OLED TVs offer vastly superior audio and visual experiences compared to other televisions, especially the priciest models. However, the purchasing power of most consumers lies outside the ability to purchase flagship OLED TVs, hence why companies make entry-level OLED TVs.
Entry-level OLED TVs offer an opportunity to upgrade from LED/LCD viewing at relatively affordable rates. Some of the best OLED TVs in this market segment come from LG and Samsung. LG’s entry-level models fall under the A-series category, while Samsung makes them in several types.
This article reviews the LG A2 and the Samsung S90C, specifically — one of Samsung’s top-tier OLED TVs — to see what they have to offer. Let’s get into it!
LG A2 vs. Samsung OLEDs: Side-by-Side Comparison
| LG A2 | Samsung S90C | |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Launch | 2022 | 2023 |
| Display Technology | OLED | QD-OLED |
| Screen Sizes | 48”, 55”, 65” | 55”, 65”, 77” |
| Screen Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160p) | 4K (3840 x 2160p) |
| Operating System | webOS 22 | Tizen OS |
| Picture Processor | Alpha 7 Gen 5 AI processor 4K | Neural Quantum Processor 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Speaker System | 2.0 Channel | 2.1 Channel |
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels
- The advanced α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K algorithmically adapts and adjusts picture and sound quality
- Built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV app, Disney+, HBO Max, and instant access to over 300+ free LG Channels
- Personalized recommendations
- 65" OLED 4K display
- Quantum HDR
- Dolby Atmos Object Tracking Sound Lite
- Ultra-thin
- Q-Symphony 3.0
- Gaming hub
- Alexa built-in
LG A2 vs. Samsung OLEDs: What’s the Difference?
The LG A2 and Samsung S90C are some of the best entry-level OLED TVs. The LG A2 delivers a solid viewing experience for its price, while the Samsung S90C dependably continues Samsung’s foray into the production of QD-OLED TVs.
Let’s compare the LG A2 and the Samsung S90C to give you the full picture.
Design
The LG A2’s design does not stand out compared to other devices in the LG OLED lineup, like the LG G2, LG G3, LG C2, and LG C3. However, that does not mean it is unappealing. It is a well-designed TV that will please most consumers.
The LG A2’s slender design gives it a thin side profile. The TV has thin bezels, though not as razor-thin as pricier TVs. It also has two triangular stands that many TV enthusiasts consider outdated. Alternatively, users can pay extra for a different type of stand that offers more stability and room for placing audio devices like soundbars. The LG A2 also has a Magic Remote that simplifies navigating the TV’s menu.
On the other hand, the Samsung S90C has a considerably more contemporary design. It has very thin bezels, resulting in a free-floating screen illusion. It also utilizes Samsung’s LaserSlim design, making it one of the slimmest OLED TVs on the market. The S90C also comes with a SolarCell Remote control with a solar panel for charging and an in-built microphone to facilitate access to voice assistant services.
The Samsung S90C has a superior design over the LG A2. It looks less bulky and has thin bezels, making it seem like you are getting a larger screen than the LG A2 for a given size. Moreover, the Samsung S90C‘s remote controller seems less bulky and complicated as it has fewer buttons than the LG A2’s.
- Compatible with the OLED Z2, G2, C2, B2, A2 series QNED99, 90, 85, 80 series NANO80, 75 series UQ90, UQ80, UQ75, and UQ80 series
- Magic Tap
Screen Size and Resolution
The LG A2 is available in three sizes. However, the available sizes depend on a consumer’s country of residence. U.S. and Australian consumers can only buy the 55-inch or 65-inch models, while UK consumers have an additional size: a 48-inch model. On the other hand, the Samsung S90C is available in three sizes globally: 55, 65, and 77 inches.
Both the LG A2 and the Samsung S90C devices have a 3840 x 2160p resolution. Users can enjoy 4K content which delivers better image clarity and picture processing than other forms of display resolution like HD and Full HD.
The screen sizes and availability of the A2 and S90C are significant differences that can be a benefit or disadvantage within their market segment. The LG A2 will perform well among consumers who prefer relatively smaller devices, while the 77-inch S90C will be a huge draw for consumers who like large screens.
Dimensions
As noted, the LG A2 and Samsung S90C are available in three different screen sizes. However, the A2 has a 48-inch version, and the S90C does not, while the S90C has a 77-inch model and the A2 does not. The Samsung S90C also incorporates newer designs and technologies, making it thinner than the LG A2. In addition, you can tell the Samsung S90C models have smaller bezels than the LG A2 model based on their shorter lengths and height dimensions.
The table below shows the length, height, and width measurements of the different LG A2 and Samsung S90C models without their stands.
| TV Size | LG A2 | Samsung S90C |
|---|---|---|
| 48-inch | 42.12 x 24.41 x 1.8 inches | N/A |
| 55-inch | 48.35 x 27.87 x 1.8 inches | 48.2 x 27.9 x 1.6 inches |
| 65-inch | 57.0 x 32.8 x 1.8 inches | 56.9 x 32.7 x 1.6 inches |
| 77-inch | N/A | 67.7 x 38.9 x 1.8 inches |
©Tada Images/Shutterstock.com
Weight
Surprisingly, the LG A2 is lighter than the S90C at any given size. Many people expect the S90C to be lighter than the LG A2, given it is a newer build. However, the weight difference could result from the materials used in their respective manufacturing processes, with LG using more lightweight components in the A2 than Samsung used in the S90C.
| TV Size | LG A2 | Samsung S90C |
|---|---|---|
| 48-inch | 25.4 lbs | N/A |
| 55-inch | 31.5 lbs | 35.7 lbs |
| 65-inch | 37.7 lbs | 46.5 lbs |
| 77-inch | N/A | 77.4 lbs |
Operating System
The LG A2 runs on webOS 22, a Linux-based operating system (OS) that simplifies personalizing the device’s settings. One can create up to six custom profiles, making it ideal for large families as each member can pre-set their preferences. The system is also intelligent as it learns a user’s content viewing habits through the ThinQ feature and suggests similar content to enhance their viewing experiences.
Like the LG A2, the Samsung S90C runs on the Linux-based Tizen OS. The OS runs several smart functions and allows users to tune their devices through Smart Calibration. For example, it allows access to Google Meet, a video communication service, and HealthTap, a telehealth service.
Though the Tizen OS will serve most consumers comfortably, some will notice its inferior design qualities compared to the webOS 22. For instance, the user interface seems outdated, resulting in a tedious navigation system compared to the webOS 22.
Picture Processor and Quality
The LG A2 has an Alpha 7 Gen 5 AI processor 4K that generates high-quality pictures and sound. The processor creates vivid HDR content with natural tones and offers various contrast options through AI Picture Pro and Dolby Vision. It also controls smart functions like web browsing, voice recognition, and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Conversely, the Samsung S90C uses a Neural Quantum 4K Processor. The processor generates high-quality 4K imagery while enhancing contrast definition and tone mapping. Like the LG A2, the S90C’s processor powers smart functions like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby, and viewing modes like Film Mode.
Overall, the picture processor in the LG A2 is better because it is more versatile and results in better output than the hardware it has to utilize.
Audio Performance
The LG A2 and the Samsung S90C both have stereo audio systems. However, the LG A2 has a standard stereo system, a 2.0 channel system with one speaker each to the left and right of the TV, producing 10W each. On the other hand, the Samsung S90C has a more complex 2.1-channel system that adds a subwoofer to the left and right speakers for a combined sound output of 40W. The S90C has a richer bass output than the A2, resulting in more interactive gaming sessions and immersive cinematic experiences.
Moreover, the A2 and the S90C have similar technologies that help improve their audio performances. For example, both devices have Dolby Atmos, which helps improve the sound richness and generate 3D sound. The S90C has a Dolby decoder that up-mixes sound to 5.1 channels, while the A2 has AI Sound Pro, which up-mixes sound to 5.1.2 channels.
The LG A2 also has the LG Sound Sync feature, which allows the TV to connect with other LG devices like home theaters and soundbars via Bluetooth instead of bulky cables. SoundSync enables simultaneous sound output from TV speakers and other audio devices for increased audibility and captivating listening. The S90C’s equivalent of Sound Sync is called Q-Symphony, which synchronizes the TV with Samsung audio devices to produce surround sound.
Though they have similar audio features, the Samsung S90C is the winner in this category. It has one feature missing in the A2: Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound, which analyzes the content sound and sends it to the appropriate speakers, resulting in precise sound and superior sound quality.
Price and Release Date
LG announced the production of the LG A2 at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The company proceeded to release the device in April 2022. LG released the A2 OLED TV with a starting price of $1,299 for the 55-inch model and $1,699 for the 65-inch model. However, since then, its price has dropped by some margin to $899.99 for the 55-inch version and $1,199.99 for the 65-inch version.
On the other hand, Samsung Electronics announced the S90C at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. Though Samsung did not provide a release date during its launch in January 2023, as of April 2023, the device is available for purchase. The S90C is considerably costlier than the LG A2. The starting price of a 55-inch S90C is $1,899, a 65-inch device is $2,599, and a 77-inch model costs $3,599.
Overall, the Samsung S90C may not seem as affordable as advertised or as the LG A2; however, it is with good reason. It has relatively recent QD-OLED technology and has better features than the LG A2.
LG A2 vs. Samsung S90C: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The LG A2 has a traditional OLED display, while the Samsung S90C has a Quantum Dots OLED (QD-OLED) display.
- Both devices have a multi-view feature that allows watching more than one video simultaneously.
- The LG G2 has a refresh rate of 60Hz, while the Samsung S90C has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, making the latter ideal for gaming.
- The LG A2 has 3 HDMI ports, while the Samsung S90C has 4.
- Both devices have HDR Gaming Interest Group (HGiG), which allows them to work with consoles in gaming mode to recreate gaming environments envisioned by game creators.
- Both devices have Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which helps reduce lag time.
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels deliver deep blacks and over a billion colors
- α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K
- Built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV app, and Disney+, plus over 300 free LG channels
- Control the television with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant, or use the LG Magic Remote
- Auto Low-Latency Mode and HGiG compliant
- Cloud gaming support for NIVIDA's GeForce Now
- 65" OLED 4K display
- Quantum HDR
- Dolby Atmos Object Tracking Sound Lite
- Ultra-thin
- Q-Symphony 3.0
- Gaming hub
- Alexa built-in
LG A2 vs. Samsung OLEDs: Which is Better?
The LG A2 and Samsung S90C deliver satisfactory performance at a lower price than premium TV models like the LG G3 and Samsung S95C. However, given a chance to choose one over the other, it would be best to settle for the S90C.
Though costlier than the LG A2, the Samsung S90C offers a more contemporary design and advanced features. Although its Tizen OS may lag, the S90C has picture-upscaling technology and a high refresh rate, guaranteeing good picture quality when watching or gaming.
Our recommendation to buy the S90C does not mean the LG A2 is underwhelming. The TV operates on the webOS 22, which is user-friendly. The A2 also has picture and audio upscaling technology, making the TV a bargain, given its low price. Ultimately, choosing between the S90C and LG A2 depends on personal preference.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com.
