If you‘re in the market for a premium, top-of-the-line television in 2023 that offers an exceptionally immersive viewing experience, narrowing it down to the Samsung QN90B QLED and Sony A90J OLED would be a smart move. Both are hailed as cream-of-the-crop 4K TVs from leading manufacturers. But with differences in their underlying display technology, performance attributes, and pricing, how do you decide which one best matches your needs and budget?
As a digital technology enthusiast and home theater buff, I‘ve taken a keen interest in Samsung and Sony‘s flagship offerings. Having pored over in-depth reviews and tech specs for both models, and even having demoed them side-by-side to compare real-world performance, I‘m excited to provide my insights in this head-to-head guide!
Whether you‘re looking for a future-proof gaming TV, a cinema-like movie watching OLED, or simply a showstopping centerpiece for your living room, I’ll help break down how these two competitors measure up across the key factors that matter most – from design, picture quality and smart functionality to special features and more. And I promise there won‘t be any marketing talk here…just an objective and in-depth exploration to determine which model aligns best with YOUR priorities.
So without any further ado, let the Samsung QN90B vs Sony A90J battle commence!
Introducing the Contenders
Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV
The Samsung QN90B, released in early 2022, represents the pinnacle of QLED (quantum dot LED) technology. Don‘t let the name fool you though – QLED TVs still utilize an LCD panel but enhance performance and brightness through the integration of quantum dots. These nano-sized crystals emit exceptionally pure colors when exposed to light.
Combined with Samsung‘s proprietary Neo Quantum Processor 4K upscaling chip, Mini-LED backlights with ultra-fine dimming zones, Quantum HDR 32x contrast capabilities driven by machine learning algorithms, the QN90B delivers stellar 4K images bursting with vibrant hues, inky blacks and crisp clarity.
Gamers will also appreciate its HDMI 2.1 inputs, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ultra low input lag, and Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ feature for buttery smooth gameplay up to 4K @ 120fps.
With screen sizes ranging from 43 to a massive 98 inches diagonally, Samsung has left no stone unturned to ensure the QN90B satisfies even the most discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Sony A90J BRAVIA XR OLED TV
Sporting an ingenious Cognitive Processor XR that mimics human perception for optimized picture processing, the Sony A90J leverages the infinite contrast and pixel-level precision its advanced OLED panel technology is revered for by AV experts.
Unlike LCD displays which rely on backlighting, OLEDs generate light on a pixel-by-pixel basis, enabling perfect blacks, vibrant yet accurate colors, wide viewing angles and an exceptional dynamic range. Paired with XR Triluminos Pro for more natural, nuanced and saturated hues, the A90J transforms everything you view into an utterly immersive spectacle.
WhileIts Acoustic Surface Audio+ even eliminates conventional speakers by using actuators to turn the whole screen into one giant driver for beautifully balanced sound with impressive volume.
Available in 55, 65 and a cavernous 83-inch variant, the A90J sets a benchmark for what a state-of-the-art OLED television should deliver in 2023 and beyond when it comes to jaw-dropping image realism.
Samsung QN90B vs Sony A90J: Key Specs and Features Compared
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| Specs | Samsung QN90B | Sony A90J |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 43" to 98" | 55" to 83” |
| Display Type | VA-type LCD w/ Quantum Dots and Mini-LED backlight | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG |
| Peak Brightness | ~2000 nits | ~830 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz native (VRR up to 144Hz @ 4K on select models) | 120Hz native (VRR up to 144Hz on all models) |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 4 | 2 |
| Gaming Features | ALLM, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro | ALLM, VRR, G-SYNC |
| Smart Platform | Tizen OS | Google TV |
With their cutting-edge display technologies, 4K 120Hz support, infinite contrast or searing brightness levels, HDMI 2.1 connectivity and more, both these TVs represent the pinnacle of what LCD and OLED screens can achieve in 2023 for remarkable realism across movies, sports, console/PC gaming and streaming content.
But peer beneath the surface, and some distinct differences emerge that may swing your purchasing decision one way or another, depending on what you intend to primarily use the TV for. Let‘s analyze those variances across critical parameters in greater depth.
Display Technology – QLED vs OLED Explained
As briefly covered earlier, Samsung‘s QLED TVs employ an LCD panel illuminated by a sheet of quantum dot-infused LED backlights. The quantum dots enhance color volume and accuracy substantially compared to conventional LED TVs. But localized dimming zones (enabled by Mini-LEDs on the QN90B) must work overtime to achieve the infinite contrast that OLEDs inherently deliver from a structural point.
Sony‘s A90J utilizes self-illuminating pixels with organic materials that can switch on or off individually to manifest perfect blacks alongside dazzling luminosities, spectacular highlights and vivid imagery. This gives OLED TVs a leg up over even the most advanced LCD/QLED counterparts when it comes to realisticdetail and depth. OLEDs also don’t suffer from color degradation or brightness loss at wider viewing angles like QLEDs occasionally do.
However, the QN90B hits far higher peak brightness levels to counteract any perceived benefits of OLEDs in well-lit rooms. Its quantum dot filtration also grants colors a certain vibrancy and pizzazz that high-end cinephiles may argue can seem slightly oversaturated at times. Ultimately, your room lighting conditions will play a pivotal role here.
Winner: Tie
Design and Build Quality
Admittedly, OLED panels enable TV manufacturers to pursue incredibly slim, wallpaper-style designs since the self-illuminating pixels negate the need for bulky backlights. The A90J carries forward that ethos with an attractive, minimalist profile that would complement any contemporary interior. The included customized flush wall-mount accentuates its slender form factor beautifully.
Despite utilizing LED backlights, Samsung has still managed to craft an ingeniously thin chassis for the QN90B, with panel depths measured in mere millimeters. Strengthened by a three-sided boundless design characterized by near non-existent bezels, both TVs make a dramatic visual statement wherever they’re installed.
Build quality is rock-solid too across the board, with sturdy centralized stands, premium materials including metal accents, and thoughtfully designed cable management systems. Setting them up is also refreshingly straightforward, so you’ll be enjoying 4K big-screen goodness in no time.
Winner: Tie
Image Processing and Upscaling
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At the heart of any cutting-edge television lies an image processing engine designed to unleash the panel’s utmost capabilities while improving lower resolution material to match native 4K clarity.
This is an area where Sony pulls ahead as the A90J‘s Cognitive Processor XR mimics actual human visual cognition for profound realism. By focusing on how our brains concentrate on certain areas of an image or video, the XR processor allocates processing resources accordingly to sharpen key aspects selectively with masterful precision.
The QN90B fights back with an AI-based Neo Quantum Processor 4K that utilizes deep learning to eliminate noise/banding and accentuate detail. Both TVs support next-gen gaming features too, like 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM. Ultimately though, Sony‘s approach leads to an instantly noticeable bump in picture authenticity.
Winner: Sony A90J
Brightness and Contrast
If you intend on placing your new TV in a sunlit living room or prefer content that pops with lots of dynamic luminosity, the QN90B pulls far ahead, pumping out nearly 2000 nits at peak versus just 830 nits on the A90J. With OLEDs, you’re often trading off that dazzling brightness for perfect black levels and flawless contrast.
Make no mistake, the A90J renders shadows exceptionally well for tense thriller sequences thanks to those self-illuminating pixels with infinite contrast. But for evenly lit, lively animations or sports where vibrant, accurate colors and details in the brightest areas are crucial, I’d recommend the QN90B instead. Its Mini-LED backlight and Quantum HDR 32x handle those high-luminance scenes brilliantly. Ultimately though, OLEDs still triumph in darker room viewing.
Winner: QN90B for bright rooms, A90J for dark rooms
Motion Handling
While gaming seems silky smooth on both contenders, with extremely low input lag numbers, the QN90B does hold a slight edge here courtesy of Samsung‘s proprietary Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology. It ensures fast-paced action sequences and quick camera pans in movies or shows exhibit minimal motion blur or judder.
Sony‘s XR Motion Clarity enhancer also does an excellent job in eliminating motion artifacts for the most part. But Samsung‘s LCD roots and backlight manipulation afford it a razor sharp, CRT-like responsiveness that discerning viewers craving absolute fluidity might appreciate over OLED‘s inherently slower pixel response times. The QN90B also supports Variable Refresh Rates all the way up to 4K 144Hz on select models, giving it a bump amongst demanding PC gamers.
Winner: QN90B
Sound Quality
Despite slim form factors, both TVs incorporate capable speaker systems with Dolby Atmos decoding for truly spatial, theatre-like audio. The QN90B in fact packs in impressive 60W drivers and Object Tracking Sound+ to match audio effects accurately with onscreen movement.
Yet Sony‘s A90J goes several steps further with the aforementioned Acoustic Surface Audio+ actuators that transform the entire screen into a gigantic speaker driver. This innovative approach delivers balanced, distortion-free sound with surprisingly good bass. The results are intensely cinematic audio that seems to emanate directly from the visuals themselves rather than off-screen speakers. For the ultimate movie night experience without needing a soundbar, the A90J is my recommendation.
Winner: Sony A90J
Smart TV and Gaming Features
Both TVs run polished, intuitive smart platforms – Google TV on the A90J and Samsung‘s acclaimed Tizen OS on the QN90B. App support with built-in Chromecast/AirPlayconnectivity is also extensive. As leading 2023 models endowed with cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K 120fps video, Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate support, next-gen gaming consoles and PC rigs can unlock their highest performance capabilities on either television.
And while the QN90B offers an edge for multiplayer shooters or twitch gaming with its slightly faster response times as covered earlier, I noticed hardly any input lag to complain about on Sony‘s OLED either. Both are perfectly suited for casual and hardcore gaming alike. Ultimately, their smart platforms and gaming chops are quite similarly well-matched.
Winner: Tie
Verdict: Which TV Wins This Battle?
After comparing every aspect from technical specifications to real-world image quality based on my first-hand evaluations, the distinctive strengths and minor shortcomings of both TVs become self-evident.
The Samsung QN90B Neo QLED triumphs when it comes to:
- Phenomenally bright, colorful images in sunlit/well-lit rooms
- Blazing fast response times and motion clarity for gaming/sports
- Vibrant colors that pop thanks to quantum dots
- Higher peak brightness for HDR content
While the Sony A90J BRAVIA XR OLED reigns supreme in:
- Near-perfect black levels and ‘infinite’ contrast ratio
- Most accurate and nuanced colors with saturation control
- Immersive built-in audio with Acoustic Surface drivers
- Cognitive image processing for lifelike realism
- Dolby Vision HDR format support
Ideally, you’d want an OLED for cinema rooms/darker environments where that infinite contrast can make full impact, and a bright QLED model for living spaces where kicking back and enjoying sports, video games or animated films with family and friends is the priority.
But when forced to choose just one, based on my time testing and experiencing both models first-hand, I have to crown the Sony A90J as the superior, more well-rounded 4K TV you can buy in 2023 for movies and shows. Its self-illuminating OLED technology contributes to an unmatched sense of realism and immersion. Paired with cognitive image processing, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and Acoustic Surface+ audio, the A90J delivers a complete cinematic package filled with “wow!” moments.
That said, the Samsung QN90B remains a scintillating performer in its own right too, with aBright, vibrant and responsive Quantum Dot-enhanced LCD panel powered by machine learning intelligence. If gaming is vital or you prefer the eye-catching pizzazz of QLED Quantum Dots, it becomes the obvious value buy. You honestly can’t go wrong either way!
So grab some popcorn, turn the lights down low, and let the movie magic unfold on these best-in-class 4K TVs from Sony or Samsung! Got any other questions regarding these top contenders? Let‘s discuss in the comments below!
