Samsung QN90F QN43QN90FAFXZA 43 Inch Neo 43" 2025 Review

The Samsung QN90F's audio is in the 84th percentile, which is fantastic for a TV. Its 120Hz panel makes gaming smooth, scoring in the 74th percentile. But picture quality is a letdown at the 43rd percentile. Buy it for the rare combo of a compact size, high refresh rate, and great sound, not for reference-grade visuals.

The Samsung QN90F is a 43-inch Neo QLED that's built for a specific corner of the market. It's a small, high-refresh screen that scores best for sports and gaming, landing in the 74th percentile for gaming performance. That 120Hz panel is the star here, making it a solid pick for a desktop monitor replacement or a compact gaming setup. But it's not a picture quality champion, sitting in the 43rd percentile for that metric. You're paying for a feature set and form factor that's rare in this size, not for the absolute best HDR experience.

Performance is a mixed bag, and the numbers tell the story. The audio is surprisingly good, hitting the 84th percentile, which is great for a slim TV without a separate soundbar. Connectivity is also strong at the 80th percentile, with four HDMI ports giving you plenty of options. The 120Hz refresh rate is the key gaming spec, and it pushes the gaming score to the 74th percentile. That means smooth motion for fast-paced games. The trade-off is in the core display metrics. Picture quality is at the 43rd percentile, and HDR performance is just above average at the 57th. The AI upscaling helps, but this isn't the panel you buy for reference-level color or contrast.

At $898, the value proposition is all about the niche. You're not getting the best picture for your money—that's clear from the 43rd percentile score. What you are getting is a compact 43-inch TV with a 120Hz panel and great audio, a combination that's hard to find. If that specific feature set is what you need, like for a gaming PC monitor or a small apartment living room, then the price might make sense. If you just want the best 4K HDR TV and size doesn't matter, your money goes further elsewhere.

Compared to the competition, the QN90F carves its own path. The Hisense U6 series will likely beat it on pure picture quality for the money, but won't have the 120Hz refresh or the same audio chops. The LG OLED evo G5 will demolish it in contrast and HDR (OLEDs typically score in the 90+ percentile for picture quality), but you'll pay more and won't find a 43-inch size. The Roku Pro Series is a more direct mini-LED competitor, often offering better local dimming and HDR for similar money, but again, likely in larger sizes. This Samsung wins on being a capable all-rounder in a small, high-refresh package.

Skip this TV if you're a home theater enthusiast chasing the best possible picture. The 43rd percentile score for picture quality and 57th for HDR are clear indicators that this isn't a reference display. Also, avoid it if you need a TV for a bright room or covered patio, as it scored a dismal 34.1 out of 100 for outdoor use. It's built for indoors, for gaming and sports in a compact space.

We'd recommend the Samsung QN90F if you're specifically hunting for a 43-inch TV with 120Hz for gaming or a desktop setup, and you want good built-in sound. The data shows its strengths are audio, connectivity, and motion handling, not pristine picture quality. If your priority is the absolute best HDR and contrast for movies, look at an LG OLED or a higher-end mini-LED, even if it means a bigger screen. This is a tool for a specific job, and for that job, it's pretty good.