Samsung’s 2023 Neo QLED 4K flagship doubles the number of dimming zones over last year’s model to rival the best OLEDs
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
T3 VerdictThe Samsung QN95C doubles the number of zones in its Mini LED backlight compared to last year’s ‘B’ model, and when combined with class-leading local dimming and image processing, it’s a TV that delivers a performance to rival the best OLEDs. An elegant design, solid build quality, serious smarts, comprehensive streaming apps, and extensive gaming support round out what is a very desirable high-end telly.
T3 Verdict
The Samsung QN95C doubles the number of zones in its Mini LED backlight compared to last year’s ‘B’ model, and when combined with class-leading local dimming and image processing, it’s a TV that delivers a performance to rival the best OLEDs. An elegant design, solid build quality, serious smarts, comprehensive streaming apps, and extensive gaming support round out what is a very desirable high-end telly.
Reasons to buy+Stunningly bright and colourful images+OLED-like black levels and contrast+Extensive gaming features
Stunningly bright and colourful images
OLED-like black levels and contrast
Extensive gaming features
One Connect box is no more – ports on TV body
Local dimming can occasionally get tripped up
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Samsung’s 2023 Neo QLED TV flagship might not seem much different from last2022’s QN95B model, but look under the hood of the QN95C and you’ll find a 4K TV designed to compete with thebest OLED TVsout there. It’s a major evolutionary step for this non-OLED technology, at the heart of which is an upgraded Mini-LED backlight system, marking it out as one ofthe best TVsof the year.
The QN95C boasts nearly double the number of independent dimmable zones compared to the earlier QN95B, and when combined withQuantum Dots(where the ‘Neo QLED’ name comes from) for purer colours, plus peerless AI-enhanced processing, the result is a smart TV capable of breathtaking images.
SAMSUNG QN95C: PRICE & RELEASE DATE
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Samsung QN95C is now available for pre-order and comes in four screen sizes: the 55-inch Samsung QN95C, which costs £2,799; the 65-inch (reviewed here) which retails for £3,699/$3,300; the 75-inch, priced at £4,999/$4,200; and the 85-inch that’ll set you back £6,999/$5,800.
SAMSUNG QN95C REVIEW: FEATURES & WHAT’S NEW?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
When you combine all those zones with Samsung’s class-leading local dimming algorithm, the result is a stunning picture with deep blacks and clearly defined shadow detail. Add in QLED’s inherent brightness, and you have a contrast performance that equals, if not betters, OLED.
Quantum Matrix Technology and Shape Adaptive Light control further enhance the backlight performance, with a delivery that’s more precise and efficient, while the new Real Depth Enhancer combines object detection and image manipulation to create greater depth and dimensionality.
In addition, 14-bit contrast mapping brings out further detail in the shadows, while Samsung’s latest AI-enhanced Neural Quantum Processor adds cutting-edge upscaling and processing that gets the best from highly compressed standard definition to native 4K resolution content.
One new feature is the inclusion of a slim-fit camera in the box. The idea of making video calls or hand gesture controls may seem rather retro at this point, but a camera can be useful with apps likeGoogleMeet, Workout, and Samsung Health, along with the two-screen Multi View feature.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The most obvious difference from the earlier S95B model is that Samsung has dropped the One Connect Box, and instead builds the QN95C’s connections into the rear of the panel. Presumably this is for cost-benefit reasons, but it’s a shame because the box was a clever idea and unique to Samsung (and still supported elsewhere in the company’s line-up, just not here).
Thankfully thefour HDMI inputs are the 2.1 typeand therefore very much tailored towards next-gen gamers, with support for frame rates up to 144Hz,VRR(Freesync Premium Proand, unofficially, Nvidia G-Sync), andALLM. The latter automatically switches to the Game Mode, which delivers a super-fast input lag of 9.8ms.
There’s also a useful Game Bar that provides gaming information and settings, while the Tizen-powered smart platform remains as responsive and comprehensive as ever, with all the main streaming apps such asNetflix, Prime,Disney+,Apple TV, and the UK TV catch-up services.
SAMSUNG QN95C REVIEW: PICTURE QUALITY
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Samsung QN95C delivers outstanding image quality that rivals any OLED on the market. The blacks are deep and inky, while the highlights are bursting with brightness, and unless you feed this TV an absolute contrast torture test, the images are free of blooming around bright objects.
What’s more remarkable is that the QN95C is able to retain this amazing contrast performance even when dealing with the brightest HDR content. The 1,344 independent zones certainly play their part, but it’s also thanks to Samsung’s class-leading local dimming algorithm.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The overall screen uniformity is also excellent, with no clouding or banding, and the screen filter is an improvement on last year, absorbing light from the front, rejecting any ambient light in the room, and avoiding the annoying artefacts from lights at the side that plagued the earlier model.
The Filmmaker Mode provides accurate pictures, retaining the content creator’s intent. In this more accurate picture mode we measured*a peak brightness of over 2,000 nits on a 10% window, more than 700 nits on a full-field pattern, and 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space.
The tone mapping was absolutely spot-on in all our tests, taking advantage of the massive brightness and cutting-edge processing to produce impactful HDR images with specular highlights free of clipping, along with saturated colours, deep blacks and detailed shadows that weren’t crushed
The motion handling was also excellent, which means films and TV dramas delivered at 24p benefit from movement that is reproduced without any unwanted judder or artefacts. There’s extra processing for fast-paced sports if necessary, and support for 144Hz higher frame-rate gaming.
*To test the Samsung QN95C we used Portrait Displays Calman colour calibration software.
SAMSUNG QN95C REVIEW: SOUND QUALITY
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Object Tracking Sound Plus certainly makes a difference, with height speakers that add another layer to the sonic presentation. Sounds are clearly moving around and above the TV to match specific objects on screen, while dialogue always remains clear, focused and intelligible.
If you do want an additional soundbar for greater surround presence and volume, however, then check out thebest soundbars for Samsung TVsto give you a good idea of what’s available.
SAMSUNG QN95C REVIEW: DESIGN & USABILITY
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Samsung QN95C uses the company’s Infinity One design, which sports a contemporary finish and sleek styling. The Infinity Screen is bezel-less, the build quality excellent, and the elegant angled stand provides solid support while having a smaller footprint for narrower surfaces.
The QN95C can also be wall-mounted using either a VESA or Samsung’s Slim Fit bracket, although in the absence of the One Connect box all the cables have to go to the TV, which isn’t as tidy. On the plus side, the panel remains surprisingly slim considering everything it contains.
In addition to the four HDMI inputs, there are also two USB 2.0 ports, twin tuners for terrestrial and satellite broadcasts, a CI slot, an optical digital output, and an Ethernet port. In terms of wireless connectivity, there’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and support for Apple AirPlay 2.
The QN95C ships with two controllers: a standard black zapper festooned with buttons, and a pared-down Solar Cell remote intended for day-to-day use. Sadly, the latter may feel small if you have big hands, and rather plasticky considering the QN95C is the flagship 4K TV for 2023.
However, the Solar Cell remote is very eco-friendly, not only because it’s rechargeable, but also because it’s made of recycled plastic. The batteries aren’t just recharged using the solar panel built into the back, they also repurpose the Wi-Fi signals beaming around your house.
SAMSUNG QN95C REVIEW: VERDICT
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
We’re not being hyperbolic when we say that the Samsung QN95C is the equal of (and often superior to) the best OLED TVs on the market. The increased zones and class-leading local dimming system ensures deep blacks, piercing highlights, and exceptional contrast with plenty of shadow detail.
While the QN95C certainly couldn’t be considered cheap, the design is stylish and the build quality excellent, so you feel you’re getting your money’s worth. It also has a comprehensive smart platform and extensive next-gen gaming features that make it an accomplished all-rounder.
ALSO CONSIDER
In terms of direct competition,Sony’s new X95L line-up of 4K HDR TVs all use Mini LED backlight. The X95L is due to arrive in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes, although prices haven’t been announced at the time of writing.
If you’d prefer an OLED TV, you can pre-order Samsung’s S95C QD-OLED or LG’s G3 Evo OLED, both of which promise highlights as bright as the QN95C. The S95C comes in 55-, 65- and 77-inch sizes at comparable prices to the Samsung, while the G3 offers 55-, 65-, 77- and 85-inch sizes for a little more cash.
Today’s best Samsung QE65QN95C, LG OLED65G3 and Sony XR65X95L dealsLG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung QE65QN95C, LG OLED65G3 and Sony XR65X95L dealsLG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung QE65QN95C, LG OLED65G3 and Sony XR65X95L dealsLG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung QE65QN95C, LG OLED65G3 and Sony XR65X95L deals
LG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED65G3$2,326.95ViewSee all prices
LG OLED65G3
LG OLED65G3
$2,326.95View
$2,326.95
$2,326.95
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
How to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and what to expectWe should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
We should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
