do not disrupt the overall visual experience. In a test scene with dominant red hues, slight cut-offs in brighter areas are noticeable but subtle enough not to interfere with the viewing experience. Overall, the tonal transition fluidity on the Samsung S90D is solid, offering a strong performance across content.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7.9/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
The S90D TV handles tonal transitions exceptionally well. Thanks to advanced technology, the transitions between colours are smooth and natural. The noise reduction function can further enhance the smoothness of tonal shifts, which is particularly useful in certain situations. However, it's important to note that enabling noise reduction can also blur the natural film grain, diminishing the cinematic quality of the image. For this reason, it’s advisable to use this function with caution, as preserving the natural grain can enhance the character and authenticity of the content being watched.
As always, Samsung excels in image scaling from lower resolutions. The S90D effectively processes lower-resolution content, delivering a clear and accurate picture. The model’s outline is crisp, ensuring the image looks natural and detailed. Even the finer details, such as tree branches, are well-rendered without visible jagged edges that could degrade image quality. Thanks to its effective scaling, the S90D ensures that even lower-resolution content looks appealing, satisfying users who enjoy a wide range of content sources, such as regular broadcast or cable TV.
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: 51%
The Samsung S90D television features a 120 Hz panel, with the option to "overclock" to 144 Hz when connected to a compatible PC, offering exceptional motion smoothness. Samsung has long provided a range of image sharpness settings on a ten-point scale, allowing users to tailor the display to their preferences. In the UFO test, the OLED panel shows no signs of blurring, with pixel response instantaneous and effectively capturing dynamic movements. OLED technology is renowned for its performance in this regard, making it one of the best options on the market. The image remains incredibly sharp and detailed, even during fast-paced action, making the S90D an excellent choice for gamers and sports enthusiasts alike.
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 Samsung S90D is an ideal choice for gamers, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports that support key gaming technologies such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and HDR Gaming Interest Group (HGIG). These features ensure smoother and more responsive gameplay, greatly enhancing performance during intense gaming sessions. The TV also includes a dedicated Game Bar, which makes managing game settings easy. This functionality allows users to quickly adjust parameters like the aspect ratio offering flexibility for different games and gameplay styles. Customising preferences is straightforward, further enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of gaming.
For PC users, the TV impresses by supporting a refresh rate of 144Hz when connected to a computer. Users with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards can also use G-Sync and FreeSync for a smoother gaming experience. However, it’s important to note that the TV does not support Dolby Vision, which may be a drawback for some. That said, Dolby Vision is not as widely adopted in gaming as in film, so this may not be a significant concern for most gamers. Overall, the S90D offers exceptional features for gamers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking outstanding image quality and modern technological solutions.
Input lag
10/10
The OLED Samsung S90D is distinguished by its reference-level low input lag, delivering exceptional performance across all resolutions and refresh rates, whether in SDR or HDR mode. With scores around 10 ms, this is truly impressive and has a noticeable impact on the gaming experience. Such low input lag ensures an instant response to on-screen actions, vital in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. This responsiveness provides users with smooth, precise gameplay, making the Samsung S90D an outstanding choice for those prioritising top-tier 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
8.6/10
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: RWBG
The Samsung S90D works seamlessly with a PC, offering clear, legible fonts that make reading text and using applications much easier. It supports chroma 4:4:4 at 4K resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate, ensuring full-colour reproduction and a sharp, vibrant image. The input lag of just 5 ms is particularly advantageous, especially for gamers and professionals working with graphics. This low latency makes using the TV as a monitor an enjoyable experience, offering comfort and responsiveness. The Samsung S90D is an excellent choice for users seeking both performance and quality for everyday computer use.
Viewing angles
7.6/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 29%
Thanks to OLED technology, the viewing angles on the Samsung S90D are exceptional. OLED ensures excellent colour and contrast reproduction, even at wide viewing angles, so the image remains sharp and vibrant from almost any perspective. This allows users to enjoy a consistent visual experience, regardless of their position relative to the screen. The only televisions that might offer slightly better performance in this regard are those equipped with MLA (Micro Lens Array) micro-lenses or QD-OLED technology. These advanced solutions further improve image quality from different angles, but under typical conditions, OLED remains the leader, delivering outstanding viewing experiences from every angle.
TV efficiency during daytime
6/10
Matrix coating: Glare
Reflection suppression: Good
Black levels during daytime: Very Good
The Samsung S90D performs admirably during the day, achieving an average brightness of around 400 nits, which is excellent for OLED technology. Despite the glossy panel, reflection suppression is effective, making it comfortable to watch even in bright rooms. The only notable downside of OLED technology—rather than the TV itself—is the brightness levels when displaying a 100% white screen fill. In such scenarios, OLED panels may struggle to reach extremely high brightness. This can become apparent when watching bright scenes, such as winter sports like ski jumping, where the screen's peak brightness may not be as intense as desired.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
Samsung OLED S90/94D (WRGB OLED): 396 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 offers a range of features that greatly enhance user comfort, making it an ideal choice for home entertainment. The Tizen system, on which this model runs, is a modern and sophisticated platform that delivers a smooth, intuitive user experience. Its user-friendly interface, navigating through apps and settings is quick and easy, even for those less familiar with technology. Tizen supports a wide array of applications, including popular streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. A notable addition for 2024 is the inclusion of voice search in Polish.
The eco-friendly solar remote is another highlight, being both environmentally conscious and practical for everyday use. It can control multiple devices connected to the TV, reducing the need for multiple remotes. Additionally, the TV supports AirPlay, making it easy to stream content from Apple devices like iPhones or iPads. The S90D also supports Bluetooth connections, allowing users to connect devices such as mice, keyboards, or headphones, enhancing versatility and personalisation of the viewing experience.
The only drawback worth mentioning is the lack of USB recording support. This may be a limitation for some users, particularly if they wish to archive their favourite shows or films. Despite this, the Samsung S90D offers advanced features and technologies, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality entertainment at home.
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 has a built-in player that supports the most popular video formats, allowing for convenient playback of movies from various sources. The player also offers customisation options for the font colour, enhancing comfort when watching content with subtitles. For photo formats, the television handles a wide range, though one of the few drawbacks is its inability to play the widely used PNG format. Despite this, the overall playback capabilities of the S90D are excellent, offering a seamless viewing experience across different media types.
Apps
8.6/10
Sound
7.4/10
7.4/10
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 features a 2.1 audio system with a total output of 40W, delivering clear and dynamic sound. The subwoofer at the bottom of the casing ensures deep, noticeable bass, while the mid and high frequencies remain well-balanced. While the television does not support DTS format, it offers other advanced sound technologies, including Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus. For those seeking a more immersive surround sound experience, however, connecting an external audio system would be recommended.