Samsung S95D OLED promises to address a long-standing issue by offering an advanced solution to reduce glare, all while preserving the screen’s superior brightness and color performance. The S95D utilizes Quantum Dot OLED technology, which is known to enhance brightness levels compared to traditional OLED screens. This addition is meant to ensure that viewers can enjoy excellent picture quality even in rooms flooded with natural or artificial light.
By combining Quantum Dots with OLED, Samsung aims to provide the ideal solution for those who want the deep blacks of OLED displays while avoiding common pitfalls like glare and dimming in bright settings. The S95D OLED also seeks to elevate the viewing experience in a way that no prior Samsung OLED TV has done, making it an intriguing option for those looking to invest in a high-end television with versatile capabilities.
Design and Installation
The Samsung S95D stands out with its sleek and modern design, featuring ultra-slim bezels that maximize the screen-to-body ratio and make it appear almost frameless when viewed head-on. This minimalist design ensures that the TV blends seamlessly into any modern living room or entertainment space, focusing attention solely on the display.
In addition to its striking aesthetics, the TV is equipped with Samsung’s signature OneConnect Box, which allows users to connect their external devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming boxes, to a separate hub rather than directly to the TV. This feature dramatically reduces cable clutter and makes installation more straightforward, as it only requires one cable running from the TV to the box.
While the design is undoubtedly elegant, the S95D OLED thin profile comes with a level of fragility. The screen of the S95D OLED is delicate, requiring careful handling during setup, which can be slightly nerve-wracking for users who aren’t accustomed to dealing with such slim panels. Additionally, the setup process, while simplified by the OneConnect Box, can still be a bit tricky for first-time users, especially those unfamiliar with OLED TV installations.
Mounting the TV on the wall or ensuring that it is positioned securely on a stand requires caution. Despite these challenges, once the TV is set up, its lightweight and sleek frame offer an impressive aesthetic appeal that elevates any viewing area.
Price and Availability
Samsung’s S95D OLED comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its high-end features and cutting-edge technology. Depending on the size, the cost varies, with the smaller models being more affordable, while the larger variants, such as the 65-inch or 75-inch, are priced significantly higher. As with many flagship models, pricing often starts around $2,000 for the base model, increasing with size and added features.
When compared to its predecessor, the Samsung S95C OLED, the S95D shows improvements in brightness and glare reduction, which some may find worth the extra investment. However, the price difference between the two models can be substantial, especially for users who aren’t particularly concerned with upgrading from the already impressive S95C. Given the new model’s recent release, early buyers may not find significant discounts initially, though seasonal sales or special promotions could lower the price point over time. For those on the fence about upgrading from an older OLED model, waiting for a sale might be a strategic option.
Ports and Connections
In terms of connectivity, the Samsung S95D OLED offers a generous array of ports, catering to various media and entertainment needs. It features four HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 4K video at 120Hz, making it an excellent choice for gamers or anyone looking to stream high-definition content without compromise. The TV also includes two USB ports, an Ethernet connection for those who prefer a wired internet setup, and an Optical audio out for users with surround sound systems.
One of the standout features of the S95D is its OneConnect Box, which simplifies cable management by relocating most connections to a separate, easily accessible hub. This not only reduces clutter but also makes it easier to swap out devices or cables without having to reach behind the TV. This feature is especially useful for those who have multiple devices, such as gaming consoles, media players, and sound systems, connected to their TV. The convenience of the OneConnect Box means that users don’t have to worry about cable tangling or awkward positioning of their entertainment devices.
Picture Performance and Testing
Samsung’s S95D OLED delivers outstanding picture quality, particularly in its handling of color depth, brightness, and contrast. The inclusion of Quantum Dot technology significantly enhances color saturation, making images appear more vivid and lifelike.
When watching HDR content, the screen’s brightness levels shine through, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. Whether it’s daytime TV in a well-lit room or a dimly lit evening movie session, the S95D OLED handles varying light conditions exceptionally well.
However, the S95D OLED TV does have some minor setbacks in motion processing. At times, fast-moving scenes can display a slight blurring effect, especially during high-action sequences in sports or video games. This can detract from the otherwise impeccable performance and may require some tweaking of the motion settings to suit individual preferences. Additionally, the overprocessing of some content can lead to a loss of natural detail. Activating the Filmmaker Mode during testing helped reduce this, resulting in more accurate picture reproduction without the added artificial sharpness.
Sound Performance
Audio quality is another area where the Samsung S95D OLED excels. The TV comes equipped with a 70W speaker system, delivering powerful and clear sound even without external speakers. Samsung has also integrated its Object Tracking Sound+ technology, which provides a more immersive audio experience by creating the illusion that sound is following objects on screen. This enhances everything from dialogue clarity to background audio effects, adding depth and richness to whatever is playing.
The TV’s AI-powered audio processing helps improve dialogue clarity by isolating voices from other sounds, ensuring that conversations in movies and shows are easy to follow, even when background noise is prominent. This feature is particularly useful in action scenes or when watching content in a noisy environment. Overall, while the sound system of the S95D OLED is more than adequate for most viewers, audiophiles or those seeking an even more immersive experience may still prefer to invest in a dedicated sound system or soundbar.
Gaming Capabilities
The Samsung S95D OLED is a gamer’s delight, boasting ultra-low input lag and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. These features ensure a smooth, responsive gaming experience, even when playing the most demanding titles. Gamers will appreciate the TV’s ability to maintain high frame rates without screen tearing or stuttering, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters or racing games.
One drawback, however, is the lack of support for Dolby Vision, a high dynamic range format commonly used in Xbox games. While the TV does offer HDR10+ support, which is still a robust HDR standard, some gamers may miss the enhanced color and contrast capabilities that Dolby Vision provides. Despite this limitation, the overall gaming performance remains impressive, thanks to the TV’s strong processing power and compatibility with next-gen gaming consoles.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S95D OLED is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end TV with top-notch picture quality, immersive sound, and advanced gaming capabilities. While it does have some minor shortcomings, such as motion processing issues and the lack of Dolby Vision support, its strengths far outweigh these drawbacks. The combination of Quantum Dot technology and OLED provides a compelling solution for those who want the best of both worlds: deep blacks and stunning brightness in all lighting conditions. If you’re willing to invest in a premium television, the S95D OLED offers a performance that is well worth the price.
