Neo QLED 4K QN90D series belongs to the high end of Samsung’s 2024 lineup. It received a VA-matrix with a resolution of 4K and a frequency of 120 frames per second.
I continue to study Samsung TVs. Today on the review model 2024 model year Neo QLED 4K QN90D. As the name suggests, it is based on the Neo QLED technology developed and promoted by Samsung. And also, since this is a high-level model, there is a powerful audio system, a built-in hub for a smart home and a remote control with a solar panel.
”Neo QLED technology combines MiniLED illumination with Quantum Dot technology. The backlight of such a screen contains many small and precise LEDs, each of which independently highlights only the desired area of the screen.”
Contents
Technical specifications
- Display: 65 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio, 4K UHD (3840 × 2160), 120 Hz (overclocked to 144 Hz), VA with Neo QLED backlight, HDR10+.
- Sound: Sound system 4.2.2 with subwoofer, 60 W.
- Audio technologies: Adaptive Sound Pro, 360 Audio, Dolby Atmos, and OTS+.
- Operating system: Tizen.
- Interfaces: 4 × HDMI (4K 144Hz), 2 × USB 3.0, Ethernet, digital audio output, antenna inputs for terrestrial and satellite TV, CI+expansion card slot.
- Wireless interfaces: Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi 5.
- Wall mounting: VESA 400 × 300 mm.
- Case materials: metal and recycled plastic.
- Standby power consumption: 0.5 W.
- Typical power consumption: 139 watts.
- Maximum power consumption: 295 watts.
- Dimensions with stand: 1446.3 × 891.3 × 270.6 mm, 27.5 kg.
- Dimensions without stand: 1446.3 × 828.7 × 26.9 mm, 24.2 kg.
First introduction
From the front, all TVs are similar, so I focus on the thickness of the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90D, which is only 26.9 mm at its thickest point. The thinner a TV is, the more aesthetically pleasing it looks, whether it has a stand or a wall bracket.
The second distinctive feature is an unusual hexagon stand in the center of a lighter silver color compared to the rest of the case. Usually large TVs are supported on two legs on the sides. And Samsung uses a central base, which I like more, as it is perceived as more minimalistic. And there are no problems with stability.
The indicator is located in the usual place on the right. It lights up red when the TV is turned off. The glow is dim and does not illuminate the room at night.
The TV is controlled by a miniature remote control with a pair of levers. Instead of replaceable batteries, it has a built-in battery that is recharged via USB-C or a solar panel.
Quantum Dot display
In Neo QLED, the illumination consists of many small quantum dots, controlled independently by zones. So the image is very contrasting, and in dark scenes, black has a natural depth. If you compare it to OLED, where there is no additional illumination by definition, black is still not perfect. Although, as for me, a noticeable difference can be seen only if you put Neo QLED and OLED directly next to each other.
Not so long ago, I had a review of the Samsung OLED 4K S95C. And that the flagship model, that today’s Neo QLED 4K QN90D — I was equally impressed with both TVs. The colors are bright, the contrast seems limitless, the picture is smooth and without glare. An additional contribution to emotions is made by the 65-inch diagonal. In a room just over 3 meters wide, the image is very large, allowing you to see small details.
You can keep your TV on during the day thanks to Ambient Mode with animated screensavers or your own photos in different stylized frames. Neo QLED matrices do not tend to burn out even from a static image, so you can use the mode without fear.
I also note the work of the 2nd generation NQ4 AI neural processor, which is responsible for image post-processing. Often, on modern 4K TVs, old TV shows with a maximum resolution far from 4K don’t look very good. On the Neo QLED 4K QN90D, I managed to review a couple of TV shows from the mid-noughties, shot on “non-native” cameras. And I really liked the work of the built-in upscaler. As Samsung points out, artificial intelligence is used to increase the resolution of content, and the result looks natural, close to real 4K.
Audio system with subwoofer
Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90D has a 4.2.2 format speaker system with a total power of 60 watts. And she impressed me, made me feel like she was playing a soundbar somewhere nearby! It’s completely unclear how so much sound could fit in the thin panel. For example, a subwoofer doesn’t just benefit music. The voices sound very impressive and high-pitched, especially low-pitched men’s voices. The acoustic picture is very wide, there is a noticeable volume and the effect of sound moving after objects on the screen.
Of course, you can connect a soundbar of any configuration to our hero, including with a separate subwoofer. With Q-Symphony, the TV’s built-in speakers and external system will work in synergy.
Smart TV and management
Smart TV, Samsung has its own Tizen system with a common interface for all models of the brand. The firmware is convenient and has an exhaustive catalog of applications that are relevant for Russia. Everything works smoothly and very fast.
As a Samsung smartphone user, I like the Smart View option for displaying images from a mobile device to a TV wirelessly. The most popular use case for me is to display photos from the standard gallery on a huge screen. At the same time, the smartphone displays the usual interface with a carousel of subsequent and previous photos.
The system can recognize which device is connected via HDMI. If this is a Nintendo Switch, then the corresponding shortcut will appear in the menu. Also, after turning on the console, the TV automatically turns on and switches the signal source. To play, just take a gamepad, you don’t need to search for a TV remote, and it’s convenient.
The system also has a game hub. It can adjust the image to suit different game genres and gives you quick access to important settings. In practice, I didn’t need this menu, since I’m not a fan of fine adjustments.
Tizen TVs are protected by Samsung’s proprietary Knox Security technologies. The TV is connected to a home router (via Wi-Fi or wire-it doesn’t matter) and can actually become a point of penetration of hackers into the home network. Knox Security technologies monitor the integrity of the operating system and installed programs, control access to data by third-party applications, and encrypt the necessary data on their side.
Smart home center
Samsung home appliances and other electronics can be combined into a SmartThings smart home. The hub and control point can be a Neo QLED 4K QN90D TV. Among the available devices, of course, lighting and smart sockets. As well as air conditioners, washing machines, ovens and other household appliances. The SmartThings ecosystem can be integrated with Yandex’s smart home for voice control via speaker.
Review after one month of use
After the review, I really want to upgrade to a 65-inch TV. This diagonal fits perfectly into a small living room just over 3 meters wide.
And one of the upgrade candidates is Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90D! In addition to the large and high-quality screen, there is a slim case that does not look bulky and will look great with a wall mount. And the standard audio system is powerful enough to do without a soundbar, not only voices in movies sound cool, but also music. I also liked that the emphasis is on conscious consumption and ecology. This is indicated by a case made of recycled plastic and a remote control with a rechargeable battery instead of disposable batteries.
Positive:
- huge 65-inch screen with a thin frame;
- Ambient Mode Screensavers;
- powerful audio system gives you a drive without a soundbar;
- built-in smart home hub SmartThings;
- remote control with solar panel and USB-C.
You may not like it:
- the black depth is still inferior to the reference OLED.
