The Samsung QN90D has made significant strides in performance and features compared to its predecessor, the QN90C, particularly regarding its on-axis and off-axis viewing capabilities. While the decision to shift LCD panel types from year to year has impacted its off-axis performance, the QN90D still holds its ground better than some competitors, particularly Sony’s Bravia 7. At moderate viewing angles, the TV maintains color accuracy and clarity. However, viewers may start to notice light bleeding and fading colors when positioned at extreme angles. Overall, Samsung’s commitment to improving their LCD technology continues to show, making the QN90D a notable contender in the market.
One of the standout qualities of the QN90D is its impressive screen uniformity. Unlike many cheaper LED TVs that suffer from the “dirty screen effect,” the QN90D largely avoids this issue, ensuring a more consistent viewing experience across various content. Additionally, its motion handling capabilities excel, minimizing jerky motion and blur even during fast-paced scenes, something that is often a challenge for many LED televisions. This level of performance is especially appreciated for those who engage in action-packed content, as it enhances overall viewing enjoyment without relying on artificial motion smoothing techniques.
Equipped with numerous gaming-friendly features, the QN90D excels as a gaming television. Gamers benefit from attributes like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, both of which reach up to 144 Hz across all four HDMI ports. This ensures a smooth gaming experience with minimal input lag and screen tearing. The inclusion of a dedicated Game Bar allows for quick setting adjustments, while Samsung’s Game Hub gives users the option to stream games from platforms like Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass, thereby enriching the overall gaming experience.
Beyond its gaming capabilities, the QN90D integrates various other features that enhance its overall usability and appeal. Built-in voice control for both Amazon Alexa and Samsung Bixby offers convenience for users who prefer hands-free operation. Furthermore, the inclusion of Samsung Health content adds a layer of unique functionality, allowing users to track their fitness and well-being directly through the TV. Another noteworthy feature is Q-Symphony, which enables the TV to function in harmony with newer Samsung Soundbars, enhancing audio performance and creating an immersive listening environment.
In terms of streaming capabilities, the QN90D supports AirPlay for easy access to compatible devices, although it lacks Chromecast support and DTS audio decoding. The decision to swap Dolby Vision HDR support for HDR10+ is an important aspect to consider; while HDR10+ is a competent HDR format, it means that Dolby Vision content won’t be as finely calibrated as it could be. Nevertheless, the TV defaults to standard HDR, which still provides a satisfactory performance for most viewers.
Overall, the Samsung QN90D stands out as a strong competitor in the television market, particularly for those seeking a versatile setup for both gaming and general viewing. With its excellent motion handling, impressive screen uniformity, and an array of features tailored for modern usage, it showcases Samsung’s continued evolution in LCD technology. While it experiences some drawbacks in off-axis viewing and the omission of certain features like Chromecast and Dolby Vision, the benefits offered by the QN90D outweigh these limitations, making it a compelling option for a wide range of users.
