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The 3 Best Samsung TVs in 2024

Ryan Hansen Avatar

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Ryan Hansen
Ryan Hansen Avatar
Ryan Hansen
Ryan Hansen, a seasoned contributor to GadgetReview for over 5 years, is a distinguished figure in the product review and content marketing space. With over a decade of expertise, Ryan has significantly shaped the tech and consumer electronics landscape. Beyond his digital endeavors, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and delving into personal passions, from writing fiction to collecting Pokemon cards and building LEGO. In Ryan’s household, being a nerd is both a compliment and a responsibility, a testament to his deep connection and commitment to nerd culture.
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    Evan Shephard Avatar

    Reviewed By

    Evan Shephard
    Evan Shephard Avatar
    Evan Shephard
    A highly experienced and adept professional in display and audio calibration, he excels in home theater design and precise calibration techniques. With over a decade of specialization in this field, he is not only a certified tester but also carries a prestigious ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification. This credential underscores his expertise and commitment to delivering superior quality in audiovisual experiences, further enhancing his value in the realm of display and audio expertise.
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      Updated Mar 11, 2024 1:45 PM

      Published

      ·

      12 min read
      best samsung tv guide that shows the top best tv model
      IN THIS GUIDE

      A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

      Samsung TVs stand out for their versatility, backed by our comprehensive test data. Offering some of the best TVs on the market, Samsung caters to a wide range of preferences and uses. While they have premium options known for cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance, Samsung also offers great value buys that maintain quality.

      Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors and deep contrasts of their QLED line or seeking a reliable, high-quality display within a more modest budget, Samsung delivers. Our test data-backed selections ensure you find a Samsung TV that not only meets your specific needs but also offers excellent performance and value.

      How Did We Rank the Best Samsung TVs?

      To assess how high or low quality a Samsung TV actually is, one must evaluate specific testing criteria against reference industry standards. Using our thorough TV Testing Methodology, we determined there are 6 criteria below (3 required, 3 nice to have) that ensure your content looks as good as the creator intended it.

      ? Test Criteria

      • SDR Brightness: Must be greater than or equal to 300 nits for a bright, clear picture in any light.
      • HDR Brightness: Must be greater than or equal to 1000 nits, bringing out the detail in high dynamic range content.
      • Color Gamut: Must cover at least 90% of DCI P3 xy color space, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors.

      ? “Nice To Haves”

      • Contrast Ratio: At least 10,000:1, for striking differentiation between light and dark areas.
      • EOTF (600 nit delta): Less than or equal to 0.018, ensuring precise brightness and contrast transitions.
      • Response Time: Should be no more than 10ms, keeping fast-paced action smooth and blur-free.

      We’ve redefined TV buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach combines in-house verification with a comprehensive dataset from over 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics to rank the top rated Samsung TVs. Testing data and specs include brightness (300 and 1000 nits), Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) >= 90%. In this case, it’s for Samsung TVs, addressing consumers’ needs for superior picture quality, vibrant colors, and optimal performance in any environment. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable TV recommendations.Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. Commissions fund this mission. No bias. No BS.

      Latest Updates

      • 03/06/2024: Completely and thoroughly overhauled the guide to include the best and latest Samsung TVs.
      • 11/30/2023: Republished the list to include TVs based on our True Score system.

      Top Best Samsung TVs For 2024

      Prices accurate at the time of publishing

      See how we test the testers

      To snag a spot on our list, a Samsung TV needs to be capable of impressive color accuracy while providing excellent SDR and HDR brightness. If it doesn’t hit these points, we’re not including it!

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Samsung S90C TV

        • Best For Home Theater

        The Samsung S90C excels in color accuracy and response, offering top-notch OLED performance at mid-range pricing. Ideal for sports, gaming, and cinema, it’s the best value among Samsung TVs.

        Samsung S90C TV Review →

        True Score

        92
        94
        8

        Experts

        92
        5k

        Customers

        Cosmic Wonder

        SAVE $500
        $1,499.99
        $999.99
        See Deal

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Samsung S95C OLED TV

        With unmatched OLED brightness and phenomenal color gamut, the S95C is versatile enough for any setting. Though premium priced, it’s perfect for gamers and home theater enthusiasts seeking peak OLED performance.

        Samsung S95C OLED TV Review →

        True Score

        89
        92
        15

        Experts

        90
        716

        Customers

        Absolutely Fresh

        $1,449.00
        See Deal

        Category Snapshot

        TVs

        • Total Brands/Products Tested

          17 Brands, 158 Products

        • Top 2 Brands

          LG, Hisense

        • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

          $400-$2000

        • Average True Score

          76.65

        • Important Test Criteria

          Brightness (cd/m2)
          Contrast Ratio (1000:1)

        • Most Trusted Testers

        • Top TV Experts

          Matthew Lopes, Will Greenwald

        • Recommended Retailer

        • Typical Warranty

          1 year

        • Covered by Insurance

          Yes – AKKO

        • Test Methodology

          TV Testing Methodology

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Samsung QN90C NEO QLED Series

        The QN90C shines brightest in Samsung’s lineup, offering a burn-in free experience without sacrificing color and performance. Ideal for bright rooms and long gaming sessions, it’s a top QLED pick.

        Samsung QN90C NEO QLED Series Review →

        True Score

        86
        85
        9

        Experts

        91
        4k

        Customers

        Absolutely Fresh

        $748.95
        See Deal

      Our Approach to Testing Samsung TVs

      Evan Shepard/Gadget Review

      Samsung TVs, backed by our comprehensive test data, offer top-tier performance and value. Whether you’re eyeing their premium models or seeking budget-friendly options, Samsung delivers versatility and quality. Our data-driven recommendations ensure you find the perfect Samsung TV, meeting your specific needs with excellence and value.

      We collect this data so you don’t have to, simple as that. We then average that testing data to represent that Samsung TV’s capabilities accurately. Subsequently, we then leverage that data, filter and sort our buying guides, ensuring that all the Samsung TVs on our guides meet strict requirements.

      You may notice some of our graphs contain “Source: RTings”. This is to indicate that the data we’re showing off in a graph has come from a single source – because it’s the only source that actually tested the criteria and had data for it! Normally, our data is an average out of all of the various publications that test and provide data to give you a good idea of how a product is going to perform on average.

      Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Samsung TVs?

      By focusing on these criteria (3 required, 3 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these TVs and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a TV that will fit into your small or tight space.

      CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
      SDR Brightness300+ nitsYesAssess the luminance of your display when operating in Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) mode.
      HDR Brightness1000+ nitsYesDetermine the luminance of your display in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.
      Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy)>= 90%YesEvaluate the extent to which a TV can reproduce a specified spectrum of colors.
      EOTF0.018No (nice to have)Standard that governs how a display interprets and renders brightness and color.
      Response Time<=10msNo (nice to have)Time required for a pixel to transition from one color to another and then return to its original color.
      Contrast Ratio>= 10,000No (nice to have)The ratio between the brightest white and darkest black that the screen can display.

      Our Trusted Data Sources

      (Publication category Score is 80%+)

      We looked at 210+ TV reviewers and while 24 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Rating above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for TVs, along with our own in-house TV expert.

      1. Evan Shepard – Gadget Review
      2. Matthew Lopes – RTings, MuckRack
      3. Will Greenwald – PCMag, MuckRack, Twitter
      4. David Katzmaier – CNET, MuckRack, Twitter

      Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every TV review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

      Best Samsung TVs Test Data & Results

      1. SDR & HDR Brightness TV Test Results

      In well-lit rooms, the brightness level of your Samsung TV, quantified in nits, is key to a great viewing experience. A TV that doesn’t meet the brightness requirement will struggle against natural and artificial light, resulting in a dim, lackluster image. Essentially, nits measure how well your TV can stand up to light interference, with higher values ensuring a sharper, more vivid display.

      For standard viewing on the best Samsung TV, you should look for at least 300 nits to strike the right balance between clarity and color quality in standard dynamic range (SDR) content. For high dynamic range (HDR) content, which offers richer colors and greater contrast, a minimum of 1000 nits is ideal to truly appreciate the enhanced visuals. These brightness levels are recommended to ensure your TV performs well in bright settings, allowing you to enjoy your shows and movies without any loss in detail or quality. Aim for these minimums: SDR Brightness >= 300 nits; HDR Brightness >= 1000 nits for the optimal experience.

      Discover the top Samsung TVs, ranked from brightest to least, all exceeding our brightness criteria.

      Brightness

      SDR: 300+ nits

      HDR: 1000+ nits

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: Maximum brightness in a specified pattern size window. Most commonly measured in a 10% or 100% white window.

      Units of Measurement: nits (alternatively cd/m²)

      Tools to Measure: TV, luminance meter

      Why It’s Important:
      Brightness helps counter ambient light so that details and colors don’t wash out and get lost.

      SDR Brightness (in nits, higher is better)

      HDR Brightness (in nits, higher is better)

      2. Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy) TV Test Results

      Color Gamut

      >= 90%

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: The TV’s capability to display a spectrum of colors.

      Units of Measurement: % (color space coverage in percent)


      Tools to Measure: Colorimeter

      Why It’s Important:
      Inaccurate colors compromise the authenticity of the content.

      Color gamut defines the range of colors a Samsung TV can reproduce, directly affecting how vibrant and true-to-life the images look. A wide color gamut brings out richer, more vivid colors – from the lush greens of a garden to the bright colors of animated characters, enhancing your viewing experience to closely mimic real life.

      This concept is technically measured against standards like the DCI P3 xy, a benchmark for high-quality visuals. A Samsung TV covering a higher percentage of this color space can display colors more accurately and vividly.

      For those who prioritize vibrant and immersive visuals, aiming for a Samsung TV with a color gamut of 90% or higher on the DCI P3 xy scale is ideal. This ensures that the content you watch is as vibrant and lifelike as possible.

      Below are the top Samsung TVs, ordered by color gamut, all exceeding our testing criteria.

      DCI P3 XY Color Gamut (as a %; high is better)

      3. EOTF Test Results

      The Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF) plays a critical role in ensuring the content on your TV looks exactly as the creator intended. This technical feature adjusts your screen’s brightness levels, ensuring every scene, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights, is displayed with true-to-life accuracy.

      In rooms flooded with light, a TV that nails EOTF calibration shines by preserving the intended contrast and detail in the picture despite the challenging conditions. It balances the brightness so that images remain vibrant and full of detail, unaffected by the glare of ambient light.

      A TV that excels in managing EOTF offers an immersive and authentic viewing experience. It brings creators’ visions to life, accurately rendering every scene with the proper light and dark levels, no matter the lighting in your room. This means you get a consistent, realistic picture that captures the full spectrum of colors and contrasts, from the subtlest hues to the most intense explosions.

      Below are all the Samsung TVs on our list, ordered by EOTF, all exceeding our minimum requirement.

      EOTF

      < 0.018 (600 nit Δ)

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: How your TV interprets and renders the luminance data from content and translates it to be represented on screen. If EOTF/Gamma tracking is too low or too high, it will result in an over-brightened or over-darkened image from reference.

      Units of Measurement: this test measures for the delta from the standard

      Tools to Measure: Luminance colorimeter

      Why It’s Important:
      EOTF ensures that the game is displayed (color and HDR brightness) as the creator intended it

      EOTF (source: rtings.com – 0 = no data exists; lower is better)

      4. Response Time TV Test Results

      Response Time

      1ms-10ms

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: Speed at which a pixel transitions from one color to another


      Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)


      Tools to Measure: Screen, camera, test software

      Why It’s Important:
      A faster response time means less blur and thus more accuracy

      A slow response time on a Samsung TV during fast-paced scenes is like trying to watch a thrilling movie with a foggy lens. Imagine settling in for an action-packed sequence, only to have the swift movements turn into a blur, robbing you of the crisp, clear detail you crave. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a major detriment to your viewing experience, leaving you with a picture marred by motion blur and visual artifacts.

      So, what exactly is response time? It measures how quickly a pixel on your TV can change from one color to another. In the context of watching fast-moving content or enjoying dynamic scenes on a TV, a low response time is crucial. A response time of 15 ms or lower is good, but if you plan on gaming on this set, aim for a response time of 10 ms or lower. At these levels, your Samsung TV ensures smooth transitions and sharp visuals, making every scene come to life without any distracting blurs or delays.

      Below are the top Samsung TVs, ordered by response time.

      Response Time (in milliseconds; lower is better)

      5. Contrast Ratio Test Results

      For Samsung TV enthusiasts, a solid contrast ratio is crucial for enjoying your favorite TV shows or movies, especially in darker settings. This feature directly impacts how lifelike and dynamic the picture appears on your screen, ensuring that dark scenes are displayed with clear, crisp blacks instead of murky grays and bright scenes retain their detail without appearing washed out.

      Put simply, the contrast ratio is all about the range of luminance a TV can produce, from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites. It’s what brings depth to the image, enhancing the realism of every scene. Watching a movie in the dark, for example, the difference between a TV with a poor contrast ratio and one with a high ratio is stark: the former struggles, blending shadows into a flat gray, while the latter delivers true black, making night scenes more immersive and detailed.

      Ideally, a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is what you should aim for in a Samsung TV. This level of luminance variance ensures that you’re getting a picture quality that can handle the nuances of lighting in any scene, providing a viewing experience that’s both rich and engaging. Note: OLED TVs have infinite contrast ratio, indicated by “0.”

      Below are the top Samsung TVs, ordered by contrast ratio, all exceeding our testing criteria.

      Contrast Ratio

      >=10,000:1

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: Difference between the darkest black and the brightest white a screen can display.

      Units of Measurement: cd/m2

      Tools to Measure: Luminance meter

      Why It’s Important:
      A higher contrast ratio delivers deeper blacks, enhancing content definition, especially in darker rooms.

      Contrast Ratio (higher is better)

      Best Samsung TVs: Mistakes To Avoid

      1. Ignoring Compatibility: Failing to check compatibility with other devices or features like gaming consoles, streaming services, or sound systems can lead to frustration later on. As an example, the top Roku TV can seamlessly integrate with your existing devices not only prevents frustration but can help to enhance your entertainment experience.

      2. Overlooking Size and Space: Not considering the size of the room where the TV will be placed and the viewing distance can result in a TV that’s either too small or too large for comfortable viewing. A 75-inch TV is excellent for a large space, while one of the best small TVs would better suit your needs for smaller areas. Additionally, check out our Samsung the Frame TV review for a TV that doubles as artwork when you aren’t watching shows to keep your space aesthetically pleasing.

      3. Neglecting Picture Quality: Not paying attention to factors like resolution, HDR capability, and color accuracy can result in a subpar viewing experience. Additionally, understanding the differences between screen technologies such as QLED and LED can greatly impact your decision, especially when comparing TCL TVs models.

      4. Forgetting Future-Proofing: Buying a TV without considering future technological advancements or features may lead to early obsolescence. For instance, just as 4K overtook 1080p TVs, eventually, the best 8k TVs will overtake the top 4K TVs. Check out our comparison of 4K vs 8K to learn more about these differences.

      The Best Samsung TVs Tests Compared

      Product
      True Score
      SDR Brightness
      HDR Brightness
      Color Gamut
      EOTF
      Response Time
      Contrast Ratio

      Samsung S90C TV

      • Best for Home Theater

      92

      • 373 nits

      • 1,058 nits

      • 99.98%

      • 0.0031

      • 1.4 ms

      • 0

      Samsung S95C OLED TV

      • Best for 4K

      89

      • 704 nits

      • 1,383 nits

      • 99.81%

      • 0.0029

      • 5.5 ms

      • 0

      Samsung QN90C NEO QLED Series

      • Best for 40-inch

      86

      • 1,289 nits

      • 1,923 nits

      • 93.34%

      • 0.0046

      • 10.2 ms

      • 83,200:1

      $847.99
      $1,198
      $350
      See Deal

      Samsung TV Questions (FAQ)

      Are Samsung 8K TVs worth buying?

      Samsung’s 8K TVs offer exceptional picture quality, color accuracy, and a healthy amount of premium features that are sure to impress even the most hardcore display enthusiast. When compared to the competition, Samsung offers better value and affordability in the 8K category. Keep in mind, though, there isn’t a lot of native 8K content available yet, which makes 8K TVs less worth it when you consider their ultra-high price tags. Of course, if you have the budget to spend on a future-proofed TV and you’re fine with upscaled 8K content instead of native 8K content, then an 8K option isn’t a bad idea.

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      About Gadget Review’s Editorial Process

      Our guides, reviews, and news are driven by thorough human research and use our Trust Rating system and the True Score. AI assists in refining our content, ensuring that every article is engaging, clear and succinct. See how we write our content here →

      Ryan Hansen Avatar
      Ryan Hansen
      Ryan Hansen, a seasoned contributor to GadgetReview for over 5 years, is a distinguished figure in the product review and content marketing space. With over a decade of expertise, Ryan has significantly shaped the tech and consumer electronics landscape. Beyond his digital endeavors, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and delving into personal passions, from writing fiction to collecting Pokemon cards and building LEGO. In Ryan’s household, being a nerd is both a compliment and a responsibility, a testament to his deep connection and commitment to nerd culture.
      All Articles by Ryan Hansen

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