TV Technology Review

Samsung S90F QD-OLED:
​Is this the Best TV of 2026?

Business Insider called this the best TV of 2026. But here are our thoughts...

1,400-1,500
Peak Nits (S90F)
QD-OLED
Panel Tech
144Hz
Refresh Rate
$1,299
Starting Price

Quick Take

The Samsung S90F strikes the perfect balance between performance and price. With QD-OLED technology delivering stunning contrast and colors in a glossy panel, it's ideal for dark rooms. Note: The S95F flagship gets brighter (2,100+ nits) with a matte "glare-free" screen and One Connect box, but costs roughly $1,000 more.

February 2026
8 min read
Scroll for full review

Business Insider Said It's the Best TV of 2026

If you've been following TV recommendations this year, you've likely seen the buzz: Business Insider named the Samsung S90F the best TV of 2026. It's positioned as the "sweet spot" OLED that delivers premium performance without the flagship price tag.

But let's dig deeper. While we're big fans of the S90F, we believe in giving you the complete picture, including how it stacks up against the competition and where it might not be the right choice for everyone.

In our experience mounting hundreds of TVs throughout Colorado, we've seen every type of panel technology imaginable. The S90F is genuinely impressive, but it's important to understand exactly what you're getting and what alternatives exist.

How It Fits In: The 4 Best TVs of 2026

Business Insider's roundup of the best TVs of 2026 placed the Samsung S90F at the top of the list, calling it the "sweet spot" for most buyers. The publication also recommended:

  • TCL QM6K, Favorite value pick for budget-conscious buyers
  • Midrange Option Balance of price and performance
  • Premium Splurge Top-tier performance for those who want the best

But here's the thing, the right choice depends entirely on your room, viewing habits, and budget. Let's break it all down so you can decide if the S90F is truly right for you.

Samsung S95F QD-OLED TV side profile showing ultra-thin design

Ultra-thin profile

Also Consider

Meet the Samsung S95F, The Premium Flagship

If budget isn't a concern, the Samsung S95F is Samsung's flagship QD-OLED for 2025/2026. It shares the same NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor as the S90F, but that's where many similarities end.

The S95F features a matte "glare-free" coating that virtually eliminates reflections, making it the best OLED for bright living rooms. It also includes the Slim One Connect Box for a clean, ultra-thin wall-mounted look with no cables visible.

S90F vs S95F: Key Differences

  • Brightness: S95F reaches 2,100+ nits vs S90F's 1,400-1,500 nits
  • Screen: S95F has matte coating (glare-free) vs S90F's glossy
  • Design: S95F has One Connect box, under 0.5" thick
  • Sound: S95F has 70W 4.2.2 vs S90F's 40W 2.1 channel
  • Price: S95F costs roughly $1,000 more than S90F

Pricing & Available Sizes

One of the S90F's biggest strengths is its range of sizes and competitive pricing

Size Model Number Panel Type Avg. Price
42" QN42S90F WOLED $999
48" QN48S90F WOLED $1,099
55" POPULAR QN55S90F QD-OLED $1,497
65" BEST VALUE QN65S90F QD-OLED $1,299
77" QN77S90F QD-OLED $1,997
83" QN83S90F WOLED $3,499

Important Panel Type Note

Only the 55", 65", and 77" models use Samsung's premium QD-OLED panels. The 42", 48", and 83" versions use standard WOLED panels, which still deliver excellent image quality but don't quite match the color vibrancy and peak brightness of the QD-OLED variants. If maximum color pop is important to you, stick with the 55", 65", or 77" sizes.

What the S90F Is, and Isn't, Right For

Perfect For

  • Movie & TV Enthusiasts

    QD-OLED delivers pixel-level contrast, rich colors, and deep blacks that make movies and shows really pop.

  • PC & Console Gamers

    144Hz refresh rate (VRR) on PC, 120Hz on PS5/Xbox Series X, plus 4x HDMI 2.1 ports for all your gaming gear.

  • Large Living Rooms

    Excellent viewing angles mean everyone sees accurate colors regardless of where they sit.

  • Bright Rooms

    ~1,450 nits peak brightness handles ambient light well, though blacks rise slightly with the lights on.

  • Value-Conscious Buyers

    The 65" at ~$1,500 delivers flagship-level picture quality at a fraction of the premium OLED price.

Consider Alternatives If

  • Dark Room Cinephiles

    While blacks are deep, some premium OLEDs (especially LG's G5) achieve slightly darker blacks in pitch-black rooms.

  • Dolby Vision Fans

    Samsung doesn't support Dolby Vision, only HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Most streaming content is fine, but 4K Blu-ray collectors may notice.

  • OTA Broadcast Watchers

    No ATSC 3.0 tuner means you'll need an external box for 4K over-the-air broadcasts.

  • Strict Budget Buyers

    At $1,000+, it's not cheap. The TCL QM6K offers solid performance for significantly less if budget is priority.

  • Wall Flush Fans

    While slim at 1.6", it has a central stand. The S95F or Frame TV might be better for truly flush wall mounting.

Key Technical Specifications

Processor

NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with 128 AI neural networks for superior 4K upscaling

Brightness

1,150-1,450 nits peak HDR brightness

Refresh Rate

Native 120Hz, up to 144Hz VRR for PC gaming

HDMI

4x HDMI 2.1 ports (4K/120Hz capable)

Audio

2.1 channel 40W with Dolby Atmos

Smart OS

Tizen OS (7 years of OS updates promised)

Our Thoughts

Our Take on the Samsung S90F

After extensive research and hands-on analysis, we believe the Samsung S90F is the best TV for most people in 2026. Business Insider named it the best TV of 2026, and we tend to agree with that assessment.

Here's why: The S90F strikes that rare balance between flagship-level performance and accessible pricing. At around $1,500 for the 65-inch model, you're getting QD-OLED technology that was exclusive to $3,000+ TVs just two years ago. The pixel-level contrast control means movies actually look like movies. Those deep blacks and blinding highlights create that cinematic experience we all crave.

For gamers, the 144Hz refresh rate (with VRR support) on PC and 120Hz on current-gen consoles makes this a future-proof choice. Combined with 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, you won't be swapping cables between your PS5, Xbox, and gaming PC.

Is it perfect? No TV is. The lack of Dolby Vision is noticeable for some 4K Blu-ray collectors, and the Tizen interface could use some organizational improvements. But these are minor nitpicks against what is fundamentally an exceptional television that delivers premium OLED performance without the premium OLED price tag.

4.7
Overall Rating
9.5
Picture
9.0
Gaming
8.5
Smart TV

Our Review of the S90F

If you're looking for the best all-around TV that won't break the bank, the Samsung S90F is our top recommendation. It's the TV we'd buy for our own living rooms.

Get It Mounted Compare to TCL X11L

Where to Buy the Samsung S90F & S95F

Ready to bring home the ultimate home theater experience? Here's where to get your Samsung QD-OLED TV.

Samsung S90F QD-OLED

65-inch Class Smart QD-OLED TV

Shop on Amazon

Samsung S95F QD-OLED (Premium Upgrade)

65-inch Class Smart QD-OLED 4K with OLED Glare Free

Shop on Amazon
Free Shipping Amazon Protected Easy Returns 1-Year Warranty

Pro Tip: Need professional installation? Book our TV mounting service and we'll set up your new S90F or S95F perfectly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Samsung S90F

What is the Samsung S90F price?

The Samsung S90F pricing varies by size. The 65-inch model averages around $1,299, making it the sweet spot of the lineup. Smaller sizes start at $999 (42") and $1,099 (48"), while the larger 77-inch comes in at $1,997 and the 83-inch at $3,499. Note that only the 55", 65", and 77" models feature the premium QD-OLED panels.

What sizes does the Samsung S90F come in?

The Samsung S90F is available in six sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 83-inch. However, only the 55", 65", and 77" models use Samsung's premium QD-OLED panels. The smaller 42" and 48" models, as well as the larger 83" model, use standard WOLED panels which still deliver excellent picture quality but with slightly narrower color range.

Is the Samsung S90F good for gaming?

Yes, the Samsung S90F is excellent for gaming. It features a native 120Hz refresh rate with support for up to 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) when connected to a compatible gaming PC. With 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, you can connect multiple consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) and a gaming PC simultaneously. It also includes Samsung's Gaming Hub with built-in access to Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now for console-free streaming.

Does the Samsung S90F support Dolby Vision?

No, the Samsung S90F does not support Dolby Vision. Like all Samsung TVs, it uses HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats instead. While Dolby Vision offers some picture quality benefits for certain content, the difference is subtle at this level, and most streaming content (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) works perfectly fine with HDR10+.

What is the difference between QD-OLED and WOLED?

QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) uses quantum dot technology to produce brighter, more vibrant colors than standard WOLED panels. The 55", 65", and 77" Samsung S90F models use QD-OLED, while the 42", 48", and 83" sizes use WOLED. Both produce excellent picture quality, but QD-OLED has a wider color gamut and can achieve higher peak brightness levels, making it better for bright room viewing and HDR content.

How bright is the Samsung S90F?

The Samsung S90F can hit approximately 1,150-1,450 nits peak brightness in HDR mode, making it one of the brightest mid-range OLED TVs available. This level of brightness is impressive for an OLED panel and ensures that HDR highlights (explosions, sun flares, etc.) have realistic impact. Most HDR content is mastered at around 1,000 nits, so the S90F can fully reproduce those highlights as intended.

Does the S90F need professional mounting?

While the S90F can be wall-mounted by homeowners, we highly recommend professional installation for several reasons: the OLED panel is delicate and expensive to replace, proper cable management ensures a clean look, and professional mounters can achieve perfect leveling. At 1.6 inches deep, the S90F is ideal for flush wall mounting. We offer professional TV mounting services across Colorado, book your installation today.

Is there a newer model than the S90F?

Yes, Samsung has announced the S90H, a 2026 version of this TV. However, pricing has not been confirmed yet, and it's unclear how significant of an upgrade it will offer. The S90F is expected to remain the better value while supplies last. If you're looking to buy now, the S90F remains our top recommendation for its proven performance and competitive pricing.