Samsung 50-Inch Neo QLED 4K QN90D Review Exceptional Picture and Immersive Sound

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung 50-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90D Series truly stands out with its sleek and modern Graphite Black finish. Its thin bezels make the screen feel expansive, pulling you into the action without any distractions. When I set it up in my living room, the slim profile blended seamlessly with the decor. Despite being only 8.7 inches deep, the TV feels sturdy, and the stand holds it firmly in place. Weighing in at 38.8 pounds, it’s not the lightest, but that added weight contributes to its durable feel.

One thing that caught my eye was the 50-inch display size, which hits the sweet spot for medium to large rooms. The 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for movie nights or gaming sessions, delivering an immersive viewing experience. I also appreciated the intuitive placement of ports at the back, making it easy to connect devices without fumbling around.

Picture Quality and Performance

I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away, but the Quantum Matrix with Mini LEDs really delivers. The precision of the mini LED lighting creates stellar brightness and contrast, making dark scenes rich and vivid without washing out the highlights. Watching action-packed movies felt like being in a theater, especially with the Neo Quantum HDR+. Colors pop in a way that feels natural, not over-saturated, and the 100% color volume ensures you see every hue as intended.

Another feature that impressed me was the Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which adds a noticeable sense of dimension. While watching wildlife documentaries, the depth in each frame made animals look like they were stepping out of the screen. And when I switched to gaming, the Motion Xcelerator 144Hz ensured buttery-smooth motion with zero blurring, even during fast-paced sequences.

Audio Experience

The Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ were a game-changer for me. Watching car chases or action scenes, the sound followed the movement on screen, creating a 3D audio experience that’s usually reserved for high-end sound systems. The 2.2CH speaker setup produces clear dialogue and robust bass, though audiophiles might still prefer adding a soundbar for that extra oomph.

There’s a lot to love about the way sound integrates with the visuals. For instance, in one scene where rain was falling, the audio made it feel like I was right there under the downpour. However, while it’s great for most use cases, if you’re expecting earth-shaking bass, you might find the built-in speakers slightly lacking.

Smart Features and User Interface

Navigating the Samsung Tizen OS was a breeze. The intuitive Smart TV Hub organizes apps and content in a way that feels natural. I was able to access my favorite streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu in just a few clicks. The voice assistant integration is another highlight. Whether it was Alexa or Samsung’s own assistant, commands were recognized quickly and accurately.

One small hiccup I noticed was that creating a Samsung Account is almost mandatory to unlock the full suite of smart features. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting for those who prefer plug-and-play simplicity. That said, once logged in, the personalized content recommendations were spot on.

Positives

• Exceptional picture quality with Neo Quantum HDR+ and 100% color volume.
• Smooth motion handling thanks to the Motion Xcelerator 144Hz.
• Immersive Dolby Atmos audio paired with Object Tracking Sound+.
• User-friendly interface with Tizen OS and built-in voice assistants.
• Stylish design with a sleek, slim profile that complements any space.

Drawbacks

• Requires a Samsung Account for full functionality, which might not appeal to everyone.
• While the built-in speakers are solid, they may not satisfy audiophiles.
• Limited HDMI ports compared to some competitors, which could be a downside for those with multiple devices.

Competing Products

Comparing this model to its rivals, like the LG OLED C3 and Sony Bravia XR X90K, it’s clear that each has its strengths. The LG OLED excels in delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast, thanks to its OLED panel. However, it falls short in brightness compared to the Neo QLED’s Mini LEDs, making Samsung’s offering better suited for bright rooms.

The Sony Bravia XR delivers incredible upscaling and natural color reproduction but doesn’t quite match the 144Hz refresh rate of the Samsung TV, which is a big deal for gamers. Where Samsung pulls ahead is in its Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which provides a more lifelike viewing experience than either of the competitors.

Affordable Quality

For what it offers, this TV provides excellent value for money. The combination of premium features like Neo Quantum HDR+, Dolby Atmos, and AI-powered 4K upscaling makes it a versatile choice. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option, but the cost-to-quality ratio feels justified when you consider the overall performance. If you’re someone who values top-tier visuals and immersive sound, this TV feels like it’s worth every penny.

Additional information