Samsung OLED 4K S90F Smart TV Review 2026: Worth Buying?

Are you looking for a premium OLED TV that delivers stunning picture quality without costing a fortune? The Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart TV might be exactly what you need. This TV has been a consistent favorite among reviewers and buyers since its 2025 launch. It packs QD-OLED technology, a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate, and Samsung’s powerful NQ4 AI Gen3 processor into an attractive, slim design.

But here’s the real question: does the Samsung S90F still hold up in 2026? With newer competitors hitting the shelves, you deserve to know if this TV is still a smart purchase. In this review, we break down everything from picture quality and gaming performance to smart features and sound quality. We also compare it against its closest rivals so you can make the best decision for your home entertainment setup.

Stick around. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly whether the Samsung S90F belongs in your living room.

Key Takeaways: Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart TV

• The Samsung S90F delivers HDR peak brightness of 1,466 nits, which makes highlights pop in both dark and moderately lit scenes. This is very close to the more expensive Samsung S95F in real-world viewing.
• Gaming performance is outstanding. Input lag sits at around 1 millisecond at 144Hz and roughly 10ms at 60Hz. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support VRR up to 144Hz.
• QD-OLED technology produces nearly 100% DCI-P3 color coverage (99.95%), giving you rich, accurate colors across movies, shows, and games.
• The TV runs Samsung’s Tizen OS with a wide range of streaming apps, Samsung Gaming Hub, Steam Link, and Xbox Cloud Gaming support built right in.
• It does not support Dolby Vision HDR, which may be a dealbreaker if you prefer LG or Sony ecosystems. It does support HDR10+ and HDR10.
• Prices have dropped significantly since launch. The 65-inch model is regularly available well under its original $1,499.99 MSRP, making it one of the best OLED values in 2026.

Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart TV Overview

The Samsung S90F is a 2025 model year OLED TV that uses QD-OLED panel technology (at least in the 65-inch size). Samsung positions it as an upper-mid-range option, sitting between the budget-friendly S85F and the flagship S95F.

This TV comes in six sizes: 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches. That range gives buyers a lot of flexibility. Whether you want a compact desk monitor or a massive home theater centerpiece, there’s an S90F for you.

The core appeal of this TV is simple. It combines deep, perfect blacks with high brightness and vivid, wide-gamut color. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor handles 4K AI upscaling, motion smoothing, and picture optimization with 128 neural networks.

In 2026, the S90F remains one of the most recommended OLED TVs by major publications like CNET, RTINGS, Tom’s Guide, and WIRED. It’s a proven performer at a price that keeps getting better.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung S90F features an ultra-slim OLED panel attached to a slightly thicker bottom section that houses all the inputs and electronics. The overall profile measures just about 1.6 inches deep on the 65-inch model. This makes it a great candidate for wall mounting.

If you prefer a tabletop setup, the TV ships with two slender metal legs that are easy to install. The legs sit toward the edges of the TV, so you’ll need a wide enough stand or media console.

Samsung uses a minimalist solar-powered remote with this TV. The remote charges through a solar panel on its back. There’s no need for batteries. However, some users may miss a dedicated input button, since switching sources requires a menu dive.

The build quality is solid. The bezels are thin, and the screen looks clean from every angle. It won’t win design awards over the S95F with its separate One Connect Box, but the S90F’s all-in-one approach keeps your setup clutter-free and straightforward.

Picture Quality and HDR Performance

Picture quality is where the Samsung S90F truly shines. The QD-OLED panel produces perfect blacks with zero light bleed. This gives you infinite contrast, which means dark scenes look remarkably detailed and cinematic.

In HDR mode, the S90F reaches a peak brightness of 1,466 nits on a 10% window. This is a strong number for an OLED TV. Highlights in content like explosions, sunlight, and reflections appear punchy and vivid without washing out the surrounding image.

Color accuracy is exceptional. The TV covers 99.95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which means reds, greens, and blues look exactly as filmmakers intended. In CNET’s testing, the average color checker error was just 1.65 in HDR, which falls in the “good” range.

The best picture modes are Filmmaker Mode for HDR content and Movie Mode for SDR. Both deliver accurate colors and well-balanced greyscale. You’ll get a natural, lifelike image right out of the box with very little calibration needed.

Top 3 Alternatives for Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart TV

If the Samsung S90F isn’t the perfect fit for your needs, here are three strong alternatives worth considering.

1. LG C5 OLED TV — This is the S90F’s most direct competitor. The LG C5 supports Dolby Vision HDR, uses LG’s webOS platform, and offers similar gaming features. It’s often priced slightly lower than the S90F. If Dolby Vision is important to you, the C5 is the better pick.

2. Samsung S95F OLED TV — This is Samsung’s flagship OLED with a glare-free anti-reflective coating, higher peak brightness (2,150 nits), and a separate One Connect Box. It costs more, but the picture quality upgrade is noticeable in bright rooms.

3. Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV — Sony’s QD-OLED offering focuses on color accuracy and cinematic processing. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10, runs Google TV, and offers exclusive PS5 features. It’s ideal for movie purists who value color precision above all else.

Gaming Performance on the Samsung S90F

The Samsung S90F is one of the best OLED TVs for gaming in 2026. It supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 144Hz on all four HDMI 2.1 ports. This means you don’t have to worry about which port you plug your PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC into.

Input lag is incredibly low. According to IGN’s testing, the S90F delivers about 1 millisecond of input lag at 144Hz, 1.2ms at 120Hz, and 6ms at 60Hz. CNET measured it at about 10ms using the Leo Bodnar lag tester at 60Hz. Either way, this TV responds fast enough for competitive gaming.

The TV also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is NVIDIA G-Sync compatible. You get tear-free, stutter-free gameplay regardless of your hardware. The Samsung Gaming Hub provides quick access to settings like FPS counters, input lag display, and ultra-wide aspect ratios (21:9 and 32:9).

In side-by-side gaming comparisons, the S90F appeared brighter than the LG C5 in Game Mode. This means you can see more detail in dark areas of games, which gives you a real advantage in titles like Doom, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty.

Samsung Tizen OS and Smart Features

The Samsung S90F runs Tizen OS, Samsung’s proprietary smart TV operating system. Tizen is fast, responsive, and well-supported. The 2025 version brings a refreshed home screen layout with category tabs on the left side, including Home, Search, Ambient, Samsung Daily Plus, and Gaming Hub.

The app selection is extensive. You get Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, HBO Max, and many more. Samsung’s platform is one of the most widely used in the world, so app support is rarely an issue.

One standout feature is Samsung Gaming Hub. This acts as a central dashboard for cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Steam Link. You can play AAA games without a console, right from the TV.

The TV also supports Alexa and Bixby voice assistants for hands-free control. You can change channels, adjust volume, search for content, and control smart home devices with your voice.

One notable absence is Dolby Vision support. Samsung uses HDR10+ as its preferred dynamic HDR format. Most major streaming services support both formats, but if you have a large Dolby Vision library, keep this in mind.

Sound Quality and Audio Features

The Samsung S90F comes with Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite), which uses multiple speakers to match audio output with on-screen movement. If a car drives from left to right, the sound follows it across the screen. It adds a subtle but noticeable sense of immersion.

Overall sound quality is decent for a slim TV. You’ll hear clear dialogue, reasonable bass for a flatscreen, and enough volume to fill a medium-sized room. The TV supports Dolby Atmos decoding, so compatible content sounds more spacious.

However, like most OLED TVs, the S90F benefits greatly from a dedicated soundbar or surround sound system. The built-in speakers are fine for casual watching, but they can’t match the depth and power of external audio.

If you pair the S90F with a Samsung soundbar, you can take advantage of Q-Symphony technology. This feature lets the TV speakers and soundbar work together to create a wider, more layered soundstage. It’s a nice bonus for those who stay in the Samsung ecosystem.

Brightness and Viewing in Bright Rooms

Brightness is a key concern for anyone who watches TV during the day or in a room with lots of windows. The Samsung S90F handles bright rooms better than most OLED TVs, though it doesn’t match the flagship S95F.

In SDR mode, the S90F reaches about 633 nits in its brightest setting. In HDR mode, it peaks at 1,466 nits. These numbers translate to a picture that stays visible and punchy even with some ambient light present.

The S90F uses a standard glossy OLED screen. It does not have the glare-free anti-reflective coating found on the S95F. This means you will see reflections from windows and overhead lights. If your room gets a lot of direct sunlight, this could be a concern.

In CNET’s testing, the S90F showed some improvement over the older S90D in bright room performance. Reflections were slightly less pronounced, but direct light sources were still visible on screen. For the best daytime viewing experience, curtains or blinds are recommended.

Color Accuracy and Calibration

Color accuracy is one of the Samsung S90F’s strongest attributes. The TV covers 99.95% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is the standard for 4K HDR content. This means you see colors exactly as they were mastered.

Out-of-the-box accuracy is impressive. The average color error in HDR Filmmaker Mode measured just 1.65 dE, which is below the threshold visible to the human eye. Greyscale accuracy is also strong, with an average error of 2.02 dE across the 10% to 100% luminance range.

If you want to push accuracy even further, the S90F supports professional calibration with tools like Portrait Displays Calman. Most users, though, won’t need to touch a thing. The Filmmaker and Movie modes deliver reference-quality color right from the start.

One small note: in some regions, different S90F sizes may use WOLED panels instead of QD-OLED. This can affect color reproduction. In the UK, for example, only the 65-inch model uses QD-OLED. Samsung has not fully clarified the US lineup, so buyers should keep this in mind.

Samsung S90F Connectivity and Ports

The Samsung S90F offers a generous selection of ports and connectivity options. You get four HDMI 2.1 inputs, all capable of 4K at up to 144Hz. This is a step above many competitors that limit high-bandwidth features to just one or two ports.

In addition to HDMI, the TV includes three USB-A ports and one USB-C port. The USB-C is a welcome addition for connecting newer devices. There’s also an optical digital audio output for connecting to older soundbars or AV receivers.

For wireless connectivity, the S90F supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 5 handles streaming duties without issues, though Wi-Fi 6 would have been a nice upgrade. Bluetooth 5.3 allows easy pairing with wireless headphones, speakers, and game controllers.

An Ethernet port is included for those who prefer a wired internet connection. Wired connections offer more stable streaming with fewer buffering interruptions, so this is a good option for 4K content.

Samsung S90F vs LG C5: Which Should You Buy?

The Samsung S90F and LG C5 are the two most popular mid-range OLED TVs on the market. They share similar pricing, similar panel sizes, and similar gaming features. So which one wins?

The S90F has a slight edge in HDR brightness at 1,466 nits vs. the C5’s 1,434 nits. This makes the Samsung a better pick for gaming in particular, since it shows more detail in dark scenes during Game Mode. The S90F also has slightly more saturated colors thanks to its QD-OLED panel.

The LG C5 counters with Dolby Vision support, which the Samsung lacks. If you watch a lot of Apple TV+ or Netflix content in Dolby Vision, the C5 handles that format natively. The LG also runs webOS, which some users prefer over Tizen.

Both TVs offer low input lag, VRR up to 144Hz, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Gaming performance is nearly identical. The biggest practical advice? Buy whichever is cheaper at the time of purchase. Both have seen aggressive discounts throughout 2025 and into 2026.

Samsung S90F Size Options and Pricing

The Samsung S90F comes in six screen sizes, offering something for every room and budget:

42-inch — $999.99 MSRP, ideal as a gaming monitor or for small rooms.

48-inch — $1,099.99 MSRP, a good step up for desk or bedroom use.

55-inch — $1,199.99 MSRP, a popular choice for bedrooms and smaller living rooms.

65-inch — $1,499.99 MSRP, the sweet spot for most buyers and likely the QD-OLED model.

77-inch — $1,999.99 MSRP, great for dedicated home theater setups.

83-inch — $2,999.99 MSRP, the ultimate big-screen OLED experience.

Prices have dropped significantly since launch. The 65-inch model has been spotted under $1,000 during major sales events. If you’re patient and wait for deals, the S90F offers incredible value for a premium OLED TV.

Who Should Buy the Samsung S90F OLED TV?

The Samsung S90F is perfect for several types of buyers. If you’re a gamer, the 144Hz VRR support, ultra-low input lag, and bright Game Mode make it one of the best gaming TVs available. PC gamers will especially appreciate the 42-inch and 48-inch sizes.

Movie lovers will enjoy the infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and wide color gamut. The Filmmaker Mode delivers a cinematic, accurate picture without extra tweaking. If you value picture quality above all else, this TV delivers.

The S90F is also a strong choice for mixed-use living rooms. It handles sports, news, and casual TV watching with ease. The Tizen smart platform gives you access to every major streaming service.

However, this TV is not ideal for very bright rooms with direct sunlight hitting the screen. Without the S95F’s glare-free coating, reflections can be distracting. Buyers in sunny rooms should consider the S95F or a high-brightness Mini-LED TV instead.

Final Verdict: Samsung S90F OLED 4K Smart TV

The Samsung S90F remains one of the best OLED TVs you can buy in 2026. It delivers premium picture quality, outstanding gaming performance, and a full smart TV experience at a price that continues to drop. The QD-OLED panel produces rich, accurate colors and perfect blacks that make every piece of content look fantastic.

Its few weaknesses are minor. The lack of Dolby Vision, the glossy screen, and the basic remote are all reasonable compromises at this price point. For most buyers, the S90F hits the sweet spot between price and performance.

If you want the best OLED experience without paying flagship prices, the Samsung S90F is an easy recommendation. Watch for sales, and you’ll get one of 2025’s best TVs at an even better 2026 price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung S90F worth buying in 2026?

Yes, the Samsung S90F is absolutely worth buying in 2026. Major publications like CNET, WIRED, and Tom’s Guide still rank it among the best OLED TVs available. Its picture quality, gaming features, and now-reduced pricing make it a strong value. Unless you specifically need features like Dolby Vision or a glare-free screen, the S90F covers all the bases.

Does the Samsung S90F support Dolby Vision?

No, the Samsung S90F does not support Dolby Vision HDR. It supports HDR10+ and HDR10 instead. Most major streaming platforms offer content in both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so you’ll still get excellent HDR quality. However, if Dolby Vision is essential to you, consider the LG C5 or Sony Bravia 8 II.

What is the input lag on the Samsung S90F for gaming?

The Samsung S90F has extremely low input lag. In Game Mode, it measures about 1 millisecond at 144Hz and roughly 10ms at 60Hz. This makes it one of the most responsive TVs for gaming, suitable for both casual and competitive play.

Is the Samsung S90F good for bright rooms?

The S90F performs reasonably well in bright rooms thanks to its 1,466 nit HDR peak brightness. However, it uses a glossy screen without anti-glare coating. Direct light sources will create visible reflections. For very bright rooms, the Samsung S95F with its glare-free screen is a better choice.

What sizes does the Samsung S90F come in?

The Samsung S90F is available in 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches. The 65-inch model is the most popular choice and offers the best balance of size and price. The 42-inch and 48-inch sizes are excellent options for desk and gaming monitor setups.

How does the Samsung S90F compare to the Samsung S95F?

The S95F is Samsung’s flagship OLED and offers higher peak brightness (2,150 nits), a glare-free anti-reflective screen, and a separate One Connect Box for cleaner cable management. The S90F matches it closely on color accuracy and gaming performance but costs significantly less. For most buyers, the S90F offers 90% of the performance at a much lower price.

Last update on 2026-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API