Samsung's QN90F QLED TV impressed during a week-long test. Excellent brightness, vibrant colors, and impressive gaming performance made me forget all about OLED. A solid choice for streaming and gaming this holiday season.
Samsung's QLED TVs have long been positioned as rivals to OLED, each technology boasting its own strengths. This past week, I had the chance to put the QN90F, Samsung's flagship QLED, through its paces. My usual viewing experience revolves around an OLED panel, so I was keen to see if QLED could truly deliver. The result? I didn't miss OLED at all. Let's dive into why.
The Brightness Advantage: QLED Shines
One of the most immediate and noticeable differences between QLED and OLED is brightness. QLED panels, particularly Samsung's, can achieve significantly higher peak brightness levels. This makes a huge difference, especially in brightly lit rooms. OLEDs, while offering perfect blacks, can sometimes struggle to maintain vibrant colors and contrast in direct sunlight.
# Dealing with Sunlight
During the day, the QN90F truly excelled. Even with sunlight streaming through the windows, the picture remained clear, bright, and punchy. Colors popped, and details were easily discernible. This is a significant advantage for anyone who watches TV during the day or in a room with lots of natural light. OLEDs, in comparison, can appear somewhat washed out in these conditions.
# HDR Performance
High Dynamic Range (HDR) content also benefited greatly from the QN90F's high brightness. Highlights were incredibly bright and impactful, creating a more realistic and immersive viewing experience. The TV handled HDR content from various streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ with ease, showcasing the full dynamic range and detail.
Color Volume and Accuracy
QLED technology utilizes quantum dots to enhance color reproduction. The QN90F delivered vibrant and accurate colors across a wide range of content. Skin tones looked natural, landscapes were lush and detailed, and explosions were fiery and dramatic.
# Testing with Different Content
I tested the QN90F with a variety of content, including:
- Nature documentaries: The vibrant greens and blues of wildlife documentaries looked stunning.
- Animated movies: The bright, saturated colors of animated films were incredibly engaging.
- Live sports: Fast-paced action was rendered smoothly and clearly, with accurate color representation.
# Color Calibration Options
The QN90F also offers a range of color calibration options, allowing you to fine-tune the picture to your personal preferences. While the default settings were excellent, having the ability to adjust the color temperature, white balance, and other parameters is a welcome addition for enthusiasts.
Gaming Performance: Low Input Lag and Smooth Motion
For gamers, the QN90F offers a compelling package. It boasts a low input lag, which is crucial for responsive gaming. The TV also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and HDMI 2.1 features, ensuring smooth and tear-free gameplay.
# My Gaming Experience
I tested the QN90F with my PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, playing games like:
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales: The fast-paced action and vibrant cityscapes looked incredible.
- Forza Horizon 5: The smooth motion and detailed environments made for an immersive racing experience.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: The low input lag ensured responsive gameplay, giving me a competitive edge.
The QN90F's gaming performance was truly impressive. The low input lag, smooth motion, and vibrant colors made for an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.
Smart Features and Design
Beyond picture quality and gaming performance, the QN90F also offers a comprehensive suite of smart features. Samsung's Tizen operating system is intuitive and easy to use, providing access to a wide range of streaming apps and services. The TV also features a sleek and modern design that will complement any living room.
# Tizen OS
The Tizen OS is responsive and easy to navigate. It offers a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more. The OS also supports voice control, allowing you to control the TV with your voice.
# Design
The QN90F features a sleek and modern design with thin bezels and a minimalist stand. It looks great in any living room and doesn't distract from the picture.
Conclusion: A Worthy OLED Alternative
After spending a week with the Samsung QN90F, I can confidently say that it's a worthy alternative to OLED. While OLED still holds the crown for perfect blacks, the QN90F's superior brightness, vibrant colors, and excellent gaming performance make it a compelling choice, especially for those who watch TV in brightly lit rooms or are avid gamers. If you're looking for a high-performance TV that delivers an exceptional viewing experience, the Samsung QN90F is definitely worth considering.