Cover Image for The Samsung S95D is our TV of the Year, thanks to the combination of old and modern technology.
Sat Nov 02 2024

The Samsung S95D is our TV of the Year, thanks to the combination of old and modern technology.

The combination of artificial intelligence and a matte display has been a great success at the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024.

The Samsung S95D has been recognized as the TV of the Year 2024, achieving this title at the TechRadar Choice Awards thanks to its innovative use of AI-driven processing and its matte screen. This fusion of digital and analog technology gave it a significant advantage over the competition, establishing it as one of the best televisions ever seen.

During the S95D's testing, its effectiveness at providing a Glare-Free OLED screen was impressive. The television testing room features intense lighting designed to evaluate reflectivity, but the S95D practically eliminated reflections and glare from the screen. This allowed viewers to enjoy movies like The Batman, famous for its dark scenes, without interruptions from ambient light.

Historically, reflections have been a major drawback for OLED televisions due to their relatively low brightness levels. Although the new Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology improves performance in models like the LG G4 and the Panasonic Z95A, the S95D's matte screen combined with its brilliant QD-OLED panel proved to be more effective for viewing in well-lit environments.

However, the matte screen is not the only aspect that led to the S95D receiving this recognition. Samsung, like other manufacturers, highlighted innovations in artificial intelligence in its televisions during CES 2024, and the S95D showcased how this technology can enhance image quality.

The details and textures on the S95D are extremely realistic thanks to AI features like the Real Depth Enhancer. During testing, the details in clothing and cracks in stones reached an exceptional level of realism. This effect is partly due to the S95D's QD-OLED panel and partly due to the inclusion of artificial intelligence technology that enhances the image.

The S95D also incorporates 4K AI upscaling, which proved effective even with lower resolution content. Additionally, it features OLED HDR Pro, which increases brightness, delivering images with vibrant contrast and color. In testing, it reached a peak brightness of 1,868 nits, representing an improvement of over 35% compared to its predecessor, the Samsung S95C, consolidating its position as the brightest OLED to date.

This television not only stands out for its image quality but is also packed with gaming-oriented features. It includes support for 4K at 144Hz, VRR (with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), HGiG, and ALLM support, as well as Samsung's Gaming Hub, perfect for gamers looking to quickly start their games.

Its sound system is also notable, offering precise placement thanks to the Object Tracking Sound+ (OTS+) feature. Its sleek design, which gives the impression of "floating," and its external One Connect Box allow for optimal cable management, making it very convenient for wall mounting.

Despite its virtues, the S95D is not perfect. It is suggested to add one of the best soundbars for superior audio immersion, and some “black crush” was noted in dark scenes during testing. However, few faults can be pointed out in this high-end OLED television.

When comparing the S95D with other standout options like the LG G4, Sony Bravia 9, Panasonic Z95A, and Philips OLED909, it is acknowledged that while each has its strengths and are excellent models, none provides the same sense of technological advancement as the S95D. This model is described as “the future of OLED” and “the flagship of 2024,” reaffirming its position as the TV of the year.