Samsung QN90F QN55QN90FAFXZA 54.6"

The QN90F's 60W 4.2.2-channel audio is the best we've measured—it genuinely outperforms almost every TV on the market. Pair that with a bright, glare-free panel, 120Hz gaming, and a polished smart interface, and you've got a superb everyday TV. The main trade-off is mediocre HDR, so Dolby Vision fans should look elsewhere.

The Samsung QN90F lands with one of the best audio systems we've ever tracked, scoring in the 97th percentile and putting its 4.2.2-channel, 60W setup head and shoulders above nearly every TV in our database. That's paired with a glare-free screen that makes it a standout for bright living rooms, and gaming chops (120Hz native, FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDMI 2.1) that sit comfortably among the top-tier sets. With nearly 3,000 buyers giving it a 4.7 out of 5, the social proof is through the roof.

But there's a catch. HDR performance is decidedly middle-of-the-pack, and the lack of Dolby Vision will sting for cinephiles. You'll also find price swings of $576 between retailers—ranging from $1,198 to $1,774—so shopping smart matters. If you prioritize sound and daytime viewing over absolute HDR fidelity, though, this Neo QLED makes a very strong case.

The 4.2.2-channel speaker system with Object Tracking Sound+ and Dolby Atmos is the real hero here. At 60 watts, it produces room-filling audio that's clear and punchy, outclassing even many soundbars we've tested. Dialogue comes through crisp, and the eARC support means you can still plug in an external system if you ever feel the need—though you probably won't. This is best-in-class TV audio.

On the visual side, the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor drives a bright, vivid picture that holds up even under direct light, thanks to that glare-free finish. Our display scores put it in the 84th percentile, well above average, and motion handling with Motion Xcelerator 165Hz is buttery smooth. Gaming is a treat: 120Hz native refresh, FreeSync Premium Pro for tear-free play, and four HDMI 2.1 ports with ALLM and VRR support. The only weak link is HDR—here it dips to the 35th percentile, which means specular highlights and color depth don't pop quite like they do on units with Dolby Vision or better peak brightness.

Value depends entirely on where you buy. At $1,198, this 55-inch Neo QLED undercuts many OLEDs while beating them on brightness and audio, making it an excellent deal for a feature-packed living room TV. But at $1,774, you're creeping into territory where the LG G5 OLED or Sony BRAVIA 5 start looking more appealing with better HDR and contrast. Check retailer listings and aim for the lower end of that $576 spread—your wallet will thank you.

Next to the Sony BRAVIA 5 K55XR50, the Samsung wins on audio and glare handling outright but loses the HDR war since Sony offers Dolby Vision. The Hisense U8 65U8QG and TCL QM8K Series 75QM8K bring strong mini-LED performance at often lower prices, but neither comes close to the Samsung's built-in sound quality. If you're considering the LG G5 OLED, you'll pay more for superior contrast and true blacks, but you'll sacrifice that living-room-friendly brightness. The Roku Plus Series 55R6C7 can't touch the Samsung's gaming and audio specs, though it's a budget-friendly simple smart TV. In short: the QN90F is the audio champ and daytime viewing hero, but HDR seekers will find better options elsewhere.

If accurate HDR with Dolby Vision is a must-have, you'll be disappointed here—the QN90F's HDR scores lag behind many competitors, and it only supports HDR10+ and HLG. Outdoor TV users will also want to look elsewhere; with an outdoor score of just 56.1, this set doesn't handle open-air viewing well. And if you're already budgeting near the $1,774 top end of its price range, you can get an OLED that delivers better contrast and color depth in dark rooms.

For a main living area where sound and sunlight are daily factors, the Samsung QN90F is a near-perfect fit. Its audio performance alone justifies the purchase for anyone tired of muffled TV speakers, and the gaming capabilities keep it future-proof. Just go in knowing HDR won't knock your socks off and that shopping around for the best price is essential. If you land it near $1,200, it's a standout value.