Samsung S95D: A Masterclass in OLED, But is it Worth the Premium?
The Samsung S95D. Even the name sounds impressive. It’s the Korean giant’s latest and greatest QD-OLED offering, promising to push the boundaries of picture quality with its anti-glare coating and brighter-than-ever panel. Does it live up to the hype? After spending considerable time with it, the answer is a resounding…mostly yes. Samsung has crafted a truly exceptional television, but the devil, as always, is in the details (and the price tag).
The picture performance is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show. Colors pop with incredible vibrancy, a direct result of Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology. Blacks are, of course, inky deep, as you’d expect from OLED. But the real magic lies in the brightness. The S95D manages to deliver significantly higher peak brightness than previous generations, resulting in stunning HDR performance that feels incredibly lifelike, even in bright rooms. The new anti-glare coating, dubbed “OLED Glare Free,” is a genuine game-changer. It effectively diffuses ambient light, making the image visible and vibrant even with direct sunlight pouring into the room. This solves one of the major pain points of OLED technology.
Design-wise, the S95D is sleek and minimalist. The extremely thin profile makes it a true statement piece. The near bezel-less design further enhances the immersion, focusing all the attention on the stunning picture. Build quality is what you’d expect from a premium Samsung product: rock solid. The stand, while aesthetically pleasing, might not be ideal for every setup, especially if you have limited surface area. Wall mounting is definitely an option to consider.
On the features front, the S95D is packed. Tizen OS, while not everyone’s favorite, is responsive and offers a wide range of streaming apps. Gaming features are also top-notch, with HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Samsung’s gaming hub also provides access to cloud gaming services, offering an extra layer of entertainment. The updated smart remote is sleek and intuitive, although some might miss dedicated number buttons.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The price is a significant barrier to entry. The S95D sits firmly in the premium category, making it unattainable for many. While the anti-glare coating is impressive, it can sometimes introduce a slight softness to the image, especially with static content. Finally, while Tizen OS has improved, it can still feel a bit clunky compared to alternatives like Google TV.
Where to Buy:
Samsung S95D Series 4K OLED TV Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 95%
- Design: 96%
- Performance: 97%
- Quality: 94%
- Popularity: 94%
Top Pros
- ✅ The OLED Glare Free coating effectively eliminates reflections, improving viewing experience in bright rooms.
- ✅ Quantum Dot technology allows the display to achieve significantly higher peak brightness.
- ✅ Gaming features like HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Key Cons
- ❌ The premium price tag makes the S95D inaccessible to many potential buyers.
- ❌ The anti-glare coating can introduce a slight softness to static content at times.
- ❌ While improved, the Tizen OS can still feel less polished than other smart TV platforms.
- …
