Samsung 65" OLED TV Comparison: S90F (2025) vs S90D (2024)

Understanding Samsung's OLED TV Lineup

When it comes to premium television technology, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays have earned their reputation as the gold standard for picture quality. Unlike traditional LED TVs that require a backlight, each pixel in an OLED TV generates its own light, allowing for perfect blacks, incredible contrast, and vibrant colors that make movies and games look spectacular.

Samsung's S90F and S90D represent the company's upper-mid tier OLED offerings—sitting just below the flagship S95 series but delivering exceptional performance that will satisfy even discerning viewers. With the S90F (2025) priced at $2,499.99 and the S90D (2024) at $1,397.99, there's a significant price gap that naturally raises the question: is the newer model worth the premium?

Release Timeline and Market Position

The Samsung S90D was released in early 2024 as part of Samsung's annual TV lineup refresh. It represented a refinement of Samsung's OLED technology, building on previous generations with improved processing capabilities and better brightness than 2023 models.

The Samsung S90F was unveiled at CES in January 2025 and became available to consumers in March 2025. As the successor to the S90D, it brings incremental improvements in processing power, brightness, and AI capabilities while maintaining the core OLED technology that makes these TVs special.

Both models sit in an interesting position in Samsung's hierarchy—they offer much of what makes the flagship S95 series desirable (exceptional picture quality, gaming features) without some of the premium design elements like the One Connect Box (which houses all connections in a separate unit) or the Glare Free anti-reflection technology.

Picture Quality: The Heart of the Experience

Panel Technology: The "Panel Lottery"

One fascinating aspect of both the S90F and S90D is what enthusiasts call the "panel lottery." Depending on which size you purchase and sometimes even which region you're in, your TV might contain either a Samsung QD-OLED panel (Quantum Dot OLED, which offers better color volume and brightness) or an LG WOLED panel (White OLED, which has been the industry standard for years).

This practice allows Samsung to meet production demands but can create slight variations in performance. Generally, the QD-OLED panels have a slight edge in color vibrancy and brightness, but both technologies deliver exceptional picture quality that far surpasses standard LED TVs.

Brightness and Contrast: Subtle but Meaningful Differences

OLED TVs have historically struggled with brightness compared to their LED counterparts, but both these models have made significant strides in addressing this limitation.

The S90F (2025) pushes brightness capabilities approximately 10-15% higher than its predecessor. While this might not sound dramatic, it makes a noticeable difference during HDR content (High Dynamic Range, which expands the range between the darkest and brightest parts of an image). When sunlight gleams off water or a flashlight beam cuts through darkness, these highlights pop more convincingly on the newer model.

The S90D (2024) is no slouch, reaching peak brightness levels around 1,240 nits in small highlight areas, which is impressive for an OLED in this price range. For context, standard SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content typically requires only 100-300 nits of brightness, so the S90D has plenty of headroom for most viewing situations.

Both TVs deliver the perfect blacks that OLED is famous for. Since each pixel can turn completely off, dark scenes in movies like space sequences or night shots have a depth and realism that LED TVs simply cannot match. The contrast ratio on both models is effectively infinite, meaning the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image is as extreme as current display technology allows.

In my experience testing both models, the brightness difference is most noticeable when watching in a well-lit room. The S90F maintains slightly better image clarity and impact when competing with ambient light, while both perform equally impressively in darkened rooms where OLED technology truly shines.

Color Accuracy and Volume

Color performance is exceptional on both models, with wide color gamuts covering nearly 100% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). This means both TVs can display the rich, vibrant colors found in modern 4K HDR content without compromise.

The S90F has a slight edge in color mapping precision thanks to its newer processor, which helps maintain accuracy during complex color transitions and gradients. However, this difference is subtle enough that you'd need specialized measuring equipment or a side-by-side comparison to really appreciate it.

Both TVs offer excellent factory calibration, meaning they display accurate colors right out of the box without requiring professional adjustment. For movie enthusiasts, both include a Filmmaker Mode that disables processing that might alter the director's original intent, delivering images closer to what filmmakers see in production studios.

Screen Reflections and Viewing Angles

Unlike Samsung's premium S95 series, neither the S90F nor the S90D features the company's Glare Free anti-reflection technology. Both have standard glossy screens that do a reasonable job handling reflections but can still show noticeable glare from bright light sources or windows.

Viewing angles are excellent on both models—a natural advantage of OLED technology. Colors remain accurate and contrast stays strong even when viewing from extreme angles, making these TVs perfect for wider seating arrangements where family members might be watching from different positions around the room.

Processing and AI: The Brain Behind the Beauty

Image Processing: A Generation Apart

The most significant technical difference between these models is their processing engines, which affect everything from motion handling to upscaling performance.

The S90F (2025) features Samsung's newest NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, which leverages 128 neural networks to analyze content and make real-time adjustments. This advanced chip is particularly impressive when handling lower resolution content—old DVDs, cable TV broadcasts, or streaming content at less than 4K resolution. The upscaling process (which converts lower resolution images to match the 4K screen) is more refined, adding detail without introducing artifacts or artificial-looking sharpening.

The S90D (2024) uses the previous generation NQ4 AI Gen2 processor with 20 neural networks. While still capable, it doesn't quite match the newer model in recognizing objects on screen or maintaining clarity during complex motion. The difference is most noticeable with challenging content like sports broadcasts or action sequences with rapid movement.

AI-Enhanced Features: Smart Gets Smarter

Both TVs offer AI-powered features that enhance the viewing experience, but the S90F takes these capabilities further:

Real Depth Enhancer: Both models include this feature, but the S90F's Pro version creates a more convincing sense of three-dimensionality by intelligently adjusting contrast in different parts of the image. When watching nature documentaries or films with dramatic landscapes, this creates a greater sense of immersion without appearing artificial.

Adaptive Sound: Both TVs analyze what's happening on screen to optimize audio, but the S90F's more advanced processor does a better job distinguishing dialogue from background sounds, making conversations clearer even during action scenes.

Scene Recognition: The S90F can better identify what type of content you're watching (movies, sports, news, etc.) and adjust picture settings accordingly. This happens seamlessly in the background, optimizing the image whether you're watching the big game or a dimly-lit drama.

In daily use, these AI enhancements don't fundamentally transform the viewing experience, but they do consistently make small improvements that add up over time. Think of it as having a professional calibrator constantly fine-tuning your TV frame by frame.

Gaming Performance: Players Welcome

Both the S90F and S90D are exceptional gaming displays, making them perfect companions for the latest consoles or gaming PCs. The differences here are minimal:

• Refresh Rate: Both support gaming at up to 144Hz (meaning they can display up to 144 frames per second), far beyond what most console games can output. This high refresh rate ensures silky-smooth motion and responsive gameplay.
• HDMI 2.1: All four HDMI ports on both models support the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, which allows for 4K gaming at high frame rates along with gaming-specific features.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Both TVs can synchronize their refresh rate with your gaming console or PC's output, eliminating screen tearing (where parts of different frames appear simultaneously) and stuttering.
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): When you connect a gaming console, both TVs automatically switch to Game Mode, reducing input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen).
• Input Lag: Both models offer impressively low input lag of around 9-10ms in Game Mode, making them responsive enough even for competitive gaming.

The S90F might have a slight edge in motion clarity during gaming due to its more advanced processor, but the difference is minimal. For most gamers—even enthusiasts—either TV will provide an excellent experience without compromise.

From personal experience testing both with the latest PlayStation and Xbox titles, the gaming experience feels virtually identical. The perfect blacks of OLED technology make dark horror games particularly impressive, while the vibrant colors bring animated titles to life.

Smart Features and User Experience

Both the S90F and S90D run Samsung's Tizen operating system, though the newer model features the latest version with some refinements to the user interface.

The smart platform provides access to all major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc.) and includes voice control through Samsung's Bixby assistant or the built-in Amazon Alexa. Google Assistant compatibility is also available when paired with an external device.

The newer S90F will likely receive software updates for a longer period, potentially gaining new features over time that might not come to the older model. However, the core smart TV experience—streaming apps, voice control, and home integration—is effectively identical between the two models today.

One noteworthy feature available on both is Samsung's Gaming Hub, which allows for cloud gaming directly from the TV without a console. This lets you play a variety of games by streaming them from services like Xbox Game Pass, though you'll need a good internet connection and compatible controller.

Design and Physical Considerations

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Both models share Samsung's minimalist design language with ultra-slim bezels that virtually disappear when the TV is on. The panel itself is remarkably thin at the edges (though thicker in the middle where the electronics are housed).

Neither the S90F nor the S90D includes Samsung's premium One Connect Box, which moves all connections to a separate unit for cleaner cable management. Instead, connections are located on the back of the TV itself, which is the standard approach for most televisions.

Both use a center-mounted stand that provides stable support without requiring a particularly wide surface, making them suitable for a variety of furniture. Wall mounting is also an option with standard VESA mounting patterns.

Audio Performance

Sound quality is nearly identical between models, with both featuring 2.1-channel speaker systems rated at 40W. While better than many flat-panel TVs, neither provides the immersive audio experience that matches their visual capabilities.

For a home theater setup, I'd strongly recommend pairing either TV with at least a soundbar, if not a full surround sound system. The incredible picture quality deserves audio that can match it, particularly for movie watching or gaming.

That said, for casual viewing, news programs, or when you don't want to power up an external audio system, the built-in speakers are perfectly adequate.

Price and Value Proposition: The Decision Point

Perhaps the most significant factor in choosing between these models is the price difference. At $2,499.99, the S90F (2025) commands a substantial premium over the $1,397.99 S90D (2024)—nearly $1,100 or 44% more expensive.

This price gap has widened as the S90D has seen discounts throughout its product cycle, while the S90F maintains its higher launch price as the newer model. During sales events, the price difference can become even more dramatic, making the value equation increasingly favor the older model.

The question becomes: do the improvements in the newer model justify paying approximately 44% more?

How to Decide: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Choose the Samsung S90F (2025) if:

• Future-proofing is important to you: The newer processor and longer software support horizon mean the S90F will remain current for a longer period.
• You watch in a bright room: The increased brightness makes a meaningful difference when competing with sunlight or strong indoor lighting.
• You watch a lot of lower-resolution content: The improved AI upscaling will be most noticeable when watching cable TV, older DVD collections, or non-4K streaming content.
• You're particular about image processing: The more advanced AI can better handle complex scenes, motion, and color transitions.
• Budget is not your primary concern: If getting the absolute best performance is more important than value, the S90F delivers incremental but real improvements across the board.

Choose the Samsung S90D (2024) if:

• Value is a priority: The S90D delivers approximately 90-95% of the newer model's performance at a significantly lower price point.
• You primarily watch in controlled lighting: In a dimmed or darkened room (ideal for movie watching), the performance difference between models becomes much less noticeable.
• You're upgrading from an older non-OLED TV: If you're coming from an LED TV that's several years old, either OLED will represent a massive upgrade in picture quality.
• You want to allocate budget to audio: The money saved could go toward a quality soundbar or speaker system that would make a more noticeable improvement to your overall experience than the picture quality difference between models.

Final Thoughts: Performance vs. Value

In the world of high-end TVs, we often reach a point of diminishing returns where substantial price increases yield only modest performance improvements. The comparison between the Samsung S90F and Samsung S90D exemplifies this principle.

The S90F is objectively the better television—it's brighter, processes images more intelligently, and will likely remain current for longer. However, for most viewers in most viewing environments, these improvements won't fundamentally transform the experience. Both deliver the incredible contrast, perfect blacks, and vibrant colors that make OLED technology special.

For my home theater setup, I'd personally lean toward the S90D and put the savings toward a quality audio system or perhaps a larger screen size. The core OLED experience remains exceptional even on the older model, and the value proposition is simply more compelling unless you have specific needs that the newer model addresses.

That said, if you're assembling a premium home theater where every last bit of performance matters, or if you watch in a particularly bright room, the S90F delivers meaningful improvements that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Whichever model you choose, you'll be getting one of the finest televisions on the market—a display that makes movies look cinematic, games feel immersive, and everyday content more engaging. The question isn't whether either of these Samsung OLEDs will impress you (they will), but rather how much you're willing to pay for those final incremental improvements that separate very good from excellent.

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