When it comes to high-end televisions in 2022, two models stand out from Samsung‘s lineup: the S95B OLED TV and QN90B Neo QLED TV. Both feature cutting-edge display technology and deliver stunning 4K picture quality, but which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison analyzes their designs, performance, features and more to help you decide.
Display Technology: OLED vs. QLED
The S95B uses Samsung‘s latest OLED panel featuring their Quantum Dot technology, while the QN90B utilizes mini-LED backlighting with Quantum Dots and a VA panel. Here‘s how they differ:
OLED (S95B): Self-emissive pixels that turn on and off individually. This brings perfect blacks, infinite contrast, wide viewing angles and fast response times. Organic materials limit peak brightness capabilities compared to QLED.
Quantum Mini-LED QLED (QN90B): Uses a dense array of tiny LED backlights paired with quantum dots. This achieves precision local dimming, higher peak brightness, rich HDR highlights and deep black levels that come close to OLED. But blooming artifacts are still possible.
The S95B‘s OLED panel brings the deepest blacks while the QN90B‘s mini-LED backlight allows it to achieve higher peak brightness – useful for well-lit rooms. The QN90B may suffer from some blooming issues.
Design
Both TVs sport sleek, minimalist designs with thin bezels and streamlined rear panels. They share many attributes:
- Flat front display (not curved)
- Four-sided "Infinity Screen" with slim bezels
- VESA mounting support
- Cable management system in stand
However, there are some key differences:
Samsung S95B
- Available in 55 and 65 inches
- Ultra slim profile (0.1 inches)
- LaserSlim design
Samsung QN90B
- More screen size options: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
- Slightly thicker profile
- Anti-reflective coating to reduce glare
If you want the thinnest, most streamlined aesthetic and don‘t need larger sizes, the S95B takes the design crown. But the QN90B offers more versatility with its range of sizes and anti-glare coating.
Picture Quality
With superb contrast and color, both 4K TVs deliver fantastic picture quality. They each leverage AI-based processing to intelligently upscale lower resolution content. Here‘s how their imaging capabilities break down:
Samsung S95B (OLED)
- Perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio
- Intense color saturation from Quantum Dot technology
- Wide viewing angles without color shifting
- Incredible motion clarity with nearly instant pixel response times
- Brightness capped at around 800-850 nits limiting HDR impact
Samsung QN90B (Quantum Mini-LED)
- High peak brightness hits nearly 2000 nits for stunning HDR
- Blooming artifacts visible in dark scenes
- VA panel viewing angles not as wide as OLED
- Full-array local dimming provides precision black levels
- Quantum HDR technology expands color volume
The S95B‘s OLED panel beats any LCD/LED TV when it comes to contrast and black levels. Only the best full-array local dimming displays like the QN90B come close. However, the QN90B‘s higher peak brightness gives it an advantage for HDR content.
Ultimately, the S95B brings out the deepest blacks for a cinematic viewing experience in darker rooms while the brighter QN90B can make HDR pop more in well-lit environments.
Gaming Features
Gamers will be well served by either television. Both deliver an extremely responsive, smooth experience critical for fast-paced action.
Key gaming attributes they share:
- 4K 120Hz native refresh rate
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Nvidia G-Sync / AMD Freesync Premium Pro support
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
In terms of input lag for responsive gameplay, the numbers indicate very snappy, lag-free performance:
Samsung S95B Input Lag:
- 60Hz: 5.1 ms
- 120Hz: 3.0 ms
Samsung QN90B Input Lag:
- 60Hz: 5.8 ms
- 120Hz: 3.2 ms
With input lag figures all under 6 ms and variable refresh rate support, both TVs qualify as excellent gaming displays. The S95B holds a slight advantage in responsiveness.
Smart TV & Audio Features
Samsung‘s user-friendly Tizen smart platform powers both the S95B and Q90B with identical processors and software. Streaming service and app support is robust on each model with no differences here either.
For audio, the QN90B’s 4.2.2 channel speaker system outputs more sound power at 60 watts vs 40 watts on the S95B‘s 2.2.2 speaker setup. The extra speakers provide the QN90B with better bass and immersive effects.
Shared audio traits:
- Dolby Atmos support
- Object tracking sound
- Q-Symphony soundbar integration
- Tap View casting from mobile devices
With Dolby Atmos decoding, object-based surround effects, and the ability to sync audio perfectly with Samsung soundbars, both TVs handle audio excellently. But the QN90B’s extra speaker channels give it an edge.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Samsung S95B | Samsung QN90B | |
| Display Type | OLED | VA Panel w/ Quantum Mini-LED backlight |
| Sizes | 55 and 65 inches | 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85 inches |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 4K 120Hz | |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | |
| Peak Brightness | ~850 nits | ~2000 nits |
| Audio System | 2.2.2 channel / 40W | 4.2.2 channel / 60W |
With nearly identical smart platforms, gaming features and processing power, the differentiators lie in their display technology strengths and weaknesses (OLED vs. Quantum mini-LED), brightness capabilities, audio systems and screen size options.
Verdict: Which is the Better TV?
The Samsung S95B OLED TV and QN90B Neo QLED TV both represent the pinnacle of Samsung‘s display technology with their spectacular 4K image quality. They share premium, future-proof features and deliver amazing performance for movies, gaming and beyond.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to:
Samsung S95B OLED – Best for darker home theater rooms wanting the deepest black levels without blooming. Size limited to 55/65 inches.
Samsung QN90B Neo QLED – Best for well-lit living spaces needing ultra-bright HDR highlights. More screen size variety.
For the majority of buyers without strict home theater requirements, I give the edge to the QN90B. The mini-LED Neo QLED panel gives you phenomenal contrast and color to rival OLED but with greater brightness and more size options under $3,000. Between the two TVs, the QN90B brings outstanding picture quality to more viewing environments and budgets.
Whichever model you select, you‘ll be rewarding yourself with one of the finest 4K TV experiences on the market backed by Samsung‘s technology leadership. Enjoy your new centerpiece!
