The Samsung S90F offers outstanding picture quality and strong gaming performance, making it a solid choice for film enthusiasts and gamers. While it matches the S95F in many areas, it lacks the superior anti-glare system and high brightness of the flagship model. It's a capable mid-tier OLED option that delivers cinematic visuals and smooth motion handling, though at a premium price point. The TV is available in multiple sizes from 42 to 83 inches, with the 65-inch model using QD-OLED technology in some markets.
Full review
QD-OLED panel performance
The Samsung S90F delivers exceptional image quality through its QD-OLED panel, particularly in the 65-inch model which utilizes quantum dot enhancement. The panel achieves excellent contrast ratios with perfect blacks, a defining characteristic of OLED displays. Color reproduction is vibrant and accurate, with the panel exceeding P3 color gamut standards. The 144Hz refresh rate combined with VRR support makes it ideal for gaming, while the 4K resolution ensures sharp detail across all content types. The panel's performance is consistent with other QD-OLED variants in the Samsung lineup, offering a cinematic experience that rivals premium offerings in the same price bracket.
Brightness performance stands out among OLED models, with the panel achieving 1200 nits peak brightness under favorable conditions. This level of luminance is sufficient for comfortable viewing of HDR content in most scenes, particularly on streaming platforms like Netflix. The panel's ability to maintain high brightness without compromising contrast or color accuracy sets it apart from standard OLED implementations. The quantum dot enhancement provides enhanced color volume while maintaining the deep blacks that OLED technology is renowned for. The panel's response time of 2ms ensures crisp motion handling, crucial for both gaming and fast-paced content.
The 65-inch model's QD-OLED implementation provides superior performance compared to the WOLED variants used in other sizes. This distinction is particularly important for users seeking maximum brightness and color accuracy. The panel's peak brightness capability allows it to handle bright scenes without washout, while maintaining the perfect blacks that define OLED quality. The color gamut extends beyond standard requirements, providing rich, saturated colors that enhance the viewing experience. The panel's performance in both dark and bright environments demonstrates the effectiveness of the quantum dot enhancement technology.
Gaming capabilities and connectivity
The Samsung S90F excels in gaming performance with its 144Hz refresh rate and comprehensive gaming features. All four HDMI inputs support HDMI 2.1 standards, enabling 4K/144Hz signals with support for Freesync Premium Pro, ALLM, HGiG, and G-Sync. The inclusion of Game Motion Plus motion smoother enhances gameplay fluidity, while the TV's support for 4x HDMI 2.1 ensures compatibility with next-generation consoles. The panel's instantaneous pixel response time of 2ms delivers crisp motion handling essential for fast-paced gaming.
Gaming features include full support for HDR10+ and the ability to handle high refresh rate content without motion blur. The TV's compatibility with various gaming protocols ensures seamless integration with modern gaming systems. The 144Hz refresh rate combined with low input lag creates an immersive gaming experience that rivals dedicated gaming monitors. The system's support for multiple gaming features such as VRR, ALLM, and HGiG ensures optimal performance across different gaming platforms. The panel's ability to maintain consistent performance during gaming sessions demonstrates its suitability for serious gamers.
Connectivity options include four HDMI 2.1 inputs, optical audio output, eARC support, and standard HDMI ARC. The inclusion of USB ports with keyboard and mouse support adds versatility for gaming setups. The network interfaces encompass Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz capabilities, along with Ethernet connectivity for stable internet access. The TV's ability to handle multiple high-bandwidth inputs simultaneously makes it suitable for complex gaming setups involving multiple devices. The inclusion of various audio output options ensures compatibility with different audio systems.
Tizen OS navigation and interface
The Samsung S90F operates on Tizen OS, which provides a functional but frustrating user experience. The interface is described as bloated and slow to load, with menu navigation taking considerable time to respond. Picture settings menus are particularly sluggish, requiring a throbber to indicate loading status. Switching inputs involves multiple steps through the Home/Start screen, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming. The system's performance is notably slower than competing smart TV platforms, with delays in basic operations.
Navigation through the Tizen interface requires significant effort, with the system often feeling like a low-end mobile phone rather than a streamlined TV experience. The home screen automatically starts playing content from Pluto TV upon power-on, which users found intrusive and required manual disabling. The interface's complexity increases with the number of features, making simple tasks more difficult. The system's performance issues are particularly evident when adjusting picture settings, where delays can be frustrating for frequent users.
Despite its shortcomings, the Tizen OS provides access to popular streaming services and offers a range of features including AI-powered picture processing. The system's integration with Samsung's ecosystem allows for smart home control capabilities, though these features are often overshadowed by the interface's performance issues. The inclusion of AI features such as AI Motion Enhancer Pro and AI Color Booster Pro adds functionality but requires careful management to avoid over-processing. The system's ability to handle multiple devices and services remains adequate despite its navigation challenges.
Design and build quality
The Samsung S90F features a minimalist design with slim bezels and a compact pedestal stand that clips together without requiring screws. The build quality is solid, with materials that feel premium and durable. The TV's design successfully balances aesthetics with functionality, creating a modern look that fits well in most living spaces.
The stand design is practical and easy to install, with a square base that doesn't require significant surface area. Wall mounting is straightforward with VESA compliance, and the thin profile allows for close-to-wall installation. The pedestal stand feels sturdy and holds the TV securely, though the thin screen construction raises concerns about handling and transportation. The TV's slim profile makes it visually appealing while maintaining the necessary internal space for electronics and connections. The overall design reflects Samsung's commitment to creating a premium product that balances form and function.
The anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare from ambient light sources, though it's not completely effective in bright environments. The screen's surface treatment provides some protection against fingerprints and smudges, though regular cleaning is still recommended. The TV's construction feels solid and well-built, with attention to detail in the manufacturing process. The materials used for the frame don't feel premium but are functional for their intended purpose. The overall build quality meets expectations for a mid-range premium television.
Brightness and viewing performance
This level of luminance allows for excellent HDR performance in most viewing conditions, particularly when watching content on streaming platforms. The panel maintains its high brightness without compromising contrast or color accuracy, which is crucial for a premium OLED display. The quantum dot enhancement contributes significantly to the panel's ability to produce bright scenes without washout.
The TV's performance in bright rooms is adequate but not exceptional, with reflections becoming noticeable under strong lighting conditions. The anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, though it's not completely effective in very bright environments. The panel's ability to maintain contrast in bright scenes demonstrates the effectiveness of the quantum dot enhancement. The screen's performance in different lighting conditions shows that while it handles bright environments reasonably well, it's not optimized for very bright rooms.
Viewing angles are wide and consistent across the panel, with minimal color shift at extreme angles. The OLED technology ensures that the viewing experience remains consistent regardless of the viewer's position. The panel's performance in various viewing positions demonstrates the quality of the display technology. The wide viewing angles make the TV suitable for larger rooms where viewers may be positioned at different angles relative to the screen.
Panel size variations and color accuracy
The Samsung S90F is available in multiple sizes, though only the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models utilize QD-OLED panels. Other sizes use standard WOLED technology, resulting in slightly different color performance characteristics. This distinction is important for buyers who prioritize maximum color accuracy and brightness. The 65-inch model's QD-OLED implementation provides superior performance compared to the WOLED variants used in other sizes. The color accuracy differences between panel types are significant enough to influence purchasing decisions.
Color reproduction varies between panel types, with QD-OLED models offering enhanced color volume and saturation compared to WOLED variants. The 65-inch model's quantum dot enhancement provides richer, more saturated colors that enhance the viewing experience. The color gamut extends beyond standard requirements, providing vibrant colors that are particularly noticeable in movies and high-quality content. The panel's ability to maintain color accuracy across different content types demonstrates the effectiveness of the quantum dot technology.
The variation in panel technology between sizes affects overall performance, with QD-OLED models providing better color accuracy and brightness. The 55- and 77-inch models benefit from the same quantum dot enhancement as the 65-inch model, ensuring consistent performance across these sizes. The differences in panel technology between sizes are significant enough to warrant careful consideration when selecting the appropriate model for specific needs.
Audio performance and sound features
The system supports Dolby Atmos soundtracks and incorporates Samsung's object-tracking sound (OTS) technology. The audio system's ability to create a sense of movement in the soundstage enhances the viewing experience, particularly for movies and sports content. The inclusion of Active Voice Amplifier Pro helps improve dialogue clarity in noisy environments.
Sound quality is functional but not exceptional, with the integrated speakers providing clear audio without significant distortion. The system's support for various audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ensures compatibility with high-quality audio content. The object-tracking sound technology attempts to move sound around the soundstage in response to on-screen movement, though the effect is subtle. The audio system's performance is adequate for casual viewing but may not satisfy audiophiles seeking premium sound quality.
The TV's audio system includes support for Q Symphony compatibility, allowing integration with external soundbars for enhanced audio performance. The system's ability to work with external audio equipment provides flexibility for users who want to upgrade their audio setup. The inclusion of multiple audio output options ensures compatibility with different audio systems. The overall audio performance is sufficient for casual viewing but lacks the premium quality expected from high-end televisions.
Smart features and AI integration
The Samsung S90F includes extensive AI-powered features through its NQ4 AI Gen 3 picture processing engine. The system incorporates 4K AI Upscaling Pro with 128 neural networks for enhanced picture quality. AI Motion Enhancer Pro and AI Color Booster Pro provide additional processing capabilities that can be adjusted according to user preferences. The AI Customisation and AI Optimisation features allow for personalized picture settings based on viewing habits.
The AI features extend to audio processing with AI Sound capabilities and Adaptive Sound Pro for enhanced audio performance. The system's object-tracking sound technology attempts to create a more immersive audio experience by moving sound around the soundstage. The inclusion of AI Auto Game Mode automatically optimizes settings for gaming scenarios, though this feature's effectiveness varies. The AI integration provides additional functionality but requires careful management to avoid over-processing.
Samsung's AI integration includes features such as AI Optimisation and AI Customisation, which attempt to personalize the viewing experience. The system's ability to adapt to different content types and viewing preferences is one of its strengths. However, the AI features can sometimes be overzealous, leading to unnatural color or brightness adjustments. The inclusion of AI-powered features adds value but requires user understanding to maximize benefits while avoiding unwanted effects.
Strengths
- +Excellent image quality
- +Fast motion handling for gaming
- +All-in-one design with integrated streaming
- +Capable of dynamic picture performance
Watch-outs
- −Expensive compared to entry-level models
- −Lacks the anti-glare coating of higher-end models
How it compares
The Samsung S90F provides excellent image quality and fast motion handling, matching the S95F in many areas but lacking the superior anti-glare coating and high brightness of the S95F Series. Compared to the LG G5 OLED, it's less bright and accurate, and unlike the Sony Bravia 8 II Series, it doesn't feature QD-OLED technology for native 120Hz support.
Rating sources
Our 4.2 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 4 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
