Let's dive into the world of high-end OLED TVs and explore the Samsung S95H, a model that promises an immersive viewing experience but falls short of its 'Ultra' Frame TV aspirations. Personally, I think it's fascinating how these TV manufacturers try to outdo each other year after year, and the S95H is a prime example of this competitive spirit.
The Promise of the S95H
The S95H is an intriguing addition to Samsung's lineup, especially with its unique ability to display static artwork, a feature not commonly associated with OLED technology. However, what many people don't realize is that this TV has some limitations when it comes to its 'art mode', which I'll delve into later.
Picture Quality: A Mixed Bag
While the S95H boasts punchy picture quality and an impressive antireflective screen, it struggles with HDR colors, which are inaccurate. This is a significant drawback, especially for those seeking an immersive viewing experience. The TV's brightness is a highlight, making it an excellent choice for gamers, but it's not without its trade-offs.
Design and Remote: A Mixed Bag of Innovations
The design of the S95H is a departure from Samsung's previous flagship TVs, with an external connection box replaced by a thick metal surround. This new design element is controversial, and while it houses the old connect box circuitry, it also makes the TV thicker than its predecessor. However, the easy-to-assemble stand is a welcome upgrade. The remote, on the other hand, is a minimalist design powered by a solar panel, but its lack of functionality might frustrate power users.
Smart TV and AI: A Streamlined Experience
In an era where AI is king, the S95H boasts a range of AI-powered features, including an AI Soccer Mode and the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor. While these features add value, the real standout is Samsung's effort to streamline the smart TV experience. The redesigned menu is cleaner and better organized, making navigation a breeze. However, I can't help but wonder if the gesture control feature, which allows control via a Samsung Galaxy Watch, is a gimmick that few will use.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to its competitors, the S95H has its strengths and weaknesses. It outperforms the LG G5 in terms of shadow detail and balance, but falls short against the LG G6, which offers more accurate colors and a better antireflective coating. The Hisense U7, on the other hand, offers similar performance to the S95H but at a lower price point.
The Bottom Line
The Samsung S95H OLED TV is a solid choice for gamers and those seeking a bright, responsive display. However, its inaccurate HDR colors and lack of Ambient mode for artwork display are significant drawbacks. While it has its strengths, it's not quite the 'Ultra' Frame TV that Samsung promised. In my opinion, if you're looking for an all-round excellent OLED TV, you might be better off with last year's model or considering rival brands like LG or Sony.
