Samsung OLED S90C Review: In‑Depth Specs, Features, and Buying Guide

The Samsung OLED S90C is one of the standout 4K TVs in Samsung’s lineup, blending bright QD‑OLED picture quality, powerful gaming features, and modern smart functionality into a sleek package. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from display tech and sound to gaming performance and real‑world use. Whether you’re picking a TV for movies, sports, or gaming, this guide has you covered.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung OLED S90C sports a LaserSlim design that gives it an ultra‑thin profile and minimal bezels. This makes it look modern and elegant whether mounted on a wall or placed on a stand. Its light frame and slim edges mean it blends well in most living rooms. The anti‑reflection coating helps make the display more viewable under bright lights, reducing glare.

The design prioritizes a clean look, but the very thin build can make accessing rear ports after wall mounting slightly challenging for some users.

Display Technology & Picture Quality

QD‑OLED Panel Explained

At the heart of the Samsung OLED S90C is a Quantum Dot OLED (QD‑OLED) panel. This hybrid tech combines the deep blacks of traditional OLED with the enhanced brightness and richer colors of quantum dots. The result is vibrant, contrast‑rich images with excellent color depth.

Resolution & Refresh Rate

• 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) — ideal for movies, TV shows, and gaming.
  
• 120 Hz native refresh rate, up to 144 Hz under specific conditions, especially useful in gaming setups.
  

Higher refresh rates mean smoother motion — especially in fast‑paced games and sports. The panel’s strong response time and motion handling make action scenes look fluid and crisp.

HDR Support and Formats

The TV supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, delivering bright highlights and deep blacks that make HDR content pop. One notable omission is Dolby Vision, a dynamic HDR format favored on many streaming platforms. Its absence means Dolby Vision content won’t render with enhanced metadata, defaulting instead to HDR10 formats.

Color and Contrast

Thanks to QD‑OLED technology, the Samsung OLED S90C has a broad color gamut and intense contrast. Deep blacks and rich hues stand out in both dark and bright scenes, making movies and games more immersive than on many traditional LCD TVs.

Performance: Movies, Sports, and Gaming

Movies and TV Shows

This TV shines when watching movies and high‑quality video content. Its deep blacks and wide color range make films feel cinematic in dark room conditions. SDR content also appears detailed, and the Neural Quantum Processor 4K upscales lower‑resolution material to near‑4K quality.

Motion is handled well thanks to Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro, which improves clarity in fast scenes like sports and action films.

Gaming: Low Input Lag and VRR

Gamers will appreciate the Samsung OLED S90C for several reasons:

• 4 HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth support.
  
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smoother gameplay.
  
• 144 Hz refresh available, especially on PC connections, for ultra‑smooth visuals.
  

Performance tests show very low input lag and quick response times, making this TV excellent for consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as gaming PCs.

Note: On consoles, the refresh is capped at 120 Hz even though the panel can reach 144 Hz in PC mode.

Audio & Sound Features

The Samsung OLED S90C includes a 2.1‑channel speaker system with around 40 W RMS output and support for Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound technologies.

The soundstage is decent for general listening, offering clearer dialogue and immersive 3D effects compared to basic TV audio. However, bass response remains limited — most buyers consider pairing the TV with a soundbar or home theater system for movies and larger rooms.

The Q‑Symphony feature allows the TV speakers to work in conjunction with compatible Samsung soundbars for a fuller audio experience.

Smart TV Features & User Interface

Samsung’s Tizen OS powers the smart features on the Samsung OLED S90C. The platform includes many popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and gaming services via the Samsung Gaming Hub.

Voice assistants and connectivity with smart devices (e.g., Samsung SmartThings) are supported. However, some users find the interface slightly clunky or cluttered compared to competitors like Google TV or Roku.

Connectivity & Ports

The TV offers a solid range of ports and connections:

• 4× HDMI 2.1 inputs — great for multiple consoles and streaming devices.
  
• 2× USB ports, Ethernet, optical audio, and antenna input.
  
• Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connections.
  

These options cover most modern home entertainment setups, from gaming consoles to media players and streaming sticks.

Competitor Comparisons

When comparing Samsung OLED S90C with other OLED TVs — including models like LG C3 or Sony A80L — a few key differences emerge:

• Brightness and color: QD‑OLED panels often have higher brightness and vibrant colors than traditional WOLED panels.
  
• Dolby Vision: LG and Sony models often support Dolby Vision, which Samsung does not.
  
• Gaming features: S90C competes strongly thanks to full HDMI 2.1 support and better gaming tools.
  

In general, the S90C offers strong overall performance, with advantages in brightness and gaming, while competitors may edge it out slightly in HDR format support.

Practical Buying Advice

Choosing the Right Size

The Samsung OLED S90C is available in multiple sizes — typically 55″, 65″, and 77″. Larger screens suit bigger rooms and home theater setups, while 55″ or 65″ are excellent for living rooms and gaming spaces.

Best Use Cases

✔ Movies and series lovers: Excellent HDR performance and deep blacks.
✔ Gamers: Exceptional response times, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 support.
✔ Bright rooms: QD‑OLED brightness and anti‑reflection help visibility.
✔ Smart features: Tizen OS with many apps and voice features.

Consider a Soundbar

For a fuller audio experience — especially with movies — adding a soundbar is recommended due to the TV’s modest built‑in bass.

Verdict: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright and vivid QD‑OLED display with deep contrast.
  
• Strong gaming capabilities with full HDMI 2.1 support and low input lag.
  
• Good HDR performance, upscaled through advanced AI processing.
  
• Sleek, modern design and excellent reflection handling.
  

Cons

• No Dolby Vision support, a drawback for some HDR content.
  
• Tizen UI feels complex or cluttered to some users.
  
• Built‑in audio is good but not immersive for cinema setups.
  

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Samsung OLED S90C stands out as a compelling choice for anyone looking for a high‑quality OLED TV with excellent gaming performance and bright, vibrant picture quality. While the lack of Dolby Vision and occasionally clunky interface may be downsides for some users, its strong overall performance and features make it a solid pick in its class. Whether you’re watching movies, sports, or playing the latest games, this TV handles it all with style and power.