Samsung S95D QD-OLED TV Review
Table of contents
TV companies have recently been upping the ante when it comes to screen size, and it's great for consumers. For the longest time, the biggest you were able to get was an 85-inch model. But that was just the start. Over the last couple of years, TV screens have been getting bigger and bigger with the introduction of the 98-inch and 100-inch screens. And just when we thought we'd seen it all, this year a massive 115-inch behemoth was announced. It's clear the race for the biggest screen is on, but it's worth remembering that size isn't everything, especially when it comes to picture quality.
When you ask enthusiasts about which type of screen delivers the best picture quality, you'll likely hear "QD-OLED" as the answer from most people, and for good reason. QD-OLED combines Quantum Dot and OLED technology, giving you vibrant colors and deep blacks. I, too, find myself nodding in agreement with the popular opinion.
This sets the stage for our review of the Samsung S95D 77-inch QD-OLED TV. Though not competing for the title of the largest screen on the market, it represents the largest offering when it comes to QD-OLED technology. Let’s see if Samsung’s S95D can prove that when it comes to TVs, bigger can be better, but the best comes down to how it all looks when you finally hit play.
Specifications
The Samsung S95D is the successor to the Samsung S95C, one of the top-performing TVs of 2023. It maintains the same size options as its predecessor, with models available in 55-inch priced at $2,599, 65-inch priced at $3,399, and 77-inch priced at $4,599.
The S95D incorporates Samsung's latest NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor which is aimed at improving the overall image quality through enhanced noise management, detail sharpening, edge smoothing, and texture definition. While the discussion around HDR capabilities persists, it's important to highlight that the S95D does not feature Dolby Vision compatibility. Instead, it supports a variety of other HDR formats, such as HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+.
Regarding gaming capabilities, the S95D includes the latest iteration of Samsung's Game Bar, version 4.0. This feature introduces an AI Auto Game Mode, utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically adjust the TV's settings based on the genre of the game being played, whether it's an FPS, RPG, or any other category. The S95D also retains many of the gaming-oriented features of its predecessor, the S95C. This includes compatibility with 4K at 144Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smoother graphics, and four HDMI 2.1 ports to accommodate a range of gaming consoles and accessories.
Design
When looking at the S95D TV this year, you'll notice a significant difference in the screen. Samsung has introduced a feature aimed at reducing screen glare, aptly named "OLED Glare Free." This technology bears a resemblance to the anti-reflective technology used in Samsung's Frame TV.
When I first saw it at CES, my main concern was that this feature might compromise contrast. However, after spending about three weeks with the TV, I can say that my concerns were wrong. Even comparing it to my older OLED that has a glossy screen I didn’t notice any contrast loss. The only minor issue I observed was an increase in black levels under direct sunlight during the day. Everyone's bound to have their take on it, but in my opinion, I like this feature. It does an impressive job of cutting down on glare.
The third-generation QD-OLED panel in the S95D not only tackles glare effectively but also brings an increase in brightness. It's reported to be 20% brighter than its predecessor.
On the back of the S95D, the speaker setup remains consistent with the previous model, featuring a 70w 4.2.2 channel audio system. It also features the Samsung Slim One Connect Box, an external unit that houses the TV's processing and connectivity functions. This setup is streamlined by a single, slim cable that links the box to the ultra-thin screen, ensuring a tidy appearance. Continuing with the design, the TV's central stand is very similar to the one found on the S95C and provides an aesthetically pleasing and space-saving base.
The Samsung Eco Remote maintains its sleek, rectangular shape with rounded corners carried over from its predecessor, complete with the solar charging panel on the back. Its slim profile makes it comfortable to hold, while the button layout remains user-friendly. At the top, there's a circular navigation pad, accompanied by power, voice, and settings buttons around a pinhole microphone. The lower part of the remote features shortcut buttons for quick access to Netflix, Disney+, Samsung TV Plus, and Prime Video.
Smart Features
This year, Samsung's Tizen-based smart platform has been updated with a few notable features. A significant addition is the introduction of a 'Sub Tab' row at the bottom of the screen, which includes 'For You', 'Live', and 'Apps' as quick access points. This row is placed over the advertisement section that occupies the upper portion of the home screen. 'For You' presents personalized recommendations for media, games, and art, tailored to your viewing habits. 'Live' provides current broadcasts and the electronic program guide (EPG), while 'Apps' showcases suggested applications.
The platform now features an App Launcher shelf, designed for users who prefer a more traditional approach to navigating. This shelf displays icons for all your apps in a single, scrollable area, allowing for easy access. It also offers the option to rearrange the apps according to your preference, adding a layer of customization to your user experience.
The S95D is compatible with Samsung's SmartThings app, which offers a convenient calibration routine. The app includes a feature called 'Smart Calibration Pro' that can be used on both iOS and Android devices. This process efficiently adjusts the screen to its specific environment, requiring minimal input from the user. Once completed, the calibrated settings are applied to your Movie profile, clearly indicated with "Calibrated" so you can easily recognize the adjusted settings.
There's also hands-free control through Amazon Alexa or Samsung's Bixby, which is enabled by a far-field microphone in the unit itself. While I wasn't a fan of the Tizen-powered Smart TV platform from a couple of years ago, each year improvements are made to make it feel more snappy than it did before, and it’s now on par with the likes of Google TV.
Performance
OLED displays have traditionally been known to be less bright than their QLED counterparts. However, the emergence of QD-OLED has notably improved brightness levels in these displays. The S95D is a perfect example of this, bridging the gap between the two in brightly lit conditions.
The HDR performance of the S95D is likely to impress most viewers. In Standard mode with HDR content on a 10% window, the TV achieved a brightness of 1,628 nits which truly is bright for an OLED screen. While watching "John Wick 4," specular highlights, particularly in scenes like those set in the Osaka Continental, showcased how bright this panel can get. Not only did the TV produce deep blacks which is expected from OLEDs, but the bright LED lights in the environment had a nice amount of pop to them.
Delving deeper into the black levels in "John Wick 4," I saw minimal black crushing. Leading up to CES, there was some speculation about the new panel's potential for blooming, and I'm happy to report that this isn't an issue. As shown in the photo above, the only minor distraction occurs when direct light shines on the screen, causing the black levels to elevate slightly.
Colors look great on the S95D, elevating the viewing experience of "Aquaman." Mera's red hair in the Sicily scene is a good example, showing rich color. The TV's ability to render colors well adds depth and a touch of realism to the movie's visuals. It can fully cover the DCI-P3 color space and does well with the broader REC.2020 color space too, reaching 89.9% coverage.
The upscaling on the S95D, powered by Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, is quite good. Watching the opening sequence of "James Bond: Skyfall," the image quality impresses, particularly with the crisp rendering of textures, such as the fabric of the suits and the fine details like pores and hair follicles on faces. Motion is free from artifacts or any distractions that I could see. This TV also manages off-angle viewing quite well, maintaining color accuracy and vibrancy even beyond the typical 45-degree viewing angle.
Gaming
Combining its native 144Hz refresh rate with AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro, the S95D stands out as one of the top gaming TVs I've had the pleasure of reviewing. It smartly transitions to game mode the moment you start your console, activating the auto low latency mode (ALLM) for smoother gameplay. The Samsung Gaming Hub enriches the gaming experience, providing a centralized spot for all gaming needs, including a Game Bar for swift access to key gaming settings.
Experiencing "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III" on this setup is quite a treat, with the enhanced brightness and 4K resolution at 120Hz delivering a pristine visual experience. With game mode engaged, I noted an impressively low input lag of 8.9ms at 60Hz.
Audio
Opting for a premium TV like the Samsung S95D OLED TV naturally leads to the suggestion of complementing your setup with at least a soundbar, if not a full speaker system, to maximize your entertainment experience. However, if you find yourself relying on the TV's built-in speakers, the S95D holds its ground fairly well. Samsung has improved its Object Tracking Sound+ feature this year, and the difference is noticeable.
While the speakers still have the characteristic sound of TV speakers and won't rival the volume of dedicated audio systems, the tracking system enhances the experience significantly. For instance, watching the "EarthSounds" series on Apple TV, particularly the “The Rainforests” episode, offers a nice sense of spatial audio. The TV manages to create an immersive atmosphere, effectively distributing the sounds of the environment around you such as the sounds of birds chirping and rain falling.
Conclusion
While TVs get updated every year, and most upgrades tend to be modest, the Samsung S95D OLED TV is a different story. It brings some real improvements over its predecessor, thanks to its brightness, clarity, and a new screen design. Although the anti-glare screen might not immediately appeal to all viewers, its effectiveness in reducing glare and boosting the TV's adaptability across various lighting conditions makes it a feature worth considering.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Impressive brightness | Premium pricing |
Vivid and sharp picture quality | No Dolby Vision |
Great color handling |
FAQ
What is the lifespan of QD-OLED TV?
Samsung's QD-OLED technology significantly extends the lifespan of their panels, with reports indicating a durability of up to 1 million hours, far surpassing that of traditional OLED displays.
Can QD OLED TVs achieve higher brightness levels than regular OLED TVs?
Yes, QD OLED TVs can achieve higher brightness levels compared to regular OLED TVs. The integration of quantum dots in QD OLED technology allows for improved light output and brightness. Quantum dots can enhance the efficiency of the blue OLED light, resulting in higher overall brightness levels.
What is a quantum dot in a TV?
A quantum dot display utilizes quantum dots (QD), which are semiconductor nanocrystals capable of emitting pure monochromatic light in red, green, and blue. These photo-emissive quantum dot particles are employed either in the backlighting of LCDs or as color filters in displays.
