Have you been searching for the perfect OLED TV that delivers stunning picture quality without breaking the bank?
The Samsung S90F OLED might just be your answer. This mid-range powerhouse brings cutting-edge QD-OLED technology to your living room at a price that won’t require you to sell your car. But here’s the million-dollar question – or should I say, the $2,500 question – is it really worth your hard-earned money?
What Makes the S90F OLED Different from Other TVs?
You’re probably wondering what sets the S90F apart from the sea of TVs flooding the market in 2025. Well, let me tell you – this isn’t just another TV. The S90F represents Samsung’s strategic move to make premium OLED technology more accessible to everyday consumers like you and me.
“The Samsung S90F truly shines in a dark, cinema-like setup. Its OLED panel delivers inky blacks with zero blooming, while colors stay vibrant and rich” – RTINGS.com
The S90F sits comfortably in Samsung’s 2025 OLED lineup, positioned below the flagship S95F but above the entry-level S85F. What you’re getting is essentially 90% of the flagship experience at about 70% of the price. That’s a deal that should make your wallet smile.
Understanding the Panel Lottery: QD-OLED vs WOLED
Here’s where things get interesting – and potentially confusing. The S90F uses different panel technologies depending on the size you choose. Let me break this down for you in simple terms:
| Size | Panel Type (North America) | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 42-inch | WOLED | Very Good |
| 48-inch | WOLED | Very Good |
| 55-inch | QD-OLED | Excellent |
| 65-inch | QD-OLED | Excellent |
| 77-inch | QD-OLED | Excellent |
| 83-inch | WOLED | Very Good |
If you’re shopping for the 55, 65, or 77-inch models in North America, you’re in luck – you’ll get the superior QD-OLED panel. But wait, there’s more to this story!
How to Check Which Panel You’re Getting
You need to become a bit of a detective here. Look at the model number carefully. In North America:
- Models ending in FXZA = QD-OLED (the one you want!)
- Models ending in EXZA = WOLED (still good, but not as bright)
For international buyers, check the fourth-last digit of your model code. If it’s an ‘E’, you’re likely getting a WOLED panel.
Picture Quality That’ll Make Your Eyes Pop
Let’s talk about what really matters – how gorgeous your movies and shows will look. The S90F, especially with the QD-OLED panel, delivers picture quality that’ll make you want to rewatch your entire movie collection.
Brightness That Breaks OLED Stereotypes
Remember when OLEDs were criticized for being too dim? Those days are gone. The S90F pumps out an impressive 1,700 nits of peak brightness in HDR content. To put that in perspective, that’s about 30% brighter than last year’s S90D model.
“The S90F this year brings a shockingly big upgrade in brightness over the S90D. In fact, in my testing I was seeing around 30% higher brightness, putting it on par with last year’s most expensive TVs such as the S95D and LG G4.”
What does this mean for you? You can actually enjoy HDR content during the day without drawing the curtains. Those bright highlights in your favorite action movies? They’ll practically leap off the screen.
Colors That Feel Alive
The QD-OLED technology gives you colors that are not just accurate but vibrant. We’re talking about:
- Nearly 90% BT.2020 color coverage – that’s professional-grade color accuracy
- No white subpixel diluting your colors like traditional OLEDs
- Reds that pop, blues that mesmerize, and greens that feel natural
Perfect Blacks and Infinite Contrast
Here’s where OLED technology truly shines. The S90F delivers perfect blacks with zero blooming. When you’re watching a space movie, those star fields will look absolutely stunning against the inky black backdrop. Each star is a pinpoint of light with no halo effect around it.
| Picture Quality Aspect | S90F Performance | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Brightness | 1,700 nits | Great for bright rooms |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite | Incredible depth in dark scenes |
| Color Gamut | 90% BT.2020 | Lifelike, vibrant colors |
| Response Time | 0.1ms | No motion blur in fast scenes |
| Viewing Angle | 178° | Perfect picture from any seat |
Gaming Features That’ll Level Up Your Experience
If you’re a gamer, buckle up because the S90F is about to become your new best friend. This TV isn’t just good for gaming – it’s exceptional.
Speed That Keeps Up with Your Reflexes
The S90F offers:
- 144Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution
- Near-instant pixel response (0.1ms)
- Ultra-low input lag for competitive gaming
- HDMI 2.1 on all four ports – no need to swap cables!
Pro Tip: The 144Hz refresh rate means you can fully utilize the power of your PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC. Your games will feel more responsive than ever.
Advanced Gaming Features
Samsung packed the S90F with gaming goodies:
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) – Say goodbye to screen tearing
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro – Smooth gameplay on PC
- NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible – Perfect for NVIDIA GPU owners
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) – Automatically switches to game mode
- HGiG support – Better HDR tone mapping in games
The Game Bar: Your Gaming Command Center
The S90F’s Game Bar is like having a gaming monitor’s OSD on your TV. You can:
- Switch between different aspect ratios (21:9 and 32:9 for that ultrawide experience)
- Add a virtual crosshair for FPS games
- Check your current frame rate and input lag
- Zoom into specific areas of the screen
- Adjust game-specific picture settings without leaving your game
Smart Features Powered by AI
Samsung went all-in on AI with the S90F, and it shows. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor isn’t just marketing fluff – it actually makes a difference in your daily viewing.
AI Upscaling That Works Like Magic
Not all your content is 4K, right? That’s where the S90F’s AI upscaling comes in clutch. Using 128 neural networks, it can:
- Transform your old DVDs into near-4K quality
- Make streaming content look sharper, even at lower bitrates
- Enhance cable TV to look less… well, like cable TV
“We came away impressed with the processor’s ability to upscale content, even from standard definition, and the feature is so polished that the upscaled video rarely ever feels like it has gone through an enhancement process.” – SamMobile
Samsung Vision AI: Your TV Gets Smarter
The new Vision AI features include:
- Click-to-Search – See an actor you recognize? Click on them to find out who they are
- Real-time translation – Foreign films just got more accessible
- AI Customization – The TV learns your preferences over time
- AI Sound Pro – Optimizes audio based on what you’re watching
The Tizen Experience: Smooth and Feature-Rich
Samsung’s Tizen OS has come a long way, and on the S90F, it’s better than ever. You’ll find:
- All major streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and more)
- Samsung TV Plus – Free live TV channels without a subscription
- Built-in Alexa and Bixby voice assistants
- SmartThings hub functionality for your smart home devices
- 7 years of free OS updates – Your TV stays current longer
Gaming in the Cloud
Don’t have a gaming console? No problem! The S90F supports:
- Xbox Game Pass streaming
- Amazon Luna
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Just connect a controller via Bluetooth, and you’re gaming in minutes.
Design and Build Quality
Let’s be honest – the S90F won’t win any design awards. It looks… like a TV. But that’s not necessarily bad! You get:
- Ultra-thin bezels that practically disappear
- A slim profile that looks great wall-mounted
- Two stand options for flexibility in placement
- Solid build quality that feels premium
Note: Unlike the flagship S95F, the S90F doesn’t have the One Connect box. All connections go directly into the TV, which might make cable management trickier for wall mounting.
Audio Performance: Better Than Expected
Most TV speakers are terrible. The S90F’s are… actually decent! You get:
- 2.1.2 channel system with 60 watts of power
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
- Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite – Audio follows on-screen action
- Q-Symphony – Works with Samsung soundbars for enhanced audio
While you’ll still want a soundbar for the best experience, the built-in speakers won’t have you rushing to buy one immediately.
Comparing the S90F to the Competition
How does the S90F stack up against its rivals? Let’s see:
| Feature | Samsung S90F | LG C5 OLED | Samsung S95F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | QD-OLED/WOLED | WOLED | QD-OLED |
| Peak Brightness | 1,700 nits | 1,500 nits | 2,000+ nits |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | 165Hz |
| Dolby Vision | No | Yes | No |
| Anti-Glare | No | No | Yes |
| Price (65″) | $2,499 | $2,299 | $3,299 |
S90F vs LG C5: The Classic Rivalry
The LG C5 is the S90F’s main competitor. Here’s how they compare:
- S90F wins on: Brightness, color vibrancy (with QD-OLED), slightly lower price
- LG C5 wins on: Dolby Vision support, consistent panel type across sizes
- Tie: Gaming features, smart platform quality
S90F vs S95F: Is the Flagship Worth It?
The S95F costs about $800 more. What do you get for that extra cash?
- Higher peak brightness (2,000+ nits)
- Anti-glare coating for bright rooms
- 165Hz refresh rate (vs 144Hz)
- One Connect box for cleaner cable management
- Slightly better processing
Unless you have a very bright room or need that extra 21Hz for competitive gaming, the S90F offers better value.
Real-World Performance: What Users Are Saying
Let’s hear from actual S90F owners:
“GORGEOUS TV!! Very bright for a QD-OLED. Colors are super vibrant. Love the glossy screen compared to the Matte Black on the S95F. This is my first OLED TV and it does NOT disappoint.” – Amazon Customer
“I was pleasantly surprised with this new 42″ S90F OLED model from Samsung… No halos, no blooming, clarity and skin tones are perfect.” – Best Buy Customer
The consensus? Users love the picture quality and gaming performance. The main complaints center around the solar remote (which some find confusing) and occasional software quirks.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No TV is perfect, and the S90F has its limitations:
The Ambient Light Issue
QD-OLED panels have one weakness – they can appear slightly purple/magenta in very bright rooms. If your TV faces large windows with direct sunlight, you might notice raised black levels during the day.
No Dolby Vision
Samsung continues to snub Dolby Vision in favor of HDR10+. While the TV still looks fantastic with regular HDR content, some streaming services and UHD Blu-rays use Dolby Vision exclusively.
Game Mode Accuracy
Some reviewers noted that game mode can have accuracy issues out of the box. You might need to spend time calibrating settings for the best gaming experience.
Panel Lottery Confusion
The mix of QD-OLED and WOLED panels across different sizes can be confusing. Make sure you know which panel type you’re getting before purchasing.
Setup and Calibration Tips
Want to get the most out of your S90F? Follow these tips:
Picture Settings for Movies
- Start with Filmmaker Mode for accurate colors
- Adjust brightness to your room conditions (keep OLED light at 100 for HDR)
- Turn off most motion processing for films (it can cause the “soap opera effect”)
- Enable HDR tone mapping for better highlight detail
Gaming Optimization
- Use Game Mode for lowest input lag
- Enable VRR and ALLM in settings
- Adjust the Game Picture Mode to “Custom” for better accuracy
- Turn on Game Motion Plus if you want some motion smoothing without lag
General Tips
- Run the Intelligent Mode calibration when you first set up
- Update to the latest firmware for bug fixes and improvements
- Use the Eco settings carefully – they can dim the picture too much
- Consider professional calibration if you’re a perfectionist
Who Should Buy the S90F?
The S90F is perfect for you if:
- ✅ You want OLED picture quality without flagship prices
- ✅ Gaming is a priority (console or PC)
- ✅ You watch in a moderately lit room (not super bright)
- ✅ You prefer vibrant, punchy colors over clinical accuracy
- ✅ You’re invested in the Samsung ecosystem
Consider alternatives if:
- ❌ You need Dolby Vision support
- ❌ Your room gets extremely bright during the day
- ❌ You want guaranteed panel consistency across all sizes
- ❌ You’re on a tight budget (look at LED TVs)
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Worried about your TV becoming outdated? The S90F has you covered:
- HDMI 2.1 on all ports – Ready for future consoles and devices
- 144Hz support – More than enough for current gaming needs
- 7 years of OS updates – Your smart features stay current
- AI processing – Gets better with software updates
- Latest codecs – Supports AV1 for future streaming
The Verdict: Is the S90F Worth Your Money?
After diving deep into every aspect of the S90F, here’s the bottom line: Yes, it’s absolutely worth the investment – with a few caveats.
The S90F delivers:
- ✨ Stunning picture quality that rivals TVs costing much more
- 🎮 Gaming performance that’ll satisfy even hardcore gamers
- 🤖 Smart features that actually feel smart
- 💰 Value proposition that’s hard to beat in the OLED space
The QD-OLED variants (55, 65, and 77-inch in North America) offer the best performance and represent incredible value at $2,499 for the 65-inch model. You’re getting flagship-level picture quality with only minor compromises.
Final Recommendation
If you’re shopping for a 55, 65, or 77-inch OLED TV and can stretch your budget to $2,500, the S90F should be at the top of your list. It offers the perfect balance of performance, features, and price. Just make sure you’re getting the QD-OLED version for the best experience!
Where to Buy and Current Deals
The S90F is available at major retailers:
- Samsung.com – Often has exclusive bundles
- Best Buy – Good return policy and setup services
- Amazon – Competitive pricing and fast shipping
- Costco – Extended warranty and member pricing
Pro Tip: Wait for major sales events like Black Friday or Super Bowl season. OLED TVs typically see significant discounts during these periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the S90F suffer from burn-in?
Like all OLEDs, burn-in is theoretically possible but highly unlikely with normal use. Samsung includes several protection features, and both QD-OLED and WOLED technologies have improved significantly in this area.
Can I use the S90F as a computer monitor?
Absolutely! The 42 and 48-inch models are particularly popular for this use. The low input lag and high refresh rate make it excellent for productivity and gaming.
How long will an OLED TV last?
Modern OLEDs are rated for 100,000+ hours of use. That’s over 27 years at 10 hours per day! You’ll likely upgrade for features long before the panel wears out.
Is the S90F good for sports?
Yes! The instant pixel response means no motion blur during fast action. The wide viewing angle also ensures everyone gets a great view during the big game.
Ready to transform your viewing experience? The Samsung S90F OLED represents a sweet spot in the premium TV market. Whether you’re a movie buff, serious gamer, or just someone who appreciates beautiful images, this TV delivers where it counts. Just remember to double-check which panel type you’re getting, and prepare to be amazed by what modern OLED technology can do!
