An indepth look at two of the newest QD-OLED displays on the block.
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Ever since the announcement of QD-OLED technology at this year’s CES 2022, we’ve been asked to compare the Samsung S95B Vs Sony A95K. The new QD-OLED displays are starting to hit shelves and eager buyers are beginning to research which TV will offer the best visual experience.
With both panels offering up similar QD-OLED technology, it’ll be interesting to see if there are any standout differences when it comes to image quality, processing, gaming performance, and build quality.
Weirdly, even though Samsung is manufacturing this new display technology, they aren’t referring to it in their marketing of the S95B. Instead, Samsung will call the S95B an OLED TV, whereas Sony will utilize the QD-OLED marketing name.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the fundamental differences that separate the Samsung S95B vs Sony A95K QD-OLED TVs. We’ll be comparing them for price, performance, picture quality, build quality, and everything else that might affect your decision-making process.
Sizes
55″, 65″
Screen Technology
QD-OLED
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
120Hz
Panel type
QD-OLED
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.1
QD-OLED technology
Perfect blacks
Excellent value for money
Neural Quantum Processor 4K
VRR support
Game menu
Lacks some premium image processing and game-tailored features
Sizes
55″, 65″
Screen Technology
QD-OLED
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
120Hz
Panel type
QD-OLED
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.1
QD-OLED technology
Perfect blacks
Superb image processing features
Dolby Vision HDR
Cognitive Processor XR
Excellent gaming performance
Expensive
There are a couple of initial specifications differences right off the bat. As you’d expect, unlike our LG C2 Vs G2 comparison, this guide will be featuring two opposing brands – meaning their processors, features, and performance should all differ – regardless of both utilizing the new QD-OLED panel.
Of course, both of these TVs deliver excellent next-gen console gaming – supporting 4K gameplay @120Hz, respectively. Additionally, both will feature 55 inch and 65 inch variants, HDMI 2.1 support, and VRR support.
As far as gaming goes, the Sony A95K looks set to impress – equipped with a bunch of game-tailored features and specifications. While the Sony A95K will feature similar specs to that of Sony’s 2021 OLED TV, improvements have been made. Sony has equipped the A95K with VRR (variable refresh rate) at launch this time, enabling the A95K to deliver a tear-free gaming experience.
Additionally, the Sony A95K will also feature two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K gaming at 120Hz – perfect for next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles. Unfortunately, one of the HDMI 2.1 ports will support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), meaning users will likely have to choose between a soundbar and an additional input device.
The Sony A95K will also feature ALLM (Auto low latency mode) and Auto Genre Picture mode – specifically tailored to PS5 users. Sadly, there is no sign of HGIG support here – a feature that is readily available in LG alternatives (C2/G2 series). Having said that, the A95K will offer Auto HDR Tone mapping, a feature that will enable the PS5 to determine what TV is being used and choose the correct HDR tone map for it and the game.
By contrast, the Samsung S95B looks equally as impressive, offering up a plethora of gaming features that should deliver a very smooth and immersive visual experience. Like the A95K, Samsung’s S95B will also deliver a 120Hz refresh rate that supports next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles (via HDMI 2.1). The S95B looks set to feature 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which are seemingly 4K 120Hz ready.
On top of this, users can expect a silky smooth, tear-free visual experience thanks to VRR support. At this stage, it looks like the Samsung display will only feature FreeSync Premium support, with G-Sync not referenced in the specifications on the company website. Other game features include MBR (motion blur reduction), ALLM, Game Bar 2.0, Game motion plus, Super Ultra Wide Game View, and Motion Xcelerator Turbo+.
Fans of both Samsung and Sony have had to wait quite some time for official pricing to be released for these next-gen displays. Fortunately, we are a little closer to confirmed pricing, with Samsung publishing the asking prices for both 55″ and 65″ variants.
While Sony are still yet to unveil official pricing for the A95K, a John Lewis leak is suggesting a UK price of £2,699 for the 55″ variant ($3,000 US). Of course, we might have to take that with a pinch of salt at this stage, however, if claims are to be believed, the Samsung S95B could be a great deal cheaper than its Sony rival.
Below you’ll be able to see the prices for both S95B and A95K models:
| Series | US | UK | DE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Bravia XR A95K 55″ | TBA | £2,699 (approx) | TBA |
| Sony Bravia XR A95K 65″ | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Samsung S95B OLED TV 55″ | $2,199 | TBA | TBA |
| Samsung S95B OLED TV 65″ | $2,999 | TBA | TBA |
If the leaked John Lewis pricing is to be believed, we could see a huge difference in the 55″ and 65″ variants of these displays. Expected US pricing (based on the UK leak) would see the A95K 55″ retail for $3,000 – almost $1,000 more expensive than the Samsung.
We will likely see a similar jump in price when comparing the A95K 55″ to the 65″ as the S95B variants, meaning the A95K 65″ could be over $1,000 much expensive than the Samsung.
One thing that’s a guarantee here is the stunning image quality that both sets will provide.
Both TVs will feature the latest QD-OLED display – a panel technology that looks set to merge the best feature and benefits of QLED (Quantum Dot LED) and OLED (Organic LED). No longer will users have to choose between excellent peak brightness, color accuracy, and infinite contrast anymore – QD-OLED looks set to bring all these features to the table in one perfect panel technology.
Better yet, QD-OLED technology should last a great deal longer than OLED panels, with many of the working parts being from the age-old LED technology. A new heat-dissipation layer has also been added to these TVs, allowing the display to better dissipate heat, reducing the risk of permanent image retention. Of course, both TV sets will feature 4K screen resolutions, four times the amount of a regular FHD display.
Like LG’s G2, Sony’s A95K will feature a new Depth Map feature that can better differentiate between foreground and background images, creating a sort of immersive three-dimensional picture. This particular feature works incredibly well with the additional contrast and vibrancy provided by the Quantum Dot layer for a truly fantastic image.
On top of this, Sony’s A95K looks set to feature the brand’s Cognitive Processor XR which was introduced back in 2021. This will bring with it a plethora of benefits to the QD-OLED technology, including an enhanced version of its Flexible Color Contrast Control – allowing the TV to generate maximum potential when it comes to vibrancy. According to the John Lewis leak we referenced earlier, the Sony A95K will also offer Dolby Vision HDR as well.
Samsung’s S95B doesn’t seem to be as feature-rich when it comes to picture quality. However, don’t take anything away from the S95B – it still manages to deliver a very impressive visual experience.
Users can expect Samsung’s Neural AI Quantum processor 4K in the S95B, offering up excellent performance and features that should produce a very realistic visual experience. Alongside this, Quantum HDR OLED will be supported, allowing the TV to deliver a superb HDR experience.
Like the A95K, Samsung’s S95B will also offer a depth enhancement feature – simply coined Real Depth Enhancement. It works in the exact same way as Sony’s new Depth Map feature – producing more definition between foreground and background images.
To touch upon audio quality briefly, it’s hard to say which of these TVs will deliver the best performance – even more so when you’re just going off a specifications list and haven’t had the pleasure of listening to them yourself.
That said, Samsung’s S95B will offer a 60W 2.2.2CH speaker type that supports Dolby Atmos, respectively. Users can also enjoy its Object Tracking Sound feature which helps to create a more immersive and realistic audible experience.
In contrast, the Sony looks set to offer a 2.2CH 60W system with Acoustic Surface Audio+ – a feature that has been utilized across the company’s full range of OLED TVs. The A95K also looks to benefit from Sony’s Acoustic Centre Sync feature, allowing the TV to work simultaneously alongside an HT-A9 or HTA-7000 soundbar.
It’s safe to say that both QD-OLED displays look fantastic. That being said, there are some obvious differences to discuss when referencing their design.
Starting with the A95K, Sony has opted for an interesting design here that is characterized by thin bezels on all four sides. Most intriguing, however, is the stand.
The stand for the A95K is as wide as the screen itself, offering good stability and robustness. That isn’t the intriguing feature about this stand though. Sony has actually designed the stand to be by-positional. That’s right, you can actually utilize the stand in a number of different positions depending on your preference.
Stand aside, the Sony offers a glossy finish with a strange grid-like aesthetic on the rear. While this looks interesting to some, it will rarely be seen by anyone – and seems totally pointless at first glance. The rear of the Sony will be plastic which, despite the rest of the panel’s premium look and feel, does seem a little underwhelming.
The S95B will feature a much smaller stand with a similarly impressive thin profile. The stand feature a pedestal look that is certainly characteristic of newer TV designs. The side profile of this panel is incredibly thin (more so than the A95K), giving it a premium feel that is similar to that of the LG OLED TVs.
Of course, both TVs feature full support for wall mounting.
So, there’s only one question left to answer – which QD-OLED TV should you buy? Well, that’s a tough one at this early stage, especially when we haven’t had the pleasure of testing them both in-depth.
However, going off specifications alone, it looks like the Sony A95K may just edge things in the picture quality department – offering up some additional high-end features that the S95B doesn’t.
Alternatively, the S95B will hit shelves at a much cheaper price point, opening it up to more budget-restricted individuals who fancy a piece of the QD-OLED pie.
Ultimately, whichever TV you decide to go for, you’ll be investing in a very impressive, future-proof QD-OLED TV.
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