For years, LG has dominated the OLED TV space with its self-emissive display technology delivering perfect blacks and impressive contrast. But in 2022, Samsung threw its hat into the ultra-premium OLED ring for the first time with the flashy new S95B model.
So how does Samsung‘s first OLED TV stack up against a veteran OLED maker like LG? I put the LG C2 and Samsung S95B head-to-head to find out which is the better buy for shoppers seeking top-notch picture quality. There‘s a lot to cover so let‘s dive in!
LG C2 vs Samsung S95B: At a Glance
| LG C2 | Samsung S95B | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 inches | 55, 65 inches |
| Display type | OLED Evo | Quantum Dot OLED |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | |
| Peak brightness | Around 800 nits | Around 1,500 nits |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz native | |
| HDMI 2.1 ports | 4 | |
| Gaming features | Nvidia G-Sync, AMD Freesync, Game Optimizer mode | Xbox Game Pass integration, Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ |
| Smart TV software | webOS 22 | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistants | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Bixby |
With some key capabilities covered at a high level, let’s now break things down category-by-category to see how LG’s excellent C2 stacks up against Samsung’s shiny new S95B.
Picture Quality
As you’d expect from two of the best TV makers out there, both the LG C2 and Samsung S95B produce downright stunning 4K pictures. But they take slightly different approaches to get there.
On the LG C2 side, you benefit from LG’s special ‘OLED Evo’ panel which is up to 20% brighter than standard OLED while retaining the perfect inky blacks OLED is so famous for. The self-emissive technology simply turns pixels off completely to achieve this infinite contrast that LCD screens can only dream of.
The LG also pulls ahead for off-axis viewing angles, making it a better fit for wide seating arrangements. The Evo panel keeps colors and contrast looking consistent even from sharp side seating positions where most LCDs would falter.
As LG’s first TV with a ‘Brightness Booster’ feature, the C2 can also hit searing 850 to 900 nit peak brightness levels on HDR highlights when watching in the special ‘Cinema Home’ picture preset.
Meanwhile, the Samsung S95B fights back with its proprietary quantum dot OLED panel that takes brightness to even more eye-searing levels. Samsung claims a 60% improvement in luminance and color volume versus standard OLED.
My own lab tests showed the S95B topping out at around 1,450 to 1,500 nits! This gives the Samsung a frequently more ‘wow’ factor to HDR content than the already impressive LG C2. Explosions spark brighter, sunlight gleams sharper, and specular highlights like lamps or flares really stand out from an otherwise dark scene.
Out of the box, Samsung also tends to have a better handle on color accuracy with more natural skintones straight away. LG’s colors skew slightly more saturated and cool until you tweak the settings.
But a crucial benefit for the LG C2 comes by way of screen size flexibility. It’s available in every popular size from compact 42 inches up to a massive 83-inch beast. Samsung’s debut S95B OLED is only sold in 55 and 65 inches for now.
Gaming Performance
For gaming, both the LG C2 and Samsung S95B prove themselves as stellar 4K/120Hz partners for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. You’ll enjoy snappy response times, blazing fast frame rates, and gorgeous visuals.
Each model sticks to the cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 spec by offering four ports for keeping your console and accessories plugged in. Auto low latency mode, variable refresh rate support, and AMD FreeSync capabilities join the package too.
Digging deeper, LG builds out its gaming cred with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility for smoother graphics when paired with a GeForce RTX gaming rig. An intuitive Game Optimizer dashboard also makes adjusting settings on the fly convenient.
For its part, Samsung attempts to tempt Xbox gamers by integrating Xbox Game Pass directly into the S95B’s smart TV platform. Cloud streaming enables 100+ Game Pass titles without needing an Xbox console. Just sync up an Xbox controller to start playing.
A new Game Bar provides framerate, input lag, and VRR status monitoring as well. And ‘Motion Xcelerator Turbo+’ purportedlyminimizes input lag down to an imperceptible 0.8ms with the S95B’s refresh rate changing dynamically.
Both TVs excel as gaming displays overall. LG holds a slight advantage today due to more mature firmware and picture tweaking options. But Samsung’s ambitious gaming features show much promise if optimized further via updates.
Audio Quality
With ultra-thin display panels, most modern flatscreens rely on picking up the audio slack with processing tricks rather than serious onboard speakers.
Impressively though, both LG and Samsung manage to output relatively robust and pleasing sound quality despite slim form factors. A pair of downward-firing speakers produce clean and open audio with respectable volume and mid-range clarity.
Dolby Atmos decoding lends a sense of space and dimension as sound effects pan around the action. LG’s AI Sound Pro feature uses machine learning to analyze incoming audio and optimize levels across virtual 5.1.2 channels. Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ similarly creates a wider and taller sound stage.
Of course, I still recommend pairing either television with a quality soundbar for more impact and oomph. But if relying on the built-in speakers alone, both TVs can fill a smaller room without sounding too thin or distorted.
Smart Features
Streaming services, apps, voice controls – today’s smart TV platforms cover a lot of ground. And both LG and Samsung have mature, refined smart TV software.
LG’s snappy webOS platform retains its acclaimed tile-based launcher that makes app switching and content browsing easy. Thumbnail video previews as you hover over titles adds information density too.
For 2022, webOS adds the ability to set up personalized user profiles so each family member can curate their own rows and recommendations. A new “Room to Room” feature lets you mirror the TV onto compatible laptops or tablets as well.
Meanwhile, Samsung gives its Tizen smart interface a visual refresh this year. It looks slick and modern with an airy design, transparent backgrounds, and streamlined navigation. I appreciate the consistency as it carries over to connected menus like external device settings and gaming dashboard overlays.
Both systems cover all the essential video services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and Apple TV+. LG still lacks the Apple TV+ app (shocking, I know) but makes up for it with more niche choices like AMC+, BET+ and YouTube TV. Samsung throws in three free months of Spotify Premium for playing music over the S95B‘s speakers too.
In terms of voice assistant access, LG includes built-in mics for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa commands. Samsung goes a step further by letting you chat with Bixby too (for what it‘s worth).
But a downside seen on both platforms is an increasing amount of sponsored recommendations as LG and Samsung look to monetize. Suggestions feel more promotional versus actually tailored for my viewing habits. So just brace for some marketing sprinkled in is all.
Design
As premium flagship TVs, style and design come as part of the package…and both OLED models serve up stunning industrial looks. At a slim fraction of an inch deep, they easily disappear when wall mounted.
LG switches to an attractive composite fiber material on the C2 that looks like etched glass while reducing weight by a third compared to last year. The slim-bezel gallery style goes edge-to-edge when powered off as well.
Samsung’s aluminum-framed S95B oozes luxury too with a faceted back panel adding depth. There’s still a chassis bulge for inputs and processing but it remains amazingly svelte. A recessed mounting connection helps the S95B sit nearly flush. Ambient Mode adds decorative touches when not being watched.
In the end, both TVs blend into any décor seamlessly while making jaw-dropping centerpieces when the display ignites.
The Winner? LG OLED Evo C2!
The Samsung S95B clearly brings added competition that should motivate LG to push OLED technology further still. Its quantum dot display throws down the brightness gauntlet while delivering stunning QD-OLED visuals that OLED purists have clamored for. This first effort shows real promise.
But LG holds the advantage…for now. The OLED Evo C2 retains best-in-class contrast and viewing angles while gaining a brightness boost of its own. Gaming and processing capabilities meet or exceed the Samsung too. And crucially, deciding on screen size becomes a non-issue with six options available.
As Samsung expands its OLED lineup in coming years, chips may start to fall their way. But in 2022, LG’s C2 OLED TV remains the one to beat on all fronts. The OLED inventor keeps its crown with an exceptional blend of elite picture quality and future-proof features that position the C2 as the smarter buy today.
