With CES in the rearview mirror, one item that piqued my interest was Samsung's QN95C. After seeing it at the show, it was obvious that the brightness and colors were going to make this TV a strong competitor among the 2023 models. Samsung's Neo QLED TVs improve with each iteration, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on one to put it through its paces.
Specifications
Samsung's flagship 4K QLED TV for 2023 is the QN95C Neo QLED TV. The Neo QLED 4K TV is not currently available at the time of this review, but it will be offered in 65, 75, and 85-inch screen sizes very soon. Unlike the QN95B from last year, the new model does not use Samsung's external One Connect box but instead includes four built-in HDMI 2.1 ports that enable up to 144Hz refresh rates, as well as VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro.
The QN95C's Neural Quantum Processor upscales images to 4K quality using 14-bit processing and AI. A new Auto HDR Remastering function has been added this year to apply HDR10+ high dynamic range to standard dynamic range images dynamically. Like other Samsung TVs, the QN95C lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR.
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The QN95C also includes a new dimming technology that provides enhanced brightness and grayscale management to precisely reproduce both luminance and details across the whole screen. The QN95C, like the company's top 8K Neo QLED model, has an Anti-Glare screen as well as Ultra Viewing Angle technology to assist off-axis viewing.
This year also sees the release of new up-firing speakers that recreate overhead effects in Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which performed really well during my time with the TV. The QN95C also has Object Tracking Sound+, which improves the spatial accuracy of sound effects, and Q-Symphony 3.0, which allows you to connect the set's built-in speakers with the speakers of an external Samsung soundbar to create one large soundstage.
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The Samsung Eco Remote has also received some upgrades this time around. It's still a basic, rectangular remote with a charging solar panel on the back, but it now comes in a matte gray finish with rounded corners. It's thinner and more comfortable to hold than the previous generation while keeping the same convenient button arrangement. Looking at the top, there's a circular navigation pad with power, voice, and settings buttons that surround a pinhole microphone.
Below the pad are volume and channel rockers, as well as a play/pause, home, and back button. Below all of that, there are dedicated buttons for Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Samsung TV Plus. The remote also includes a USB-C connector for wired charging.
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Design
With the One Connect Box being built directly into the TV, the Samsung QN95C has an appealing thin appearance As a result, this TV looks as premium as one would imagine, with an optical digital audio output and an RF input in addition to its four HDMI 2.1 connections (one with HDMI eARC). The screen has an extremely thin bezel and is surrounded by a narrow strip of matte metal on all four sides which compliments the sleek metal base.
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Speaking of the base, the installation was a bit of a head-scratcher at first. There’s a cover on the base itself that has to be removed in order to access the screw holes and unlock the clamps on the upper part of the bracket.
Smart Features
The Smart Hub interface on Samsung's QN95B isn't much different from last year's lineup. There are several streaming applications for movies and music available including Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for direct streaming from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
There's also hands-free interface control through Amazon Alexa or Samsung's Bixby, which is enabled by a far-field microphone in the unit itself. While I wasn't a big fan of the Tizen-powered Smart TV platform last year, you can tell improvements were made on this year’s model, and it feels more snappy than it did before. Still, if you weren't too fond of the platform before, then you still probably won’t be a fan.
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Performance
I’m sure you’re wondering by now how well this TV performs, and I'm happy to report this TV is quite impressive. As soon as you turn on an HDR movie, you are greeted with an abundance of brightness. During the end fight scene in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the highlights had huge amounts of pop with minimal clipping. The TV achieves a peak brightness of 2,307 nits with a 10% white field in Filmmaker mode, which is a remarkable result.
The enhancements made in the backlight control on this year's model are pretty remarkable. Blooming and haloing are reduced to practically non-existent levels during the dark scenes. The Quantum Mini LED backlight aids in achieving strong levels of contrast by treating black levels to near-inky levels of depth. Every time the director reveals the space shots, black levels appear virtually outstanding while watching "Elysium". There is some minor blooming in the appearance of the constellation of stars, but you really have to be looking for it. You won't notice if you're simply enjoying the movie. Dare I say OLED like picture quality?
Moving on to color, this TV brings out tones and gradations in colors that some similarly priced OLEDs I've tested have missed. "Elvis" is a beautifully colored film, from the opening logo to the colors on his clothing. While in Filmmaker mode, the QN95C measures 94% of the DCI-P3 color space. Detail levels are constantly high, and the QN95C squeezes every last drop of performance out of the 4K Blu-ray.
Upscaling
Its upscaling is superb. Viewing "Gatsby" in HD delivers vibrant colors with a variety of hues and tones. From Gatsby's face to the tile fireplace inside Nick Carrawy's mansion to the precise detail apparent in the outfits and stitching, the detail levels are remarkable. It's an upscaled image that's bright, colorful, clear, and crisp. Standard definition material struggles a bit, but Samsung's Neural Quantum Processor 4K tries its best and produces some commendable results while viewing Youtube TV. I have yet to see a TV look decent while watching broadcast shows, but the Samsung did perform on the higher end of what I've seen while watching the latest episode of "Shark Tank".
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When you go into the image settings, you can now choose between static and dynamic tone mapping for HDR content. Tone mapping regulates how various light and color values display on a screen. The static mode uses preset tone mapping which assigns fixed values, but the dynamic mode modifies those values to increase the dynamic range of the image.
In general, dynamic tone mapping makes what you're seeing appear brighter and more colorful, but static tone mapping provides an image that is closer to what the director intended for us to see. Switching between a couple of different movies to test this feature proves that it works really well. Colors remain realistic, and details in both shadows and highlights are clearly visible. It all comes down to personal preference, however, and the amount of ambient lighting available in your room.
Motion
The TV also benefits from the ability to handle judder and motion blur. Action sequences and camera pans display without unnecessary stuttering or irritating processing side effects. It also doesn’t completely make 24p films look like soap operas.
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Sound Quality
The rear-mounted speakers produce a clean and clear sound, but it lacks weight and impact when viewing Captain America: Civil War. Nonetheless, Samsung's object-tracking sound function did an excellent job of following Captain America's shield whenever it was airborne.
Gaming
This television, like last year's models, is perfect for gaming with a 144Hz refresh rate and Xbox Game Pass integrated into the Game Hub menu system. Connecting my PS5 and playing "Gran Turismo 7" is a thrill and the increased brightness and 4K at 120Hz results in a clean visual with silky smooth action. With game mode on, I measure a whopping 2.6ms, which is by far the best TV I've measured to date. Just remember to use this setting when gaming or your input latency will drastically increase.
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Conclusion
Overall, the QN95C from Samsung is an excellent TV. While there has been an increasing need for an 8K TV for all of its high-end features, that trend comes to an end with this set. With image quality that is wonderfully bright, vivid, and punchy, upscaling that impresses, and enhanced dimming zones that limit blooming for greater black levels, this is clearly an AVS Top Choice for 2023. The QN95C is certainly keen competition for Samsung’s own 8K TV, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against each other given this 4K TV's fantastic performance.
We are committed to researching and recommending the best products for our readers. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how this works.
FAQ
What is the difference between QLED and Neo QLED?
Neo QLED is an abbreviation for neo (or new) quantum light-emitting diode. That simply implies that the thousands of tiny LED light bulbs in your QLED TV's backlight panel have been replaced by even smaller, finer, more granular LED particles.
Do Neo QLED TVs burn in?
Thankfully, Samsung QLED TVs have been certified burn-in free and are among the most durable screens currently available on the market.
Do QLED TVs last longer than OLED TV’s?
QLED screens outperform OLED displays in terms of durability and longevity. This is due to the fact that quantum dots are particularly stable, which means they can keep their color and brightness for a longer amount of time than OLED displays.
Specifications
Samsung's flagship 4K QLED TV for 2023 is the QN95C Neo QLED TV. The Neo QLED 4K TV is not currently available at the time of this review, but it will be offered in 65, 75, and 85-inch screen sizes very soon. Unlike the QN95B from last year, the new model does not use Samsung's external One Connect box but instead includes four built-in HDMI 2.1 ports that enable up to 144Hz refresh rates, as well as VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro.
The QN95C's Neural Quantum Processor upscales images to 4K quality using 14-bit processing and AI. A new Auto HDR Remastering function has been added this year to apply HDR10+ high dynamic range to standard dynamic range images dynamically. Like other Samsung TVs, the QN95C lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR.
The QN95C also includes a new dimming technology that provides enhanced brightness and grayscale management to precisely reproduce both luminance and details across the whole screen. The QN95C, like the company's top 8K Neo QLED model, has an Anti-Glare screen as well as Ultra Viewing Angle technology to assist off-axis viewing.
This year also sees the release of new up-firing speakers that recreate overhead effects in Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which performed really well during my time with the TV. The QN95C also has Object Tracking Sound+, which improves the spatial accuracy of sound effects, and Q-Symphony 3.0, which allows you to connect the set's built-in speakers with the speakers of an external Samsung soundbar to create one large soundstage.
The Samsung Eco Remote has also received some upgrades this time around. It's still a basic, rectangular remote with a charging solar panel on the back, but it now comes in a matte gray finish with rounded corners. It's thinner and more comfortable to hold than the previous generation while keeping the same convenient button arrangement. Looking at the top, there's a circular navigation pad with power, voice, and settings buttons that surround a pinhole microphone.
Below the pad are volume and channel rockers, as well as a play/pause, home, and back button. Below all of that, there are dedicated buttons for Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Samsung TV Plus. The remote also includes a USB-C connector for wired charging.
Design
With the One Connect Box being built directly into the TV, the Samsung QN95C has an appealing thin appearance As a result, this TV looks as premium as one would imagine, with an optical digital audio output and an RF input in addition to its four HDMI 2.1 connections (one with HDMI eARC). The screen has an extremely thin bezel and is surrounded by a narrow strip of matte metal on all four sides which compliments the sleek metal base.
Speaking of the base, the installation was a bit of a head-scratcher at first. There’s a cover on the base itself that has to be removed in order to access the screw holes and unlock the clamps on the upper part of the bracket.
Smart Features
The Smart Hub interface on Samsung's QN95B isn't much different from last year's lineup. There are several streaming applications for movies and music available including Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for direct streaming from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
There's also hands-free interface control through Amazon Alexa or Samsung's Bixby, which is enabled by a far-field microphone in the unit itself. While I wasn't a big fan of the Tizen-powered Smart TV platform last year, you can tell improvements were made on this year’s model, and it feels more snappy than it did before. Still, if you weren't too fond of the platform before, then you still probably won’t be a fan.
Performance
I’m sure you’re wondering by now how well this TV performs, and I'm happy to report this TV is quite impressive. As soon as you turn on an HDR movie, you are greeted with an abundance of brightness. During the end fight scene in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the highlights had huge amounts of pop with minimal clipping. The TV achieves a peak brightness of 2,307 nits with a 10% white field in Filmmaker mode, which is a remarkable result.
The enhancements made in the backlight control on this year's model are pretty remarkable. Blooming and haloing are reduced to practically non-existent levels during the dark scenes. The Quantum Mini LED backlight aids in achieving strong levels of contrast by treating black levels to near-inky levels of depth. Every time the director reveals the space shots, black levels appear virtually outstanding while watching "Elysium". There is some minor blooming in the appearance of the constellation of stars, but you really have to be looking for it. You won't notice if you're simply enjoying the movie. Dare I say OLED like picture quality?
Moving on to color, this TV brings out tones and gradations in colors that some similarly priced OLEDs I've tested have missed. "Elvis" is a beautifully colored film, from the opening logo to the colors on his clothing. While in Filmmaker mode, the QN95C measures 94% of the DCI-P3 color space. Detail levels are constantly high, and the QN95C squeezes every last drop of performance out of the 4K Blu-ray.
Upscaling
Its upscaling is superb. Viewing "Gatsby" in HD delivers vibrant colors with a variety of hues and tones. From Gatsby's face to the tile fireplace inside Nick Carrawy's mansion to the precise detail apparent in the outfits and stitching, the detail levels are remarkable. It's an upscaled image that's bright, colorful, clear, and crisp. Standard definition material struggles a bit, but Samsung's Neural Quantum Processor 4K tries its best and produces some commendable results while viewing Youtube TV. I have yet to see a TV look decent while watching broadcast shows, but the Samsung did perform on the higher end of what I've seen while watching the latest episode of "Shark Tank".
When you go into the image settings, you can now choose between static and dynamic tone mapping for HDR content. Tone mapping regulates how various light and color values display on a screen. The static mode uses preset tone mapping which assigns fixed values, but the dynamic mode modifies those values to increase the dynamic range of the image.
In general, dynamic tone mapping makes what you're seeing appear brighter and more colorful, but static tone mapping provides an image that is closer to what the director intended for us to see. Switching between a couple of different movies to test this feature proves that it works really well. Colors remain realistic, and details in both shadows and highlights are clearly visible. It all comes down to personal preference, however, and the amount of ambient lighting available in your room.
Motion
The TV also benefits from the ability to handle judder and motion blur. Action sequences and camera pans display without unnecessary stuttering or irritating processing side effects. It also doesn’t completely make 24p films look like soap operas.
Sound Quality
The rear-mounted speakers produce a clean and clear sound, but it lacks weight and impact when viewing Captain America: Civil War. Nonetheless, Samsung's object-tracking sound function did an excellent job of following Captain America's shield whenever it was airborne.
Gaming
This television, like last year's models, is perfect for gaming with a 144Hz refresh rate and Xbox Game Pass integrated into the Game Hub menu system. Connecting my PS5 and playing "Gran Turismo 7" is a thrill and the increased brightness and 4K at 120Hz results in a clean visual with silky smooth action. With game mode on, I measure a whopping 2.6ms, which is by far the best TV I've measured to date. Just remember to use this setting when gaming or your input latency will drastically increase.
Conclusion
Overall, the QN95C from Samsung is an excellent TV. While there has been an increasing need for an 8K TV for all of its high-end features, that trend comes to an end with this set. With image quality that is wonderfully bright, vivid, and punchy, upscaling that impresses, and enhanced dimming zones that limit blooming for greater black levels, this is clearly an AVS Top Choice for 2023. The QN95C is certainly keen competition for Samsung’s own 8K TV, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against each other given this 4K TV's fantastic performance.
We are committed to researching and recommending the best products for our readers. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how this works.
Pros | Cons |
- Captivating brightness | - No Dolby vision support |
- Local dimming with high accuracy for near-perfect blacks | - TV stand made of lower-grade materials |
- Elegant, minimalist design | |
- Extremely low input lag |
FAQ
What is the difference between QLED and Neo QLED?
Neo QLED is an abbreviation for neo (or new) quantum light-emitting diode. That simply implies that the thousands of tiny LED light bulbs in your QLED TV's backlight panel have been replaced by even smaller, finer, more granular LED particles.
Do Neo QLED TVs burn in?
Thankfully, Samsung QLED TVs have been certified burn-in free and are among the most durable screens currently available on the market.
Do QLED TVs last longer than OLED TV’s?
QLED screens outperform OLED displays in terms of durability and longevity. This is due to the fact that quantum dots are particularly stable, which means they can keep their color and brightness for a longer amount of time than OLED displays.
