Samsung S95D Named TV of the Year at TechRadar Choice Awards 2024
Samsung's latest offering in the realm of OLED televisions has taken the spotlight as the Samsung S95D clinches the title of TV of the Year at the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024. Following the unexpected triumph of the Samsung S90C OLED TV in 2023, which ended LG’s long-standing dominance, the S95D’s recognition is not entirely unforeseen. However, it raises eyebrows due to its intriguing blend of technology that sets it apart in the industry.
The accolade results from an impressive amalgamation of advanced AI-driven processing and a pioneering matte screen, marking a significant step forward in television display technology. These features have effectively placed the Samsung S95D a notch above its competitors, positioning it as an outstanding example of modern TV innovation.
The S95D was scrutinised under intense conditions at TechRadar's testing facilities, noted for their challenging lighting meant to assess reflectivity. The OLED Glare-Free screen of the S95D demonstrated remarkable efficacy, managing to virtually eliminate reflections and reduce screen glare, even under full lighting while viewing dark films such as "The Batman."
Traditionally, the best OLED TVs have encountered challenges with screen reflections due to inherent low brightness levels. Although recent advancements like the Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology have improved the brightness of models such as the LG G4 and Panasonic Z95A, the S95D’s next-generation QD-OLED panel combined with a simple matte screen has proven superior for bright room viewing.
Samsung’s S95D is not solely reliant on its matte screen; it also showcases the company’s strides in AI-enhanced picture quality. The Real Depth Enhancer AI feature significantly contributes to the extraordinary realism of textures and details in the displayed images. The TV's AI-driven capabilities extend to 4K upscaling, delivering impressive results even with lower-resolution broadcasts, and the OLED HDR Pro feature enhances HDR highlights with increased brightness. Tests revealed a peak brightness of 1,868 nits, surpassing its predecessor, the S95C, by over 35% and marking it as the brightest OLED tested by TechRadar to date.
Beyond picture quality, the S95D garners praise for its capabilities as a gaming TV. It boasts features like 4K 144Hz, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG support, and ALLM. The inclusion of Samsung’s Gaming Hub offers gamers immediate access to their interests, further enhancing the TV's appeal.
The S95D’s sound system integrates Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+), optimising sound placement, bolstered by a standout design featuring a ‘floating’ appearance thanks to a cleverly engineered stand. The One Connect Box consolidates all necessary connections via a single cable, simplifying wall mounting and cable management.
The Samsung S95D, however, is not without minor drawbacks. Enhancements from a high-quality soundbar could heighten audio immersion, and occasional black crush in darker scenes was noted during tests. Nevertheless, these issues do not detract from the television’s overall performance.
In comparison to other formidable contenders released this year, such as the LG G4, Sony Bravia 9, Panasonic Z95A, and Philips OLED909, the S95D represents a notable leap forward in the OLED category. As described in the reviews, the Samsung S95D is considered both a herald of future OLED advancements and the benchmark for the year 2024, a sentiment that underpins its recent recognition at the TechRadar Choice Awards.
Source: Noah Wire Services