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Television technology has advanced remarkably in recent years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in home entertainment. Samsung, a longtime leader in the TV market, offers two distinct premium technologies that approach visual excellence from completely different angles. In this article, we'll dive deep into Samsung's flagship offerings for 2025: the cutting-edge Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and the cinema-quality Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV.
Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding the fundamental technologies that power today's high-end televisions. The premium TV market in 2025 is dominated by two distinct display approaches: QLED (especially advanced versions like Mini LED) and OLED. These technologies represent different philosophies in achieving the perfect picture.
QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) is essentially an advanced LCD TV that uses quantum dots—tiny semiconductor particles—to enhance color and brightness. The "Neo" designation in Samsung's lineup indicates the use of Mini LED backlighting, which provides much more precise local dimming than traditional LED arrays.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) uses organic compounds that emit light when electricity passes through them. Unlike LCDs that require backlighting, each OLED pixel generates its own light and can turn completely off, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast.
When investing $1,400-$5,500 in a television, consumers should carefully evaluate:
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV was released in early 2025 as Samsung's absolute flagship television, representing the pinnacle of their non-OLED display technology. It builds upon previous Neo QLED models with a more advanced Mini LED implementation, more powerful AI processing, and the innovative wireless One Connect box.
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV also hit the market in early 2025, continuing Samsung's relatively recent entry into the OLED TV space. Samsung had long avoided OLED in TVs (despite using it in their phones), preferring to develop their QLED technology instead. The S90D represents their second-generation QD-OLED panel, which combines quantum dot color technology with OLED's self-emissive pixels.
Since their initial release of QD-OLED TVs in 2022, Samsung has made significant improvements in brightness capabilities, reducing burn-in risk, and enhancing color volume. Similarly, their Neo QLED technology has seen advancements in processing power, backlighting precision, and anti-reflective screen technologies.
The most fundamental difference between these TVs lies in how they create images. The Neo QLED QN990F uses Mini LED backlighting—thousands of tiny LEDs arranged in a grid behind the LCD panel—to create different brightness zones. When combined with quantum dots for color enhancement, this produces exceptional brightness and vibrant colors.
"Mini LED represents a significant advance over traditional LED backlighting," explains John Archer, a display technology expert. "With thousands rather than hundreds of LEDs, arranged in many more independently controllable dimming zones, Mini LEDs can get much closer to the pixel-level light control that OLED is famous for."
In contrast, the OLED S90D uses pixels that individually emit light and color. When a pixel needs to display black, it simply turns off completely. This self-emissive nature is why OLED is renowned for its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio—there's literally no light leakage in dark areas.
Resolution represents another significant technical distinction between these models. The Neo QLED offers 8K resolution (7680 × 4320 pixels), providing approximately 33 million pixels—four times the pixel count of 4K. The OLED S90D features 4K resolution (3840 × 2160), which at 8.3 million pixels remains the current industry standard for premium content.
While 8K certainly represents the future of television resolution, it's worth noting that native 8K content remains extremely limited in 2025. Most content is still produced in 4K or lower resolution, meaning the 8K TV must use AI upscaling to fill those extra pixels with meaningful information.
Both TVs feature Samsung's latest neural-network processing, but at different levels of sophistication:
The Neo QLED QN990F includes the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, Samsung's most powerful television chip to date. With 768 neural networks, it analyzes content in real-time to optimize everything from upscaling to motion handling to audio output. This processing power is particularly important for an 8K display since most content requires substantial upscaling.
The OLED S90D utilizes the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with 20 neural networks. While less powerful than the flagship chip, it's still remarkably capable of enhancing 4K images and providing intelligent picture and sound optimization.
Contrast ratio—the difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks a TV can display—is arguably the most important aspect of picture quality. Here, the technologies diverge significantly.
The OLED S90D delivers what videophiles consider the gold standard: perfect blacks. Because each pixel can be completely turned off, dark scenes in movies show truly black shadows with no glow or haze around bright objects. This infinite contrast ratio creates a three-dimensional appearance that makes images seem to float in space, especially in a dark room.
"There's simply nothing like watching a movie with challenging dark scenes on an OLED," says calibration expert Vincent Teoh. "Shadow details remain visible without any of the blooming or halo effects you might see on backlit displays."
The Neo QLED QN990F achieves impressive black levels through its advanced Mini LED array with thousands of dimming zones—far more than previous generation QLEDs. While it can't quite match OLED's perfect blacks, it comes remarkably close in most content, with minimal blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds. In any environment with some ambient light, the difference becomes increasingly difficult to perceive.
Where the Neo QLED decidedly pulls ahead is in raw brightness output. With peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits in its brightest HDR highlights, the QN990F can deliver stunning specular highlights—think sunlight glinting off metal or water, or vibrant neon signs in night scenes. This exceptional brightness makes HDR content (High Dynamic Range, which uses a wider range between the darkest and brightest parts of an image) particularly impactful.
The OLED S90D reaches approximately 1,000 nits at its brightest points—a significant improvement over earlier OLED models but still well below the Neo QLED's capabilities. However, because of OLED's perfect blacks, the perceived contrast remains exceptional even with lower peak brightness. HDR content still looks fantastic, just with slightly less intense highlights in the very brightest areas.
This brightness difference becomes most relevant in well-lit rooms. The Neo QLED's superior light output helps it maintain image quality even with sunlight streaming through windows, while the OLED may appear slightly washed out under the same conditions.
Both TVs offer exceptional color performance but achieve it differently.
The Neo QLED QN990F uses quantum dots to produce highly saturated, vibrant colors across its entire brightness range. This technology excels particularly at maintaining color volume—the ability to display fully saturated colors even at high brightness levels. When watching nature documentaries or vibrant animated films, colors practically leap off the screen.
The OLED S90D provides perfect color accuracy with excellent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space used in digital cinema. While it may lose some color saturation at its absolute peak brightness, the precision of OLED's pixel-level control means color gradients appear smooth and natural, without the banding sometimes visible on backlit displays.
How a TV handles motion can significantly impact the viewing experience, especially for sports, action movies, and gaming.
OLED technology has a fundamental advantage in response time—how quickly pixels can change from one state to another. The OLED S90D boasts a near-instantaneous pixel response time of approximately 0.1 milliseconds, resulting in virtually no motion blur even in fast-paced content. Fast-moving objects remain crisp and detailed.
The Neo QLED QN990F has an excellent response time for an LCD-based display at around 2-4 milliseconds. While this is impressively fast, eagle-eyed viewers might notice slightly more blur during rapid motion. However, Samsung compensates with advanced motion processing that most viewers find very effective.
Both TVs offer impressive gaming credentials, but with different strengths.
The Neo QLED pushes the envelope with support for 4K resolution at up to 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz, variable refresh rate technology (which synchronizes the TV's refresh rate with a game console or PC's output to eliminate screen tearing), and ultra-low input lag of less than 10ms. For competitive gamers seeking every possible advantage, these specifications are compelling.
The OLED S90D supports gaming at 4K 120Hz with similarly low input lag and perfect motion clarity. While its maximum refresh rate is lower than the Neo QLED's, many gamers may prefer OLED's instant response time and perfect contrast, particularly for atmospheric games with dark scenes.
Both TVs include Samsung's Game Bar—an overlay that provides at-a-glance information about current gaming settings and performance metrics—and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to further reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
The Neo QLED QN990F introduces one of Samsung's most innovative features: the Wireless One Connect Box. This external connection hub communicates wirelessly with the display (except for power), allowing you to place your components up to 30 feet away from the TV itself. For clean installations where hiding cables is important, this represents a significant advantage.
"The Wireless One Connect Box is game-changing for interior design-conscious setups," notes home theater designer Lisa Johnson. "You can mount the TV flush against the wall with just a power cable, while keeping all your devices in a cabinet across the room."
The Neo QLED also features an ultra-slim design with nearly invisible bezels and a premium metal frame that gives it a striking presence even when turned off.
The OLED S90D offers the characteristic ultra-thin profile that OLED technology allows—just 1.6 inches at its thinnest point—with an elegant design that also minimizes bezels. While it requires traditional cable connections at the back of the panel, its sleek appearance and lightweight design make it suitable for both stand placement and wall mounting.
Both TVs run Samsung's Tizen operating system, providing access to all major streaming services and Samsung's growing Smart Hub ecosystem. The interface has been refined for 2025 with faster navigation and improved content discovery algorithms.
Voice control options include Samsung's Bixby assistant and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Neo QLED adds enhanced far-field microphones that allow voice commands from across the room without using the remote.
Perhaps the most striking difference between these televisions is their price point. The 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K commands a premium price of $5,499.99, while the 65" OLED S90D is available for $1,397.99—a difference of over $4,000.
This dramatic price gap raises important questions about value and future-proofing.
The Neo QLED's 8K resolution certainly provides significant future-proofing as content standards evolve. Major streaming platforms have begun early trials of 8K content delivery, and some professional sports organizations have announced plans to begin 8K broadcasting for premier events within the next two years. Additionally, the advanced processor can upscale current 4K content to look better on the 8K panel.
However, widespread 8K content adoption remains years away. For most viewers in 2025, 4K resolution—offered by the OLED S90D—remains more than sufficient for all current content, including the latest streaming shows, movies, and games.
"The question isn't whether 8K looks better than 4K—it does, when given native content," explains technology analyst Maria Chen. "The real question is whether that improvement is meaningful at typical viewing distances and whether it justifies the substantial price premium today."
For dedicated home theater enthusiasts, these TVs offer different but compelling experiences.
The OLED S90D excels in controlled lighting environments where its perfect blacks and infinite contrast create a truly cinematic experience. Film buffs who primarily watch movies in darkened rooms will appreciate how OLED preserves director intent, especially in challenging dark scenes that have historically been difficult for LCD-based displays to reproduce accurately.
The Neo QLED QN990F offers incredible brightness and color volume that can make HDR content truly pop, even with some ambient lighting. Its higher resolution also becomes more noticeable on larger screen sizes when viewed from optimal distances. For home theaters that aren't completely light-controlled or that are used for daytime sports viewing as well as nighttime movies, the Neo QLED's versatility is advantageous.
Both TVs support Dolby Atmos audio passthrough to compatible sound systems, ensuring compatibility with modern home theater audio setups.
Both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV represent the pinnacle of their respective display technologies. They approach visual excellence from fundamentally different directions, each with distinct advantages for particular viewing scenarios.
For most consumers in 2025, the OLED S90D represents the better value proposition, delivering exceptional picture quality at a much more accessible price point. Its perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and precise pixel control create a viewing experience that remains unmatched for movies and premium TV content, especially in rooms where lighting can be controlled.
The Neo QLED QN990F is an impressive technological showcase that makes sense for specific situations: very bright viewing environments, extremely large rooms where 8K resolution becomes more noticeable, and for early adopters who prioritize future-proofing over current value. Its innovative Wireless One Connect Box also offers unique installation flexibility that some users will find invaluable.
As with many technology choices, the "best" option depends entirely on your specific needs, viewing environment, and budget. Whichever path you choose, both represent remarkable achievements in display technology that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
| Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 | Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV |
|---|---|
| Price - The investment difference | |
| $5,499.99 (premium flagship pricing) | $1,397.99 (significantly more affordable) |
| Display Technology - Fundamentally different approaches to creating an image | |
| Neo QLED with Mini LED backlighting (thousands of tiny LEDs behind an LCD panel) | QD-OLED (self-emissive organic pixels that each create their own light) |
| Resolution - Detail level and future-proofing | |
| 8K (7680 × 4320) with 33 million pixels (future-proofed but limited native content) | 4K (3840 × 2160) with 8.3 million pixels (current standard for premium content) |
| Processor - Powers AI features and upscaling capabilities | |
| NQ8 AI Gen3 with 768 neural networks (exceptional 8K upscaling) | NQ4 AI Gen2 with 20 neural networks (solid 4K processing) |
| Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room performance | |
| 1,500-2,000 nits peak brightness (exceptional performance in bright rooms) | 800-1,000 nits peak brightness (good but noticeably dimmer than Neo QLED) |
| Black Levels & Contrast - Foundation of picture quality | |
| Excellent blacks with advanced Mini LED local dimming (some minimal blooming possible) | Perfect blacks with infinite contrast ratio (each pixel turns completely off) |
| Color Performance - Vibrancy and accuracy of colors | |
| Quantum Dot enhanced color with exceptional brightness-to-color consistency | Rich, accurate colors with excellent DCI-P3 coverage (slightly less bright at maximum saturation) |
| Motion Handling - Critical for sports and action content | |
| 2-4ms response time with 240Hz refresh rate at 4K (excellent but not instantaneous) | 0.1ms response time with 120Hz refresh rate (virtually perfect motion clarity) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console and PC gamers | |
| 4K@240Hz, 8K@60Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro (cutting-edge gaming support) | 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro (excellent for current-gen consoles) |
| Viewing Angles - How picture quality holds at off-center seating | |
| Good for an LCD-based display (some contrast loss at extreme angles) | Excellent with consistent picture quality from virtually any angle |
| Unique Features - Special capabilities that differentiate the models | |
| Wireless One Connect Box (manages connections up to 30ft away with only power cable to TV) | QD-OLED technology combines quantum dot color with OLED's perfect blacks |
| Best Viewing Environment - Where each TV performs optimally | |
| Versatile with exceptional bright room performance | Best in controlled lighting where OLED's perfect blacks shine |
| Longevity Considerations - Long-term ownership factors | |
| No burn-in risk, 8K future-proofing, but higher initial investment | Low (but not zero) burn-in risk with static content, excellent 4K performance for years to come |
For movie watching, the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV generally offers a superior experience due to its perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio. This technology creates a more cinematic experience, especially in darkened rooms where films are typically enjoyed. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 still provides excellent movie performance with greater brightness, but for pure movie enjoyment in a home theater setting, most cinephiles prefer the OLED's perfect blacks and precise shadow detail.
The price difference is substantial. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 costs $5,499.99, while the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV is priced at $1,397.99. This represents a difference of over $4,000, making the OLED TV approximately 75% less expensive than the 8K Neo QLED model.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 is significantly better for bright living rooms due to its much higher brightness output (1,500-2,000 nits vs. 800-1,000 nits). The Neo QLED technology can overcome glare and ambient light more effectively, maintaining vibrant images even with sunlight streaming through windows. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV performs best in controlled lighting conditions and may appear somewhat washed out in very bright environments.
For most consumers in 2025, 8K resolution in the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 isn't yet worth the substantial price premium over the 4K Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV. Native 8K content remains limited, and at typical viewing distances, the difference between 4K and 8K is subtle for most viewers. The 8K TV does offer excellent upscaling and future-proofing benefits, but these advantages may not justify the $4,000+ price difference for average consumers.
Both TVs offer excellent gaming performance, but they excel in different areas. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 supports higher refresh rates (up to 240Hz at 4K and 60Hz at 8K) and has no risk of burn-in from static game HUDs. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV offers faster response time (0.1ms vs 2-4ms) for better motion clarity and perfect blacks for more immersive gaming, particularly in darker games. Competitive gamers may prefer the Neo QLED's higher refresh rates, while those focused on immersive single-player experiences might prefer the OLED.
The fundamental technical difference is how they create images. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 uses Mini LED backlighting with thousands of tiny LEDs behind an LCD panel enhanced with quantum dots for color. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV uses organic pixels that each create their own light and can turn completely off individually. This gives OLED perfect blacks and infinite contrast, while Neo QLED offers higher brightness and no burn-in risk.
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV offers significantly better viewing angles than the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025. While the Neo QLED has improved viewing angles compared to traditional LCD TVs, OLED technology inherently maintains consistent picture quality, contrast, and colors even when viewed from extreme side angles. This makes the OLED a better choice for wide seating arrangements where viewers might be positioned at different angles to the screen.
Yes, there is a small risk of burn-in with the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV, though it's significantly reduced compared to older OLED models. Static content displayed for extended periods (like channel logos, news tickers, or game HUDs) can potentially cause image retention over time. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 uses LCD technology which is immune to burn-in, making it a safer choice for displaying static content for long periods.
For sports viewing, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 generally has the edge due to its significantly higher brightness, which is beneficial for daytime sports viewing when rooms are typically brighter. It also offers excellent motion handling for fast-moving action. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV provides superior motion clarity with its near-instantaneous response time, but its lower brightness may be less ideal for daytime sports viewing in bright rooms.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 offers several unique features over the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV: 8K resolution (versus 4K), the innovative Wireless One Connect Box that allows connections up to 30 feet away with only a power cable to the TV, higher brightness capabilities (1,500-2,000 nits vs. 800-1,000 nits), and support for higher refresh rates (up to 240Hz at 4K). It also has a more powerful AI processor with 768 neural networks versus 20 in the OLED model.
For a dedicated, light-controlled home theater room, the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV is generally the better choice. Its perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and precise pixel-level light control create a more cinematic experience in darkened environments. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 offers excellent picture quality as well, but its brightness advantage is less important in a dark theater room, and the OLED's contrast superiority becomes more apparent.
Both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 and Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV should last many years with proper care. The Neo QLED potentially offers longer worry-free use as it has no risk of burn-in and its LED backlighting has excellent longevity, typically maintaining consistent brightness for 7-10+ years of normal use. The OLED has improved significantly in lifespan compared to earlier generations, but still carries a small risk of burn-in with static content and may experience some brightness decrease over many years of use. For most consumers with varied viewing habits, either TV should provide excellent service for 5-7+ years.
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