Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: The king of QLEDs

Our Verdict

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV'due south mini-LED backlighting makes for unmatched motion-picture show brightness, while a bounty of smart features and a new eco-friendly remote consummate the premium experience. With a scenic i-inch-thin design, it'southward also one of the best-looking sets you can buy.

For

Cute, thin design
Neo QLED delivers incredible effulgence
Impressive anti-glare abilities
New rechargeable remote

Confronting

Visible blooming at times
Just one HDMI 2.one port
No Dolby Vision support

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Television's mini-LED backlighting makes for unmatched picture effulgence, while a bounty of smart features and a new eco-friendly remote complete the premium experience. With a breathtaking one-inch-thin pattern, it's also 1 of the best-looking sets you tin purchase.

Pros

+
Beautiful, thin design
+
Neo QLED delivers incredible brightness
+
Impressive anti-glare abilities
+
New rechargeable remote

Cons

-
Visible blooming at times
-
Just one HDMI 2.ane port
-
No Dolby Vision back up

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV: Specs

Price: $2,599
Model number: QN65QN90AAFXZA
Screen size: 65 inches
Resolution: three,840 10 2,160
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Ports: 4 HDMI (one HDMI 2.1), 2 USB
Audio: 60W, four.2.2 aqueduct audio
Smart Tv software: Tizen
Size: 56.nine x 32.six 10 1 inches (w/o stand up)
Weight: 53.8 pounds (westward/o stand)

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV is i of the best TVs yous can buy right now, catamenia. Information technology's impossibly brilliant, stunningly sparse, packed with clever "smart" features and every bit reliable as the visitor's sets accept ever been.

With a proprietary mini-LED console called Neo QLED, the QN90A promises superior performance to both its established OLED competitors and the evermore convincing mid-range QLED makers. And even though the QN90A Neo QLED is the most premium of all the 4K 2021 Samsung TVs, information technology's really less expensive than its standout Q90T predecessor.

It'southward not perfect. The brightness boost undermines other movie elements at times, plus Samsung notwithstanding won't give more than one HDMI 2.1 port. Only this Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review crowns a new champion for Quantum Dot display technology, rewarding a set for finer demonstrating that there'due south yet infinite to innovate.

And I reckon the Samsung Neo QLED is the reason why 2021 was the yr QLED finally shell OLED.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Goggle box: Price and configurations

The QN90A Neo QLED TV is Samsung's top-shelf 4K LCD TV this year. Neo QLED is offered in the company'southward lineup of 8K sets, too, only those options are much more expensive than the QN90A. There are also several reasons yous don't demand an 8K Telly right now.

Better yet, the QN90A Neo QLED TV is a bit more affordable than last year'south Q90T QLED, coming in at $100-$300 less, depending on the size. The 65-inch configuration I tested costs $2599, while the 55-inch model costs $1799 and larger 75-inch size costs $3499. It's also one of the best 85-inch TVs you can purchase, offering a large-screen choice for $4999.

55-inch QN55QN90AAFXZA: $i,799.99
65-inch QN65QN90AAFXZA: $ii,599.99
75-inch QN75QN90AAFXZA: $3,499.99
85-inch QN85QN90AAFXZA: $four,999.99

Exist sure to see our 'What size TV should you purchase?' guide for aid deciding which version is correct for you. You should wait to see similar performance compared to our 65-inch test model across the size options. All four models offer Neo Breakthrough Processor 4K, the latest Tizen smart features, vox assistant controls and Object Tracking Sound Plus. Our recommendations should apply to every screen size of the QN90A Neo QLED model.

While you can find last year'south Q90T QLED on sale right now with some of the best cheap Television deals, the QN90A Neo QLED volition just see minor discounts before the vacation flavor, keeping it firmly in the premium cost range.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Design

When it comes to modern TV aesthetics, the QN90A is the crème de la crème. Though setting up 65-inch TVs is a two-person chore, this set up is easier to maneuver than others. Gone are the days of Samsung's One Connect input box, the company managed to pack all the set's parts in a super-slim, one-inch-sparse build with no protruding pieces to distract from the effect.

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV's bezels are practically invisible, blurring the edge between the console and chassis. I thought my current Samsung Q80T QLED TV was a good-looking slice of tech, just the QN90A seriously elevated my standards.

And that's without wall-mounting the QN90A, as Samsung suggests. Since I only tested the set temporarily, I opted for the central stand up, which didn't instill every bit much conviction as I'd like. I sensed a clumsy bump could lead to this TV'south demise, which is why I'd avoid using it, if possible. Get for Samsung's own no-gap wall mount for the ultimate affluent-mount look, although a 400 x 300 millimeter VESA wall mount would likewise work for the 65-inch model. (Bank check out the best TV mounts for plenty of groovy options.)

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Tv review: Ports

Like the residue of the 4K QLED lineup, the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Television has two USB 2.0 ports and four HDMI ports. But but one of those four ports offers HDMI 2.ane, which supports peripherals features like eARC, Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate. These settings take advantage of the side by side-gen graphic abilities of the PS5 and Xbox Serial 10.

LG'southward OLED TVs are all outfitted with multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs, which makes Samsung's QLEDs but having the one seem limiting. For example, you tin can't accept your new panel and your eARC-capable soundbar leveraging their top abilities simultaneously, which could grow bothersome over time.

Beyond traditional ports, the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Television sports congenital-in NextGen Television receiver ATSC 3.0 tuners. In locations where the emerging broadcasting technology is available, ATSC 3.0 tin support 4K film over-the-air besides as a return aqueduct that allows for interactivity and targeted ad.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Performance

Let'south talk near Neo QLED. The QN90A picture is powered by an assortment of tiny light cells using mini-LED lights, promising dramatic improvements in contrast and backlight control. The mini-LEDs work with the Neo Quantum Processor 4K to deliver a 4K-optimized moving-picture show.

Watching the "All-New Halloween Spooktacular" episode of WandaVision on Disney Plus, the set could evidence off how it handles motion and high-contrast scenes. Equally Wanda extends the reach of her Hex, the S.Due west.O.R.D. camp is turned into a traveling circus. Even equally the agents try to escape the growing boundary, you lot can see their uniforms and equipment transform seamlessly (and hilariously) into clown garb and colorful tents. Except when a curious Vision reaches the Hex's boundary, glowing in night fields, at that place seems to be a bit of blooming, too as occasional vignetting in the corners.

The HDR capabilities of the QN90A are excellent, simply information technology does highlight one quirk of Samsung TVs. While the high-dynamic range functioning ixxs keen, the HDR formats are a bit limited. Samsung doesn't support the best HDR format, Dolby Vision, using it's proprietary HDR10+ format instead.

These are signs of uneven backlight problems, perhaps at the expense of Neo QLED's brightness boost, simply the boilerplate viewer probably won't find it much. Or at least won't care when you lot see only how bright this set can get. Even in a room flooded with sunlight, the Samsung QN90A's picture held up much clearer than LG G1 and Samsung Q80T in side-by-side testing. The anti-reflection abilities are pretty impressive, handling the shadowy and ominous Golden Armor fight scene in Wonder Adult female 1984 well.

As Diana fought Cheetah, Wonder Adult female's gilded wings looked majestic and regal, yet not-out-of-place in the dark, foggy setting. The set could've identified the armor as the focus bespeak of the scene and enhanced information technology to a cartoonish effect, simply it produced a counterbalanced moving picture, likely as the filmmaker intended. Again, this is a testament to Neo QLED'due south brightness, since I fabricated these observations in a naturally-lit room. When I tried the scene in darkness, not only did it await fantastic, only I realized I wouldn't need the lamps in my living room in the evening — the set literally lit upwards my apartment.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Television receiver review: Test results

Our proprietary Tom's Guide Idiot box testing told me more nigh the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV beyond my anecdotal viewing experience. LCD/LED TVs have ever beat out OLED on brightness, merely the QN90A blows away anything we've always seen. It reached a max brightness of 1813.83 nits. The LG G1 OLED Tv reached a max brightness of simply 412.05 nits, for comparing. And it'due south not just OLED sets the QN90A triumphs — the Quantum-powered Vizio P-Series (P65Q9-H1) and TCL vi-Series R635 maxed out at 471.xx nits and 583.1 nits, respectively.

We measure Telly accuracy with a Delta-E rating. A smaller score is ideal (0 is perfect), and the Samsung QN90A earned a 2.6, offering an improvement over the Q80T's score of 3.ix. It's besides close to the Vizio P-Series and TCL vi-Serial R635, which both scored 2.2. LG's OLED panels nonetheless accept a clear edge in accuray, with the LG G1 earning a 1.vi and concluding twelvemonth'southward Sony A8H Bravia OLED TV earning a 1.5.

When it comes to color reproduction, which we mensurate using a X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer and SpectraCal CalMAN Ultimate calibration software. The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED was able to reproduce 99.51% of the Rec 709 colour space. Anything approaching 100% is good for a not-OLED Tv, and this QLED scored in the range of others like the Vizio P-Series (99.ninety%) and TCL half-dozen-Series (99.92%).

Gamers will be glad to know the Samsung QN90A has ane of the best lag times you lot'll discover. Our review unit measured lag time of 12.6 milliseconds with its auto low latency mode — a huge comeback over the Q80T'south xxx.one milliseconds. Normally we recommend sets with sets with a lag fourth dimension below 20 milliseconds for the best gaming TVs, and the addition of gaming-focused features brand the QN90A Neo QLED an excellent pick for gamers.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED Boob tube review: Audio

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV has 60W speakers, which, when paired with Samsung's Object Tracking Audio (OTS) Plus technology, makes for a loud and immersive listening. OTS is supposed to tailor the set's audio to lucifer the content on screen using congenital-in upward and downwards-firing speakers.

Watching Wonder Woman 1984, the whipping of Diana's Lasso of Truth followed its movement with precision. Then, as bullets ricochet off Wonder Woman's armor every bit she attempts to stop Maxwell Lord in the White House, it really sounds as though the shells fell to the floor around my ain feet.

OTS nearly makes upward for the gear up's lack of native Dolby Atmos. That said, it will output Atmos-formatted content for a Dolby Atmos speaker. I'yard usually inclined to use an external speaker anyhow, so check our list of the best soundbars for recommendations.

Beyond OTS, Samsung said yous should experience sound tailored to your environment, no affair where your TV is placed. AI should also enhance the on-screen voices when the set senses loud environmental sounds.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Smart Television receiver features

Samsung's Tizen smart TV software looks more or less the aforementioned this yr, and I'd say that's a good affair. The software is reliable, offering a broad choice of apps. From the Loki TV series on Disney Plus to any of the best HBO Max shows and movies, yous'll find most of the apps and content you savor. Tizen even has a special Apple TV app for enjoying iTunes movies and shows, likewise as Apple'southward original Apple TV Plus shows and Apple Fettle Plus – no separate Apple Television 4K (2021) box needed.

The domicile screen's bottom-bar layout is clean and unobtrusive. You can customize the row of apps to include all your favorite services, and keep to watch a bear witness while browsing. I much prefer this to LG's recent webOS redesign, which pulled me away from what I was watching to discover something else.

When you lot're non watching Goggle box, you can initiate a screensaver-mode, low-power Ambience fashion that displays all sorts of artwork, personal photographs or weather updates. The effect is more impressive on Samsung'south The Frame lifestyle Telly, but Ambient style is still a good culling to the QN90As basic black "off" screen. Peculiarly when this Television is wall-mounted.

Multi View is another notable screen mode. New this year, you tin can sentry what's on your Tv set and your phone (depending on the model) on the aforementioned screen in picture-in-motion picture or side-past-side orientations. I adopt to spotter one matter at once, but in cases where I need a videogame walkthrough or desire to keep an eye on a sports game, this multitasking feature could come in handy. Information technology too feels like a tease of the multi-input viewing of Samsung'south massive MicroLED TVs.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Smart dwelling features

As a Samsung Goggle box, the QNA90A Neo QLED Boob tube meshes with your Samsung SmartThings smart home system. I of the all-time smart domicile hubs, SmartThings provides a command dashboard for all of the best smart dwelling devices that are compatible with Samsung's platform. From the Ecobee (fifth gen) smart thermostat to Samsung'due south ain Family Hub refrigerators, you're able to use your TV to drop-in or adjust settings rapidly.

If you're not immersed in Samsung's smart dwelling network, you can set up up Alexa or Google Assistant (but not both at once) for voice commands on your Telly. Using the remote'south microphone, yous can inquire either voice assistant bones queries or to command whatsoever of the best Alexa compatible devices or best Google Home compatible devices.

Samsung too partnered with Logitech to make the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV compatible with webcams. With any of the best webcams, you can use your set up to video conversation with upwardly to 12 other people via Google Duo. This could be useful for those all the same working from home or trying to stay in touch on with relatives, but I think most people are sick of video calls these days.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Remote

Samsung's Neo QLED TVs come with an all-new Samsung Solar Jail cell Remote, which replaces the usual AAA batteries for a rechargeable bombardment pack. The remote also features a minor solar console that helps maintain the remote's battery using the ambient light in your space. For more on the environmental benefits, check out why nosotros think the smartest Television set tech of the year is Samsung's solar remote.

Even with its new tricks, the Solar Prison cell Remote feels lightweight and comfortable to hold. Its pattern is more compatible than the curved-notwithstanding-slender remote Samsung has used in the past, making it a lilliputian less prone to slipping between couch cushions. It's still minimalistic in terms of buttons, simply information technology has most of the controls you'll need, including a microphone trigger, too every bit defended launch buttons for Netflix, Prime number Video and Samsung Tv Plus.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV review: Verdict

Merely when Samsung institute its stride with QLED, keeping upwards the capabilities of its OLED competitors, information technology innovated the heart of its product with an all-new panel — a panel that actually showcased improvements in our testing. Information technology also reminded QLED alternatives it'south notwithstanding the company to beat.

When it comes to the landscape of next-gen TVs, Neo QLED takes greater strides than OLED evo, committing to all-embracing improvements in a more affordable bundle. The familiarity of Tizen and environmental benefits of the Solar Cell Remote also help. Yes, I wish it had more than than one HDMI 2.1 port, only that'southward far from a bargain-billow. The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV is the all-time LCD TV on the market right now.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom's Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-dwelling related. When she'southward not in cyborg fashion, y'all can find her on an exercise cycle or channeling her inner glory chef. She and her robot ground forces will rule the world one 24-hour interval, simply until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.