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Glare Reduction Innovation
In this comparison, Samsung’s flagship OLED, the S95D, showcased a novel screen finish designed with an emphasis on minimizing glare, making it particularly compelling for brightly-lit environments.
Advanced Technology on a Budget
Contrasting Competitors
The S90D, while more economical than its sibling by $1,000, didn’t rival the S95D in glare reduction. Its performance in bright rooms was also measured against LG’s competitor, the C4, revealing that the latter could maintain superior contrast even under intense illumination.
Darkness Dominates Performance
Dark Room Analysis
Sealed away from ambient light, both the S90D and the C4 exhibited exceptional quality, surpassing traditional non-OLED TVs in both cinematic and interactive entertainment experiences. However, subtle discrepancies in contrast were noted.
Dueling for the Ultimate OLED Experience
Consumer Conundrum
With the S90D and C4 homogeneously priced, discerning buyers are faced with a decision hinging on minimalistic design against richer features. When judged on pure image quality, the LG C4 marginally outshines the Samsung S90D due to its more pronounced contrast in well-lit conditions.
Model Consistency Across Sizes
Variety in Experience
Our hands-on evaluation focused on the 65-inch S90D model; nevertheless, our insights hold true for the rest of the series, acknowledging differentiation in technology for other sizes such as WOLED as opposed to QD-OLED implemented in our test model.
Design and Usability
Aesthetics and User Experience
The ultra-sleek S90D pairs wonderfully with a discreet and ergonomically seamless remote, unlike the cumbersome counterpart of the LG. Despite its simplified nature, Samsung’s menu navigation retains intuitive interaction, with the input menu’s accessibility being the only noted compromise.
A Foundation for Gameplay Innovation
Gaming with HDMI 2.1
Gamers will find solace in the S90D’s forward-looking HDMI support, a vital feature for current-gen consoles, providing a breadth of functionalities including 4K at 120 FPS, a variable refresh rate, and more, enhancing those immersive gameplay moments.
Visual Performance Under Scrutiny
Picture Quality in Different Lighting
In the crucible of CNET’s lab, contrasting performances were dissected with meticulous detail. Under ambient lighting, the S90D’s absence of the S95D’s specialized anti-glare coating was felt, as was its slightly diminished capability in maintaining deep contrasts. Nonetheless, in the shrouded realm of a dimmed room, this was less perceptible.
The verdict resounds that while the S95D may command brighter environments with finesse, the S90D does not align as the luminary in such settings, though it remains unmatched in the sanctity of darkness.
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