The LG or Samsung question has been around for a long time in the TV market, with Samsung being a fair leader. With the new releases from LG, this might change. This article will compare the LG C4 OLED vs. the Samsung S95B. Despite the S95B having 2 years since its release, its specs and popularity make it a fair competitor against the LG C4. Let’s see how they stand.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95B: Specs and performance
Features: Where LG and Samsung diverge
- OLED and Beyond: Each promises deep blacks and wide viewing angles. Samsung’s QD-OLED could mean higher peak brightness, but real-world performance in various content matters most.
- Sound Matters: While the focus is often on visuals, delve into any audio differences. Does either model support Dolby Atmos or advanced virtual surround?
- Eye Comfort: OLED panels generally emit less blue light than some LCDs. While not a dealbreaker, it’s something to note.
The HDR battleground
The LG C4 champions Dolby Vision, a favorite format for movies, TV shows, and especially Xbox Series X games. The Samsung S95B counters with HDR10+, aiming for a similar dynamic picture but lacking the Dolby ecosystem.
Gaming Edge: LG or Samsung?
Both excel here, but with nuances:
- Samsung: HDMI 2.1 ports handle 4K at 120Hz, ideal for consoles. Gaming Hub integrates cloud gaming for easy access.
- LG: Steps up with full Nvidia G-Sync certification and 144Hz compatibility – potential advantages for high-end gaming PCs.
Tabular comparison
| Specification | LG C4 OLED | Samsung S95B QD-OLED | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Technology | OLED (likely WOLED) | QD-OLED | Different OLED variants could impact brightness and color |
| Sizes Available | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | 55″, 65″ | LG offers a wider size range |
| Resolution | 3840 × 2160p (4K) | 3840 × 2160p (4K) | Both deliver maximum sharpness |
| Peak Brightness (Nits) | ~1000-1200 (estimated) | 1500+ (advertised) | Samsung likely has a brightness edge |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive | Samsung supports more HDR standards |
| Smart Platform | WebOS | Tizen | Different interface/app selection |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (+ LG’s own) | Bixby, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Both offer wide compatibility |
| Gaming Features | HDMI 2.1, VRR (including FreeSync Premium), Low Latency | HDMI 2.1, VRR, Low Latency | Essential features for consoles/PC |
Important considerations:
- Content is King: If you primarily watch Dolby Vision content, the LG C4 has a clear advantage.
- Price: These technologies won’t be cheap. Factor the cost against the features that truly matter to you.
- Beyond the Specs: Real-world reviews will compare color accuracy, motion handling, and screen uniformity of these two competitors.
Performance and brightness
While both TVs are expected to deliver stunning visuals, they approach peak performance differently:
LG C4: Brightness and refinement
The C4 promises a noticeable brightness increase over previous LG OLED TVs. However, don’t expect it to outshine the Samsung in raw peak brightness. Instead, it focuses on refinement:
- AI-Powered Processing: LG’s Alpha a9 Gen7 chip should be better at handling HDR content, leading to a more impactful image overall.
- 144Hz Advantage: While not crucial for everyone, the native 144Hz support will be a boon for PC gamers with powerful rigs.
Samsung S95B: QD-OLED’s potential
This is a newer OLED technology, fusing Quantum Dots with OLED. The key benefits should be:
- Peak Brightness: Samsung advertises significantly higher peak brightness than typical OLED TVs. This could be an advantage in brightly lit rooms.
- Color Vibrancy: QD-OLEDs has the potential for wider color gamuts and increased color purity, especially at high brightness.
It’s too early to definitively say one outshines the other.
Here’s why:
- Real-World Testing: We need reviews with calibrated measurements to see if either model truly lives up to their promised strengths.
- Content Matters HDR movies might look best on the Samsung due to its peak brightness. But the LG’s processing could make non-HDR content look more pleasing.
- OLED vs. LCD: Don’t forget, even the best LCD TVs can’t match OLED pixel-level dimming for black levels, which impacts overall image quality.
Design
LG C4: Sleek but familiar
The LG C4 retains the same design language as its predecessor, the C3. While slightly disappointing in terms of innovation, its sleek profile and central pedestal continue to offer a minimalist and stylish look that complements most interior styles. This compact and centralized design optimizes space without being visually overwhelming.
Samsung S95B: Practical and soundbar-friendly
The Samsung S95B showcases a more functional design philosophy. Its stand deliberately accommodates the placement of soundbars, ensuring they can sit comfortably beneath the screen without obstructing the view. This demonstrates Samsung’s focus on a seamless user experience.
Size options
Both the LG C4 and Samsung S95B offer a range of screen sizes to suit different needs. The C4 starts smaller, but both manufacturers offer options up to a massive 77-inch for a true cinematic experience.
Beyond aesthetics: Considerations for the enthusiast
While the overall look and feel are important, let’s dig deeper into design features for serious users:
- Inputs: Both TVs will likely have an ample selection of HDMI ports, essential for connecting gaming consoles, AV receivers, and other devices. Check the specific models for the latest HDMI standards.
- Filmmaker Mode: This feature, found on many high-end TVs, ensures movies are displayed as the director intended. Both LG and Samsung models typically include this mode for enhanced accuracy.
- Gaming MC: Look for dedicated gaming control centers within the TV’s interface. These hubs provide quick access to gaming-specific settings like refresh rate, VRR, and input lag optimization.
Picture quality
Ultimately, design matters, but image quality is paramount in a TV of this caliber. The LG C4 leverages traditional OLED technology, known for its exceptional black levels and contrast. The Samsung S95B, as a QD-OLED TV, offers the potential for even brighter highlights and a wider color gamut.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95B: Price
Considering that LG hasn’t revealed the price and availability of the new LG C4, it is left to us to make educated guesses on the possible price.
Given the trend, we might anticipate the LG C4 to align closely with, if not exceed, the C3’s price range:
- OLED42C3: Around $1,400
- OLED48C3: Approximately $1,500
- OLED55C3: Near $1,900
- OLED65C3: Close to $2,600
Such estimations suggest that the LG C4 could slightly raise the bar in terms of pricing compared to its predecessor, the C3, which already saw a price increase from the C2 series.
On the flip side, the Samsung S95B, a product from 2022, holds its ground with a price tag hovering around $1,700 to $2,000 for its larger variants. This pricing positions the S95B competitively, especially considering its age and the value it continues to offer.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95B: Conclusion
In conclusion, the LG C4 OLED emerges as a strong contender in this head-to-head comparison, not just for its anticipated advancements in brightness and performance enhancements but also for its potential pricing advantage.
The fact that a 2022 Samsung TV remains a viable competitor against LG’s latest C series iteration speaks volumes about Samsung’s product quality. Yet, with expected improvements and a price point that potentially undercuts its rival, the LG C4 could indeed claim victory for consumers prioritizing cutting-edge technology paired with value.
