Samsung S90H OLED TV Review: A Mid-Range Marvel with Premium Features

Could you achieve near-perfect black levels without sacrificing high brightness, even in broad daylight? For a long time, this was merely a dream for OLED TVs in the upper mid-range segment. The Samsung S90H aims to change this, offering an organic display combined with an outstanding Glare Free matte coating, a feature typically found on the Korean manufacturer’s much pricier flagship models.

Furthermore, this TV delivers infinite contrast, ample brightness reserves, vibrant colors, and a comprehensive suite of features that will particularly appeal to gamers. The overall effect is surprising, though not all of Samsung’s design choices may resonate with everyone.

Overview: Redefining Mid-Range OLED Performance

The Samsung S90H stands out as a strong contender in the upper mid-range television market, frequently pushing into premium territory regarding picture quality and gaming capabilities. Its most striking feature is the combination of OLED’s deep blacks with high brightness and the Glare Free matte coating. This innovation significantly enhances the viewing experience in brightly lit rooms during the day, making the TV much more versatile.

While AI algorithms can sometimes over-process image enhancement, the S90H, when available at a competitive price, emerges as one of the most interesting OLEDs this year for those seeking an exceptional all-around television.

Unboxing, Technical Specifications, and Pricing

Package Contents

From a structural standpoint, the Samsung S90H closely resembles last year’s S90F model. It does not feature a separate Connect Box module. Instead, the central stand comprises two elements that slide into the back of the casing, joined by a silver metal panel. These three components are found in the box, alongside documentation, a sleek remote (this time the newer SolarCell version, unlike the recently reviewed Samsung M86H), batteries, and a power cable. While not an extensive list, everything included is essential.

Key Technical Specifications

The S90H is available in a wide range of sizes, from 42 inches to an impressive 83 inches, including the 55-inch model reviewed here. In total, there are six different diagonals, though not all may be currently available in stores. The price range, of course, varies significantly by size.

The suggested retail price for the 48-inch S90H model is competitive for its category, with the 55-inch version also offering strong value. Compared to similar TVs from competitors, its pricing holds up well. Interestingly, the Samsung S90H can often be found online for even better deals. Here’s a look at its impressive technical specifications:

• Display: 55-inch OLED, 4K Resolution (3940 × 2160)
• Refresh Rate: Up to 165 Hz with motion smoothing
• Panel Technology: Glare Free Matte Coating (Real Black and Real Color certified), OLED HDR+, HDR10, HDR10+ (Adaptive / Gaming / Advanced) / HLG
• Image Enhancement: AI 4K Pro Upscaling, Automatic HDR Pro Remastering, Color Booster Pro, PANTONE-certified Natural Colors, FreeSync Premium Pro / G-Sync, HGiG Mode
• Image Processor: AI NQ4 Gen3
• Ports: Tuner (Analog, DVB-C, DVB-S2, DVB-T2/HEVC/H.265), 4x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-A, Ethernet (RJ45), Optical Audio Output, CI+ Slot
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast
• Audio System: 2.1 channels, 40 W Power, Adaptive Sound Pro, Active Voice Amplifier Pro, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Q-Symphony
• Operating System: Tizen OS (with One UI and Vision AI features)
• Other Features: VESA Wall Mount (300 x 200), SmartThings, AI Functions (AI Sound, AI Picture), MultiView, Game Mode and Game Panel, Pet Monitoring, AI Energy Mode, Solar Cell Remote
• Dimensions: TV only: 122.54 × 70.86 × 3.99 cm; With Stand: 122.54 × 77.36 × 26.52 cm
• Weight: Without Stand: 14.6 kg; With Stand: 15.9 kg

Design and Build Quality

Observing the Samsung S90H, it’s evident that the Korean manufacturer opted not to fix what wasn’t broken. The slim panel, extremely narrow bezels, and the wide, central stand are all features carried over from last year’s S90F model. Since they delivered a very positive impression then, they do so again here.

The choice to retain the elegant LaserSlim Design naturally influences the TV’s rear aesthetics. Unlike models like the Samsung S95F, which feature a completely flat panel enabled by a separate Connect Box containing the electronics, the S90H integrates its components directly. While the S90H’s panel itself measures less than 4 millimeters thin, the manufacturer added a classic plastic connection module housing a familiar array of ports, notably four HDMI 2.1 sockets. Interestingly, Samsung made one notable change here: the reviewed model features only two antenna inputs, compared to three in last year’s S90F—a sign of the times, perhaps.

However, the most impressive aspect of the S90H’s design is its Glare Free matte coating. As someone who has used various LG OLED TVs for over a decade, I can attest that glossy screen surfaces have often been a nuisance. Especially on sunny days, with abundant light entering the living room, the screen could act like a mirror. This issue is virtually eliminated with the Samsung S90H.

While some subtle reflections from a window might still be noticeable when the screen is off, the light is so effectively diffused that it essentially dissipates across the surface. Even with darker content, light reflections are practically invisible.

Regarding build quality, the Samsung S90H is almost exemplary. “Almost,” because one minor concern arose. It’s unclear whether this was due to the test unit being assembled and disassembled multiple times (likely having been sent to several other reviewers), but the base assembly system raised some stability concerns. The “legs” slide into the TV’s rear and lock with latches, and similarly, their lower parts connect to the metal stand panel. It’s crucial to align these components precisely. During initial setup, one leg didn’t fully engage with the stand’s guides, which I only noticed during the first photoshoot when the TV wasn’t perfectly level.

The Remote Control: A Familiar Light-Powered Design

The remote included with the S90H is an updated iteration of a well-known design. While it might initially appear identical to the one seen with last year’s S95F, it’s actually a new generation of the SolarCell remote. Expect no colossal changes, though; it remains the same proven remote with a built-in photovoltaic cell, capable of charging via USB-C or solar energy. Improvements primarily concern the placement and appearance of icons.

Interestingly, this newer SolarCell remote can even operate the TV from another room, thanks to a perfectly functioning Bluetooth connection between devices. Beyond that, it features the same navigation ring, button layout, and two characteristic rocker switches for channel changing and volume adjustment. Accessing the quick options menu is also familiar, by pressing the “123” button, while the Game Panel is activated with a long press of the “Play/Pause” button.

User Experience with the Samsung S90H

The initial setup of the Samsung S90H is precisely what one would expect from a modern Samsung television—fast, intuitive, and largely straightforward without needing external help. If you’re already part of the Samsung ecosystem, much of the configuration process happens almost automatically. The SmartThings mobile app is all that’s needed, conveniently linking all of Samsung’s devices in one place.

In my case, using a Samsung Galaxy S24, the app seamlessly guided me through the TV’s settings and even transferred my Wi-Fi passwords. This meant no manual input was required; the only actions needed during the entire setup process were selecting preferred options on the smartphone screen.

Following the pattern of previous Samsung TVs, SmartThings also functions as a mobile remote control, offering a very convenient touch panel. This allows for quick on-screen navigation, accessing the options panel, and switching between applications—a highly useful feature.

While the Tizen 9.0 operating system with the One UI overlay is quite well-organized, it still features a vast array of content—from movie and series recommendations to an extensive options package and a substantial number of additional applications. Fortunately, despite a slight content overload, Tizen operates smoothly, even when aggressively switching between streaming services. Moreover, accessing options and making changes is exceptionally quick. For more on how smart TVs integrate AI and diverse features, you might be interested in LG’s new smart TVs with AI, Micro RGB, and OLED gaming capabilities.

The placement of the HDMI 2.1 ports deserves praise. While one might question why all four are positioned closer to the right edge of the TV, their arrangement—two side-facing and two bottom-facing—ensures easy access, even when fumbling for cables. Three of these ports are marked with a gamepad icon, clearly indicating they are designed for current-generation consoles and PCs. They support features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 4K signals at high refresh rates (120 Hz for consoles and up to 165 Hz for PCs). Gamers looking for high-performance displays might also appreciate exploring portable options like the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16FC portable monitor.

Naturally, like other Samsung TVs this year, the S90H comes with a full suite of AI-powered features. These allow you to enhance dialogue clarity in movies and series, adapt sound to the environment, upscale content to 4K, or boost brightness, colors, and details in SDR content to achieve an effect similar to HDR material.

The Samsung S90H also brings back the familiar Now Brief information panel, which can be configured to activate automatically on the TV for several tens of seconds when it detects a person nearby. While this feature works well, the sensors clearly require more light; you’re unlikely to see such a daily summary in the evenings.

Sound Quality of the Samsung S90H OLED

With such a slim television, it’s easy to assume that sound quality would be one of its weaker points. However, the Samsung S90H can be surprisingly pleasant in this regard. It features a 2.1 channel system with a total output of 40 W, which, for built-in speakers, performs quite well, offering a decent soundstage and a fuller audio profile. While it can’t replace an external audio system, it certainly suffices for a casual setup.

When paired with a compatible Samsung soundbar, such as the HW-Q990D with its 22 speakers, the setup transforms into an almost cinematic experience—delivering excellent blacks, vibrant colors, and truly powerful, immersive, and spatial Dolby Atmos sound. It’s worth noting that Samsung further rewards combining its devices. In this scenario, you can leverage the flagship Q-Symphony feature, which synchronizes the TV’s speakers with the external audio system to create a richer, more expansive soundstage.

Picture Quality of the Samsung S90H OLED

I would be dishonest to say that the Samsung S90H didn’t make a strong first impression with its color reproduction. Of course, it’s important to realize that in most cases, this is thanks to AI “enhancers” that noticeably boost brightness, crank up contrast, and intensify colors—sometimes even excessively.

Interestingly, even in Standard mode, with AI optimization disabled, colors can appear somewhat oversaturated. Is this a drawback? It depends on what you’re accustomed to. For documentaries and nature programs, it can look spectacular. For TV series or cinematic blockbusters, perhaps less so. In such cases, it’s better to opt for the more subdued Filmmaker Mode, which delivers deep blacks, excellent contrast, and the phenomenal light-diffusing coating.

It’s worth noting here that, unlike last year’s S90F models, which sometimes featured QD-OLED panels, the Korean manufacturer likely chose to primarily use WOLED technology for the S90H. What does this mean for consumers? Well, slightly less spectacular HDR effects and a narrower color palette. However, in terms of brightness, the 55-inch S90H has nothing to be ashamed of. External tests show a peak brightness value of 1400-1500 nits. It’s important to remember, though, that for very bright, full-screen scenes, the panel’s protection mechanism activates, causing the entire display to dim slightly.

It’s also a bit of a pity that Samsung still refrains from adding Dolby Vision support to its televisions. For OLEDs, this would be a game-changer. Sure, it offers HDR10+, in various variants, which can be quite impressive. The problem is that finding such content on Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime takes much longer than one might expect, as films and series utilizing this format are still relatively scarce.

Samsung S90H as a Gaming TV

Wondering where the Samsung S90H truly shines? The answer is simple: gaming. This TV is practically designed to be paired with a console or PC. I tested it with an Xbox Series X, and I must admit, this duo performs almost flawlessly. Deep blacks, saturated colors, three full-fledged HDMI 2.1 ports, a game mode with low latency, and a refresh rate of up to 165 Hz—these features alone place the S90H high among the best gaming TVs.

It also features an incredibly convenient Game Panel, allowing for quick control of essential TV settings without exiting the game. What’s more, the Smart Control remote is adapted to work with consoles; with an Xbox Series X, it can be used to navigate menus, browse games in the store, or initiate update processes.

Final Verdict: Samsung S90H OLED Review

The Samsung S90H is certainly not the absolute best OLED in the Korean manufacturer’s lineup—that distinction belongs to the S95 series. Nevertheless, during typical daily use, it’s easy to forget that you’re not looking at a flagship model. Its excellent picture, high brightness for an OLED, phenomenal Glare Free coating, and truly extensive gaming capabilities mean this TV often borders on the premium class in many aspects.

Of course, as usual, compromises had to be made somewhere. The WOLED panel, for instance, doesn’t deliver effects as spectacular as QD-OLED, the Standard mode and AI optimization can sometimes overdo image “enhancements,” and the lack of Dolby Vision support may still be a minor disappointment. However, these aren’t flaws that would immediately rule out this television. Ultimately, its appeal largely depends on its price point.

At its suggested retail price, the competition is strong. However, if you find the 55-inch S90H at a significantly better promotional price, it becomes an exceptionally attractive proposition—especially for gamers and those who no longer want to draw the curtains every time they turn on their TV.

Source: Original article review, Opening photo: Maciej Piotrowski

About Post Author

Sankesh Verma

Sankkesh Verma is a technical guy who brings a unique combination of strategic, creative, and technical expertise to identify elements that constitute success, propose solutions, and help build them. He is the founder of “Webbpearl” which is a highly-acclaimed web development agency that offers web design and development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. More importantly, he is the admin of Techtiper.

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