2024 is the year of AI for Samsung. It started in January with the launch of Galaxy AI capabilities in the Galaxy S24 smartphone series and continued with the recent release of new TVs in Israel. Unlike the AI capabilities in smartphones, which focus on software and user-executable features like photo editing or text writing, the AI in TVs enhances picture and sound quality. Samsung's S90D model highlights its OLED technology with rich colors and strong brightness.
Design and Connections: Samsung S90D – Ultra-Thin with Brushed Metal Look
OLED TVs are known for their slim design, made possible by the technology. Samsung calls the design of its new model LaserSlim Design (instead of just Slim). This focuses on a brushed metal look (frame, back of the screen, and rectangular stand), creating the impression that the screen is almost floating in the air. The screen is very thin but still has a bump housing the processor and connections. Samsung did not include the One Connect feature in this model, a clever solution where the hardware is in an external box that can be placed inside a cabinet (available in the S95D).
The connection layout provides side access to two HDMI ports and two USB 2.0 ports, with another area including two additional HDMI ports, optical, analog audio, and LAN ports, positioned more internally, making wall mounting access more challenging.
Interface and Remote: Samsung S90D – Shortcuts Exactly When Needed
One of the less appealing aspects of Samsung's Tizen operating system for TVs is the need to dig through the interface for certain functions, which can take too many clicks. With the S90D, Samsung has solved this by popping up shortcut suggestions (when pressing the settings button). For example, connecting Bluetooth headphones (in my case, the Buds 2 Pro, for review) or a picture profile that perfectly fits the current setting, like the "Eye Comfort" profile. If you use Samsung's SmartThings app to manage your smart home, you'll receive suggestions for activating scripts you've created, such as a movie-watching script that turns off some lights and activates others with a dim blue light. Besides this, the interface is responsive and enjoyable to use. Samsung includes its compact solar-powered remote, which has convenient sliding switches for volume and channel control. Shortcut buttons provide access to the browser, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+. The remote charges via a USB-C connector, so no batteries are needed. Additionally, a solar panel on the back charges the remote from household light or at night through radio frequency from nearby devices.
Picture and Sound: Samsung S90D – Strong Brightness and AI Processor
The picture quality from OLED technology TVs is amazing, and Samsung has joined this category with its screens in recent years. The S90D model offers deep blacks, vivid colors, detailed objects, strong brightness for good visibility in a bright room, and no light leaks. While Samsung's screen does not support Dolby Vision HDR, it does support HDR10. The NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor enhances the picture (details and color accuracy) and sound using artificial intelligence.
The S90D's thin design poses a challenge for sound quality. Samsung included two virtual top speakers in the panel. The sound is good for the screen, with some depth, and in enhanced mode, dialogues are clear. Samsung also uses OTS Lite to provide better sound for moving objects. There is Dolby Atmos support for richer sound. The TV includes Bluetooth 5.2, and when used with Samsung headphones and smartphones, you can see incoming calls on the screen and switch audio from the TV to the phone automatically. When the call ends, the sound returns to the TV.
Price: NIS 7,500 for 55 inches, NIS 10,300 for 65 inches, and NIS 16,500 for 77 inches (official importer is Samline).
In conclusion, the S90D provides a viewing experience that's a delight in the living room. The 65-inch model I reviewed offers a large screen area, excellent picture, and strong brightness to handle bright rooms. The sound is good enough even without a soundbar (although a soundbar is still preferable), and the interface is fast and allows smart home connectivity for users who work with Samsung's SmartThings system.