Samsung S90D / S94D 48" (WRGB OLED)

S90D / S94D

Info

Available screen sizes: 48”

Diagonal with a different matrix: , , ,

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Panel technology: WRGB OLED Brand: SAMSUNG Resolution: 3840x2160 Operating system: Tizen Model year: 2024

Our verdict

7.8

Overall rating

The Samsung S90D TV in its smallest variant is a model that excels in many respects. It performs impressively in displaying details in dark scenes, enhancing the experience of watching demanding productions. However, the 48-inch variant has slightly lower brightness compared to larger models, and the screen features a satin finish rather than a glossy one, which can affect daytime viewing. Regardless of the variant, you can expect perfect blacks, while the high screen brightness makes HDR effects particularly striking. Although the factory colour settings may not be ideal, the TV achieves exceptional results after proper calibration, unmatched in its price range.

The Samsung S90D caters to both cinema enthusiasts and everyday viewers. Its wide viewing angles ensure a sharp and detailed picture, even from the side. The TV runs on the intuitive Tizen operating system, which offers a host of features and quick navigation. Access to streaming services and multimedia content is seamless, though the closed nature of the system may result in some missing applications.

For motion handling, the Samsung S90D boasts a 120Hz refresh rate panel that eliminates blurring and provides smooth playback of dynamic scenes, making it a great choice for sports fans. It is also an excellent option for gamers, with features that enhance the gaming experience. Low input lag ensures responsiveness, and the 144Hz panel caters to even the most demanding players.

Advantages

  • Perfect black

  • Great for 4K HDR content

  • Excellent for gamers - 144hz, HDMI 2.1, low input lag.

  • Advanced and smooth Tizen system

  • Multifunctional solar remote

Disadvantages

No like

  • Worse brightness than in larger counterparts

  • Missing Dolby Vision and DTS:X

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.9

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    8.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.4

  • Gaming on console

    9.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    5.1

  • Utility functions

    7.7

  • Apps

    8.6

  • Sound quality

    6.8

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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

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

Result

∞:1

The Samsung S90D distinguishes itself with its OLED matrix, which delivers exceptionally high contrast, one of its standout features. OLED technology allows each pixel to emit light independently, producing perfectly deep blacks and excellent detail visibility in even the darkest scenes. Unlike traditional LCD screens with backlighting—where blacks can appear washed out or greyish due to uneven illumination—OLED ensures that pixels in black areas are completely turned off, resulting in unparalleled contrast.

This remarkable performance brings vibrancy and realism to images. For example, in the film Oblivion, the Samsung S90D accurately reproduces the intense light of a lantern, preserving details in the brightest parts of the image. Similarly, in The Revenant, the OLED matrix sharply defines the actor’s silhouette against a dark forest backdrop, delivering outstanding dynamics and intricate detail. The result is a viewing experience that truly immerses the audience.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

6.2/10

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

788 nit

Result

807 nit

Result

851 nit

Result

838 nit

Result

372 nit

In the tested movie scenes, the Samsung S90D delivers impressive brightness levels, exceeding 800 nits in the first four shots—a very strong result. In the final shot, featuring a full-screen burst of sunlight, brightness drops to approximately 400 nits, which is still acceptable. Notably, larger versions of this model exceed 1,000 nits, offering even more impressive performance. Additionally, the colour space coverage of DCI-P3 at 97% ensures rich and realistic colour reproduction, greatly enhancing image quality. For those considering the size of the S90D, it is worth noting that larger variants with QD-OLED panels deliver even better HDR performance, making them an excellent choice for those seeking optimal visual fidelity.

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

In demanding film scenes, such as in Pan and Billy Lynn, the Samsung S90D delivers exceptional performance. While the TV includes a dynamic tone mapping feature, it is recommended to set it to static mode, as the dynamic mode may cause the image to appear overly bright, resulting in a loss of detail. Even with dynamic tone mapping turned off, the television adapts well to high-quality material and metadata.

In Pan, mastered at 2800 nits, the colors are vivid, and although the sun in the opening scene slightly loses its vibrancy, the overall visual experience remains excellent. In Billy Lynn, effects such as fireworks are rendered with remarkable precision and clear colour differentiation, distinguishing the S90D from more affordable models that often blend such details into a single bright spot. Additionally, the actors in the foreground are presented naturally, underscoring the superb image quality this TV offers.

HDR luminance chart:

Despite the dynamic tone mapping function being turned off, the Samsung S90D works very well for content recorded in static HDR10, improving the picture quality in the presented scene. Although the effects are generally positive, it is not free from errors. For example, in the image on the right side, where dynamic HDR10+ metadata is used, more detail can be observed on a bright background, such as blades of grass or a forest in the distance. This highlights how important the implementation of dynamic metadata is in television and how it can improve image quality. It's a pity that Samsung still does not implement Dolby Vision in its televisions, which remains a more popular format than HDR10+.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Factory color reproduction

7/10

The Samsung S90D television has been tested in Filmmaker mode, which offers good colour reproduction, although with some imperfections that may be noticeable to more demanding users. This mode may seem too warm, and users who switched from Standard mode may experience a slight shock. It is worth noting that this state of affairs is caused by poor settings, for example, in the white balance, rather than the Filmmaker mode itself. In both SDR and HDR content, the device shows drops in blue colour, causing colours to become warmer than they should be. In practice, this means that some shades, such as sky blue or skin tones, may appear less natural and more tinged with pink or yellow. The Colour Checker test confirms these deviations, showing shifts towards warmer tones. In SDR content, the gamma graph indicates slight fluctuations, causing the image to be minimally darker, especially in shadows. This may affect less distinct details in darker scenes. Meanwhile, in 4K HDR materials, the EOTF curve is above the recommended line, which leads to some parts of the image being displayed too brightly, potentially causing clipping in the brightest areas. Overall, the Samsung S90D presents a solid picture straight out of the box, but for the best results, especially with more demanding content, additional calibration is recommended.

Factory Mode

After calibration

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Color reproduction after calibration

8.7/10

After calibration, the S90D TV delivers an even more impressive performance in movie mode. The white balance for both HD and 4K HDR content is now nearly perfect. While there are still some minor imperfections, they are so subtle that they don't significantly impact the overall image quality. The colours are more balanced, offering a natural depiction of details, especially in scenes that require precise colour accuracy.

It's important to note that the 48-inch model features a WOLED panel, which differs from the larger sizes. This results in a smaller coverage of the wide colour gamut, meaning it doesn't offer the same rich colours as the 65-inch version, which is equipped with a QD-OLED panel.

Contrast has also seen a substantial improvement. The gamma curve after calibration is much closer to the ideal line, achieving a better balance between bright and dark areas of the image. The EOTF curve, which previously showed issues with overly bright scenes, now performs much better, retaining more detail in the bright sections of the image, especially in HDR content.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7.6/10

The smoothness of tonal transitions on the S90D TV is generally good, though some subtle imperfections can be noticed in certain scenes. In most cases, the tonal transitions are smooth and natural, creating a pleasing visual experience. However, in more demanding sequences, such as dark skies, slight issues may arise, though they don’t significantly impact the overall viewing experience. In test scenes with dominant red shades, subtle cutoffs in brighter areas can be observed, but they are minor enough not to disrupt the viewing. Overall, the tonal transition smoothness on the S90D is solid, ensuring a satisfying display of content.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7.9/10

OK Smooth transition function

No Image without overscan on the SD signal

The S90D TV excels in smoothing tonal transitions, offering natural and seamless colour shifts. Thanks to its advanced technology, it ensures a smoother visual experience overall. The noise reduction feature can further enhance tonal transitions, making it beneficial in certain situations. However, it’s important to note that enabling noise reduction may also smooth out the film grain, which can detract from the cinematic feel. For this reason, it's advisable to use the feature sparingly, preserving the natural grain that adds depth and authenticity to the content.

Samsung continues to impress with its scaling capabilities, with the S90D effectively processing lower-resolution content. The image is sharp and clear, maintaining proper outlines and presenting details accurately. For example, tree branches are rendered well, with no noticeable jagged edges that would compromise image quality. Thanks to the effective scaling, even lower-resolution materials are displayed attractively, making it a great choice for users who enjoy content from diverse sources, such as regular antenna or cable 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 features a 120 Hz panel, which can be "overclocked" to 144 Hz with the appropriate PC setup, delivering exceptional motion fluidity. Samsung has long offered a range of image clarity settings on a ten-point scale, allowing users to fine-tune the display to their liking. In the UFO test, the OLED panel ensures no ghosting, with pixel response being instantaneous and perfectly capturing dynamic movements. OLED technology, in this regard, is considered one of the best on the market. The image remains incredibly sharp and detailed, even during fast-paced action, making the S90D TV a top choice for gamers and sports fans alike.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.5/10

  • Yes ALLM: Yes
  • Yes VRR: Yes
  • Yes VRR range: 48 - 144Hz
  • No Dolby Vision Game Mode: No
  • Yes Correct implementation of HGIG: Yes
  • Yes 1080p@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes 1440p@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes 4K@120Hz: Yes
  • Yes Game bar: Yes

The S90D TV is perfectly designed with gamers in mind, offering four HDMI 2.1 ports that support features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and HGIG (HDR Gaming Interest Group). These technologies ensure smoother gameplay and faster screen response, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions. The Game Bar feature also provides convenient access to settings like aspect ratio, which can be particularly useful for different game types. For PC users, the television offers an impressive refresh rate of 144Hz, with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards supporting G-Sync and FreeSync, further boosting image smoothness. While the lack of Dolby Vision support may be a limitation, it’s worth noting that this technology is less commonly used in gaming compared to movies. Nevertheless, the S90D still provides excellent features for gamers, making it a top choice for those seeking high-quality visuals and advanced gaming technologies.

Input lag

10/10

The S90D TV features reference-level low input lag, regardless of resolution or frame rate, in both SDR and HDR modes. With impressive results around 10 ms, this low input lag greatly enhances the gaming experience. It ensures an immediate response to on-screen actions, which is vital in fast-paced games where every millisecond matters. This level of performance allows for smoothness and precision, making the S90D an excellent choice for gamers who prioritise 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

Max refresh rate: 144Hz

G-Sync: Yes

The S90D television works seamlessly with a PC, offering clear fonts that make reading text and using applications effortless. It supports chroma 4:4:4 at 4K resolution and a 144 Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant colours and sharp images. Notably, the input lag of just 5 ms is a significant advantage, especially for gamers and professionals working with graphics. This low latency makes using the TV as a monitor a smooth and responsive experience. The S90D is a top choice for users seeking both performance and quality in everyday computing tasks.

Viewing angles

7.2/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 28%

The S90D television offers exceptional viewing angles, thanks to OLED technology. It delivers excellent colour and contrast reproduction, even from wide angles, ensuring that the image remains sharp and vivid from almost any position. This means users can enjoy a consistent and immersive visual experience, no matter where they are sitting.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.1/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Good

Black levels during daytime: Good

The S90D television performs well during daytime viewing, reaching an average brightness of around 320 nits, which is a solid result for an OLED in the 48-inch size. Thanks to its satin matrix, reflection suppression is effectively managed, ensuring comfortable viewing even in bright rooms. However, a slight drawback of OLED technology becomes apparent when displaying a 100% white screen fill, as it struggles to achieve very high brightness. This can be noticeable when watching bright content, such as winter sports like ski jumping.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung S90D / S94D 48" (WRGB OLED): 320 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

TV features

7.7/10

  • System operacyjny: Tizen

  • TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

  • No Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
  • No Recording programming: No
  • Yes Picture in Picture (PiP): Yes
  • Yes Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
  • Yes AirPlay: Yes
  • Yes Voice search in native language: Yes
  • Yes Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
  • Yes Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV: Yes
  • Yes Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker: Yes
  • Yes Audio only mode: Yes
  • Yes RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
  • No Backlit remote control: No
  • Yes Teletext: Yes

The S90D television offers a variety of features that enhance user comfort, making it an excellent choice for home entertainment. Powered by the Tizen system, this model provides a modern and intuitive platform, ensuring a seamless experience. Its user-friendly interface allows quick navigation through apps and settings, even for those who are less tech-savvy. Tizen supports a wide range of applications, including popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. A new addition for 2024 is the voice search feature in Polish.

An eco-friendly solar remote control adds practicality, reducing the need for batteries while also controlling multiple connected devices, eliminating the need for several remotes. The television also supports AirPlay, making it easy to share content from Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads. Additionally, the S90D allows for the connection of Bluetooth devices like mice, keyboards, or headphones, further enhancing its versatility and allowing for a more personalised user experience.

One downside is the lack of USB recording support, which may be a limitation for users wishing to archive programs or movies. Nevertheless, the S90D remains an impressive choice with its array of advanced features and technologies, offering high-quality entertainment in the home.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

Maximum photo resolution:Supported photo formats:
Yes 4 Mpix
Yes JPEG
Yes 6 Mpix
No HEIC
Yes 8 Mpix
No PNG
Yes 10 Mpix
No GIF
Yes 12 Mpix
No WebP
Yes 16 Mpix
No TIFF
Yes 20 Mpix
Yes BMP
Yes 24 Mpix
No SVG
Yes 28 Mpix
Yes 32 Mpix

The S90D is equipped with a built-in player that supports most popular video formats, ensuring convenient playback of movies from various sources. It also supports Polish subtitles, with the option to customise the font colour, enhancing comfort when watching content with subtitles. While the television handles a wide range of photo formats, it lacks support for the widely used PNG format. Despite this minor limitation, the S90D offers excellent playback capabilities overall.

Apps

8.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
No
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

6.8/10

6.8/10

Subjective sound quality

Yes Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

No Dolby True HD 7.1

Yes Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

No Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

No DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

No DTS-HD Master Audio

The S90D television delivers good sound quality with clear, balanced tones. The sound is crisp, and the bass is audible, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While the television remains clear even at higher volumes, it’s not particularly loud.

Manufacturer's marketing solutions:

  • AI Processor NQ4 Gen2 – An advanced processor powered by artificial intelligence that optimizes both image and sound, adjusting them to the content displayed to ensure the highest quality reception.

  • Motion Smoother 144 Hz – Dynamic refresh technology that provides smooth motion and supports VRR gaming up to 4K at 144 Hz, ensuring sharp images and quick responses during dynamic scenes.

  • Auto Game Mode (ALLM) – A feature that automatically optimizes screen settings during gaming, minimizing input lag and providing greater control and smooth gameplay.

  • FreeSync Premium – Image synchronization technology that reduces tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.

  • Anti-Glare Coating – A special screen coating that minimizes light reflections, allowing comfortable viewing of content even in bright rooms without distracting glares.

  • AI 4K Upscaling – Technology that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of lower resolution materials to a level close to 4K, improving image sharpness and detail.

  • Tizen OS – An intuitive Smart TV operating system offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, allowing for content personalization and easy navigation.

Samsung OLED 48 S90D – excellence in details

Samsung OLED 48 S90D stands out not only for its exceptional image quality but also for its elegant design that fits perfectly into any interior. With advanced OLED technology, this TV offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, significantly enhancing viewing comfort. Additionally, Samsung QE48S94D is equipped with smart features that allow easy content management and setting personalization. To learn more about comparisons with other models, it's worth checking out TV tests that provide detailed information and ratings.

Samsung QE48S94D – a solution for the demanding

Samsung QE48S94D is a model that combines modern technology with unparalleled functionality, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding users. Its advanced smart TV system enables seamless use of various applications and streaming services, making it an ideal choice for multimedia enthusiasts. Furthermore, Samsung OLED 48 S90D features impressive brightness and contrast, providing exceptional visual experiences in any lighting conditions.