Think you know the best value OLED TV? Our latest deep dive might just surprise you! We spent a week with the Samsung S90F, and the results are in. Is it truly the new king of affordable premium displays, outperforming even the usual suspects? You won’t believe what we found.

For years, technology enthusiasts and casual consumers alike have pointed to LG’s C-series as the pinnacle of value in the burgeoning OLED TV market, a standard set by its exceptional features and performance. However, after an intensive week of testing, a new contender has emerged, poised to redefine expectations for what a value OLED television can offer. The Samsung S90F, a powerful new entrant in the display technology arena, has not only matched but in several key areas, surpassed its established rivals, making it a compelling candidate for the year’s top value pick.

One of the most striking aspects of the Samsung S90F’s performance is its remarkable color coverage. In a critical comparison with several leading OLED models, the S90F distinguished itself by achieving a full 100% coverage of the UHDA-P3 gamut. This benchmark is a testament to its advanced display technology, placing it in an elite category often reserved for significantly more expensive premium displays. While competitors like the LG B5 OLED came remarkably close, the S90F’s perfect score highlights a significant advantage for home theater enthusiasts.

The prowess of the Samsung S90F extends further into the Rec2020 gamut, where its performance truly begins to differentiate. Both the S90F and its counterpart, the S90D, manage to cover just over 89% and 90% respectively of this challenging gamut. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as most televisions struggle to reach even 80%, underscoring Samsung’s engineering excellence in delivering vibrant and accurate colors across an incredibly wide spectrum, crucial for an immersive viewing experience.

While OLED TVs are traditionally not lauded for the eye-searing brightness of Mini-LED alternatives, the Samsung S90F defies expectations in this regard. Its heightened SDR output of 520 nits is exceptionally impressive for an OLED panel. This capability ensures that everyday viewing, from broadcast television to streaming content, benefits from a vivid and clear picture, even in moderately lit environments, enhancing its appeal as a versatile home theater solution.

For gamers, the Samsung S90F stands out with its serious gaming performance. Equipped with a 144Hz refresh rate, it delivers ultra-smooth visuals, crucial for fast-paced action. Samsung’s Tizen OS provides a robust platform, not only offering a plethora of free channels and cloud gaming services but also integrating a comprehensive Gaming Hub. While some rival OLEDs, like the LG B5, may boast a minuscule edge in input latency, the S90F’s overall gaming suite, including its powerful upscaling processor and AI Sound Pro for dramatic audio boosts, positions it as a premier choice for dedicated players seeking a top-tier OLED TV experience.

Despite its numerous strengths, the Samsung S90F does present a couple of notable compromises for potential buyers. A common characteristic of many modern televisions, the base audio system, while functional, is largely uninspiring. For a truly immersive home theater setup, pairing this exceptional display with a dedicated soundbar or a more robust audio system is highly recommended to complement its stunning visuals. This aspect is a common consideration in any comprehensive TV review.

Another significant point of contention for some discerning viewers is the S90F’s lack of Dolby Vision support. While it thoughtfully includes HDR10+, a royalty-free format with similar capabilities, the absence of Dolby Vision can be a notable drawback for enthusiasts of HDR movies who prioritize this specific format. Given the S90F’s incredible color performance and value proposition, this omission might prompt some consideration, particularly if a TV is destined for a room with controlled lighting where HDR content truly shines.

Furthermore, in exceptionally bright environments, the S90F might exhibit some limitations regarding glare mitigation. While testing in typical room conditions showed no significant issues, very sunny or brightly lit rooms could potentially lead to a slight graying and softening of black levels. However, for most home theater applications and given its competitive pricing, the Samsung S90F solidifies its position as an exceptional value TV, offering some of the best color accuracy and advanced features in a mid-range OLED TV on the market today, making it a highly recommended upgrade.