Samsung OLED 4K - S90 55" Class S90D Series 2024 Review

The Samsung S90D 55-inch OLED TV is a top-tier pick for gamers and streamers. It combines a bright QD-OLED panel with four HDMI 2.1 ports and 120Hz support for a killer gaming experience. While it lacks Dolby Vision, its HDR10+ performance and smart Tizen platform make it a fantastic all-around 4K TV.

If you're hunting for a 55-inch OLED TV that's a powerhouse for gaming and streaming, the Samsung S90D is a serious contender. It's a 2024 model packing a 4K QD-OLED panel, Samsung's latest NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, and all the gaming features you'd expect: 120Hz refresh, FreeSync Premium, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. With a price that bounces between about $1150 and $1400 depending on the retailer, it sits in that sweet spot where premium OLED performance starts to get a lot more accessible. People searching for a 'Samsung OLED TV for gaming' or a 'bright OLED TV' are landing on this one for good reason.

Let's talk about the numbers from our database. This TV scores in the 96th percentile for gaming performance, which is no surprise given its full suite of HDMI 2.1 features and near-instant response time. The Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ tech does a great job keeping fast-paced games and sports looking smooth. For HDR, it lands in the 94th percentile, thanks to support for HDR10+ and HLG. The QD-OLED tech means it gets brighter than traditional WRGB OLEDs, so highlights in HDR movies and games really pop. The audio performance is also strong at the 91st percentile, with the virtual Dolby Atmos doing a decent job of creating a surround sound effect without a separate soundbar.

With prices ranging from $1152 to $1398, the value proposition here is all about getting Samsung's latest QD-OLED tech without the flagship price tag. At the lower end of that spread, it's a steal. You're getting near-top-tier gaming specs and a brilliant OLED picture for hundreds less than comparable models from Sony. If your main uses are gaming, streaming 4K HDR shows, and watching movies in a controlled light environment, the S90D delivers a lot of performance for the money. Just keep an eye on those retailer prices, as a $246 difference is nothing to sneeze at.

The most direct competitor is the LG G5 OLED. The LG uses a traditional WRGB OLED panel, which might not get as bright but is often praised for slightly better shadow detail. The LG also supports Dolby Vision, which is a big plus if your movie library is heavy on Netflix and Apple TV+. For gamers, it's a toss-up, as both have fantastic gaming features. Then there's the Sony BRAVIA 5. It's a Mini-LED, not an OLED, so it can get much brighter for HDR but won't have the perfect blacks of the Samsung. The Sony will likely have better out-of-the-box color accuracy and superior processing for upscaling lower-resolution content. If you watch a lot of cable TV or sports, that's a point for Sony. The S90D carves its niche with its blend of OLED contrast, QD-OLED brightness, and no-compromise gaming setup.

Skip the S90D if you're setting up a TV in a very bright, sun-drenched room where glare will be a constant battle—a high-nit Mini-LED like the Hisense U6 or Sony BRAVIA 5 would serve you better. Also, hardcore cinephiles who demand Dolby Vision and the absolute most accurate film-like image might prefer the tuning of an LG or Sony OLED. And if you're on a very tight budget and don't need the latest gaming specs, last year's OLED models or a good QLED could save you some cash.

So, should you buy the Samsung S90D? If you're a gamer first and a movie watcher second, this is an easy yes. The combination of four HDMI 2.1 ports, 120Hz, FreeSync, and that stunning, responsive QD-OLED panel creates a phenomenal experience. It's also a fantastic streaming TV. However, if your primary use is critical movie watching in a dedicated home theater, and you value the absolute best shadow detail and film-maker intent, you might want to look at the LG G5 for its Dolby Vision support or a Sony for its processing prowess. For most people wanting a gorgeous, future-proofed all-rounder, the S90D is a brilliant choice, especially if you can snag it closer to that $1152 price point.