The OLED S95C model launched by Samsung in 2023 is one of the best televisions with an organic panel that we can currently buy. During our in-depth analysis we verified that the second generation QD-OLED matrix that it proposes performs significantly better than its predecessor by resolving colorimetry and giving us brightness. I have to admit that when I tried it I thought that Samsung was going to have a difficult time refining that panel, but it has done it.
This week we had the opportunity to participate in the event held by this South Korean company in Frankfurt (Germany), and there we were able to test the OLED S95D model, which is none other than the premium television that it is going to replace in the catalog of this brand for 2024 to last year’s S95C. Its organic panel is not the same as its predecessor. It is capable of dealing with a higher brightness output, and also works hand in hand with the NQ4 AI Gen 2 image processor, a more advanced chip than the S95C model because it is capable of dealing with a greater amount of neural networks.
Samsung OLED S95D: technical specifications
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characteristics
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panel
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Third-generation 77-inch 120Hz (up to 144Hz) 16:9 4K UHD QD-OLED
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resolution
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3,840 x 2,160 points
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sizes available
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55, 65 and 77 inches
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image processor
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NQ4 AI Gen 2
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hdr
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HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
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film director mode
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Yeah
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connectivity
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4 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x optical digital audio output, 1 x 3.5 mm jack, 1 x RF, 1 x CI and 1 x USB-C
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OS
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Tizen OS
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dimensions
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171.66 x 98.41 cm (77 inches)
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price
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2,799 euros (55 inches) / 3,699 euros (65 inches) / 5,199 euros (77 inches)
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Samsung continues to refine the QD-OLED panels of its premium televisions
A curious note before moving forward: the sound bar that we can see in some of the photographs that illustrate this article does not hide the lower part of the television. In fact, its natural position is not what appears in the images. A Samsung technician was carrying out some tests while we examined the S95D, so he was forced to place her in that position momentarily. It is not relevant at all because we did not do sound tests and it only hid a minimal portion of the lower part of the panel.
The S95D is capable of delivering, according to Samsung, 20% more brightness than its predecessor, the S95C model.
In 2024, Samsung will place in stores, in addition to the OLED S95D model that we are investigating, which will be its flagship television with an organic matrix, the S90D, and, finally, the S85D. They will be available from 48 to 83 inches. The S95D is capable of delivering, according to Samsung, 20% more brightness than its predecessor, the S95C model, which on paper places it in the orbit of 3,000 nits when measuring this parameter in a portion that occupies 10%. of the panel. During this contact we were able to compare the S95C and the S95D head to head, and yes, the latter is capable of delivering more light.
However, it is unlikely that when the S95D hits stores it will do so delivering the promised 3,000 nits. The most reasonable thing is that Samsung decides to moderate its brightness delivery to minimize the possibility of long-term image retention on the panel. In any case, as we have just seen, when comparing the S95C and the S95D head to head and with the same incoming video signal, it is evident that the latter is brighter. It’s also worth noting that the way they render color is slightly different, probably due to the S95D’s calibration being a little more refined. We will check it out as soon as we have a chance to analyze it in depth.
We took the following photograph during one of the most interesting tests that we were able to carry out during this contact. Samsung engineers have developed a new anti-reflective coating for the S95D that is objectively much more effective at inhibiting reflections than that of the S95C. The surprising thing is that the anti-reflective coverage of this latest television is very good, which has caused us to be very pleasantly surprised. This coverage probably slightly reduces the contrast ratio of the S95D, but, a priori, it does not reduce its sharpness from a subjective point of view.
We have been left wanting to delve deeper into the image quality offered by the new S95D, but you can be sure that we will do so as soon as we have the opportunity to analyze it in our own facilities. On the other hand, when it comes to the design and finish of the television It barely differs from the S95C of 2023, which does not seem like a problem to us at all. It is a quite stylized device that has very moderate frames, a finish at the level that we can demand from a premium television and a striking design. Nothing to object in this area.
As in the S95C model, the Slim One Connect module is responsible for resolving the connectivity of the television in the new S95D. I have not yet been able to confirm whether it is identical to last year’s review, although I suspect it is. In any case, it offers four HDMI inputs that implement the complete 2.1 standard. All premium televisions should offer us this feature, but, unfortunately, this is not the case. On the other hand, as we can see in the following detailed photograph, we can install this module either on the furniture in which we have placed the television or attached directly to the central base if we prefer that it not be visible and not take up additional space.
The taste that this television with organic panel has left in my mouth during this first contact is positive. It is still early to reach definitive conclusions about its image quality, its sound or its performance with video games, but a priori it seems to be at least at the same level as last year’s equivalent model. We will check it when we have the opportunity to analyze it in depth at our facilities. Despite everything, it is not perfect. And Samsung is once again going to place a decidedly premium television in stores that cannot prioritize Dolby Vision content. It is a pity.
