Samsung S95H OLED Review: A Mixed Bag of Features and Performance
The Samsung S95H OLED TV is a high-end display that promises a lot, but does it deliver? Let's dive into the details and find out.
Design and Build Quality
The S95H boasts a sleek and modern design, with a 1-inch-thick metal surround that houses the old connection box circuitry. While it's a bold design choice, it's not without its drawbacks. The TV is thicker than its predecessor, and the separate box that kept the previous model thin is now gone. The remote is also a minimalist affair, with a solar-powered clicker, but it lacks the functionality of a dedicated input button.
Picture Quality and Antireflective Coating
The S95H's picture quality is impressive, with a 30% increase in brightness year-over-year. It's one of the best antireflective screens yet, rejecting all but the brightest lights. However, in a lit room, black levels are slightly gray, and the TV adjusts brightness and color based on ambient light, which can be a nuisance. The HDR colors are also inaccurate, with visible color differences in program material.
Artwork and Ambient Mode
The S95H is the first OLED TV to display static art for extended periods, thanks to its multiple image retention mitigation technologies. It's a unique feature, but it's a manual process, and there's no ambient mode to display an image when you turn off the TV.
Smart TV and AI Features
The S95H has a horde of AI-flavored technologies, including an AI Soccer Mode and an NQ4 AI Gen3 processor for image processing and upscaling. The smart TV system is streamlined and better organized, with a redesigned menu that starts with an information cluster. However, the gesture control is underutilized, and the lack of Dolby Vision HDR may be a deal-breaker for some.
Gaming Performance
The S95H is a gamer's dream, with low lag and responsive performance. It's bright and able to illuminate shadowy parts of the map, but the default settings may be too lurid. The Game Mode settings can be adjusted to reduce color control.
Conclusion
The Samsung S95H OLED TV is a mixed bag of features and performance. While it has some impressive capabilities, such as its antireflective coating and artwork display, it also has some drawbacks, such as inaccurate HDR colors and a lack of ambient mode. Overall, it's a solid choice for gamers and those who want a high-end display, but it may not be the best option for those seeking a more balanced TV.
In my opinion, the S95H is a step forward in OLED technology, but it's not without its flaws. It's a TV that shines in certain areas but falls short in others. If you're considering a purchase, weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your specific needs and preferences.
