Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED Review (QN43QN90CAFXZA, QN50QN90CAFXZA, QN55QN90CAFXZA, QN65QN90CAFXZA, QN75QN90CAFXZA, QN85QN90CAFXZA) (2024)

Curved No

The Samsung QN90C has a premium design that looks great in any setting. The slim hexagonal stand looks great and takes up very little space. The bezels are incredibly thin, which helps the TV to blend into your surroundings.

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Uniformity Pictures N/A

This TV isn't currently part of our accelerated longevity test, but its predecessor, the Samsung QN90B QLED, is.

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Wall Mount VESA 400x300

The back of the TV looks great, with a nice textured design on the back panel. There are grooves along the back to help with cable management. The inputs are hard to access, especially if you wall-mount the TV. You can mount it to any standard VESA mount, and it's also compatible with Samsung's Slim Fit Wall Mount.

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Borders 0.35" (0.9 cm)

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Max Thickness 1.06" (2.7 cm)

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The Samsung QN90C Neo QLED has great build quality. It's made of a mixture of metal and premium plastic, and it feels nicely built overall. The stand isn't very sturdy, though, and the back panel has a lot of flex to it. There's also a gap between the back panel and inputs that isn't supposed to be there; this could indicate a quality control issue, but won't likely cause any issues long term.

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Contrast

Native Contrast

Thanks to its Mini LED local dimming feature, the Samsung QN90C has excellent contrast. It results in very deep blacks in a dark room, even when bright highlights are visible on the screen. The native contrast with local dimming disabled is very low, but this isn't an issue since you can only disable it from the service menu. If you'd like something with even better contrast than this, check out the Sony X95L or even consider an OLED TV like the Samsung S90C OLED.

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There's some noticeable blooming around bright highlights and subtitles in dark scenes, but it still looks great. Samsung's dimming algorithms spread bright lights across more dimming zones than necessary, so it's not as harsh as other TVs.

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Local Dimming

Backlight

Dimming Zones Count Of Tested TV

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Unfortunately, the Samsung QN90C looks a bit worse overall in 'Game' mode. There's more noticeable blooming around bright highlights, and zone transitions are a bit more noticeable.

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Hallway Lights (~1950 cd/m²)

Yellow Skyscraper (~700 cd/m²)

Landscape Pool (~300 cd/m²)

Peak 2% Window

Peak 10% Window

Peak 25% Window

Peak 50% Window

Peak 100% Window

Sustained 2% Window

Sustained 10% Window

Sustained 25% Window

Sustained 50% Window

Sustained 100% Window

Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)

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Hallway Lights (~1950 cd/m²)

Yellow Skyscraper (~700 cd/m²)

Landscape Pool (~300 cd/m²)

Peak 2% Window

Peak 10% Window

Peak 25% Window

Peak 50% Window

Peak 100% Window

Sustained 2% Window

Sustained 10% Window

Sustained 25% Window

Sustained 50% Window

Sustained 100% Window

Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)

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600 Nit Tracking Delta

1000 Nit Tracking Delta

4000 Nit Tracking Delta

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Real Scene Peak Brightness

Peak 2% Window

Peak 10% Window

Peak 25% Window

Peak 50% Window

Peak 100% Window

Sustained 2% Window

Sustained 10% Window

Sustained 25% Window

Sustained 50% Window

Sustained 100% Window

Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)

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Wide Color Gamut

DCI P3 xy

DCI P3 uv

Rec 2020 xy

Rec 2020 uv

The Samsung QN90C has a great color gamut. It can display almost the entire range of colors in the DCI-P3 color space, so most HDR content is vibrant and lifelike. It has just okay coverage of the wider Rec. 2020 color space, though, and it has worse color mapping in Rec. 2020, especially when displaying saturated greens. If you want a TV with a wider color gamut, check out the Samsung S95D OLED.

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1,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP

10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP

White Luminance

Red Luminance

Green Luminance

Blue Luminance

Cyan Luminance

Magenta Luminance

Yellow Luminance

The color volume of this TV is amazing. Colors are bright and vibrant and stand out well against bright whites. Dark, saturated colors are also displayed well, thanks to its high contrast ratio.

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White Balance dE

Color dE

Gamma

Color Temperature

Picture Mode

Color Temp Setting

Gamma Setting

Before calibration, this TV has impressive accuracy in SDR. The white balance is excellent, with no noticeable issues in any shade of gray. The color accuracy is good, but saturated blues and reds are noticeably off. Finally, gamma is a bit high, averaging closer to 2.4 even when set to '2.2,' meaning that most content is a bit darker than it should be for a moderately lit room.

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White Balance dE

Color dE

Gamma

Color Temperature

White Balance Calibration

Color Calibration

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50% Std. Dev.

50% DSE

5% Std. Dev.

5% DSE

The Samsung QN90C has good gray uniformity. The sides of the screen are slightly darker than the center, and there are some darker spots throughout the center of the screen. It still looks good when watching sports or browsing the web, though. Near-black uniformity is much better, with no significant issues in dark scenes.

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Std. Dev.

Native Std. Dev.

This TV's black uniformity is excellent. It looks bad with local dimming disabled, but you can only do that from the service menu, so most people will never see this. With local dimming on, dark areas of the screen are deep and uniform, but there's some distracting blooming around the test cross. If you want a QLED TV with better black uniformity than this, check out the TCL QM8/QM850G QLED.

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Color Washout

Color Shift

Brightness Loss

Black Level Raise

Gamma Shift

The Samsung QN90C has a decent viewing angle. The image remains consistent at a moderate angle, but if you move too far off-center, colors fade, and the screen looks washed out. It's also good enough for a moderately wide seating arrangement, as you can move around the room without the image degrading. Due to the switch from VA panels to an ADS (IPS-like) panel, the 2023 QN90-Series TVs no longer feature an ultra-wide viewing angle layer.

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Screen Finish

Total Reflections

Indirect Reflections

Calculated Direct Reflections

The Samsung QN90C has superb reflection handling. The glossy coating looks great and significantly reduces the intensity of direct reflections. Since Samsung switched their 90-Series TVs to ADS (IPS-like) panels, there's no ultra-wide viewing angle layer, so the rainbow distortion that was noticeable on other TVs, like the Samsung QN90B QLED, is no longer an issue.

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100% Black to 50% Gray

50% Gray to 100% White

100% Black to 50% Red

50% Red to 100% Red

100% Black to 50% Green

50% Green to 100% Green

100% Black to 50% Blue

50% Blue to 100% Blue

Gradients in HDR look great for the most part, but there are a few noticeable issues, especially in bright shades of white and blue.

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Smoothing

Detail Preservation

Unfortunately, Samsung'sNeural Quantum Processor 4k is mediocre at smoothing out gradients. Some fine details are lost, and there's still significant macro-blocking, especially in darker areas. If you care about low-quality content smoothing, the Sony X93L offers similar picture quality overall with much better processing.

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Subpixel Layout

Type LED

Sub-Type

This TV uses an ADS-type panel, which is very similar to the more commonly known IPS. Like the Samsung QN85C/QN85CD QLED, it uses an RGB subpixel layout, so it won't have any issues rendering text when used as a PC monitor.

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80% Response Time

100% Response Time

The Samsung QN90C has a great response time, resulting in fairly clear motion when gaming or watching sports. There's some blur around fast-moving objects but almost no overshoot that could result in inverse ghosting.

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Flicker-Free

PWM Dimming Frequency

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Optional BFI

Min Flicker For 60 fps

60Hz For 60 fps

120Hz For 120 fps

Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode

This TV has an optional backlight strobing feature, commonly known as black frame insertion or BFI. This feature reduces blur caused by the TV's fast response time, otherwise known as persistence blur. It works at both 60Hz and 120Hz, but the timing is a bit off, causing a duplicated image.

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Motion Interpolation (30 fps)

Motion Interpolation (60 fps)

This TV has a feature to increase the frame rate of low frame-rate content like movies and TV shows. It's okay overall on this TV, but it performs best in slow-paced scenes. Like most TVs, it doesn't look as good in busy scenes with a lot of action, and there are a lot of artifacts.

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Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps

Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps

Due to the quick pixel response time, low frame rate content, like movies, appears to stutter. It's mainly noticeable in slow panning shots. If this bothers you, the optional motion interpolation or backlight strobing features can help, but those features create other issues, so there's no perfect solution.

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Judder-Free 24p

Judder-Free 24p via 60p

Judder-Free 24p via 60i

Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps

This TV can remove judder from any source; however, for most external sources, you have to set Picture Clarity to 'Auto' or 'Custom' with both sliders at 0 to remove judder without adding any motion interpolation.

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Native Refresh Rate

Variable Refresh Rate

HDMI Forum VRR

FreeSync

G-SYNC Compatible

4k VRR Maximum

4k VRR Minimum

1080p VRR Maximum

1080p VRR Minimum

1440p VRR Maximum

1440p VRR Minimum

VRR + Local Dimming Yes

The Samsung QN90C is compatible with all three variable refresh rate formats, and it works across a very wide refresh rate range, ensuring your games remain nearly tear-free even when your system can't keep up with the action. Note that the 43-inch and 50-inch models have a max refresh rate of 144Hz. If you want a 144Hz refresh rate on a larger model, all sizes of the Samsung QN95C QLED support a 144Hz refresh rate.

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1080p @ 60Hz

1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode

1080p @ 120Hz

1080p @ 144Hz

1440p @ 60Hz

1440p @ 120Hz

1440p @ 144Hz

4k @ 60Hz

4k @ 60Hz + 10-Bit HDR

4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

4k @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode

4k @ 60Hz With Interpolation

4k @ 120Hz

4k @ 144Hz

8k @ 60Hz

The Samsung QN90C has fantastic low input lag in 'Game' Mode. This results in a very responsive gaming experience with almost no noticeable delay between your actions and what you see on-screen.

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Resolution 4k

480p @ 59.94Hz (Widescreen)

720p @ 59.94Hz

1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

1080p @ 120Hz

1080p @ 144Hz

1440p @ 60Hz

1440p @ 120Hz

1440p @ 144Hz

4k @ 60Hz

4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4

4k @ 120Hz

4k @ 120Hz @ 4:4:4

4k @ 144Hz

8k @ 30Hz or 24Hz

8k @ 60Hz

This TV supports all common resolutions up to 4k @ 120Hz. All supported formats display chroma 4:4:4 signals properly, which is essential for clear text from a PC. 4k @ 120Hz signals are displayed properly, with no resolution-halving or other issues. The 43- and 50-inch models also support up to 4k @ 144Hz; this higher refresh rate isn't supported on the larger sizes, even when forced.

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Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

4k @ 120Hz

1440p @ 120Hz

1080p @ 120Hz

HDR

VRR

The Samsung QN90C can take full advantage of the PS5, as it supports up to 4k @ 120Hz on all four HDMI ports, with HDR and VRR support. The TV also automatically switches itself to 'Game' mode when it detects a PlayStation 5.

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Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

4k @ 120Hz

1440p @ 120Hz

1080p @ 120Hz

HDR

VRR

This TV can take almost full advantage of the Xbox Series X|S consoles, as it supports up to 4k @ 120Hz on all four HDMI ports, with HDR and VRR support. The TV also automatically switches itself to 'Game' mode when it detects an Xbox. Unfortunately, the TV doesn't support Dolby Vision for gaming.

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HDR10

HDR10+

Dolby Vision

HLG

HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth

CEC Yes

HDCP 2.2 Yes (HDMI 1,2,3,4)

ATSC Tuner

USB 3.0

Variable Analog Audio Out No

Wi-Fi Support Yes (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)

The Samsung QN90C supports the full 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 on all four HDMI ports, giving you the flexibility to take full advantage of multiple high-bandwidth devices, like if you own both new-gen consoles. Unfortunately, Samsung still doesn't support Dolby Vision; however, it supports HDR10+ instead, which is very similar overall but not as widely supported.

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HDMI 4

USB 2

Digital Optical Audio Out 1

Analog Audio Out 3.5mm 0

Analog Audio Out RCA 0

Component In 0

Composite In 0

Tuner (Cable/Ant) 1

Ethernet 1

DisplayPort 0

IR In 0

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ARC/eARC Port

eARC: Dolby Atmos Over Dolby Digital Plus

eARC: Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

eARC: LPCM 7.1 Over Dolby MAT

eARC: Dolby TrueHD 7.1

eARC: DTS:X Over DTS-HD MA

eARC: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1

eARC: LPCM Channels (Bitstream)

ARC: Dolby Digital 5.1

ARC: DTS 5.1

Optical: Dolby Digital 5.1

Optical: DTS 5.1

This TV supports eARC, which lets it pass uncompressed high-quality audio from a connected source to your soundbar or home theater system without sacrificing audio quality. Sadly, it doesn't support DTS formats, which is disappointing, as many UHD Blu-rays use DTS for their lossless audio tracks.

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Low-Frequency Extension

Std. Dev. @ 70

Std. Dev. @ 80

Std. Dev. @ Max

Max

Dynamic Range Compression

The Samsung QN90 has an okay frequency response. Like most TVs, there's almost no thump or rumble in its bass, so if you enjoy explosions and action movies, even a basic external soundbar or home theater system with a dedicated subwoofer delivers better sound. The sound profile is well-balanced above its low-frequency extension at moderate listening levels, meaning that dialogue is clear and easy to understand. Unfortunately, although it gets fairly loud, there's significant compression at max volume, especially in the mid-to-high treble range.

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Weighted THD @ 80

Weighted THD @ Max

IMD @ 80

IMD @ Max

Overall, the distortion handling of this TV is good. There's little audible distortion at moderate listening levels, and it doesn't increase noticeably even at max volume.

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Smart OS Tizen

Version 2023

Ease of Use

Smoothness

Time Taken to Select YouTube

Time Taken to Change Backlight

Advanced Options

The Samsung QN90C TV runs the 2023 version of Tizen OS, which is fast and easy to use. The Smart Hub interface is smooth and has many advanced options, and it's easy to find your favorite content.

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Ads

Opt-out

Suggested Content in Home

Opt-out of Suggested Content

Unfortunately, like most TVs on the market, the Samsung QN90C has ads throughout its interface, and there's no option to disable them completely. There are a few privacy-related options, so you can limit things like ad-tracking, but this doesn't reduce the number of ads you see, as it just makes them less personalized.

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App Selection

App Smoothness

Cast Capable

USB Drive Playback

USB Drive HDR Playback

HDR in Netflix

HDR in YouTube

The included apps cover most of the common streaming services, and there's a great selection of additional apps available in Samsung's app store.

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Size

Voice Control

CEC Menu Control

Other Smart Features

Remote App Samsung SmartThings

The remote is very slim, compact, and easy to use. It has a built-in rechargeable battery with a solar panel on the back of the remote. You can also recharge it via USB-C if it dies unexpectedly. The TV is compatible with Bixby and Amazon's Alexa, and both the remote and TV have integrated microphones. The voice commands work well; you can tell the TV to change inputs, ask it to open apps, or ask for the weather. Unfortunately, you can't search for content within apps using voice, and you can't change the TV's brightness through voice commands like you can on the Samsung QN85C/QN85CD QLED.

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The controls are on the bottom bezel of the TV near the right corner. There's a single button to power the TV on/off and change channels, volume, and inputs.

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Power Consumption 57 W

Power Consumption (Max) 180 W

Firmware 1123

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