With so many different types of TVs entering the market in the last few years, keeping up with all the emerging technologies can be a hassle. The good thing, though, is TVs have improved significantly over the past few decades since CRT and LCD. Modern AMOLED, OLED, QLED, and QNED, can all look the same from a distance, so shopping for a new TV in 2023 can be confusing.
Take Samsung QN90B QLED and LG B2 OLED. Both are two awesome TVs from recognizable brand names, each using a distinctly different technology. So, which one is the right pick for you? Our Samsung QN90B QLED vs. LG B2 OLED guide looks at the specs and compares the features of both TVs to help you make an informed decision.
Samsung QN90B QLED vs. LG B2 OLED: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specs | Samsung QN90B QLED | LG B2 OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size: | 43-85” | 55-77” |
| Panel Type: | Quantum Dot (QLED) | Self-Lighting OLED |
| Resolution: | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| HDR Support | HDR 10+, HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
| Contrast Ratio | 73:455 : 1 (Max) / 3,168 : 1 (Native) | Near-Infinite |
| Colors | 10-Bit (10.7 Billion Colors) | 10-Bit (10.7 Billion Colors) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
- Samsung’s ultra-precise Quantum Mini LEDs
- Quantum HDR 32X
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K uses AI-based deep learning to analyze content and optimize it to full 4K
- Anti-glare
- Ultra viewing angle
Samsung QN90B QLED vs. LG B2 OLED: What’s the Difference?
When looking for a new TV, screen size is the first thing most people consider. Howevere, there are others differences to keep in mind. Let’s discuss each one in more detail.
Screen Size
Samsung’s QN90B comes in various sizes, ranging from 55” at the smallest size to 85” at the largest. The B2 from LG similarly comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 55” and maxing out at 77”. In terms of screen size, if you are sitting far back, like in a living or entertainment room, the Samsung is going to be the better pick on screen sizes alone, while the LG B2 is going to be a better pick if you plan on sitting closer to the TV, like in a bedroom.
You will want to pick out a TV based on how far back you plan on sitting. For example, if you usually sit seven feet away from where your TV will be, you will want a 55” TV for the optimal viewing experience. However, once you get TVs in the 65”+ range, you will want to sit between nine and 11 feet away for the best viewing experience.
Resolution
Screen resolution also matters when looking for a TV. 4K, or 4K Ultra HD, is becoming the new gold standard in televisions. So, you will want to start your search by looking for 4K or 4K UHD TVs. Generally speaking, when we talk about 4K TVs, we are talking about TVs with a 3840 x 2160 resolution. They roughly have four times as many pixels as you would get in a 1080p (Full HD) TV. More pixes translates into more vibrant, smoother picture, especially when viewing 4K UHD content.
The good news is LG B2 OLED and Samsung QN90B both provide a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution.
Picture quality
Samsung’s QN90B and LG’s B2 OLED are impressive 4K Ultra HD TVs. They offer crisp picture quality, but they achieve this in different ways. The first significant difference regarding picture quality in these two TVs will come from their different types of panel backlighting.
The QN90B utilizes QLED technology, while the B2 uses the more popular OLED panel backlight. QLED, or quantum dot light emitting diode, is able to achieve a higher luminance. Quantum dot technology works together with the Mini LED backlight, bringing an incredibly bright display and true-to-life colors.
On the other hand, the B2 uses a series of organic light-emitting diodes, more commonly known as just “OLED,” to produce light. This allows the B2 to have an organic contrast ratio, meaning the color black you see on the B2 is caused by the diode not glowing, enabling the blacks in the image to be true to life.
On the downside, OLED technology can’t get as bright as QLED technology. As a result, when comparing the picture quality of the B2 to the QN90B, we found that the B2 works best in darker rooms, as this brings out the vibrancy provided by an OLED display.
However, we noted that HDR content didn’t perform as well on the B2 due to the lower HDR peak brightness when head-to-head with the QN90B. This made the finer points of images that were viewable on the QN90B not stand out as much on the B2.
Smart capabilities
Smart TVs are pretty common today. In fact, you’re more likely to see a TV with smart TV featuring operating system and Wi-Fi in a TV. However, not all smart TVs are equal.
Samsung’s operating system, called Tizen, is used in all their TVs, including the QN90B. LG uses their own operating system called webOS. Both provide users with a slew of streaming features and optimization features for movie watching, gaming, and even streaming audio, but let’s dive a bit into what sets Tizen apart from WebOS.
Both Tizen and WebOS are streamlined platforms with intuitive and accessible interfaces but have signature features that make them differ. Tizen was developed by Samsung and utilizes a grid-based interface with a row of icons for all your applications, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more. Samsung’s Tizen also features integration with other Samsung devices, such as Galaxy smartphones and Samsung smartwatches. Additionally, Tizen features Bixby voice commands and supports integration with other voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri.
LG’s WebOS was initially developed for smartphones but has been adapted for LG’s line of smart TVs. WebOS uses a card-based interface instead of the grid, allowing you to switch between apps easily and quickly. In addition, the card-based interface and design of WebOS allow applications to boot and load faster than those on Tizen-based TVs, giving LG a slight edge in efficiency.
Audio quality
Both the Samsung QN90B and LG B2 have built-in speakers, and the sound quality from both TVs straight out of the box wasn’t horrible. Built-in speakers often get a bad reputation, and most true audiophiles will prefer a soundbar or dedicated home theater system.
The QN90B attempts to leverage the power of Dolby Atmos to bring out superior sound quality, but it’s nothing great. The build on the QN90B is simply too thin to provide a great built-in audio experience, and it’s not terrible by any means and even better than some of the other TVs we’ve seen. Where the QN90B truly gets it right with audio is by including Samsung’s “Q-Symphony” technology in the TV. Q-Symphony allows the TV to recognize any Samsung soundbar connected to the TV and provides you with an optimized sound experience.
The B2’s audio quality out of the box isn’t excellent. Dialog isn’t hard to hear, but the audio quality suffers due to the thin build of the B2. Like Samsung, LG also tries to improve the built-in sound with a mode called AI Sound Pro, which attempts to recreate a Dolby surround sound experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really succeed and ultimately makes everything sound like you are sitting in a bubble.
Inputs and connections
You’ll find four HDMI inputs on the back of the QN90B, all supporting HDMI 2.1, allowing you to play Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 games in 4K at the maximum 120 Hz refresh rate. There are also two USB Type-A ports that you can use as charging ports or launch media files from a USB drive.
Additionally, the QN90B features an Ethernet port if you prefer a wired network connection instead of using the built-in Wi-Fi. Finally, if you plan on connecting an AV system, there’s also an optical audio output on the back panel.
Looking at the LG B2, you’ll also find four HDMI 2.1 ports. In addition, the B2 features three USB ports, one more than the QN90B, allowing you to connect additional storage drives or other USB devices and drives. While the B2 includes integrated Wi-Fi, we noted in several test cases that the Wi-Fi intermittently drops, so we recommend using the Ethernet port when using the built-in streaming services. Lastly, an optical audio port can connect the B2 to a soundbar or other audio system, providing you with improved sound quality over the B2’s built-in speakers.
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels for vivid viewing experience
- Advance α7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K algorithmically adapts and adjusts picture and sound quality
- 120Hz refresh rate for fast-paced games
- LG Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Samsung QN90B QLED vs. LG B2 OLED: 6 Must-Know Facts
- QN90B utilizes Quantum Dot Technology, which allows the LCD panel to produce a higher brightness and bring out more colors.
- Because the LG B2 uses an OLED panel, the display has a nearly infinite contrast ratio.
- OLED displays like on the B2 can produce inky blacks, as close as possible to true black.
- QN90B uses a Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) backlight system with many dimming zones for more precise control over brightness and contrast.
- B2 OLED features a self-lighting pixel system, meaning each pixel can turn on or off independently to control brightness and contrast accurately.
- QN90B supports VRR and 120 Hz refresh rates, while the B2 OLED supports 120 Hz refresh rates and NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync for a smoother gaming experience.
Samsung QN90B QLED vs. LG B2 OLED: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
While the Samsung QN90B and LG B2 OLED are both great, high-end 4K televisions with advanced features, a few key factors might push you toward one or the other. Your use case will really determine if OLED or QLED is better for you.
As we noted earlier, the QN90B uses the Quantum Matrix Technology coupled with the Full Array Local Dimming to improve brightness and contrast. Conversely, the B2 uses OLED panel technology to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors.
The QN90B is a better option if you want a bright picture, especially in a bright room. It’s also an excellent TV for gamers as it has a higher refresh rates provided by VRR technology. On the other hand, the B2 is a fantastic TV for those who want deep black levels and vivid colors for a cinematic experience at home.
Recent Advancements for the Samsung QN90B QLED and LG B2 OLED
While both the Samsung QN90B OLED and the LG B2 OLED are considered top of the line, both companies continue to innovate these products. Here are some recent advancements:
- Firmware updates: Both products have received a firmware update allowing for improved image processing and reduced risk of burn-in.
- New features: Samsung and LG both added a feature that gives users the option to reduce the pixel refresh rates for static images such as logos, which will reduce the risk of burn-in.
The Future of the Samsung QN90B OLED and LG B2 OLED
With continued advancements to technology, we may see the following updates for both Samsung and LG TVs in the next 6 to 18 months:
- Improved image processing: Technology for image processing is continuously advancing, and in the future we may see even more realistic and colorful TV displays with enhanced contrast and color reproduction.
- Reduced risk of burn-in: OLED TVs can be at risk for burn-in, but continued improvements in OLED and QD-OLED TVs will further reduce the risk for consumers.
- New features: Both products will continue to roll out new features for their TVs which may include support for next-generation gaming, improved audio features, and more.
- Lower prices: Both TVs are priced high at the moment, but with the adoption of QD-OLED technology into the mainstream, we could see those prices begin to drop.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©8th.creator/Shutterstock.com.
