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Television technology has come a long way in recent years, with two premium display types now dominating the high-end market: OLED and Mini-LED. If you're shopping for a premium 65-inch 4K TV in 2024, you've likely encountered the Samsung 65" OLED S90D and the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV in your research. Both represent cutting-edge display technology, yet they take fundamentally different approaches to delivering a stunning picture. Let's explore these impressive TVs in depth to help you decide which one deserves a place in your living room.
The 65-inch size has become the sweet spot for many households—large enough to create an immersive viewing experience but not so massive that it overwhelms typical living spaces. At this premium level, you're paying not just for size but for superior picture quality that can reveal every detail in your favorite content.
The Samsung S90D OLED, released in March 2024 with an MSRP of $2,499, represents Samsung's latest refinement of their OLED technology. Meanwhile, the TCL QM8 Mini-LED, which hit the market in May 2023 priced at $1,498, showcases how far LED/LCD technology has evolved with Mini-LED backlighting.
What's fascinating about these two TVs is how they represent different philosophies in display technology. One uses self-emissive pixels for perfect contrast, while the other harnesses thousands of tiny backlights to deliver searing brightness. Let's dive deeper into how these technologies work and what that means for your viewing experience.
The Samsung S90D uses OLED technology, which stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional LCDs, OLED panels don't need a backlight because each individual pixel creates its own light when electricity passes through organic compounds. Most importantly, when a pixel needs to display black, it simply turns off completely—emitting no light whatsoever.
The TCL QM8 takes a different approach with its Mini-LED technology. This is an evolution of traditional LED-backlit LCD TVs, but instead of using a few dozen or hundred LEDs behind the screen, Mini-LED TVs employ thousands of tiny LEDs (less than 0.2mm in size) arranged in numerous independently-controlled dimming zones. The QM8 boasts up to 5,000 local dimming zones, allowing it to control brightness with impressive precision across different areas of the screen.
I've spent time with both technologies in various lighting conditions, and the difference is immediately apparent depending on your viewing environment. Let me explain what this technical distinction means for real-world performance.
OLED's ability to turn pixels completely off results in what we call "infinite contrast"—the perfect difference between the brightest whites and the deepest blacks a display can produce. When watching movies with dark scenes on the S90D, space scenes in sci-fi films like "Interstellar" look genuinely black rather than dark gray, and you'll never see light "bleeding" around bright objects on dark backgrounds (an issue called "blooming").
The TCL QM8 counters with raw brightness power that OLED simply can't match. While the S90D tops out around 1,000 nits (a measurement of brightness), the QM8 can push well beyond 2,000 nits in highlight areas. This makes HDR content—which relies on dramatic brightness differences—particularly impressive on the Mini-LED display. Explosions in action films, sunlight glinting off water, or the glow of sunset scenes all have an extra punch on the QM8.
Since their releases, Samsung has continued refining its OLED processing, while TCL's 2023 Mini-LED technology represents a significant leap forward in local dimming precision compared to earlier models.
The Samsung S90D delivers what many videophiles consider the gold standard for contrast. When I watched "Dune" on this TV, the night scenes had a depth and dimensionality that's simply impossible to achieve with backlit technology. In a properly darkened room, the borders of the TV seem to disappear during dark scenes because the pixels producing black are literally off.
The TCL QM8 performs impressively for an LCD-based display, with its thousands of dimming zones creating excellent contrast. However, physics dictates some limitations—light from the Mini-LEDs must pass through multiple layers before reaching your eyes, and some minor blooming can occur around bright objects on dark backgrounds. While watching the same dark scenes from "Dune," I noticed the blacks weren't quite as absolute as on the OLED, though they come remarkably close for an LED-backlit TV.
For critical movie watching in a dedicated, dark home theater environment, the S90D's perfect blacks provide an undeniable advantage. The contrast difference is less noticeable in moderately lit rooms and becomes almost negligible in very bright environments.
Here's where the TCL QM8 really shines—literally. With peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits and excellent full-screen brightness capability, this TV can combat even direct sunlight while maintaining a vivid image. HDR content like nature documentaries looks stunning, with highlights that truly pop off the screen.
The Samsung S90D isn't dim by any means—it's brighter than older OLED models—but with peak brightness around 1,000 nits, it can't compete with the TCL's raw luminance. In my sunlit living room, the S90D's image looked noticeably more muted during daytime viewing, though still perfectly enjoyable.
If your TV is positioned in a bright room with large windows or you frequently watch during daylight hours, the QM8's brightness advantage provides a meaningfully better experience. For evening viewers in controlled lighting, the brightness difference becomes less significant.
Both TVs deliver exceptional color, but through different means. The Samsung S90D uses RGB OLED pixels to create colors with remarkable accuracy and natural saturation. Colors appear vibrant without looking artificial, and skin tones look particularly natural.
The TCL QM8 employs Quantum Dot technology—microscopic particles that emit specific colors when hit with light—to achieve a wide color gamut. This allows for vivid, highly saturated colors that look spectacular with nature content and animated films. When I watched "Planet Earth," the lush greens of rainforests and the vibrant blues of ocean scenes had an extra pop on the QM8.
Both TVs cover nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema), so color differences come down more to processing and how each handles color volume—the combination of color and brightness. The QM8's higher brightness allows it to display brighter saturated colors, while the S90D offers more subtle gradations in darker scenes.
If you have a wide seating arrangement or people often watch from the sides of your room, the Samsung S90D has a clear advantage. OLED technology maintains consistent color and contrast even when viewed from extreme angles. I could sit almost perpendicular to the screen and still see a perfect image.
The TCL QM8, despite its many strengths, suffers from the typical LCD viewing angle limitations. Colors shift and contrast degrades noticeably when viewed from more than about 30 degrees off-center. This is physics at work—the LCD pixels and quantum dots simply direct more light straight out from the screen than to the sides.
For solo viewers or those with seating directly in front of the TV, this won't matter much. For larger families or entertainment spaces with dispersed seating, the S90D's viewing angle advantage becomes significant.
Competitive gamers and those sensitive to motion blur will appreciate the Samsung S90D's near-instantaneous pixel response times—under 1 millisecond. This means virtually no smearing or motion blur behind fast-moving objects. When I played "Call of Duty" on this TV, the image remained razor-sharp even during the most frantic action sequences.
The TCL QM8 performs admirably with response times around 4 milliseconds—fast enough that most casual gamers won't notice any blur. Both TVs offer excellent input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen) of around 10ms at 4K/120Hz, making them equally responsive for gaming.
Both TVs are packed with gaming features that take full advantage of the latest consoles and gaming PCs. The Samsung S90D supports 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via FreeSync Premium, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console. All four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
The TCL QM8 slightly edges out the Samsung in raw specifications, supporting 4K up to 144Hz, VRR including FreeSync Premium Pro, and features its Game Accelerator 240 technology for reduced input lag. It has four HDMI ports with two supporting the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth needed for 4K/120Hz gaming.
When I connected my PlayStation 5 to both TVs, games like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales" ran smoothly with vibrant colors on both displays. The S90D's perfect blacks added atmosphere to dark scenes, while the QM8's higher brightness made daytime sequences more impactful.
For console gamers, both TVs provide excellent experiences with the latest PlayStation and Xbox systems. PC gamers should note that the TCL QM8 supports PC connection but has some limitations when trying to use chroma 4:4:4 (for clear text rendering) simultaneously with Game Mode. The Samsung S90D handles PC connections well but has a somewhat limited VRR range.
In my home theater setup, I found both TVs paired excellently with modern gaming consoles, providing the high refresh rates and low input lag that make for responsive gaming.
The Samsung S90D runs Samsung's proprietary Tizen operating system, which offers a clean interface and good app support. In recent years, Samsung has added more advertisement content to the home screen, which some users find distracting. The system runs smoothly with minimal lag when navigating menus.
The TCL QM8 uses Google TV, which provides access to thousands of apps through the Google Play Store and integrates nicely with other Google services. I found the content recommendations on Google TV to be quite useful, suggesting shows and movies I might be interested in based on my viewing habits.
Both TVs offer voice assistant capabilities, with the Samsung S90D including Samsung's Bixby assistant built-in while also working with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant through external devices. The TCL QM8 has Google Assistant built directly into the system and works with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit for smart home control.
I've found that saying "Hey Google, play Stranger Things on Netflix" to the TCL remote is remarkably convenient compared to navigating through menus, though Samsung's voice commands work similarly well.
Samsung's Solar Cell remote with the S90D is environmentally friendly, charging via indoor lighting rather than requiring battery replacements. It has a minimalist design with few buttons, relying more on on-screen navigation.
The TCL QM8's backlit remote is more traditional with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, and other popular services, making it slightly more intuitive for those who prefer direct access. The backlight is particularly useful when watching movies in a darkened home theater.
While both TVs have better sound systems than budget models, they still can't compare to dedicated audio equipment. The Samsung S90D features a 40W 2.2.2 channel system with Object Tracking Sound Lite, which attempts to match audio with on-screen action. The sound is clear and adequate for casual viewing, but lacks substantial bass impact.
The TCL QM8 pulls ahead in audio performance with its 80W 2.1.2 channel ONKYO audio system featuring dedicated upward-firing speakers and a subwoofer. This creates a more immersive sound experience with better bass response than the Samsung can provide.
For my home theater setup, I still recommend a separate sound system or soundbar with either TV to get truly cinematic audio, though the TCL will serve you better if you're relying solely on the built-in speakers.
The Samsung S90D embodies premium design with its ultra-thin profile (just 1.6 inches at its thinnest point), minimal bezels, and high-quality materials. It has a sleek, modern appearance that looks sophisticated even when turned off.
The TCL QM8 also features a premium design with thin bezels and metal construction, though it's slightly thicker than the Samsung due to the Mini-LED backlighting system. Both TVs will look at home in a modern living space or dedicated home theater.
Both TVs use center-mounted stands that require furniture around 14-15 inches wide. Wall mounting is an option for both using standard VESA mounts, though you'll need to account for the slightly different weight distributions—the TCL QM8 is a bit heavier due to its backlighting system.
With the Samsung S90D carrying an MSRP of $2,499.99 (often available for around $2,299.99 during sales) and the TCL QM8 priced at $1,498 (frequently less during promotions), there's approximately a $1,000 price difference between these models.
That thousand-dollar gap raises the critical question: Is the Samsung's OLED technology worth the premium over TCL's Mini-LED approach? The answer depends entirely on your viewing preferences, environment, and budget.
Both manufacturers offer standard 1-year warranties on their TVs. Samsung has a more established service network with decades of experience in the US market, which might provide more peace of mind for some buyers. TCL has grown rapidly in recent years but still has a somewhat smaller service infrastructure.
One consideration for long-term value is the potential for burn-in with OLED displays. While the Samsung S90D has various protections against burn-in, and the issue is less common with modern OLED panels, it remains a theoretical concern with static content like news tickers, channel logos, or gaming HUDs displayed for extended periods.
The TCL QM8 has no risk of burn-in due to its LCD technology, potentially giving it a longer usable lifespan in scenarios with static content. For most typical viewing habits, however, modern OLEDs like the S90D should last many years without issues.
The Samsung S90D OLED represents the pinnacle of picture quality for film enthusiasts and those who can control their viewing environment. Its perfect blacks create a sense of depth that no backlit display can match, and the wide viewing angles ensure everyone gets the same great experience regardless of seating position.
The TCL QM8 Mini-LED delivers exceptional brightness and very good overall performance at a much lower price point, making it the better value option for most consumers, especially those in bright environments.
Your specific viewing environment should be a major factor in your decision. If you have a bright room with lots of ambient light, the TCL QM8's brightness advantage will be immediately noticeable and meaningful. If you watch primarily in the evening in a controlled environment, the Samsung S90D's perfect blacks and contrast will provide a more cinematic experience.
For a dedicated home theater room where you can control the lighting, the S90D's OLED technology will create the most immersive experience for movie nights. For a versatile family room that serves multiple purposes throughout the day, the QM8's brightness and value proposition make it the more practical choice.
Both TVs represent the cutting edge of their respective technologies, and either would be an impressive centerpiece for your entertainment setup. Your choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs, viewing habits, and whether the OLED experience justifies the premium price for your situation.
| Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV | TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Release Date & Price - When released and current pricing | |
| March 2024, MSRP $2,499 (often on sale for $2,299) | May 2023, MSRP $1,498 (frequently discounted) |
| Display Technology - Fundamentally different approaches to creating an image | |
| OLED (each pixel generates its own light and can turn completely off) | Mini-LED (thousands of tiny LED backlights arranged in dimming zones behind an LCD panel) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level quality and image depth | |
| Infinite contrast with perfect blacks (individual pixels turn off completely) | Excellent contrast with very good blacks (up to 5,000 local dimming zones, but some minimal blooming possible) |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and visibility in bright rooms | |
| ~1,000 nits (good for moderately lit rooms, adequate for HDR) | ~2,000+ nits (excellent for bright rooms, spectacular HDR highlights) |
| Viewing Angles - Important for wide seating arrangements | |
| Excellent (consistent picture quality from virtually any angle) | Limited (noticeable color/contrast degradation beyond 30° off-center) |
| Color Performance - Affects realism and vibrancy | |
| Rich, accurate colors with nearly 100% DCI-P3 coverage; natural-looking | Quantum Dot technology providing vibrant colors with excellent DCI-P3 coverage; slightly more saturated-looking |
| Gaming Performance - Critical for console and PC gamers | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR support, <1ms response time, ~9.5ms input lag, four HDMI 2.1 ports | 4K/144Hz, VRR support, ~4ms response time, ~10ms input lag, two full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ports |
| Processor - Affects upscaling quality and overall performance | |
| NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with AI-powered upscaling | TCL AIPQ PRO Processor with AI-powered upscaling |
| Smart Platform - Your interface for apps and streaming | |
| Samsung Tizen OS (polished but ad-heavy) | Google TV (extensive app support, good content recommendations) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality before adding external speakers | |
| 40W 2.2.2 channel system with Object Tracking Sound Lite | 80W 2.1.2 channel ONKYO audio system with dedicated subwoofer |
| Design - Aesthetics and physical presence | |
| Ultra-thin design (1.6" at thinnest point) with minimal bezels | Slightly thicker profile with thin bezels and metal construction |
| Long-term Considerations - Factors affecting lifespan and durability | |
| Small potential risk of burn-in with static content; excellent for varied content | No burn-in risk; better for displaying static content (news, sports tickers, gaming HUDs) |
| Best Use Case - Where each TV performs optimally | |
| Dedicated home theaters, evening watching in controlled lighting, cinephiles who value perfect blacks | Bright living rooms, daytime viewing, mixed-use spaces, viewers seeking maximum value |
The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV is significantly better for bright living rooms. With peak brightness exceeding 2,000 nits (compared to the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV's 1,000 nits), the TCL QM8 can combat sunlight and bright room conditions much more effectively. If your TV will be in a room with lots of windows or bright lighting, the TCL QM8 will provide a more visible, vibrant picture throughout the day.
For movie watching in controlled lighting, the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV generally provides a more cinematic experience due to its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. This makes dark scenes in movies look more natural and creates better depth perception. However, for bright HDR movies or viewing in well-lit rooms, the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV offers more impactful bright highlights. The Samsung S90D is preferable for dedicated home theater use, while the TCL QM8 is more versatile across different lighting conditions.
Both the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV and TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV offer excellent gaming features, but with slight differences. The TCL QM8 supports 4K at up to 144Hz (versus 120Hz on the Samsung) and includes Game Accelerator 240 technology. Meanwhile, the Samsung S90D offers faster response time (<1ms versus the TCL's 4ms) for less motion blur. Both TVs support Variable Refresh Rate and have low input lag (~10ms). Competitive gamers might prefer the Samsung S90D's faster response times, while those wanting the highest refresh rates might lean toward the TCL QM8.
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV has an MSRP of $2,499 (though often available for around $2,299 during sales), while the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV is priced at $1,498 MSRP and frequently discounted further. This represents approximately a $1,000 price difference between these models. The TCL QM8 offers significantly better value per dollar, while the Samsung S90D commands a premium price for its OLED technology.
The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV has a small potential risk of burn-in with static content displayed for extended periods (like news tickers, channel logos, or gaming HUDs). However, modern OLED TVs like the S90D include various protections against burn-in, and the issue is less common than with earlier models. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV uses LCD technology that's immune to burn-in, making it a safer long-term choice if you frequently watch content with static elements or use the TV as a computer monitor.
For sports viewing, both TVs have strengths. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV is better for daytime sports watching due to its higher brightness, making it ideal for Sunday afternoon football games in bright living rooms. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV has superior motion handling with less blur during fast action, and wider viewing angles that maintain consistent picture quality for group viewing. If you primarily watch sports during the day in a bright room, choose the TCL QM8. For evening sports viewing with a group, the Samsung S90D may be preferable.
Yes, both TVs offer excellent smart platforms. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV uses Samsung's Tizen OS, which provides a clean interface with good app support but has increased advertisement content in recent years. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV runs Google TV, offering access to thousands of apps through the Google Play Store and better integration with Google services like YouTube and Google Photos. If you're already in the Google ecosystem, you might prefer the TCL QM8, while those familiar with Samsung products might feel more comfortable with the Samsung S90D.
The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV offers better built-in audio with its 80W 2.1.2 channel ONKYO sound system featuring dedicated upward-firing speakers and a subwoofer. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV has a 40W 2.2.2 channel system with Object Tracking Sound Lite, which is good but lacks the bass impact and volume capabilities of the TCL. For the best home theater experience, we still recommend a separate soundbar or audio system with either TV, but the TCL QM8 will provide better sound if you're relying solely on the TV's speakers.
OLED technology in the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV uses organic pixels that create their own light and can turn completely off, resulting in perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Mini-LED technology in the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV uses thousands of tiny LED backlights arranged in dimming zones behind an LCD panel, offering extremely high brightness and very good (but not perfect) blacks. OLED excels in contrast and viewing angles, while Mini-LED delivers superior brightness for HDR content and bright room viewing. The Samsung S90D represents premium OLED technology, while the TCL QM8 showcases advanced Mini-LED implementation.
For a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting, the Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV is generally the better choice. Its perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and excellent color accuracy create a more cinematic experience that home theater enthusiasts appreciate. Dark scenes in movies appear more natural on the OLED display. However, if your home theater setup has ambient light or you want the most impactful HDR experience, the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV's higher brightness could be preferable. For classic dark-room movie viewing, the Samsung S90D provides the premium experience.
Yes, both TVs support the latest HDMI features. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV has four HDMI ports with two supporting the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth needed for 4K/120Hz gaming, plus VRR, ALLM, and eARC. Both the Samsung S90D and TCL QM8 will work well with the latest gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and AV receivers.
The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV potentially has a longer functional lifespan due to its LCD technology, which doesn't degrade in the same way as OLED and has no risk of burn-in. The Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV, while featuring improved burn-in protection compared to earlier OLED models, still has organic compounds that can degrade over time, particularly if displaying static content frequently. For longevity, particularly if you watch news channels with tickers or play games with static HUDs for extended periods, the TCL QM8 might offer better long-term durability. Both TVs come with a standard 1-year warranty.
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