If you‘ve browsed premium televisions recently seeking a future-proof centerpiece for your home theater, two heavy hitters likely caught your eye – Samsung‘s highly-anticipated 2022 Neo QLED QN90B and LG‘s award-winning C1 OLED.
As the Korean giants‘ flagship 4K models featuring proprietary display technologies, sleek designs and loaded feature sets…which reigns supreme? I‘ve analyzed every aspect extensively as an AV enthusiast. Here‘s an in-depth comparison highlighting key differences to help select the superior 4K TV investment for your needs.
Overview
Samsung QN90B QLED
Price: $1499 (55"), $2199 (65")
Screen Sizes: 50” 55” 65” 75” 85”
Key Features:
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K
- Quantum Mini LED backlight
- Quantum HDR 24x
- 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1
LG C1 OLED
Price: $1296 (55”), $1796 (65”)
Screen Sizes: 48” 55” 65” 77” 83”
Key Features:
- α9 Gen 4 AI Processor 4K
- OLED Evo Panel
- Dolby Vision IQ / Dolby Atmos
- 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1
| Specs | Samsung QN90B | LG C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | QLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 100/120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Formats | HDR10 / HLG / HDR10+ | HDR10 / HLG / Dolby Vision |
| HDMI 2.1 | 4 | 4 |
| VRR | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync / FreeSync Premium / VRR |
| Smart Platform | TizenOS | webOS |
Now let’s analyze how these stellar 4K TVs comparing category by category to determine the superior option based on your usage priorities…
Design & Build Quality
The Samsung QN90B…
The LG C1…
Verdict:
User Interface & Smart Features
Samsung‘s Tizen operating system powers the QN90B‘s…
LG‘s webOS platform on the C1 delivers…
Verdict:
Gaming Performance
For gamers, display responsiveness and VRR support are crucial. Here the C1 outperforms Samsung with…
While the QN90B delivers impressively low input lag…
For optimized gaming, LG C1 wins with its gaming features.
Sound Quality
With 20W vs 40W speakers, the QN90B surprisingly provides better dimensional sound thanks to Samsung‘s OTS+ processing.
However the C1‘s Dolby Atmos decoding skills…
For sheer audio horsepower from built-in speakers, advantage C1. But Samsung‘s sound tuning gives it the edge for movie audio immersion.
Picture Quality
Both TVs leverage advanced display technology – Samsung‘s Neo QLED panel equipped with precisely controlled Quantum Mini LED backlights paired with quantum dot filters, versus LG‘s self-emitting OLED grid allowing per-pixel illumination precision.
The result is stellar 4K imaging from both, but differences in contrast and black level performance emerge:
On the Samsung QN90B…
Meanwhile LG‘s OLED screen ensures…
Overall the C1‘s per-pixel control unlocks OLED‘s true contrast potential to edge out QLED on picture fidelity, revealing deepest blacks beside vibrant highlights that brings images to life.
Latest Enhancements
Samsung‘s 2023 Neo QLED lineup looks to build on the QN90B‘s foundation with upgrades like:
- New Neo Quantum Processor 8K
- Brighter panel reaching 2000 nits peak brightness
- Higher 144Hz refresh rates on select models
While LG‘s next-gen 2023 OLED TVs promise:
- Increased brightness up to ~1700 nits via new OLED EX tech
- Updated webOS with personalized profiles
- Dolby Vision IQ for ambient light-aware optimization
Prospective boosts to processing power, gaming smoothness, smart features and brightness make both future product lines compelling for cutting-edge visuals.
Verdict
For well-rounded excellence across entertainment genres from movies to gaming, both the Samsung QN90B QLED and LG C1 OLED are superb. But key advantages emerge for each that lend themselves better to certain viewers.
For cinephiles seeking truly cinematic image quality, LG‘s perfect black OLED panels unlock films‘ artistic intent better. Dark room performance is unmatched with inky shadows and dazzling highlights living beside each other.
For gamers, the LG C1 provides the ultimate smooth big-screen gameplay with G-Sync and FreeSync VRR, ultra-low input lag, and dedicated Game Optimizer modes fine-tuning graphics.
For bright room viewing though, QLED‘s higher luminance keeps clarity steady even with light glare. Samsung‘s Neo QLED backlight innovations only help narrow the contrast gap to OLED too.
And Samsung‘s Object Tracking Sound Lite gives its audio dimension and directionality lacking on the LG. Plus Tizen retains more apps and Alexa/Bixby integration even if ads plague the experience.
Overall based on your environment, tastes and sensitivities, either display leader provides television perfection. But understanding their contrasting strengths helps determine which is your dream 4K TV for years of stellar viewing ahead. Let‘s connect to explore the ideal option matching your expectations!
