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Shopping for a new TV in 2025 means navigating a sea of technical jargon, complex features, and significant price differences. Two standout models from Samsung's premium lineup—the 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV and the 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV—represent different approaches to creating the ultimate viewing experience. But which one deserves your hard-earned money? Let's dive into what makes these TVs tick and who each one is really for.
The television industry has evolved dramatically over the past few years. While budget TVs have improved significantly, premium models have pushed boundaries even further with technological innovations that truly transform how we experience content.
Both the S90F OLED and QN990F Neo QLED were released in early 2025, representing Samsung's latest thinking in display technology. They build upon previous generations with improved processors, enhanced AI capabilities, and refinements to their respective display technologies.
Premium TVs in 2025 aren't just about picture quality anymore—they're sophisticated entertainment hubs with advanced gaming features, smart home integration, and AI-powered picture processing. But the core viewing experience still comes down to a few critical factors: contrast, brightness, color accuracy, motion handling, and resolution.
The fundamental difference between these TVs lies in how they create images. The S90F OLED ($2,499.99) uses organic light-emitting diodes—microscopic organic compounds that produce their own light when electricity passes through them. Each pixel can turn completely on or off independently, without needing a backlight.
In contrast, the QN990F Neo QLED ($5,497.99) uses Mini LED technology, where thousands of tiny LEDs sit behind a layer of quantum dots (nano-sized particles that enhance color). These tiny LEDs provide the backlight for the LCD panel, with advanced local dimming to control which areas of the screen are bright or dark.
This fundamental technology difference creates distinct viewing experiences despite both being Samsung flagships. The OLED excels in dark scenes with its perfect blacks, while the Neo QLED delivers eye-popping brightness that OLED can't match.
The resolution gap between these models is substantial on paper. The S90F delivers 4K resolution (8.3 million pixels), while the QN990F quadruples that to 8K (33.2 million pixels). But numbers don't tell the whole story.
At a typical viewing distance of 7-9 feet for a 65-inch TV, most viewers won't notice individual pixels on a 4K display. The 8K advantage becomes more theoretical than practical for most content. What's more, native 8K content remains exceptionally rare in 2025, with only a handful of YouTube videos and specialized sources available.
Both TVs upscale lower-resolution content, but the QN990F's more powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 processor with 768 neural networks does have an edge in making 4K and even 1080p content look better on its 8K panel. The question is whether this improvement justifies the significant price premium.
For movie enthusiasts, especially those with dedicated home theaters, contrast ratio is king. The S90F OLED delivers what's technically an infinite contrast ratio—perfect blacks alongside bright highlights with no light bleeding between them. This creates a depth and dimensionality to images that LCD-based displays struggle to match.
In a dark room, the OLED's perfect blacks make movies look dramatically more immersive. When a scene cuts to black or shows space scenes, the pixels literally turn off completely. There's something magical about watching a film like "Interstellar" or "Dune" on an OLED in a darkened room—the stars seem to float in actual darkness rather than a dark gray approximation.
The QN990F Neo QLED gets impressively close with its advanced Mini LED system. In 2025, Samsung has significantly increased the number of dimming zones compared to previous models, reducing the "blooming" effect (where bright objects on dark backgrounds create a halo). However, the physics of backlighting means it still can't match OLED's pixel-level light control. The blacks are very good—certainly better than standard LED TVs—but not perfect.
Where the Neo QLED absolutely shines (literally) is in brightness capability. While Samsung doesn't publish official nit measurements, testing suggests the QN990F can push well beyond 2,000 nits in its brightest highlights, while the S90F OLED tops out around 1,500 nits—still impressive for OLED technology, which has historically struggled with peak brightness.
This brightness difference matters in three scenarios:
The Neo QLED also features Samsung's Glare-Free technology, which significantly reduces reflections compared to the OLED model. If your living room has large windows or bright overhead lighting, this combination of anti-glare coating and superior brightness gives the QN990F a genuine advantage.
Both TVs deliver exceptional color reproduction, but with different approaches. The S90F OLED produces stunningly accurate colors with Pantone certification, ensuring what you see matches creator intent. Colors appear natural and precisely rendered, particularly in mid-brightness scenes.
The QN990F Neo QLED leverages quantum dots to produce vibrant, saturated colors that maintain their punch even at the highest brightness levels—something OLEDs can struggle with. When HDR content calls for both extremely bright and colorful elements (think sunsets, neon signs, or colorful explosions), the Neo QLED maintains better color volume.
For professional content creators and cinephiles seeking absolute accuracy, the OLED has a slight edge in a controlled environment. For those who prefer vibrant, high-impact visuals, particularly in brighter rooms, the Neo QLED delivers a more immediately impressive image.
Action movies, sports, and gaming all benefit from superior motion handling. Here, the OLED technology has a natural advantage due to its nearly instantaneous pixel response time (approximately 0.1 milliseconds). This means virtually no motion blur when objects move quickly across the screen.
The Neo QLED's response time is very good by LCD standards (around 2-4ms) but can't quite match OLED's clarity in motion. However, Samsung compensates with its Motion Xcelerator 240Hz technology on the QN990F, which can display content at up to 240Hz at 4K resolution (though native 8K is limited to 60Hz due to bandwidth limitations).
For competitive gamers, this higher refresh rate capability might outweigh the slightly slower pixel response. For movie purists, the OLED's natural motion handling without aggressive processing might feel more film-like and natural.
Both TVs cater to gamers with HDMI 2.1 ports supporting variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and 4K 120Hz gameplay. However, there are notable differences that might sway gamers one way or the other.
The S90F OLED offers:
The QN990F Neo QLED counters with:
Competitive FPS gamers might appreciate the Neo QLED's higher potential refresh rate and brightness, while those who play atmospheric single-player games might prefer the OLED's perfect blacks and contrast in dimmer environments.
Both TVs run Samsung's Tizen OS smart platform, but the processing power behind them differs significantly. The S90F uses the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, while the QN990F employs the more powerful NQ8 AI Gen3 chip.
This translates to smoother navigation and faster app loading on the QN990F, particularly when multiple applications are running simultaneously. Both offer Samsung's AI-powered features like Vision AI, which optimizes picture settings based on content and ambient lighting conditions.
The QN990F includes some exclusive features that might matter to certain users:
Wireless One Connect Box: This external connection hub eliminates visible cables running to the TV, allowing for a cleaner installation with just a single thin cable—or even a wireless connection—to the display. For design-conscious users or those mounting their TV on the wall, this cable management solution is genuinely useful.
Pet Care Mode: An interesting feature that detects pet noises like barking and can automatically play calming content for your pets when you're away from home. While somewhat niche, it shows how Samsung is thinking beyond just picture quality.
Voice Assistant Enhancements: Both TVs support voice control through Bixby, but the QN990F's additional processing power allows for more natural language understanding and faster response times.
The elephant in the room for the QN990F Neo QLED is the scarcity of native 8K content in 2025. Despite predictions, 8K streaming hasn't yet become mainstream. Most content is still produced and distributed in 4K at best, with much still in 1080p.
Both TVs upscale lower-resolution content beautifully, but you're essentially paying a premium for the QN990F's ability to make 4K content look a bit better through upscaling, rather than enjoying true 8K content. For most viewers, this represents questionable value.
Your viewing environment should heavily influence your choice:
For dedicated home theaters or living rooms with controlled lighting: The S90F OLED thrives in these environments. Its perfect blacks and exceptional contrast create a cinematic experience that's hard to beat when you can control ambient light. The wide viewing angles also ensure everyone gets a great view, even from the sides.
For bright, open-concept spaces with lots of windows: The QN990F Neo QLED significantly outperforms in bright environments. Its anti-glare coating and superior brightness ensure the picture remains vibrant even in sunlit rooms. If you primarily watch TV during the day or in a room you can't darken, this advantage is substantial.
OLED technology has a reputation concern: burn-in risk. While modern OLEDs like the S90F include pixel refreshing and logo detection features to mitigate this risk, it remains a theoretical possibility with static content displayed for very extended periods (think news channel logos or game HUDs used for thousands of hours).
The Neo QLED technology doesn't suffer from burn-in risk at all. For households where the TV often displays static content (news channels, sports scoreboards, gaming) or where the TV might be left on the same channel for extended periods, this peace of mind might justify the higher price tag.
At $2,499.99, the S90F OLED represents significantly better value for most consumers. Its picture quality is exceptional in most metrics that matter, and its 4K resolution is perfectly adequate for all current content. The perfect blacks and infinite contrast create a viewing experience that satisfies even demanding videophiles.
The QN990F Neo QLED at $5,497.99—more than double the price—is harder to justify purely on performance grounds. You're paying for cutting-edge technology that includes 8K resolution (with limited content), slightly better processing, and some unique convenience features. The brightness advantage is genuine but only crucial in specific viewing environments.
The S90F OLED delivers a premium viewing experience that will satisfy most enthusiasts without breaking the bank. Its perfect blacks make it particularly well-suited for movie nights and cinematic content, while its gaming capabilities cover everything most players need.
The QN990F Neo QLED represents Samsung's technological pinnacle—it's for the person who wants the absolute cutting edge and is willing to pay for it. Its brightness advantage, freedom from burn-in concerns, and advanced features make it uniquely suited to certain environments and users.
Television technology continues advancing at a remarkable pace. Both the S90F OLED and QN990F Neo QLED represent the pinnacle of what's possible in consumer displays in 2025, albeit with different approaches and strengths.
For most people, the S90F OLED hits the sweet spot of performance and value. Its perfect blacks and exceptional contrast create a viewing experience that's hard to beat, especially for movie lovers. At $2,499.99, it's not cheap, but it delivers premium performance without the eye-watering price of the 8K model.
The QN990F Neo QLED is for those who demand absolute cutting-edge technology regardless of price. Its brightness advantage is legitimate, and features like the Wireless One Connect add genuine convenience. However, at $5,497.99, you're paying a significant premium for features that many users won't fully utilize, particularly the 8K resolution.
Ultimately, your specific viewing environment, content preferences, and budget should guide your decision. Both TVs will provide years of exceptional viewing—just make sure you're paying for features you'll actually benefit from rather than specifications that look impressive on paper but add little to your daily viewing experience.
| Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 | Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 |
|---|---|
| Price - Bottom line for your budget | |
| $2,499.99 (excellent value for premium performance) | $5,497.99 (premium price for cutting-edge technology) |
| Display Technology - Determines core picture quality characteristics | |
| OLED (self-emitting pixels, perfect blacks, infinite contrast) | Neo QLED (Mini LED backlight with quantum dots, exceptional brightness) |
| Resolution - Detail level and future-proofing | |
| 4K (3840 × 2160) - Standard for all current content | 8K (7680 × 4320) - 4× the pixels of 4K, but limited native content available |
| Processor - Affects upscaling, motion handling, and smart features | |
| NQ4 AI Gen3 (128 neural networks) | NQ8 AI Gen3 (768 neural networks, more powerful AI processing) |
| Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room performance | |
| ~1,500 nits peak (excellent for OLED, good for controlled lighting) | 2,000+ nits peak (superior for bright rooms, more impactful HDR) |
| Contrast - Determines depth, realism, and dark scene quality | |
| Infinite (true blacks with no blooming or haloing) | Excellent but not perfect (minimal blooming around bright objects) |
| Viewing Angles - Important for wide seating arrangements | |
| Superior (consistent picture from virtually any angle) | Good (some color and contrast loss at extreme angles) |
| Refresh Rate - Affects motion clarity for sports and gaming | |
| 120Hz native with VRR up to 144Hz | 120Hz native with Motion Xcelerator up to 240Hz at 4K (60Hz at 8K) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console and PC gamers | |
| HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, ~0.1ms response time, potential burn-in risk | HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, 2-4ms response time, no burn-in risk |
| Smart Features - Convenience and content access | |
| Tizen OS, Samsung Vision AI, 4K upscaling, advanced color enhancement | Tizen OS, Samsung Vision AI, 8K upscaling, Wireless One Connect, Pet Care |
| Best For - Room and use case considerations | |
| Home theaters, controlled lighting, movie enthusiasts, value-conscious buyers | Bright rooms, sunlit spaces, future-proofing enthusiasts, premium tech showcases |
| Longevity Concerns - Long-term ownership considerations | |
| Potential burn-in risk with static images (news, game HUDs) after extended use | No burn-in risk, more future-proof with 8K resolution |
| Room Size and Viewing Distance - Affects visible detail and immersion | |
| Ideal for 7-10 feet viewing distance (4K resolution sufficient) | Benefits noticeable at closer than 7 feet (8K detail requires closer viewing) |
| Power Consumption - Energy efficiency consideration | |
| Lower (OLED pixels only use power when lit) | Higher (backlight always powered, though more efficient than older LED TVs) |
| Design and Aesthetics - Visual impact in your space | |
| Ultra-thin profile, minimalist design | Nearly edgeless design with premium metal frame, no visible cables with Wireless One Connect |
The main difference is display technology. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 uses self-emitting pixels that can turn completely off for perfect blacks and infinite contrast. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 uses Mini LED backlighting with quantum dots, delivering exceptional brightness but not quite matching OLED's perfect blacks. The OLED excels in dark rooms with superior contrast, while the Neo QLED performs better in bright environments with its higher brightness capability.
For dedicated movie watching, especially in a controlled lighting environment or home theater, the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 generally provides a more cinematic experience with its perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and natural colors. Dark scenes in movies look more impressive on OLED. However, if you primarily watch movies in a bright room, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 might be preferable due to its superior brightness and anti-glare coating.
For most consumers in 2025, 8K resolution isn't worth the significant price premium. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 at $2,499.99 offers 4K resolution, which is sufficient for virtually all current content. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 at $5,497.99 provides 8K resolution, but native 8K content remains extremely limited. At typical viewing distances for a 65-inch TV, most viewers can't discern individual pixels on a 4K display anyway. The 8K advantage is more theoretical than practical for most users.
Both TVs offer excellent gaming features, but they excel in different scenarios. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 has near-instantaneous response time (~0.1ms) for clearer motion and perfect blacks that enhance visibility in dark game scenes. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 offers higher potential refresh rates (up to 240Hz at 4K) and has no risk of burn-in from static HUD elements. Competitive gamers might prefer the Neo QLED's brightness and refresh rate, while those playing atmospheric single-player games might favor the OLED's perfect contrast.
While modern OLEDs like the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 include advanced features to prevent burn-in (such as pixel refreshing and logo detection), burn-in remains a theoretical possibility with static content displayed for very extended periods. The risk is minimal for varied content viewing but might be a concern for households that watch news channels with static logos for many hours daily or play the same video game with static HUD elements for thousands of hours. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 does not have any burn-in risk whatsoever.
For bright living rooms with lots of windows or sunlight, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 is definitely the better choice. It offers significantly higher brightness (exceeding 2,000 nits versus the OLED's ~1,500 nits) and features Samsung's Glare-Free technology that reduces reflections. This combination allows the Neo QLED to maintain a vibrant, clear picture even in sunlit rooms. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 performs best in controlled lighting conditions and may look washed out in very bright environments.
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 at $2,499.99 offers significantly better value for most consumers. It delivers exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and 4K resolution (sufficient for all current content). The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 at $5,497.99 (more than double the price) includes 8K resolution and some additional features, but the core performance improvement doesn't justify the price difference for most buyers unless you specifically need its brightness advantage for a very bright viewing environment.
Both the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 and Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 run Samsung's Tizen OS with Samsung Vision AI. Both support major streaming apps, voice assistants, and smart home integration. The QN990F offers some exclusive features like the Wireless One Connect Box (for cleaner cable management), Pet Care mode (which detects pet noises and can play calming content), and more powerful processing with its NQ8 AI Gen3 chip compared to the S90F's NQ4 AI Gen3 processor.
For sports viewing, your room lighting is the deciding factor. In a typical living room with some ambient light, the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 has the edge due to its higher brightness, which makes colorful uniforms and fields pop more dramatically during daytime viewing. Its Motion Xcelerator 240Hz technology also helps with fast motion. For evening sports viewing in dimmer conditions, the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 might be preferable due to its superior motion handling with near-instantaneous pixel response time that virtually eliminates motion blur.
The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 offers superior viewing angles with consistent picture quality from virtually any position in the room. This makes it ideal for wide seating arrangements where viewers might be watching from the sides. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 has improved viewing angles compared to traditional LCD TVs but still experiences some contrast and color degradation when viewed from extreme angles. For large family rooms with seating positioned at various angles, the OLED has a clear advantage.
For a dedicated home theater setup with controlled lighting, the Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 is generally the better choice. Its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio create a more cinematic experience, particularly for movies with dark scenes. The absence of blooming (light bleeding around bright objects on dark backgrounds) also enhances the viewing experience. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 is exceptionally bright, which is less necessary in a darkened home theater environment where the OLED's contrast advantage becomes more apparent.
Both TVs are well-equipped for the future, but in different ways. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV 2025 offers greater future-proofing with its 8K resolution, which may become more relevant as 8K content gradually increases over the next 5+ years. It also has no risk of burn-in over time. The Samsung 65" S90F OLED 4K Vision AI Smart TV 2025 features 4K resolution, which will remain the standard for most content for years to come. Both TVs support the latest gaming features, HDR formats, and have processing power to receive software updates for the foreseeable future, but the Neo QLED has a slight edge in long-term future-proofing at a significant price premium.
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