QLED Versus OLED: Samsung QN90F Evaluation Clarified It for Me

Evaluating the Samsung QN90F

During my session at the ZDNET Louisville evaluation facility, I had the opportunity to examine the Samsung QN90F TV. This allowed for real-world experimentation rather than controlled showroom conditions.

Contrasted with the highly esteemed S95F OLED, the Samsung QN90F exhibits a vibrancy and clarity that are nearly equivalent, and it even has marginally superior object-tracking sound capabilities.

Considering its affordability, it's a more cost-effective choice unless you're seeking exclusive features like the S95F's OneConnect box. I subjected the QN90F to various assessments, covering areas such as streaming quality and gaming performance. Additionally, our lab engineers helped verify its performance using Calman calibration, focusing on the QLED panel's color accuracy in RGB and monochrome.

Performance Insights of Samsung QN90F

Samsung's QN90F provides audiovisual quality reminiscent of the S95F OLED, enhanced by AI-driven upscaling and sound tracking.

In contrast to the S90F's notable blue hue in color evaluations, the QN90F leans toward warmer tones, which can sometimes make certain scenes appear excessively saturated. This effect can be intensified by the device's blue light filter, which users can activate or deactivate as needed.

This preference for warmer colors is apparent when viewing black-and-white content, lending a pale sepia appearance that often feels more suitable than the cooler tones of the S95F.

The QN90F maintains contrast levels comparable to the pricier OLED, delivering deep blacks and crisp details that enhance vibrant hues. Although the QLED panel depicts fine details proficiently, AI-powered image settings might slightly blur moving characters or rapid scene transitions. Where the QN90F truly excels is in audio performance compared to the S95F OLED.

Quality Sound Performance

Possibly due to its more slender design, the S95F's sound never felt as rich or multidimensional. The QN90F, although also slim, manages sound better, providing a fuller audio experience without additional audio systems.

A variety of musical films, rhythmic gaming sessions, and musical albums were used to assess sound quality, and the QN90F consistently delivered superior audio.

Gaming Capabilities

For gaming enthusiasts, the QN90F offers a dedicated interface to modify input delays, refresh rates, and game-optimized picture settings, enhancing the gaming experience across various genres. While input lag is manageable for games involving shooting or fast-paced action, it can be noticeable in genres like rhythm games, with a slight, often unnoticeable delay that could affect competitive play.

User Interface and Usability

The primary drawback is the daunting setup process, riddled with frequent prompts for privacy and licensing acknowledgments before reaching the main interface. Additionally, the absence of advanced settings for color, sharpness, and contrast adjustments means users are limited to standard picture modes (Standard, Movie, Filmmaker, AI-Assisted) without the ability to finely personalize image settings.

Buying Insights from ZDNET

Overall, the QN90F is a well-balanced purchase for those seeking high-quality display and sound without opting for a high-cost OLED. This is especially enticing with seasonal discounts.

Its warmer visuals and richer sound enhance the experience of classic content, yet some richly colored modern content might seem oversaturated—a setting easily adjusted. Excellent for a QLED, particularly during sales events.