Samsung S95D Review: A Comprehensive Look at Performance and Features

Introduction to the Samsung S95D

Welcome to the world of superior entertainment with the Samsung S95D OLED TV, a truly breathtaking addition to Samsung’s lineup for 2024. This flagship model dazzles with its remarkable advances over its precursor, the S95C, setting a new standard in home viewing experiences. If you’re in the market for a top-tier television that’s ready to redefine your at-home cinema nights, the S95D is worth a peek.

Samsung has pulled out all the stops with the S95D, packing in cutting-edge technology and features that cater to both cinephiles and avid gamers. The TV’s QD-OLED panel demonstrates a beautiful marriage of technologies, bringing together the endless contrast of OLED with the unparalleled brightness of QLED. Whether you’re binging the latest series, enjoying a classic film, or engaging in an epic gaming marathon, this TV promises to deliver visuals that are nothing short of extraordinary.

But there’s more to the S95D than just its dazzling display. Samsung has equipped this model with the latest technology to ensure that both listening and connecting are just as seamless as watching. Ready to dive deeper into the world of the Samsung S95D? Prepare yourself for an entertainment experience that combines style, technology, and performance in a way that only Samsung can do.

Design and Build Quality

Let’s dive into the design and build quality of the Samsung S95D, a flagship TV that’s grabbing attention for all the right reasons. If you’re someone who values aesthetics as much as functionality in your tech, you’re in for a treat.

Firstly, the Infinity One Design is a knockout feature. Imagine a TV so slim and sleek that it blends seamlessly into your living space without any fuss. That’s exactly what you get with the S95D. With a depth of merely 11.2 mm, this TV is designed to impress without being intrusive. It’s almost like having a piece of future tech in your living room!

Adding to its elegance is the ‘floating’ design stand. Not only does this provide a solid base, but it also gives the illusion of the screen levitating just above the stand, making it a visual centerpiece in any setting. It’s as if the designers took inspirations straight from a sci-fi movie.

The S95D also comes with a Slim One Connect Box. This nifty little gadget is all about minimizing clutter. It houses all the inputs and allows you to keep those pesky cables out of sight. Instead of a chaotic mess behind your TV stand, you’ll find yourself thanking the S95D for maintaining a clean and organized setup.

When it comes to connectivity, this model is well-equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports. Whether you’re hooking up a next-gen gaming console, a high-end sound system, or multiple streaming devices, you’ll have the flexibility you need. And of course, with built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2, you’re set for speedy, wireless connectivity without a hitch.

The materials used in the S95D are top-notch too. Samsung has a reputation for quality, and they don’t skimp here. The TV feels robust yet modern, giving you confidence in both its durability and its aesthetic appeal. It’s a perfect case of form meeting function.

In terms of placement, the S95D can be wall-mounted with ease or sit comfortably on a piece of furniture. Its adaptability means you can style your living room exactly how you want it, whether you’re opting for a minimalist look or enhancing an elaborate entertainment setup.

In summary, the Samsung S95D is like the perfect first impression—it doesn’t just look good; it feels good. Whether you’ve got it turned off or you’re binge-watching your favorite series, its sleek design and well-considered build quality make it a winning choice for anyone keen on combining style with advanced tech.

Display and Picture Quality

Imagine you’re settling down for an epic movie night or an electrifying gaming session. You need a TV that can keep up with the vivid characters and intense graphics, right? The Samsung S95D could be your perfect companion, offering a visual experience that’s as captivating as it is advanced.

At the heart of the S95D’s stellar picture performance is its QD-OLED panel. This technology fuses the rich, inky blacks that OLED is famed for with the dazzling brightness of QLED. What does that mean for you? Picture quality that’s nothing short of breathtaking, delivering realistic textures, eye-popping colors, and shadow details that seem to extend infinitely into the darkness.

A significant upgrade over its predecessor, the S95C, the S95D doesn’t shy away when it comes to brightness. Whether you’re watching an action-packed blockbuster or a delicate nature documentary in HDR, prepare to be impressed. The TV boasts peak brightness levels reaching up to 1,868 nits, ensuring that even on sunlit days, your viewing experience won’t be dimmed. This brightness is consistent across its various preset modes, making it versatile enough for movie buffs and sports fanatics alike.

Samsung has thoughtfully included its anti-reflection technology paired with a matte screen feature, aptly named OLED Glare Free. This aims to significantly cut down on those annoying reflections from windows or lamps. So, even if your living room is sun-soaked, the S95D makes sure the screen remains the focal point, not the reflections off it.

Further enhancing its appeal, the S95D supports HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. It includes nifty features like OLED HDR Pro and Real Depth Enhancer, which work hand in hand to deliver a viewing experience with depth and vibrancy. Picture this: colors that pop, each hue dancing off the screen with a depth that gives new life to everything you’re watching.

Now, let’s talk tech under the hood. The TV’s picture wizardry is powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. This smart piece of technology manages to make intricate adjustments on the fly, optimizing your visual feast no matter what content you’re savoring. Whether it’s the Auto AI mode geared towards gamers or AI Picture enhancements for film lovers, the S95D adapts seamlessly to ensure every frame hits the mark.

What about uniformity and viewing angles, you ask? The S95D excels here too, offering a wide viewing angle that maintains color and clarity even from the sides. Invite friends and family over—everyone gets a great seat!

However, no TV is without its quirks. While the matte screen combats glare admirably, it can sometimes render blacks a tad gray in overly bright spaces. Additionally, its subpixel layout may occasionally introduce minor color fringing around bright image edges or text.

Despite these minor hiccups, if you’re in the market for a TV that’s all about the drama, colors, and clarity, the Samsung S95D’s display and picture quality definitely make it a standout choice.

Audio Performance

Let’s dive into something that can make or break your TV experience—the audio performance of the Samsung S95D. You’ve probably heard the buzz about how stunning the visuals are, but what about the sound that matches those vibrant images? The S95D doesn’t just look good; it sounds pretty impressive too.

Surround Sound and Dynamics

The Samsung S95D packs a 70W 4.2.2 channel sound system into its sleek design. If you’re scratching your head over what “4.2.2 channel” means, don’t worry—essentially, it’s like having surround sound cinema audio right in your living room. This setup includes built-in up, down, and side-firing speakers, creating a more immersive audio environment that seeks to envelop you in sound. Have you ever watched an action movie where the explosions and car chases seem to come from all directions? That’s the magic of these multidirectional speakers.

Dazzling with Dolby Atmos

Another feather in its cap is the inclusion of True Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+. True Dolby Atmos is the kingpin in audio tech, offering multidimensional sound that flows around you. Picture Superman whooshing past you, and you know exactly where he’s heading—thank Dolby Atmos for that incredible spatial awareness. And with Object Tracking Sound+, the S95D actively follows the motion on screen with sound, adding an extra layer to your viewing experience.

Maybe Not the Absolute Best

Now, let’s talk a little realism. While Samsung does a stellar job providing an audio experience that complements its picture quality, it might not knock your socks off if you’re comparing it to specialized audio systems or some other premium TVs like the Panasonic MZ2000 or Sony A80L. These models may have a slight edge in audio refinement, largely due to superior speaker technology, giving punchier bass or crisper highs. Still, how often are you getting those heart-pounding bass thumps in your regular TV shows?

Audio Adjustments and Customizability

Samsung understands that everyone’s audio tastes are different. Perhaps you crave deep bass during concerts or clearer vocals while binging on dramas. The S95D is equipped with several audio modes and settings you can tinker with. Customize the audio output in line with what you’re watching, and say goodbye to muddied dialogue—unless your favorite characters are whispering secrets, in which case, it’s not Samsung’s fault!

To Round It Up

Considering all the bells and whistles, the Samsung S95D ensures that audio doesn’t play second fiddle to its visual excellence. Whether you’re watching a nail-biting thriller or laughing along with a comedy, the sound experience supports and enhances your viewing pleasure, making for a complete package.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a sleek TV that brings solid audio to the table (albeit maybe not the best in the universe), the Samsung S95D certainly makes a compelling case. Enjoy good sound dynamics, solid surround sound, and enough tech wizardry to keep you immersed in whatever you’re watching or playing.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Samsung S95D sets a high bar when it comes to smart features and connectivity options, making it not just a television, but a hub of home entertainment and convenience. Let’s dive into what makes this TV stand out in the smart features department and how it seamlessly connects with other devices.

Samsung Tizen OS 2024 Edition

Running on the latest version of Samsung’s Tizen OS, the S95D offers a slick and intuitive user experience. The Tizen OS has been a favorite among users for its ease of navigation and quick access to streaming services, apps, and content. The 2024 update brings an even more refined interface with quicker load times and smoother animations, making finding your favorites a breeze.

Samsung Smart Hub

The Samsung Smart Hub is at the heart of the S95D’s smart functionalities. It’s your gateway to a universe of content, including all the top streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. Not only does it aggregate content from various providers, but it also gives personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits. The Universal Guide makes it even easier by allowing you to search for specific content across multiple platforms without jumping between apps.

Voice Assistants

For those who love the convenience of voice commands, the S95D has got you covered with built-in voice assistant support. Whether you’re a fan of Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, you can easily control the TV with simple voice commands. From changing channels to adjusting the volume or even controlling smart home devices, the voice assistant integration is a significant time-saver.

Multi View and SmartThings Compatibility

With the Multi View feature, you can watch multiple content streams at once. Imagine checking in on the big game while keeping tabs on your favorite TV show, all from the same screen. This feature is especially handy for multitaskers or those who never want to miss a second of the action.

Moreover, the S95D’s compatibility with SmartThings turns your TV into a control center for your smart home. Adjust the lighting, check the security camera feeds, or manage other connected devices directly from your TV screen with ease.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is key in today’s technologically intertwined world, and the Samsung S95D excels in this area with a variety of options. It boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports for high-speed, high-bandwidth connections, making it perfect for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more without compromising on quality.

Additionally, the TV includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable wireless connections to the internet and other devices like soundbars and headphones. There’s also support for RS-232C Control and IP Control, giving you even more ways to manage your TV setup.

In conclusion, the smart features and connectivity options of the Samsung S95D not only enhance its usability but also transform your living room into an intelligent entertainment hub. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user looking for seamless integration or someone who’s just dipping their toes into smart technologies, the S95D offers a comprehensive package that is quite hard to beat.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung S95D

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Samsung S95D OLED TV. This flagship model for 2024 has dazzled many with its impressive array of features, but no tech gadget is perfect, right? So, let’s talk about what makes this TV a hot topic and where it might fall short.

Pros

• Picture Quality: If you crave stunning visuals, the S95D is your ticket to a cinematic experience. It combines the deep blacks of OLED with the vibrant brightness of QLED, thanks to its QD-OLED panel. Expect bold colors and striking details that bring your content to life.
• Gaming Greatness: Gamers, cheers to you! The S95D is decked out with features like 4K at 120Hz (even reaching 144Hz for PC gaming), Auto Low Latency Mode, and Variable Refresh Rate support. Its ultra-low input lag is a dream come true for your gaming marathons.
• Design: Sleek and stylish, the TV’s Infinity One Design and slim profile add a touch of elegance to any room. Plus, the ‘floating’ stand and the Slim One Connect Box make your setup neat and tidy.
• Smart Functionality: Running on the latest Tizen OS, the S95D is loaded with features like Samsung Smart Hub, voice control, and compatibility with SmartThings. Managing your smart home gadgets has never been easier.

Cons

• Glare and Contrast Issues: While the S95D’s matte screen effectively reduces glare, it can unintentionally dull the contrast in bright settings, turning those dark blacks into a less dramatic grey. It’s something to think about if you have a sunny living room.
• Color Fringing: The QD-OLED panel’s subpixel layout might cause some unwanted color outlines, especially noticeable around bright windows or high-contrast content. It’s a small quirk but could be distracting if you’re reading text on-screen.
• Price Point: Let’s face it, the S95D demands a premium. While it offers fantastic picture quality and features, its price tag might not fit everyone’s budget. Weighing the features against the cost is crucial.
• Calibration Preferences: For those who prioritize perfect calibration right out of the box, the S95D might need a bit of tweaking. Some users find it doesn’t meet pre-calibration expectations as closely as they’d like.

In a nutshell, the Samsung S95D is a powerhouse TV, perfect for those who love exceptional picture quality and robust gaming features. However, if your room is drenched in sunlight or you’re budget-conscious, it’s worth weighing these considerations. Like all tech purchases, it’s about balancing what features matter most to you with the investment you’re willing to make.

Conclusion: Is the Samsung S95D Worth Buying?

Let’s take a moment to wrap things up with the Samsung S95D. You’ve heard about its spectacular features, but one lingering question remains: Is it really worth the splurge? Well, let’s chat about it!

For starters, if you’re all about picture quality, the S95D is quite impressive. Combining OLED and QLED technology, this TV offers vibrant, lifelike colors and deep contrasts that make every image pop. Watching your favorite movie or playing the latest game on this screen feels like an immersive experience.

Now, gaming is another strong suit of the Samsung S95D. With support for 4K at 120Hz and even up to 144Hz on PCs, gamers will adore the smooth and responsive action. The low input lag makes it a gamer’s delight. The TV’s Auto AI mode for gaming ensures optimal settings without lifting a finger — a real treat for gaming enthusiasts.

However, no product is perfect, and the S95D does have its quirks. For instance, while its matte screen cuts down on glare beautifully, it might slightly wash out the blacks in a very bright room. And if you’re one to scrutinize text clarity on your screen, the unique subpixel structure might give you a moment’s pause.

Are you someone who prioritizes sound? The TV offers a 70W 4.2.2 channel sound system, which delivers strong performance for most users. However, audiophiles might find it a tad short compared to some rivals, though this could easily be remedied with a soundbar or home audio system.

The design is another aspect where the S95D shines. Its sleek, slim profile and minimalist aesthetics add a touch of elegance to any room. Plus, the Smart Features are top-notch, showcasing the latest Tizen OS with plenty of ways to interact via Smart Hub.

In conclusion, is the Samsung S95D worth buying? If you’re leaning towards investing in a premium TV that offers stellar picture quality, futurist gaming capabilities, and comprehensive smart features, then it’s definitely a contender. Of course, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but for what it offers, many will find it justifies the cost. Just be mindful of its environment and setup to get the most out of this technologically advanced TV.

So, if your checklist for a new TV includes cutting-edge tech, a cinema-like viewing experience, and a seamless gaming platform, the Samsung S95D might be your next smart investment!