Samsung OLED 4K S90F Smart TV Review: Premium Picture Meets Smart Features

The Samsung OLED 4K S90F Smart TV arrives as a flagship model that blends stunning visual performance with intelligent functionality. Positioned at the upper tier of Samsung’s 2024 lineup, this television targets discerning viewers who demand both cinematic quality and seamless smart home integration. With a 4K OLED panel at its core, the S90F promises deep blacks, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp detail—hallmarks of premium display technology.

Samsung has long been a leader in OLED innovation, and the S90F builds on that legacy with an updated processor, improved smart features, and a design that complements modern living spaces. This review explores what sets the S90F apart, its real-world performance, and how it fits into today’s competitive TV market.

Display Technology: What Makes the S90F Stand Out

The S90F’s 4K OLED panel is the star of the show. Unlike traditional LED TVs, OLED pixels emit their own light, allowing for perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. This technology eliminates the blooming effect seen in LED backlit displays, where bright areas bleed into darker ones. Samsung enhances this with its Neural Quantum Processor 4K, which optimizes picture quality dynamically based on content.

Key display features include:

• 4K OLED Panel: Self-emissive pixels deliver deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion.
• Quantum HDR: Expands the dynamic range, ensuring highlights appear vivid without losing detail in shadows.
• Anti-Glare Screen: Reduces reflections, making the TV usable in brightly lit rooms.
• Ultra Viewing Angle: Maintains color accuracy and contrast even when viewed from the sides.

The combination of OLED and Samsung’s processing power creates a viewing experience that rivals high-end projectors in dark rooms while outperforming them in well-lit environments. For cinephiles and gamers alike, the S90F’s motion handling—boosted by AMD FreeSync Premium—ensures fluid gameplay and minimal blur during fast-paced scenes.

Smart Features: The Operating System Takes Center Stage

Samsung’s Tizen OS remains one of the most intuitive smart TV platforms available. The S90F runs on the latest iteration, offering faster app launches, smoother navigation, and improved voice control via Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant. While Tizen’s app ecosystem isn’t as expansive as some competitors, it covers all major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.

The S90F also supports SmartThings, Samsung’s home automation hub. This integration allows users to control compatible smart devices directly from the TV interface, turning the S90F into a central hub for connected homes. Features like device pairing, automation routines, and even on-screen notifications for smart sensors add practical value beyond entertainment.

However, the smart experience isn’t without limitations. Samsung’s ecosystem can feel restrictive for users invested in non-Samsung devices, and the absence of Apple TV or native YouTube TV support may deter some. Still, for those already within Samsung’s ecosystem, the S90F offers a cohesive and responsive experience.

Design and Build: A TV That Fits Modern Décor

Samsung’s design philosophy for the S90F emphasizes minimalism and elegance. The television features a slim profile with a nearly borderless screen, maximizing the viewing area while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The stand is sturdy yet understated, designed to complement rather than dominate a living space.

The back of the TV is clean, with all ports and connections neatly organized. This attention to detail extends to cable management, as the S90F includes a built-in cable tray to keep setups tidy. The included remote is another highlight—slim, lightweight, and equipped with a solar-powered battery, reducing the need for frequent charging.

For those concerned about wall mounting, the S90F supports VESA 400×400 standards, making it compatible with most full-motion mounts. The anti-glare coating also ensures the screen remains readable in various lighting conditions, a practical consideration for open-plan living areas.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

To evaluate the S90F’s capabilities, we tested it across multiple scenarios: movie nights, gaming sessions, and daytime viewing. In dark rooms, the OLED panel shines, delivering a theater-like experience with true blacks and rich, nuanced colors. Films like Dune and The Batman benefited from the Quantum HDR, which brought out subtle details in shadows without washing out highlights.

Gaming performance was equally impressive. The 120Hz refresh rate, combined with FreeSync Premium, eliminated screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. Titles like Elden Ring and Forza Horizon 5 ran smoothly, with the S90F’s low input lag (measured at 9.8ms) ensuring responsive controls. The inclusion of four HDMI 2.1 ports also future-proofs the TV for upcoming consoles and PCs.

Daytime viewing posed the biggest challenge, but the anti-glare screen held up well. While OLED screens can suffer from reflections in bright environments, Samsung’s matte coating significantly mitigated this issue. Colors remained vibrant, though brightness levels maxed out at around 800 nits—adequate for most living rooms but not as bright as high-end QLED models.

Sound quality is another area where the S90F excels. While external soundbars or AV receivers are still recommended for true audiophile setups, the built-in 60W speakers deliver clear dialogue and surprisingly robust bass for a TV of this size. Samsung’s partnership with Harman Kardon ensures a balanced audio profile, though dedicated sound systems will always provide a more immersive experience.

Broader Implications: Where Does the S90F Fit in the Market?

The Samsung OLED 4K S90F arrives at a pivotal moment for the TV industry. OLED technology continues to evolve, with LG and Sony pushing boundaries in color accuracy and brightness. Meanwhile, QLED and Mini-LED TVs from Samsung and others are closing the gap in picture quality while offering higher peak brightness. The S90F’s competitive edge lies in its balance of performance, features, and price—positioned as a premium but not exorbitantly priced option.

For consumers, the choice between OLED and QLED often comes down to priorities. OLED excels in contrast and viewing angles, making it ideal for dark rooms and cinematic experiences. QLED, on the other hand, offers higher brightness and better color volume in well-lit spaces. The S90F’s anti-glare screen narrows this gap, but it’s still not a match for the brightest QLED models in sunlit rooms.

The smart TV landscape is also evolving, with Google TV and webOS gaining ground on Tizen. Samsung’s decision to stick with Tizen reflects its focus on integration with its own ecosystem, but it may limit appeal for users who prefer third-party platforms. The S90F’s strength lies in its reliability and ease of use, making it a safe choice for those who prioritize stability over cutting-edge features.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Samsung OLED 4K S90F?

The Samsung OLED 4K S90F is a compelling choice for several types of buyers. Home theater enthusiasts will appreciate the OLED panel’s superior contrast and color accuracy, while gamers will benefit from the 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support. Smart home users invested in Samsung’s ecosystem will find the SmartThings integration particularly useful.

However, the S90F isn’t without trade-offs. The lack of a brighter QLED-like experience may disappoint those with sunlit living rooms, and the Tizen OS, while polished, lacks the app variety of competitors like webOS or Google TV. Additionally, the price point—typically around $2,500 for the 65-inch model—places it in the premium tier, which may be out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.

For those who can afford it, the S90F delivers a premium viewing experience that justifies its cost. It’s a TV that excels in almost every category, from picture quality to smart features, making it one of the best all-around options of the year. If Samsung continues to refine its OLED technology and expand its ecosystem, future models could push the boundaries even further.

In a market crowded with options, the Samsung OLED 4K S90F stands out as a well-rounded, high-performance television that doesn’t compromise on key features. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a living room or a gaming setup, this TV delivers where it matters most.