Samsung QE65S90F: A Refined Step Forward in OLED Innovation

Samsung continues to push the envelope in OLED TV technology, and the QE65S90F is a prime example. This 2025 model builds on the success of last year’s acclaimed S90D, delivering subtle but meaningful upgrades in picture quality, user experience, and smart features. The QE65S90F isn’t just a refresh—it’s a carefully tuned evolution.

Whether you’re a movie lover, a competitive gamer, or someone who just wants a stunning centerpiece for your living room, the S90F aims to check all the boxes. So how well does it succeed? Let’s dive into the details.

Design & Build: Sleek, Subtle Sophistication

At a glance, the S90F looks very similar to its predecessor—and that’s not a bad thing. Samsung sticks with the tried-and-true minimalist aesthetic: an ultra-slim profile, almost invisible bezels, and a refined satin-silver stand that subtly signals the generational shift (Samsung designates ‘F’ for 2025, skipping ‘E’).

The build quality is top-tier, with no visible screws or messy protrusions. The 65-inch variant features Samsung’s proprietary QD-OLED panel technology, ensuring an ultra-thin form factor that still houses powerful internals and a robust sound system.

Smart Features & Usability: Smarter, Faster, Friendlier

Samsung’s Tizen OS gets a quieter, more polished upgrade this year. The interface feels more intuitive, with improved navigation, better organization, and a smart search function that actually works. Menus no longer take over the entire screen, making tweaks during playback much less disruptive.

The SolarCell remote stays mostly the same in design, but usability has improved. Quick access to recently used settings, customizable transparency levels, and refined on-screen elements all contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable user experience.

For live TV fans, the built-in EPG is now clearer, and features like USB recording, live pause, and subtitle translation are more accessible than ever. Whether you’re watching satellite, cable, or antenna, the S90F is ready to enhance your experience.

Picture Quality: OLED Excellence with QD-OLED Firepower

This is where the S90F truly shines. Leveraging Samsung’s latest QD-OLED panel, the TV produces stunning HDR imagery with breathtaking brightness, color volume, and contrast. Peak brightness exceeds 1800 nits, making highlights in HDR content absolutely pop.

In Filmmaker Mode, the TV delivers near-reference-grade accuracy, with excellent upscaling of HD and even SD content thanks to the AI-powered Neo Quantum 4K Gen 3 processor. Skin tones, textures, and shadows are beautifully rendered—even without Dolby Vision (which Samsung still omits).

Unlike the flagship S95D, the S90F lacks the new matte anti-glare coating, so reflections can be more pronounced in bright rooms. However, it still handles ambient light better than many competitors, thanks to its semi-gloss finish that diffuses light effectively.

Motion handling is another highlight. With a refresh rate up to 144Hz, low response times, and customizable motion smoothing, fast-paced scenes—from action films to football matches—stay crisp and fluid.

Audio: Better Than You’d Expect—But Bring a Soundbar

The built-in 2.1-channel speaker system does a solid job, especially with dialogue clarity and general TV watching. For blockbuster films or gaming, however, it reaches its limits. The good news? Pairing with a compatible Samsung soundbar unlocks Q-Symphony, a feature that uses both TV and soundbar speakers in unison for a fuller, richer audio experience.

If you’re going all-in on immersion, a dedicated sound system will elevate the S90F from great to extraordinary.

Gaming Features: Next-Gen Ready

Gamers will find a lot to love here. The S90F includes four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Whether you’re on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a high-end PC, this TV is ready for high-performance gaming.

Samsung’s Game Bar lets you tweak settings on the fly, and input lag is minimal—even in graphically intense titles. Cloud gaming services are also fully supported for those cutting the console cord.

Connectivity & Ports: Everything You Need

• 4x HDMI 2.1 (eARC included)

• 2x USB 2.0 for media or recording

• Optical audio out

• LAN/Ethernet + Wi-Fi (802.11n)

• Bluetooth 5.3

The only omission? A dedicated headphone jack. Wireless audio is the only way to go here, but that’s becoming increasingly common in 2025.

QD-OLED Variants & Price Points

Samsung’s S90F series comes in a variety of sizes:

Only the 55″, 65″, and 77″ models feature Samsung’s QD-OLED panels, while smaller and largest sizes rely on LG-supplied WRGB OLED.

Final Verdict: An OLED Sweet Spot

The Samsung QE65S90F strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and premium features. While the S95D remains the top-tier flagship, the S90F offers nearly all of its strengths for less money.

Pros:

• Exceptional QD-OLED picture quality

• Next-gen gaming support (HDMI 2.1, 144Hz, VRR)

• Streamlined, refined Smart TV interface

• Solar-powered remote & strong eco-credentials

• Solid built-in sound with Q-Symphony potential

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision support

• Glossy screen can reflect in bright rooms

• No headphone jack

If you’re looking for a premium OLED experience in 2025 without going all-in on the flagship, the QE65S90F is a fantastic choice.