Key Facts

• Samsung’s OLED Tech vs Competitors: Samsung’s 4K OLED TVs use QD-OLED panels for higher color brightness and purity (no white sub-pixel) digitaltrends.com. LG and Sony mostly use WOLED panels (LG’s with Micro Lens Array in 2023 G3 for boosted brightness digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com), while brands like Hisense still push high-end Mini-LED LCDs (extreme brightness but not OLED-level blacks). Samsung’s QD-OLEDs deliver some of the widest color gamut and color volume in the market, whereas LG’s MLA OLEDs lead in peak brightness for WOLED flatpanelshd.com flatpanelshd.com.
• Brightness and HDR: Peak HDR brightness varies – Samsung’s S95C can exceed 1200 nits in small highlights (≈1050 nits sustained) flatpanelshd.com, and innovatively hits ~240 nits full-screen (vs ~200 on older OLEDs) flatpanelshd.com nanosys.com. LG’s G3 with MLA reaches up to ~1400–1800 nits in vivid mode flatpanelshd.com, making it one of 2023’s brightest OLEDs. Sony’s A95L QD-OLED is around ~1000 nits (more with vivid settings), while Panasonic’s MLA-based MZ2000 peaks near 1700 nits (Dynamic mode) insideci.co.uk. By contrast, flagship Mini-LED TVs like the Hisense UX can top 3000+ nits on 10% HDR windows rtings.com, albeit with some blooming trade-offs. All these sets support HDR10 and HLG; Dolby Vision is supported by LG, Sony, Panasonic, Hisense, but not by Samsung (which sticks to HDR10+ metadata format) whathifi.com. Experts note that lack of Dolby Vision on Samsung is “not a deal-breaker” for overall picture quality in side-by-side tests digitaltrends.com, but it remains a distinguishing feature.
• Gaming Powerhouse Features: All modern Samsung OLEDs and LG OLEDs offer 4 HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, supporting 4K 120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) on each port techradar.com. Samsung’s 2023–2024 QD-OLEDs even accept 4K 144Hz input for PC gamers whathifi.com, and LG’s 2024 C4 introduced similar 4K/144Hz support (Nvidia G-Sync certification) techradar.com. VRR formats (HDMI Forum VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro on Samsung whathifi.com, and G-SYNC Compatible on LG/Sony) are widely supported, as is ALLM (Auto Low-Latency Mode) for instant game mode switching. Input lag on all is extremely low (~5ms at 120Hz, ~10–14ms at 60Hz), with Sony running slightly higher than Samsung/LG according to tests rtings.com rtings.com. Gaming-centric extras include Samsung’s Game Bar 3.0 overlay with features like Mini-Map and Virtual Aim Point whathifi.com, LG’s Game Optimizer dashboard, and dedicated modes for <120Hz content. HDR tone-mapping in Game Mode is a point of competition: Samsung manages to sustain brightness in HDR Game Mode better than LG (which dims slightly in Game Optimizer mode) rtings.com. All these TVs are fully ready for PS5/Series X, but note Sony’s own TVs only have 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (of 4) for 4K120 due to chipset limitations rtings.com – meaning you may juggle inputs if you also use eARC on a Sony. Hisense’s high-end sets typically also provide 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (and 2 HDMI 2.0) – for example, the U8K offers 4K144 on two ports while the 2024 Hisense UX is limited to 4K120Hz rtings.com. All support ALLM and VRR; Samsung and LG additionally offer HGiG mode for HDR gaming calibration.
• Smart TV Platforms & OS: Samsung runs its own Tizen (2023 version 7.0) with a full app ecosystem and new features like Chat Together, ConnecTime video calling, and SmartThings home control whathifi.com whathifi.com. It also now has the Gaming Hub for cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, etc.) baked in whathifi.com. LG uses webOS (latest 2023/24 iterations) with user-friendly menus and an improved Home Dashboard; it offers an app store, AirPlay2, HomeKit and is known for timely app updates. Sony employs Google TV (Android) across its OLEDs – meaning built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant voice search, and the widest app selection via Play Store. Hisense’s top models in the West use Google TV as well (or their proprietary VIDAA OS in some regions) – Google TV offers robust apps and voice control, albeit sometimes slightly less snappy than Tizen/webOS on high-end hardware. All platforms support major streaming services in 4K HDR, with Dolby Vision streaming on all but Samsung. Ease of use varies: Samsung’s and LG’s UIs have gotten rather ad-heavy and menu-dense (which some users dislike), whereas Google TV is clean but can advertise content. Voice assistants: Samsung has Bixby/Alexa/Google integration, LG has ThinQ/Alexa/Google, Sony/Hisense leverage Google Assistant (and Alexa). Ultimately, all are feature-rich Smart TVs; power users often add external streamers, but casual use is well-covered.
• Audio and Sound Quality: High-end models boast multi-speaker Dolby Atmos setups, yet built-in TV sound still varies. Samsung’s flagship S95C features a 4.2.2 channel, 70W speaker system with up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos whathifi.com, and uses “OTS+” (Object Tracking Sound) to create a larger soundstage. The step-down S90C carries a 60W 2.2.2 system tvsbook.com – still Atmos-capable, but with fewer drivers (no external One Connect box means slightly less room for speakers). LG’s G3 has a 4.2-channel ~60W setup and leverages AI Sound Pro to virtualize 9.1.2 surround rtings.com, while the C3 uses a simpler 2.2-channel 40W system. Sony’s OLEDs use Acoustic Surface Audio+, literally vibrating the OLED panel as speakers. The A95L packs a 3.2 channel configuration (~60W) plus two subwoofers, widely praised as one of the best TV audio implementations techradar.com – voices and effects come directly from the screen. Sony also uniquely offers an S-Center input to turn the TV into a center speaker in a surround setup rtings.com. Hisense’s TVs often have surprisingly powerful audio (e.g. U8K with 2.1.2 speakers and >50W output, Dolby Atmos and even DTS:X support), though quality can be hit-or-miss (bass and localization aren’t as refined). Notably, DTS audio support is a dividing line: LG’s 2023 OLEDs revived DTS passthrough (DTS:X over eARC) rtings.com rtings.com, as do Sony and Hisense, but Samsung still does not support DTS codecs in 2023/2024. All brands support Dolby Atmos (via eARC passthrough and internal apps). For the richest sound, pairing a dedicated Dolby Atmos soundbar (e.g. Samsung’s Q-Series with Q-Symphony or LG soundbar with WOW Orchestra/Sound Sync) can synchronize TV speakers with the soundbar for enhanced output digitaltrends.com.
• Design & Build: Samsung’s OLEDs flaunt ultra-sleek designs. The S95C in particular is extremely thin across the entire panel (no bulge), because all electronics offload to the external Slim One Connect Box that attaches via a single cable flatpanelshd.com flatpanelshd.com. This yields a “picture frame” profile only a few millimeters thick – stunning on-wall and easier to wall-mount cleanly with one invisible cable. The S90C omits the One Connect box, so its chassis has a slight bottom bulge for internals, but still very slim relative to LCD TVs. Samsung uses high-quality metal stands: the S95C’s low-profile center stand and the S90C’s wider pedestal are both sturdy (though assembling the S95C stand requires carefully laying the panel flat) flatpanelshd.com. LG G3 is designed for wall-mount by default – it comes with a “no-gap” wall mount in the box for a flush gallery installation digitaltrends.com. (LG does not include a tabletop stand with G3; an optional swivel stand is available, but some find it wobbly digitaltrends.com.) The LG C3 has the familiar lightweight center stand from previous C-series models. Sony’s A95L has a premium metal pedestal with adjustable positioning (wide or narrow), while the A80L offers dual orientation feet for different furniture widths. Sony’s builds are solid, and the A95L incorporates a heatsink for its QD-OLED panel (adding weight but aiding brightness). Hisense UX/U8K designs are chunkier (full-array backlights need depth) and come with wide-set metal feet or a central stand on larger sizes – not as slim as OLEDs, but robust. Aesthetically, all these high-end sets minimize bezels to virtually nothing, and use quality materials. One notable difference: Samsung’s S95D (2024) introduced a matte screen finish to combat reflections businessinsider.com. While great for bright-room glare reduction, some videophiles prefer the glossy OLED screen on other models (glossy can produce deeper-seeming blacks in dark rooms and slightly sharper perceived image). Buyers now have a choice: the 2023 S95C’s glossy panel vs. 2024 S95D’s anti-reflective matte – reflecting Samsung’s response to criticism of QD-OLED’s rainbow-like glare in bright environments.
• Price & Value Proposition: OLED TVs command premium pricing, but aggressive competition in 2023–2025 has driven significant price drops. Samsung’s 55″ S95C launched at $2,499 (65″ at $3,299) whathifi.com, directly against LG’s 65″ G3 ($3,299) and Sony’s 65″ A95L ($3,499). However, by mid-2025 the S95C could be found closer to $1,800 for 65″ during sales, and LG’s year-old C4 (2024) 65″ often fell under $1,300 techradar.com – nearly half the price of the new 2025 models. Samsung’s strategy in 2024 included introducing the S85D as an “entry-level” OLED (WOLED panel, stripped-down features) which debuted around $1,499 (65″), often undercutting LG’s C3/C4 at similar sizes. The value play in late 2024 was the Samsung S90C (2023) which, with QD-OLED tech, saw discounts placing the 55″ around $1,300 and 65″ ~$1,800 – making it a best-bang-for-buck OLED in many eyes. LG’s C3/C4 models also saw price cuts and remain go-to picks for balancing performance vs cost (a 55″ C3 in 2025 could dip below $1,000, a milestone for OLED). Sony’s OLEDs tend to hold higher pricing (the A95L, given its excellence and Sony brand premium, still hovered near $2,500 for 65″ in late 2024). Meanwhile, Hisense aggressively prices its flagships: the 75″ U8K mini-LED often streeted well under $1,500 (offering huge size and brightness per dollar), and the massive 100″ U8K was a value at ~$5k compared to six-figure OLEDs of that size. Hisense even launched a 65″ A85K OLED in some markets at £949 (roughly $1,100) as a budget OLED alternative reddit.com. In short, Samsung’s OLEDs are no longer isolated at the top of the price pyramid – they face undercutting from LG’s aggressive MSRP drops and wildcards like Hisense. Value proposition: For pure image quality at a given size, LG’s C-series often wins on price/performance (especially when a year old) techradar.com. But flagship seekers willing to spend more can get noticeable boosts (brightness, color, features) from Samsung’s S95C/D or LG’s G3/G4 – just with diminishing returns. 2025’s new models (e.g. LG G5, Samsung S95F) launch expensive, so many informed buyers opt for last year’s “almost as good” model at a big discount techradar.com techradar.com.
• Reviews & Performance Feedback: All these TVs have earned high praise in expert reviews. RTINGS.com, for instance, rates the LG G3 as “an outstanding TV with no real weaknesses” (Mixed usage 9.1) rtings.com, citing its combination of high brightness, perfect blacks, wide viewing angles and gaming responsiveness. The Samsung S95C scored similarly high, with reviewers highlighting its “dazzlingly dynamic” picture and color volume that’s visibly richer than WOLED in certain HDR scenes flatpanelshd.com (fiery reds, bright yellows, etc. appear more intense). Vincent Teoh of HDTVTest noted that the G3’s MLA brings OLED into the brightness realm that “dazzles you”, while also remarking that QD-OLED’s triad of primary-colored subpixels yield spectacular color purity. Digital Trends’ TV shootout saw Samsung S95C, Sony A95L, and LG G3 all performing at the cutting-edge, with brightness differences largely offset by each tech’s advantages in color or tone-mapping digitaltrends.com. Color accuracy out-of-the-box is generally excellent on LG and Sony (both calibrate to Filmmaker Mode/Dolby Vision standards closely), whereas Samsung runs a touch more vivid by default – one reviewer noted Samsung’s reds can be “a bit much” in Filmmaker Mode without calibration digitaltrends.com. Upscaling and motion processing are perennial Sony strengths – even the mid-range A80L is lauded for “class-leading processing…low-quality content looks great” rtings.com rtings.com. Samsung’s video processing improved in 2024 with the NQ2/Gen2 AI chip in models like S90D/S85D, reducing banding and artifacts rtings.com, but still trails Sony slightly in motion handling (Samsung’s motion interpolation can show mild artifacts, so many purists turn it off) flatpanelshd.com flatpanelshd.com. Gaming responsiveness is top-tier across Samsung, LG, Hisense – with input lag under 10ms, RTINGS even lists some Samsung models among the very best gaming TVs rtings.com rtings.com. Sony, historically slower to embrace gaming features, finally delivered near-complete HDMI 2.1 support and improved lag (~17ms) in the A95L, but RTINGS still notes “higher input lag than competing models” on Sony’s OLEDs rtings.com. On the audio front, a What Hi-Fi review declared “the Sony A80L remains the best TV for sound on the market for most people” techradar.com due to its Acoustic Surface design, though Samsung’s S95C and LG’s G3 when paired with matching soundbars can create impressive integrated audio (Q-Symphony, etc.). Consumer reviews echo many of these points: OLED buyers universally love the inky blacks and contrast; debates often center on Samsung’s lack of Dolby Vision (with some users noticing certain DV movies look a tad better on LG/Sony in dark scenes, while others don’t miss it and prefer Samsung’s brighter HDR10+ output). Burn-in anxiety has diminished with newer panels and features (all these OLEDs have pixel shift, logo dimming, and come with multi-year panel warranties from most brands), but heavy gamers still discuss it – QD-OLED vs WOLED burn-in longevity is an evolving topic (so far both have good records in testing). All considered, the difference between a top Samsung, LG, or Sony OLED in 2023–2025 is small in picture quality – as Digital Trends put it, in a head-to-head “Both of these TVs are stellar…you’ll be ecstatic either way” digitaltrends.com. The “best” often comes down to personal priorities: e.g. Samsung for brightest colors and gaming, LG for all-round excellence and Dolby Vision, Sony for cinephile image processing and sound, Hisense for sheer size and brightness per dollar.
• Latest Models and News (2024–2025): The 4K OLED arena saw significant updates in 2024. Samsung expanded its OLED lineup by introducing smaller and larger sizes and even mixing panel types: the S90D (2024) model in 55–77″ still uses Samsung’s QD-OLED, but the new 83″ and 48″/42″ S90D variants quietly switched to LG-sourced WOLED panels rtings.com – a notable collaboration. Samsung’s S85D (2024) came in as a WOLED-based budget model (55–83″) with the same Neural Quantum Processor and HDMI 2.1 features, but lower brightness and a basic 20W 2.0 audio system rtings.com rtings.com. It essentially targets value shoppers and sits below the QD-OLED S90D rtings.com. Samsung’s top 2024 set, the S95D, refined the formula of the S95C: reviewers noted it’s “a bit brighter” and the switch to a matte screen drastically cuts reflections businessinsider.com. Internally it uses the same next-gen QD-OLED panel as S90D (with improved blue OLED material for longevity/brightness) and a new chipset, so picture differences are minor aside from the anti-glare benefits. LG’s 2024 OLEDs (the C4 and G4 series) were iterative – employing the α9 Gen7 processor, slightly tweaking brightness and color processing. The LG G4 continues with MLA tech and was said to push a tad closer to 2000 nits in vivid mode, while the LG C4 (non-MLA) got a modest brightness bump and maintained its position as the all-rounder. LG also launched the wireless M3 OLED (97″ 4K OLED with a separate wireless connectivity box) in limited quantities – a tech showpiece eliminating HDMI cables to the panel. Sony, after the award-winning A95L (2023) QD-OLED, teased its successor for 2024 which, in an interesting twist, might not use the QD-OLED panel – rumors swirled that Sony would revert to a high-end WOLED with MLA (perhaps due to panel supply or cost). By late 2024, Sony instead unveiled the “BRAVIA 8 II” OLED (as listed in some leaks whathifi.com), effectively an A95L update with minor tweaks in processing and possibly offering both 55–77″ QD-OLED and an 83″ WOLED option. Sony also introduced a step-down A80L successor (tentatively A80M or similar) with incremental brightness gains. Panasonic (not sold in the US, but big in Europe/Asia) launched the MZ2000 in 2023 with MLA and a multi-HDR support (Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive) whathifi.com; for 2024 their flagship MZ1500 and a new ultra-thin “MZ1000” were announced, continuing Panasonic’s pro-grade color approach (these are often used as mastering reference displays in studios whathifi.com). Hisense made waves in 2024 by launching truly gigantic TVs: a 100″ U8K and a 110″ Mini-LED X series, plus the 85/98″ UX Series which broke records for brightness (over 3,000 nits) and introduced a 16-bit light control algorithm. Hisense also signaled intent to bring OLED to more markets with its A85K WOLED (55/65″) in Europe to challenge LG’s B3/C3 at lower prices techradar.com. TCL, another competitor, is worth mentioning: While TCL hasn’t released a 4K OLED TV yet, it did debut an 8K inkjet-printed OLED prototype and is aggressively pushing QLED and Mini-LED tech (their 2025 QM8K/C805 models rival Hisense in brightness and undercut pricing). This competitive landscape means Samsung can’t rest – and indeed, at CES 2025, industry chatter suggested Samsung Display’s 3rd-gen QD-OLED panel (for S95F presumably) will use a new phosphorescent blue emitter, potentially raising efficiency and peak brightness towards 2500 nits. LG showcased a prototype “OLED META” panel (successor to MLA) with micro-lens and meta-material boosters reaching 2,500 nits as well, likely to feature in 2025’s LG G5. Early reports from TV shootouts imply the LG G5 and Samsung S95F will “make crucial leaps forward in brightness” techradar.com, though real-world tests are pending. In summary, 2024 brought evolutionary improvements (better processing, anti-glare screens, size options), and 2025 promises another jump in OLED prowess – all to the benefit of consumers who now have a richly competitive selection of premium TVs.

Below, we present comparative tables that distill the major differences among Samsung’s OLED models and their current competitors:

Comparison Table 1: Flagship 4K OLED TVs (Samsung vs Top Competitors, 2023–2024)

Sources: Manufacturer specs and reviews whathifi.com whathifi.com businessinsider.com flatpanelshd.com nanosys.com rtings.com rtings.com whathifi.com insideci.co.uk rtings.com.

Comparison Table 2: Upper-Mid Range 4K TVs (Samsung OLED vs Alternatives)

Sources: RTINGS, TechRadar, manufacturer specs rtings.com rtings.com rtings.com rtings.com.

Table Notes: The flagship table highlights the premium models with cutting-edge tech (QD-OLED vs MLA OLED vs Mini-LED). The second table shows “step-down” models where Samsung’s S90C QD-OLED contends with LG’s mainstream C-series, Sony’s entry OLED, etc., and high-end LCDs like Hisense U8K. Peak brightness figures are approximate for a 10% HDR window in accurate picture modes. “Dolby Vision” column indicates if the set can display Dolby Vision HDR – Samsung’s absence here is notable. Audio setups listed are the internal speaker configuration; all models support eARC for external audio. Pricing is dynamic – listed are launch MSRPs or current estimates; street prices in 2025 are often much lower due to discounts.

Expert Commentary

To wrap up, it’s instructive to hear what seasoned reviewers conclude. Caleb Denison of Digital Trends, after testing the Samsung S95C and LG G3 side-by-side, confessed it was nearly a “dead heat” – both TVs are “so good, it’s hard to imagine anyone being anything other than absolutely ecstatic” with either digitaltrends.com. His advice was that you can’t go wrong: pick based on your feature priorities (Dolby Vision and wall-mount convenience on LG, versus slightly better anti-reflection and color pop on Samsung) and deal availability. TechRadar’s John Archer praised the Samsung S95C for achieving “a major…increase” in full-screen brightness that makes HDR “feel much more consistently intense and balanced” across scenes nanosys.com. Vincent Teoh (HDTVTest) highlighted that LG’s MLA OLEDs like the G3 finally closed the gap in brightness with QD-OLED, but noted QD-OLED still holds an edge in color saturation – pointing out how a QD-OLED’s colors stay vivid at higher luminance levels where WOLEDs would wash out flatpanelshd.com flatpanelshd.com. RTINGS’ reviewers often emphasize that Samsung’s QD-OLEDs have better color volume in HDR and no risk of panel uniformity issues like tinting, whereas LG’s sets have slightly better handling of static brightness (less auto-dimming in sustained scenes) and of course the Dolby Vision support.

When it comes to future-proofing, all these TVs are well-equipped for years to come (4K 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR, etc.), but the rapid pace of innovation means the “best TV” of one year is superseded the next. Still, many experts say 2023–2024 TVs have reached a level of excellence that improvements are often incremental. For instance, CNET’s David Katzmaier noted the LG G3 and Samsung S95C were the two best-performing TVs he’s ever tested, each representing the pinnacle of their display tech. His bottom line: if you crave absolute peak brightness and don’t mind tweaking settings, the LG G3 is slightly superior in a sunlit room, but for vibrant color purity and a no-compromise gaming display, the Samsung S95C wins – and in dark-room home theater, differences melt away and content takes center stage.

In summary, Samsung’s OLED 4K TVs have proven themselves worthy challengers to OLED veterans LG and Sony, carving out a spot at the top with quantum-dot color and bold engineering (One Connect, 144Hz, etc.). The competition in 2024–2025 is fierce: LG’s evo OLEDs pushed brightness and retained Dolby Vision loyalty, Sony blended the best of both worlds in A95L, and even value players like Hisense are delivering shockingly good performance for the price. For consumers, it’s a win-win: whether you choose Samsung’s latest OLED or a rival, you’re getting a state-of-the-art viewing experience that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago – with true cinema-quality visuals, responsive gaming, slick smart features, and a front-row seat to the continuing TV tech revolution.

Sources: Digital Trends digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com, TechRadar nanosys.com, FlatpanelsHD flatpanelshd.com flatpanelshd.com, Business Insider businessinsider.com, RTINGS rtings.com rtings.com, TechRadar/Insider techradar.com, What Hi-Fi whathifi.com whathifi.com.