Saturday, 24 October 2026
Monitor · Review digest

Samsung QE65S90H OLED Review: Value, Connectivity, and the WRGB Panel Shift

The Samsung QE65S90H enters the market with a significant shift to an EX-grade WRGB panel. Despite this panel change, the 65-inch model remains a highly valued option. It offers robust connectivity, low input lag for gaming, and advanced smart features.

Samsung QE65S90H OLED Review: Value, Connectivity, and the WRGB Panel Shift
A vivid display of pink flowers and bright yellow foliage shown on a flat-screen television set.

The Samsung QE65S90H enters the market as a 65-inch mid-range OLED for 2026, presenting itself as a strong value proposition. Despite a significant technical shift, professional reviewers find the television to be a very fine display, priced at £1,899.

The most notable change is the panel technology. For the first time in the UK and US markets, the 65-inch S90 model has dropped its QD-OLED panel, adopting an EX-grade WRGB panel from LG Display. This change adds complexity to the S90 range, as smaller models use Primary RGB Tandem OLED and the Australian variant retains QD-OLED technology.

Aesthetically, the TV maintains the S90 series’ slim and futuristic look. A narrow frame and thin rear surface contribute to a premium impression. While there is a thicker bottom section housing processors and connections, the design still facilitates clean wall-mounting and the feet slot on without screws.

Connectivity remains a clear strength. The TV matches competitors like the LG OLED65C6 in terms of ports and functionality. It features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, supporting 4K up to 165Hz and variable refresh rates (VRR). One of these ports also provides eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos passthrough. Two USB ports and advanced wireless standards, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, round out an unusually generous setup for a mid-range set.

The operating system is Tizen. The layout has seen improvements, including a dedicated row of navigation icons at the top. Samsung’s AI suite is accessible through an AI option, offering TV-optimised versions of Perplexity and Copilot. Setup and content recommendations are praised for their quality, and the ability to support individual household profiles enhances personalization. The supplied smart remote features a solar panel to eliminate battery replacement concerns.

For gaming, the QE65S90H is highly regarded. All four HDMI sockets support 4K at 165Hz, with no bandwidth restrictions. It includes both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync VRR support. Input lag measures 9.1ms at 60Hz, ranking among the lowest figures observed by reviewers. Additionally, the Game Bar offers features like crosshair placement and Dynamic Black EQ.

Picture quality continues the OLED expectation: deep blacks and bright highlights. The anti-reflective coating is effective, making dark scenes immersive even in bright rooms. While the set does not measure as brightly as the flagship S99H—measuring 1,500 nits at 10% window in Standard mode—the contrast remains solid relative to its price point.

However, the shift to WRGB panels impacts the color profile. Reviewers confirm that the HDR colors lack the saturation and range of the predecessor QD-OLED models, and objective measurements show a reduction in DCI-P3 coverage. Furthermore, the Standard mode carries a slight salmony undertone, particularly noticeable on skin tones.

Audio performance utilizes a 2.1-channel, 40W system. Standard mode offers smooth, controlled sound, while Amplify mode provides a more dynamic, louder presentation. Object Tracking Sound performs well for effects, although the tracking effect is not as precise as on Samsung’s higher-end models.

Overall, the review concludes that the QE65S90H is a strong value OLED. Although the WRGB panel and certain pre-set modes require tweaking, the set offers powerful video processing, top-tier smart features, and stellar gaming capabilities. It is recommended for buyers prioritizing Samsung’s ecosystem and value, provided they are willing to invest time in customizing the picture settings.