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When you're ready to invest in a premium television experience, OLED technology represents the gold standard for home entertainment. In this detailed comparison, we'll explore two exceptional contenders: the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 ($2,499.99) and the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV ($2,649.00). These flagship models showcase the best of what modern television technology has to offer, but they take different approaches to delivering that premium experience.
Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes OLED technology special. Unlike traditional LED-LCD TVs that require backlighting, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels contain pixels that generate their own light. When a pixel needs to display black, it simply turns off completely. This creates "perfect blacks" and infinite contrast ratios that LED TVs can't match, regardless of how many dimming zones they have.
This self-emissive nature of OLED brings several advantages: incredible contrast, wide viewing angles, and exceptional color accuracy. The technology has matured significantly since its mainstream introduction around 2013, with each generation addressing earlier limitations like brightness caps and burn-in concerns.
Today's premium OLEDs like the Samsung S90F and Panasonic OLED represent the culmination of years of refinement. They're designed for viewers who prioritize image quality above all else and are willing to invest $2,000+ for a superior viewing experience that will remain impressive for many years.
The Samsung S90F, released in early 2025, features Samsung's fourth-generation QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) panel in the 65-inch model. This hybrid technology combines the perfect blacks of OLED with the enhanced brightness and color capabilities of quantum dots – microscopic particles that emit specific colors when light hits them.
The S90F's QD-OLED panel achieves approximately 1300 nits of peak brightness, representing a 30% improvement over the previous S90D model from 2024. This brightness boost is particularly noticeable in HDR content, where highlights pop dramatically against perfect black backgrounds.
The quantum dot layer allows the S90F to display a wider color volume (the range of colors at different brightness levels) than traditional OLED TVs. This means colors remain vibrant and accurate even in very bright scenes, whereas conventional OLEDs might appear washed out.
Samsung has also implemented effective anti-reflective treatments on the S90F panel, significantly reducing glare from windows and lamps – a welcome improvement for daytime viewing in bright rooms.
The Panasonic 65" OLED utilizes a more traditional WOLED (White OLED) panel technology. WOLED panels use a white OLED subpixel layer with color filters to produce images. While this approach typically doesn't reach the peak brightness levels of QD-OLED, Panasonic has incorporated micro lens array (MLA) technology – tiny lenses that help direct more light forward rather than letting it scatter internally – to improve overall brightness compared to standard WOLED panels.
Where Panasonic truly shines is color accuracy. Thanks to the company's long-standing partnerships with Hollywood colorists and mastering engineers, their panels are meticulously calibrated to reproduce content exactly as filmmakers intended. While most users would be hard-pressed to notice the difference without specialized equipment, videophiles and purists appreciate this commitment to accuracy.
The Panasonic panel also features exceptional uniformity, avoiding the subtle color tinting that can sometimes affect edges of QD-OLED displays. This makes it particularly well-suited for critical movie watching in controlled lighting conditions.
The Samsung S90F is powered by Samsung's most advanced processor to date, the NQ4 AI Gen3. This neural network processor uses machine learning algorithms trained on millions of images to optimize content in real-time, making split-second decisions about how to handle different aspects of the picture.
The 4K AI Upscaling Pro feature is particularly impressive, transforming lower-resolution content (like 1080p streaming or cable TV) to near-4K quality. Rather than simply adding pixels, the system analyzes objects in the frame, enhances edges, adds appropriate texture, and reduces noise. The difference is especially noticeable with older content, which appears remarkably detailed without looking artificially enhanced.
Samsung's processing tends to favor a slightly more enhanced, vibrant image that "pops" rather than strictly adhering to source material. While purists might prefer to disable some of these enhancements, most viewers find Samsung's processing creates a pleasing, engaging image right out of the box.
One notable limitation is HDR format support. The S90F handles HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats beautifully, but lacks support for Dolby Vision – a premium HDR format used by many streaming services and 4K Blu-rays.
Panasonic's OLED is equipped with their acclaimed HCX Pro AI Processor, which takes a somewhat different philosophical approach to image processing. While still leveraging artificial intelligence, Panasonic's system is tuned to preserve creative intent above all else.
A standout feature is the universal HDR support, encompassing all major formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG. This ensures optimal presentation regardless of content source, with dynamic metadata formats like Dolby Vision providing scene-by-scene optimization.
The Filmmaker Mode, backed by the UHD Alliance and major Hollywood directors, disables most processing to present movies exactly as intended. Combined with Panasonic's sophisticated tone mapping (the process of adapting HDR content to the TV's capabilities), this creates a viewing experience that's extraordinarily faithful to source material.
Particularly impressive is the Intelligent Sensing feature, which adjusts HDR performance based on ambient light conditions. In bright rooms, it carefully lifts shadow details without washing out the image; in dark rooms, it preserves the full dynamic range for a theater-like experience.
While the Samsung S90F prioritizes visual performance, its audio capabilities shouldn't be overlooked. The Adaptive Sound Pro system uses AI to analyze content and optimize audio based on what's happening on screen. Dialog is enhanced during conversations, sound effects gain impact during action sequences, and the overall balance adjusts to compensate for room acoustics.
The speaker configuration, while decent for built-in TV audio, doesn't quite match the excellence of the display. Bass response is limited, as expected from slim TV designs, and complex soundscapes can become somewhat muddled during intense scenes.
Samsung's Q-Symphony feature allows the TV speakers to work in conjunction with compatible Samsung soundbars rather than being disabled when external audio is connected. This creates a more expansive soundstage that's particularly effective for large rooms.
Audio performance is an area where the Panasonic OLED establishes a clear advantage. Its 360° Soundscape system integrates front, upward, and side-firing speakers to create a surprisingly immersive audio experience without external equipment.
The native Dolby Atmos support processes spatial audio information to place sounds above and around viewers with surprising effectiveness, given the physical limitations of the TV cabinet. While it can't match a dedicated surround system, it provides a much more engaging audio experience than most built-in TV speakers.
Panasonic has also implemented acoustic calibration technology that tailors sound output to your specific room conditions. A quick setup process uses test tones to measure reflections and adjust accordingly, resulting in clearer dialog and more balanced overall performance.
For home theater enthusiasts who haven't yet invested in external audio equipment, the Panasonic's superior sound quality could be a significant factor in the decision-making process.
If gaming is a priority, the Samsung S90F offers several compelling advantages. The true 144Hz refresh rate (up from 120Hz in previous generations) delivers exceptionally smooth motion in compatible games. This higher refresh rate means the screen updates 144 times per second, reducing motion blur and improving clarity during fast action.
Input lag – the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen – is remarkably low in Game Mode, measuring under 10ms in most scenarios. This responsiveness is crucial for competitive gaming where split-second reactions matter.
All four HDMI ports on the S90F are full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps), supporting 4K resolution at 144Hz with HDR. This generous connectivity allows you to connect multiple gaming consoles and a PC without sacrificing features or having to swap cables.
The S90F supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro variable refresh rate technology, which synchronizes the TV's refresh rate with your game's frame rate output. This eliminates screen tearing (where portions of multiple frames appear simultaneously) and stuttering for smoother gameplay.
Samsung's Game Bar interface provides quick access to gaming-specific settings and information like frame rate and HDR status, allowing adjustments without exiting your game. The motion handling is particularly impressive, maintaining clarity during chaotic action sequences without introducing the artificial "soap opera effect."
The Panasonic OLED offers respectable gaming performance with its 120Hz refresh rate support, which is perfectly adequate for current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which max out at 120Hz in compatible games.
Its Game Mode Extreme setting minimizes processing to reduce input lag to competitive levels, though not quite matching the Samsung's ultra-low figures. HDMI 2.1 support provides the necessary bandwidth for 4K/120Hz gaming with HDR enabled.
The Panasonic supports both ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches to game mode when a console is detected, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for smoother gameplay. However, it likely doesn't offer as many gaming-specific optimizations as the Samsung, which has made gaming capabilities a major focus in recent years.
For casual to moderate gamers, the Panasonic's performance is more than sufficient. However, competitive players or those who want the absolute cutting edge of gaming display technology will appreciate the Samsung's advantages.
The Samsung S90F runs on Samsung's proprietary Tizen operating system, enhanced with Vision AI capabilities. The interface has evolved significantly since its introduction, becoming more visually rich but also potentially more complex for new users.
Voice control through the upgraded Bixby assistant supports multi-command processing, allowing natural conversation rather than rigid command structures. You can ask complex questions like "Show me action movies from the 90s starring Keanu Reeves" and get relevant results.
Unique AI features include pet care mode, which can detect pet noises through the TV's microphone and automatically play content to keep them company when you're away. The AI-enhanced picture settings analyze both content and room conditions to optimize display parameters automatically.
Content discovery is powered by AI recommendations based on viewing habits, with impressively accurate suggestions after a few weeks of use. The system also integrates well with smart home devices, allowing control of lights, thermostats, and other compatible equipment.
The Panasonic OLED likely features either the company's My Home Screen platform or Fire TV, depending on the specific model. Either way, the interface prioritizes straightforward access to content over flashy visuals or complex features.
Multiple voice assistant support, including Alexa and Google Assistant, provides flexibility in how you interact with the TV. The voice recognition is accurate and responsive, handling basic commands and searches with ease.
The app ecosystem covers all major streaming services and applications, ensuring access to popular content sources. Screen sharing via Chromecast built-in and Air screen functionality makes it simple to display content from mobile devices or computers.
While perhaps not as feature-rich as Samsung's platform, many users appreciate Panasonic's more streamlined approach, which emphasizes reliability and ease of use over cutting-edge but occasionally finicky features.
At $2,499.99 for the 65-inch model, the Samsung S90F represents a significant investment. However, its advanced QD-OLED technology delivers exceptional brightness and color performance that justifies the premium price for many users.
The 144Hz refresh rate and comprehensive HDMI 2.1 implementation offer excellent future-proofing, ensuring compatibility with upcoming gaming and video standards for years to come. This longevity factor is important when considering the overall value of a high-end TV purchase.
For those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, additional benefits like seamless integration with Galaxy devices and harmonious operation with Samsung soundbars add practical value beyond raw specifications.
The Panasonic OLED comes in at a slightly higher price point of $2,649.00 for the 65-inch model – a $150 premium over the Samsung. This higher cost is justified primarily by its superior out-of-box color accuracy and filmmaker-focused features.
For serious movie enthusiasts, the universal HDR format compatibility ensures optimal presentation regardless of content source. The better built-in audio potentially reduces the immediate need for a soundbar purchase, offsetting some of the price difference.
While less flashy in its marketing than some competitors, Panasonic's reputation for build quality and longevity adds value for those planning to keep their TV for many years. The company's heritage in professional video production equipment is evident in the attention to detail throughout the product.
Choosing between these excellent OLED TVs ultimately comes down to your specific priorities and viewing environment.
The Samsung S90F is the better choice if:
The Panasonic OLED makes more sense if:
Consider your viewing environment carefully – the Samsung's brightness advantage matters much more in bright rooms than in dedicated theater spaces. Similarly, think about your content preferences; for gaming and sports, the Samsung's processing and refresh rate give it an edge, while for films and prestige TV series, the Panasonic's accuracy might be more appreciated.
If you're creating a home theater, the Panasonic's film-accurate presentation and superior audio make a compelling case, particularly in a controlled lighting environment where its slightly lower brightness won't be a limitation. The universal HDR format support ensures you'll get the best possible presentation from your 4K Blu-ray collection.
Ultimately, both the Samsung S90F and Panasonic OLED represent the pinnacle of current television technology, and either would provide an exceptional viewing experience for years to come. The "right" choice depends not on which is objectively better, but which better aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and viewing environment.
| Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 | Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Price - Your upfront investment | |
| $2,499.99 | $2,649.00 ($150 premium) |
| Panel Technology - Determines core display performance | |
| QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) with enhanced brightness and color volume | WOLED (White OLED) with micro lens array for improved brightness |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| ~1300 nits (superior performance in bright rooms) | ~900-1000 nits (excellent but not as bright as the Samsung) |
| Processor - Handles upscaling and image enhancement | |
| NQ4 AI Gen3 with enhanced AI capabilities | HCX Pro AI focused on accuracy and filmmaker intent |
| HDR Format Support - Affects compatibility with different content | |
| HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision support) | All formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG |
| Refresh Rate - Important for motion clarity and gaming | |
| 144Hz (superior for fast-paced gaming) | 120Hz (excellent for current-gen consoles) |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports - Determines connectivity options | |
| Four full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports | HDMI 2.1 supported (specific number not confirmed) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for console and PC gamers | |
| ALLM, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, Game Bar, <10ms input lag | ALLM, VRR, Game Mode Extreme with competitive input lag |
| Audio Quality - Affects need for external sound system | |
| Decent built-in audio with Q-Symphony support | Superior 360° Soundscape with Dolby Atmos integration |
| Smart Platform - Controls user experience and app ecosystem | |
| Tizen OS with Vision AI and extensive smart home features | My Home Screen or Fire TV with straightforward, reliable interface |
| Color Accuracy - Important for content creators and cinephiles | |
| Vibrant, slightly enhanced colors with excellent volume | Cinema-accurate calibration with superior out-of-box accuracy |
| Unique Features - Special capabilities that may influence decision | |
| Pet care mode, AI picture/sound adjustment, 144Hz gaming | Universal HDR support, filmmaker mode, superior built-in audio |
| Best Use Case - Who should choose this model | |
| Bright rooms, gaming enthusiasts, viewers who prefer vibrant images | Home theater environments, film purists, those who value audio quality |
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its QD-OLED panel technology that achieves approximately 1300 nits of peak brightness. This makes it much more visible in daylight conditions compared to the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, which uses a WOLED panel with lower peak brightness (around 900-1000 nits). The Samsung S90F also features superior anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from windows and lamps.
Whether the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV at $2,649 justifies its $150 premium over the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 at $2,499.99 depends on your priorities. The Panasonic offers superior built-in audio, better out-of-box color accuracy, and support for all HDR formats including Dolby Vision. If you're a movie enthusiast who values accurate colors, better sound, and complete HDR format support, the price difference may be worthwhile.
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 offers superior gaming performance with its 144Hz refresh rate (compared to 120Hz on the Panasonic), lower input lag (under 10ms), four full HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. While the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV provides good gaming features with ALLM and VRR support, serious gamers will appreciate the Samsung's higher refresh rate and gaming-specific optimizations.
The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV offers notably better built-in audio with its 360° Soundscape system that includes front, upward, and side-firing speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The acoustic calibration technology further enhances sound by adjusting to your room's characteristics. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 features decent Adaptive Sound Pro technology but doesn't match the Panasonic's audio performance, making the Panasonic a better choice if you don't plan to add external audio immediately.
The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV supports all major HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HLG. This universal compatibility ensures optimal presentation of content from any source. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, but notably lacks Dolby Vision support, which is used by many streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ for their premium content.
For a dedicated home theater environment, the Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV holds a slight edge due to its filmmaker-focused features, including more accurate out-of-box color calibration, Filmmaker Mode that disables processing for a pure cinematic presentation, and support for all HDR formats including Dolby Vision. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 still delivers exceptional movie performance with its perfect blacks and vibrant colors, but its processing tends to enhance rather than strictly preserve content as created.
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 runs on Samsung's Tizen OS with Vision AI enhancements, offering advanced features like pet care mode, AI-enhanced picture settings, and extensive smart home integration. The interface is feature-rich but potentially more complex. The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV uses either My Home Screen or Fire TV (depending on model), providing a more streamlined, straightforward interface that prioritizes reliability and ease of use over cutting-edge features.
Both the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 and Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV are premium products built to last many years. The Samsung offers slightly better future-proofing for gamers with its 144Hz refresh rate compared to Panasonic's 120Hz. Both use advanced OLED technologies with anti-burn-in measures. Panasonic has a strong reputation for build quality and longevity, while Samsung's newer QD-OLED technology hasn't been in the market as long. Generally, either TV should serve well for 5-7 years with proper care.
Both TVs excel at upscaling lower-resolution content. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 features 4K AI Upscaling Pro powered by its NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, which uses machine learning to enhance details and reduce noise in 1080p and lower resolution sources. The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV employs HCX Pro AI processing that focuses on natural-looking upscaling that preserves the original character of the content without over-processing. Samsung's approach tends to create a slightly sharper, more enhanced image, while Panasonic aims for more natural results.
For sports viewing, the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 has a slight advantage due to its higher peak brightness (helpful for daytime sports viewing) and superior motion handling with its 144Hz refresh rate. This reduces motion blur during fast-paced action. The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV still performs excellently for sports with its 120Hz refresh rate and quality motion processing, but the Samsung's higher brightness gives it an edge, especially for daytime viewing of sports in brighter rooms.
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 offers four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) ports that support 4K resolution at 144Hz with HDR. This allows connection of multiple next-gen gaming consoles and devices without compromise. The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV includes HDMI 2.1 ports (exact number unconfirmed) supporting 4K/120Hz. Both TVs offer standard wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but Samsung's more generous HDMI 2.1 implementation provides greater flexibility for connecting multiple high-bandwidth devices.
The Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV typically offers a more straightforward, less complicated user experience that's easier for non-technical users to navigate. Its smart platform focuses on simplicity and reliability over advanced features. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 provides more cutting-edge features and customization options but comes with a steeper learning curve. While Samsung's voice control is excellent, the overall interface has more menus and options that might overwhelm less tech-savvy users who just want to turn on their TV and start watching without navigating complex settings.
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