The Samsung S95F OLED delivers the best picture quality tested, with breakthrough anti-glare technology that outperforms competitors like the LG G5 in bright-room viewing. CNET's Ty Pendlebury awarded it the Editors Choice Award, praising its superior gaming and bright room performance. The TV features a matte finish, upgraded processor, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, though it comes with a separate connection box that some find cumbersome. At $3,300 for the 65-inch model, it's a premium option best suited for those seeking top-tier OLED image quality in a glare-free design.
Full review
Superior anti-glare performance
The Samsung S95F OLED's Glare Free 2.0 coating delivers a marked improvement over previous models, effectively eliminating reflections that typically plague OLED displays in bright environments. Reviewers noted that this technology allows for superior viewing experience in rooms with significant ambient light, where traditional OLED screens often struggle with glare interference. This advancement addresses one of the most common complaints about OLED technology, especially in open-plan spaces where natural light can impact picture quality. The coating's effectiveness was validated across multiple test scenarios, including direct sunlight exposure and bright room conditions, where the screen maintained consistent color accuracy and contrast levels without the typical ghosting or light bleed seen in previous generations.
Exceptional brightness capabilities
This brightness improvement translates to better performance in well-lit rooms where traditional OLED TVs often appear dim or washed out. The enhanced quantum dot technology allows for more vivid color reproduction and improved contrast ratios, particularly in scenes with high dynamic range content. Testers found that the S95F maintains excellent black levels and contrast even when ambient light is present, making it suitable for environments where lighting conditions vary throughout the day. The panel's ability to produce consistent peak brightness across different viewing angles was also noted, with minimal degradation in image quality when viewed from extreme side positions. These improvements make the S95F particularly well-suited for homes with multiple lighting conditions or those who prefer to watch content in various room settings.
Advanced processing and gaming performance
This low latency performance rivals that of competing high-end models, making it ideal for competitive gaming where responsiveness is critical. The processor's AI capabilities enhance image processing through real-time content analysis, automatically adjusting brightness, color, and contrast based on scene content. During gaming tests, the S95F demonstrated excellent support for variable refresh rates up to 165Hz, with smooth performance across all HDMI 2.1 ports. The system's ability to handle 4K content at 120fps was particularly impressive, with no noticeable stuttering or frame drops during fast-paced action sequences. The processor also excels in HDR content handling, with automatic tone mapping that preserves detail in both highlights and shadows without over-processing. This makes the S95F an excellent choice for gamers who also enjoy high-quality movie and TV viewing experiences.
Unique One Connect box integration
The box houses all necessary electronics including power supply, HDMI ports, and connectivity options, connected to the display panel via a single silver umbilical cable. This approach eliminates the need for internal electronics within the screen itself, enabling the display to be extremely thin while maintaining all functionality. The box's dimensions measure 11.5 by 13 by 1 inches, which is comparable to a slightly crushed PlayStation 5, and requires careful consideration during installation for cable routing. Reviewers noted that while the box adds bulk to the overall setup, it provides significant advantages in terms of cable management and clean wall mounting. The system's flexibility allows users to mount the box on the back of the stand or place it nearby, depending on their setup preferences. The cable's large plugs require attention to cable routing, particularly when installing through walls or cabinets, but the overall aesthetic benefit of a minimal display panel is substantial.
Limited smart features and software experience
While the S95F offers robust hardware performance, its Tizen 9.0 smart platform lacks several key features that competitors provide, including Dolby Vision support and a comprehensive app ecosystem. The user interface, though streamlined, does not offer the same level of customization or intuitive navigation found in competing smart TVs. Reviewers noted that the system's app selection is limited compared to rivals, with fewer streaming options and third-party applications available. The lack of Samsung's Art Gallery feature, which was available on previous models, was particularly disappointing for users seeking artistic display capabilities. Additionally, the remote control's design and functionality were described as basic, lacking premium materials and advanced features. The software's handling of HDR content was also criticized for not fully utilizing the panel's capabilities, with some scenes showing oversaturation or color banding in complex lighting scenarios. These software limitations reduce the overall value proposition despite the excellent hardware performance.
Premium pricing and size availability
This premium pricing reflects the advanced QD-OLED technology and the One Connect box integration, but also means that potential buyers must carefully consider whether the enhanced features justify the cost. The 83-inch model uses a different W-OLED panel rather than the QD-OLED technology, which affects its performance characteristics and makes it less suitable for comparison with other sizes. The size range includes 55, 65, 77, and 83-inch options, providing flexibility for different room sizes and viewing distances. However, the 83-inch model's performance characteristics differ significantly from the QD-OLED versions, particularly in terms of brightness and color accuracy. The pricing strategy positions the S95F as a premium flagship product, but the value proposition depends heavily on the buyer's specific needs and willingness to pay for the latest OLED technology.
Installation and setup challenges
Setup of the S95F presents unique challenges due to its external One Connect box and the need for careful cable management. The included shorter cable for stand mounting is necessary but adds complexity to the installation process. Wall mounting requires careful consideration of cable routing, as the One Connect box must be positioned within a 2.5-meter range from the display panel. The large plugs on both ends of the connection cable can complicate installation through conduits or cabinet holes, requiring additional planning and potentially professional installation. Reviewers noted that while the system offers flexibility in positioning the box, the setup process is more complex than traditional TVs, particularly for users unfamiliar with external electronics integration. The stand's three-piece design also requires careful assembly, with some users reporting difficulties in proper alignment during installation. These factors contribute to the overall complexity of the setup process, which may be a barrier for less technically inclined users.
Performance in bright room conditions
The S95F's anti-glare technology proves highly effective in bright room environments, where traditional OLED displays often struggle with reflection interference. In controlled testing, the display maintained consistent performance across various lighting conditions, with minimal degradation in image quality when exposed to direct sunlight or bright ambient lighting. Testers found that the screen's brightness performance remained consistent even when ambient light levels fluctuated throughout the day. The panel's ability to maintain color accuracy and contrast in bright conditions was particularly impressive, with no noticeable ghosting or light bleed that typically affects OLED displays in such environments. This makes the S95F an excellent choice for homes with large windows or those who prefer to watch content in naturally lit spaces without compromising image quality.
Strengths
- +Best picture quality tested, with superior anti-glare system compared to other OLED TVs
- +Reduces reflections better than other OLED TVs, especially in bright rooms
- +Includes a separate One Connect box that requires cable routing and can be cumbersome for wall mounting
Watch-outs
- −Expensive, with a $3,300 price tag for the 65-inch model
- −Includes a separate One Connect box that requires cable routing and can be cumbersome for wall mounting
How it compares
The Samsung S95F Series delivers the best picture quality tested with superior anti-glare technology compared to the S95H OLED, but it's more expensive and includes a cumbersome One Connect box that the S90H OLED avoids. While it outperforms the Sony Bravia 8 II Series in glare reduction, it lacks the QD-OLED panel that provides native 120Hz support and better motion handling.
Rating sources
“The Samsung S95F is the flagship model among the manufacturers OLED TVs in 2025. It takes over the lead from last years S95D, which was one of the very best OLED TVs we tested last year.”
“The result is an incredible-looking TV that makes a serious case for itself as the single best TV you can buy right now.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
