Samsung's S90H OLED TV continues the company's legacy of producing impressive mid-range OLEDs, now featuring a brighter, more refined panel and a 165Hz refresh rate. While the $1,699 price for the 55-inch model is substantial, the television delivers an exceptionally capable all-rounder experience, particularly for gamers. Its standout feature is the OLED panel's inherent contrast and brightness, though this potential is unfortunately masked by Samsung's default picture modes.
Setup and Design
The S90H offers a streamlined setup process, with dual feet that slide and lock into place without tools. The SmartThings app simplifies pairing, Wi-Fi connection, and device integration via smartphone. The 55-inch model tested is remarkably slim and lightweight, measuring just under 1.6 inches thick, providing an elegant profile. Its bezels are thin, allowing the panel to be the visual focus, complemented by an anti-glare matte finish that effectively diffuses reflections.
Picture Quality and Performance
Beneath Samsung's processing lies an outstanding OLED panel capable of exceptional contrast and color. However, the default Eco and Standard picture modes aggressively alter the image. Standard Mode, for instance, pushes the white point to an icy 11,900K at full brightness and brightens shadows beyond creator intent, resulting in a cooler, less lifelike image with an average Delta-E of 21.95 in SDR. This artificiality is evident in content where subtle warmth or natural skin tones are compromised.
Switching to Filmmaker Mode transforms the experience. This mode brings the white point closer to the D65 reference (6,200K-6,900K) and delivers excellent color accuracy, with an average Delta-E of just 3.75 in HDR. While the matte finish introduces a slight softness compared to glossy panels, it significantly enhances daytime viewing comfort. In Filmmaker Mode, the S90H showcases vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent shadow detail, faithfully reproducing the director's intent. Upscaling of lower-resolution content, such as DVDs, is also handled confidently, preserving detail without excessive noise reduction.
Gaming Prowess
Samsung continues to impress with its gaming features on the S90H. The television includes four HDMI 2.1 ports with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for PC gaming. Its performance with consoles like the PlayStation 5 Pro and Nintendo Switch 2 is equally superb, with deep contrast, strong shadow detail, and clean motion handling. PC gaming benefits from AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, offering an exceptionally responsive experience, especially with the 165Hz refresh rate.
While the omission of Dolby Vision support might be a concern for some, it has minimal impact for PS5 Pro and Switch 2 owners, as these consoles do not support Dolby Vision gaming. The S90H delivers an outstanding HDR experience and a high refresh rate that rivals or surpasses many competitors.
Verdict
The Samsung S90H OLED TV is an easy recommendation for those prioritizing gaming and seeking a premium OLED experience. Its core strengths lie in its exceptional panel, robust gaming features, and significantly improved image accuracy when using Filmmaker Mode. While the $1,699 price point for the 55-inch model is high, the meaningful upgrades in brightness, refresh rate, and processing justify the investment for many. By simply selecting a more accurate picture mode, users are rewarded with a bright, cinematic, and impressively faithful image that upholds the S90 series' reputation as a top choice for OLED enthusiasts, especially those willing to overlook the lack of Dolby Vision.