ZDNET’s comprehensive assessment highlights several notable strengths and a few limitations of the Samsung QN90F television, ultimately painting a full picture of its performance and value in the competitive premium-display market.
To begin, the QN90F earns immediate praise for its superb visual fidelity and remarkably immersive sound profile. The combination of Samsung’s high‑end QLED technology with its advanced sound‑tracking abilities results in a television that not only renders content with razor‑sharp clarity but also provides a satisfying auditory experience. For everyday entertainment—whether you are streaming the latest Netflix series, watching dynamic sports broadcasts, or enjoying cinematic releases—the display’s extensive brightness range and detailed color reproduction create an image that feels rich and lifelike. Its thoughtful configuration options further enhance usability, giving viewers convenient access to essential adjustments without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity.
During a recent evaluation at the ZDNET testing lab in Louisville, I had the opportunity to examine how the QN90F performs in an authentic setting, away from the controlled perfection of manufacturer showrooms. This hands‑on approach revealed a true sense of how the device behaves on a daily basis—from handling subtle visual gradients to managing color consistency across varying brightness levels. When compared to the highly acclaimed S95F OLED, a model considered one of the standout televisions of the year by ZDNET’s experts, the QN90F delivered a performance that came impressively close. Its display was nearly equal in vibrancy and fine detail reproduction while offering marginally superior sound spatialization, suggesting Samsung’s QLED engineering continues to evolve in impressive fashion. For consumers, this means they can expect premium‑level results at a more approachable price point, unless they specifically prioritize features exclusive to the OLED lineup, such as the optional OneConnect box.
Performance tests covered an array of everyday uses—streaming, casual and competitive gaming, and cinematic playback—each revealing nuanced insights. Collaborating with lab engineers, we also employed Calman software verification to assess how accurately the QLED panel could replicate both full‑color (RGB) and monochrome imagery. The outcome demonstrated consistently reliable rendering, although the color tone favored warmer hues. In contrast to the S90F, whose display exhibited a noticeable blue tint during calibration, the QN90F’s inclination toward warm tones lends many scenes a subtly more inviting and organic appearance. This warmth can, on rare occasions, cause overly saturated visuals, especially when the built‑in blue light filter is enabled; nonetheless, it contributes positively to most content by avoiding the stark, somewhat sterile feel common to cooler‑temperature panels.
The effect proves particularly pleasant when viewing classic black‑and‑white films such as Casablanca. Under the QN90F’s interpretation, monochromatic frames acquire a faint sepia resonance, delivering an almost nostalgic aesthetic that feels more authentic than the cold blue‑gray cast generated by its OLED counterpart. Contrast levels, a defining feature of premium displays, remain on par with those found in the higher‑priced models: deep, inky blacks coexist alongside luminous highlights, ensuring every scene retains its intended depth and realism. Fine details—skin texture, textile folds, and micro‑patterns—consistently display accurately across all modes, though the AI‑assisted setting occasionally softens motion sequences or rapid-cut movie edits. Nevertheless, this minor quirk barely detracts from an otherwise well‑rounded visual performance.
Audio is where the QN90F demonstrably distinguishes itself. While the S95F prioritizes extreme thinness, that design constraint appears to limit its acoustic fullness. The QN90F, though still slim, benefits from slightly more internal volume, allowing for improved resonance and a sound image that feels broader and more dimensional even without an external sound system. When tested with different genres—from elaborate movie musicals to rhythm and puzzle games—the television consistently delivered fuller mid‑ranges and crisp highs, creating a robust, theater‑like atmosphere. This makes it particularly attractive to users seeking a self‑contained setup with minimal accessories.
Gamers will appreciate the specialized dashboard Samsung includes on the QN90F, offering dedicated controls over input latency, refresh rates, and game‑mode optimization. For most action‑adventure or shooter titles, response times proved more than adequate, as demonstrated through smooth play sessions in demanding games such as Ghost of Tsushima and Judgment. However, when evaluating rhythm‑based or precision‑platforming titles—genres that rely on near‑instantaneous feedback—a faint but perceptible delay can appear. It is seldom severe enough to disrupt casual play, though competitive enthusiasts or speed‑runners might find it slightly limiting.
Despite these many positives, setup remains one of the few significant pain points. Although physically assembling the television is simpler than constructing the S95F, the digital initialization process feels unnecessarily drawn out. Users must navigate a cascade of privacy statements, end‑user agreements, and repetitive app recommendations before reaching the actual home screen—a potentially frustrating hurdle for anyone eager to begin streaming immediately. Additionally, the absence of nuanced calibration tools, such as manual control over color temperature or precise contrast and sharpness sliders, restricts advanced users from creating truly personalized picture profiles. The four preset modes—Standard, Movie, Filmmaker, and AI‑Assisted—do an admirable job accommodating different viewing contexts, but they do not replace the flexibility that a comprehensive professional mode could provide.
Ultimately, ZDNET’s recommendation is clear: the Samsung QN90F stands as one of the most balanced choices available for buyers seeking exceptional picture and sound quality without paying OLED‑tier prices. Its visual warmth, superior brightness, and enveloping soundscape make it an especially enjoyable option for traditional cinema lovers, while still catering well to contemporary streaming and gaming needs. During major sales seasons, such as Black Friday, the television becomes an even more compelling purchase. Although a few compromises exist—the limited customization tools and minor latency lag—the sheer value, combined with the durability and refinement of Samsung’s design, render the QN90F a standout model within the premium QLED category.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/im-not-considering-any-other-samsung-tv-this-black-friday-when-this-model-is-50-off/
