Samsung S95H OLED TV Review: A Mixed Bag of Features and Performance
The Samsung S95H OLED TV is a high-end display that promises a lot, but does it deliver? Let's dive into the details and find out.
Design and Build Quality
The S95H boasts a sleek and modern design, with a 1-inch-thick metal surround that houses the old connection box circuitry. While it's a bold move, it's not without its drawbacks. The TV is thicker than its predecessor, and the separate box that kept the previous model thin is now gone. The remote has been pared down to the bare minimum, with a solar-powered clicker, but it lacks functionality for power users.
Screen and Picture Quality
The screen is the star of the show, with impressive antireflective coating that rejects most light sources. However, black levels in a lit room are slightly gray, and the HDR colors are inaccurate. The S95H is bright and excellent for gaming, with a low input lag of 9.33ms in 4K. It's also the first OLED TV to display static art for extended periods, thanks to its multiple image retention mitigation technologies.
Smart TV and AI Features
The smart TV system has been streamlined, with a cleaner and better-organized menu. It includes AI-flavored technologies like AI Soccer Mode and NQ4 AI Gen3 processor for image processing. However, the lack of Dolby Vision HDR may be a deal-breaker for some.
Performance and Comparison
In a side-by-side comparison with the LG G6, G5, and S90H, the S95H performed well in terms of brightness and color accuracy. It was the only TV that couldn't display the orange sun in the Spears and Munsil test disc, and it had a slight desaturation in red. The S95H was also smoother than the G6 in the 24p judder test.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Samsung S95H is a mixed bag of features and performance. While it has some impressive capabilities, like displaying static art and antireflective coating, it also has some drawbacks, like inaccurate HDR colors and a lack of Ambient mode. If you're a gamer or want a TV that can display art, it's a solid choice. However, if you prioritize color accuracy and Ambient mode, the LG G6 is a better option. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and priorities.
