Following up on the release of its 2023 Neo QLED TV line-up and an initial pre-order announcement for the 77-inch S95C QD-OLED TV, Samsung has released availability and pricing info for the rest of its 2023 4K QD-OLED TVs which consists of six models within two tiers.
- The S95C Series is being offered in the previously announced 77-inch screen size with newly announced 65 and 55-inch screen sizes.
- The S90C Series is also being offered in the 77, 65, and 55-inch screen sizes with some differences which we will go into.
Here are some of the key features that Samsung’s QD-OLED TV line-up offers.
QD-OLED Technology
QD-OLED TVs combine Quantum Dot and OLED technology. An OLED layer is placed on the back of the TV that emits blue light. The blue light strikes a layer of quantum dots that convert the blue light to green and red light, while a portion of the blue light from the OLED layer passes through untouched to the screen. Unlike Samsung’s previously announced 2023 Neo QLED TVs, LED backlighting and LCD display layers are not needed in their QD-OLED TVs.
Tip: Although Samsung Marketing labels QD-OLED TVs as OLED TVs, traditional OLED TVs do not include Quantum Dots. Check out all the details on OLED TV technology.
Video Processing/HDR
Both model series incorporate Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor which is designed to deliver extended brightness and vivid color mapping (Quantum HDR OLED on the S90 Series, and Quantum HDR OLED+ on the S95 series). The HDR10,10+ and HLG formats are supported. However, Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision. Smart 4K upscaling with AI detail restoration is included in both model series.
Tip: Color pallet range and fidelity validated by Pantone.
Gaming Support
TVs in both model series incorporate a 0.1-millisecond response time with both 4K/120Hz and up to 4K/144Hz refresh rate support (Game Motion Plus). Cloud gaming support via the Gaming Hub for NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Microsoft Xbox, Utomik, and Amazon Luna is included
Smart Features
Both model series include Samsung’s Tizen-powered Smart Hub which provides access to all major streaming services as well as additional streaming apps that can be installed via the Samsung App Store. Samsung TV Plus is also included, providing direct access to almost 250 add-supported channels of news, sports, and entertainment content.
The Samsung SmartThings Hub is also part of the feature package. The Hub automatically synchs compatible devices (Samsung and approved third-party products) for easy control.
Thin Design
The S90C and S95C are both extremely thin. The S90C has a very stylish LaserSlim design, but the S95C takes it a step further with Samsung’s even slimmer Infinity One Design at only 4mm thick.
To accommodate this slimmer design, the S95C models make use of the One Connect Box. This means instead of connecting everything to the TV, external sources are plugged into the One Connect Box and then use a single thin connection to the TV. This results in only two cables needed to connect to the TV, the output connection from the one-connect, box, and a power cord for the display panel.
Audio
Despite the thinness of both the S90C and S95C sets, they still have built-in speaker systems with Dolby Atmos support. The S95C has a 70W 4.2.2 channel sound system with upfiring speakers.
Another audio feature provided by both the S90C and S95C series is Q-Symphony (ver 3.0). This allows the built-in TV speakers to be paired with Samsung Q-Series and S-Series soundbars so that they are combined for a fuller TV audio listening experience.
Solar Cell Remote Control
The S90C and S95C series sets come with SolarCell remote that can be charged via a light or via a USB-C connection.
Pricing and Availability
S95C Series
- 77-inches (QN77S95C): $4,499.99 or less at Samsung.com, Amazon, Crutchfield
- 65-inches (QN65S95C): $3,299.99 or less at Samsung.com, Crutchfield
- 55-inches (QN55S95C): $2,499.99 or less at Samsung.com, Crutchfield
S90C Series
- 77-inches (QN77S90C): $3,599.99 or less at Samsung.com
- 65-inches (QN65S90C): $2,599.99 or less at Samsung.com, Crutchfield
- 55-inches (QN55S90C): $1,899.99 or less at Samsung.com, Crutchfield
Samsung QD-OLED vs LG OLED
One of Samsung’s goals with its QD-OLED TV line is to go after LG’s dominance in the OLED TV market. After less than two years on the market, Samsung is selling their QD-OLED TVs at prices that match those of LG’s C3 series OLED TVs.
Combine Samsung’s pricing with the claim that its QD-OLED TVs can display higher-light output than LG’s OLED TVs and LG’s counterclaim that the inclusion of MLA technology (a year earlier than expected) in select TVs in its OLED line-up boosts light output significantly, is actually good news for consumers.
Ideally, aggressive competition keeps prices down and stimulates innovation. The result of this battle might be that OLED-based TVs finally push out LCD-based TVs in the near future as the desirable choice for most consumers.
Tip: One reason that Samsung uses “OLED” instead of QD-OLED in their marketing material, is to hit LG harder – similar to how Samsung QLED-labeled TVs are often mistaken by consumers for OLED TVs.
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Bryon
March 26, 2023 at 4:28 pm
Very unique?