The Samsung QE55QN90B is a Neo QLED TV model released in 2022 as part of Samsung's TV lineup. It features a Quantum dot screen for expanded brightness and color range, resulting in vivid HDR images. The TV offers zippy game performance, effective upscaling, wide viewing angles, and a well-stocked set of features. It uses Samsung's branded Mini LED backlight technology to deliver blazingly bright HDR images. The QE55QN90B has certain advantages over OLED TVs, such as its high brightness levels that surpass what OLEDs can achieve. However, the high brightness approach does come with some complications, including slight blooming and overpowering brightness at times.
The TV has a minimalist design with a slender depth of 25.9mm and a bezel that barely encroaches on the screen's real estate. It also incorporates Ultra Viewing Angle technology to enhance viewing angles. The Tizen interface on the QE55QN90B offers a wide range of features and options through dedicated hubs, but it has some quirks that affect the user experience, such as a sluggish interface and lag with the smart remote. The TV supports various digital assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung's own Bixby, and features SmartThings for connecting to other smart devices in your home. Gaming performance on the QE55QN90B is impressive, with low latency and support for Variable Refresh Rate. In terms of connectivity options, the TV offers multiple HDMI inputs, digital optical out, satellite tuners, USB ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DLNA, and Samsung's Wireless Dex support.
The QE55QN90B delivers exceptionally bright images with wide-ranging colors thanks to its second-gen Neo QLED Mini LED technology. However, it suffers from slight blooming and the brightness can affect the intended look of scenes. The motion handling is not as consistent as other brands, and the upscaling performs best with high-quality content. The TV supports Dolby Atmos but does not offer a sense of height or increased width to the soundtracks. The soundstage is flat, but the dialogue clarity is good and there is decent bass. Overall, the Samsung QE55QN90B is a reliable TV with impressive performance in bright rooms, but it falls short in some aspects compared to OLED TVs.
A comprehensive look at the technical specifications of this model
Specs | Details |
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Screen Size | 55 inches |
Display Type | Neo QLED |
Backlight | Mini LED |
Quantum Dots | Yes |
HDR Support | Yes |
Viewing Angles | Wide |
Smart TV | Yes |
Operating System | Tizen |
Digital Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby |
Gaming Features | Low latency, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Super UltraWide Game View, Game Bar, HGiG HDR, HDR10+ Gaming |
Connectivity | 4 HDMI inputs, digital optical out, CI+ 1.4, two satellite tuners, aerial antenna, two USB ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, DLNA, Wireless Dex support |
Picture Quality | Brightness: 2036 nits, Slight blooming, Good black levels, Detail retrieval from dark parts, Overpowering brightness at times, Washed-out picture in certain lighting effects |
Motion Handling | Custom motion setting for natural motion, Auto setting with Soap Opera Effect, Picture Clarity settings struggle with performance |
Upscaling | Best with high-quality content, DVDs may appear rough, Blu-rays offer increased detail, Native 4K HDR content showcases brightness and color variety |
Sound Quality | Dolby Atmos support, Object Tracking Sound+ technology with eight speakers, Flat soundstage, Good dialogue clarity, Decent bass, Recommended to pair with soundbar for enhanced experience |
Price | Around £1300 |
A comprehensive overview of the capabilities of Samsung QE55QN90B
The most important key feature of the Samsung QE55QN90B is its bright and colorful Neo QLED display, which offers expanded brightness and color range for vivid HDR images.
- Zippy game performance with low latency and support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Effective upscaling with good quality sources for increased detail and clarity
- Wide viewing angles thanks to Ultra Viewing Angle technology
- Well-stocked set of features including support for digital assistants, SmartThings integration, and wireless control of Samsung soundbars
- Impressive brightness levels that surpass what OLED TVs can achieve, resulting in exceptionally bright images
What you should be aware of
The main problem with the Samsung QE55QN90B TV is that it can be overpoweringly bright at times, affecting the intended look of scenes.
Some potential downsides of purchasing this TV include:
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Slight blooming: The TV suffers from slight blooming, especially in night-time scenes, which can be distracting and affect the overall picture quality.
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Sluggish Tizen interface: The Tizen interface on the QE55QN90B has received mixed reviews, with some users experiencing lag and slow response times, which can be frustrating when navigating through menus and apps.
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Limited viewing angles: While the TV features wide viewing angles thanks to Samsung's Ultra Viewing Angle technology, the VA panel used in the display still has limited viewing angles compared to other panel types like IPS, which means that the picture quality may degrade when viewing the TV from off-center positions.
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Motion handling inconsistencies: The TV's motion handling is not as consistent as some other brands. While the Custom motion setting offers good performance with natural-looking motion, the Auto setting can introduce noticeable Soap Opera Effect and artifacts, and the Picture Clarity motion settings struggle with performance and exhibit distracting stuttering.
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Lack of Dolby Vision support: The QE55QN90B does not support Dolby Vision HDR, which is a popular HDR format that offers enhanced picture quality and better dynamic range. This may be a drawback for those who prefer Dolby Vision content or have compatible devices.
Final thoughts
The Samsung QE55QN90B is a solid TV option with some notable strengths and drawbacks. It offers a bright and colorful picture with expanded brightness and color range, making it ideal for bright rooms. The gaming performance is impressive with low latency and support for Variable Refresh Rate. The TV also includes a well-stocked set of features and supports various digital assistants. However, there are some issues such as slight blooming, overpowering brightness at times, and a sluggish Tizen interface. If you prioritize a bright and vibrant picture and excellent gaming performance, the QE55QN90B is a good choice. However, if you value deep black levels and accurate tone mapping, you may want to consider other options.