Samsung S95B vs LG C3: Which OLED Wins?

LG has been a formidable TV brand for the longest time, producing quality devices with each one better than the last. It has created an excellent market, as most people prefer their products. On the other hand, Samsung is mainly known for its high-end smartphones, but has recently proved it is a force to be reckoned with in the TV market, especially after releasing the Samsung S95B OLED TV.

Compared to LG’s C3 OLED, the Samsung S95B does exceptionally well. It has top-notch technology that guarantees excellent picture and sound quality and virtual assistant capabilities. However, true to its brand, LG’s C3 OLED also boasts an impeccable design and crisp picture quality. There isn’t much that separates the two OLEDs.

With both brands presenting a great option, you may be wondering what to do when looking for a new TV. If you are in such a predicament, worry no more. We will take you through a step-by-step review of the Samsung S95B vs. LG C3 OLED TVs. Let’s get to it.

Samsung S95B vs. LG C3: Side-by-Side Comparison

Samsung S95B vs. LG C3: What’s the Difference?

Unveiled in 2023 as the latest release of LG’s C series, the C3 has all the latest features that culminate in a great display, ensuring you enjoy your screen time. However, while the LG C3 is impressive in its own right, with minimal imperfections, the older Samsung S95B gives it a run for its money with equally good specs. But which one beats the other?

Here’s a technical review of the Samsung S95B vs. LG C3.

Design

What better way to start our review than by comparing the design of the two OLED TVs? After all, aesthetics are the first thing you notice when purchasing a TV. The Samsung S95B and LG C3 have similar design features.

The most prevalent attribute are their razor-thin bezels which are noticeable from a distance. The blades cover the entire screen, providing an elegant aesthetic, as is the case with most OLED TVs. So, if you plan to mount your TV, it won’t make a difference with either screen.

Incredible Brightness

SAMSUNG S95B 65-Inch OLED

$2,199.99

• Contains 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels
• Built-in Dolby Atmos object sound tracking
• Smart TV hub to help find movies, shows, and games you want to play
• Xbox Game Pass built-in, no console necessary

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However, despite the minimal difference, the Samsung S95B has thinner panels than the C3. They are so thin that you must exercise caution when picking up the screen so you don’t bend it. Consequently, it is the lighter of the screens. If you want thinner panels on a light screen, the S95B is the TV for you.

While the TV designs are more or less the same, there is a difference in their stands. The S95B has a minimalist design that stands out from standard TV stands. They have slim pedestal feet covering most of the TV’s length. Although this gives the device attractive aesthetics, it may not be ideal if you have a small or narrow setup for your TV.

On the other hand, the LG C3 has a standard stand compared to modern OLEDs. Nonetheless, it is an improved version of its predecessor, the LG C2, in terms of material. It has a premium metallic stand with a carbon body that ensures its durability.

Reflections

OLEDs have consistently had one weakness despite TV manufacturers’ attempts to address the issue. When exposed to light, OLEDs have annoying reflections on the screen, interfering with viewing. While the LG C3 and Samsung S95B have strived to mitigate this flaw with anti-reflective layers, the latter does this aspect well.

With an infinite contrast and a maximum brightness of 1250 nits, the S95B copes better with light from the surroundings and direct light from other sources. This feature is especially noticeable when watching dark motion pictures, proving that the S95B is less light-sensitive.

Although the LG C3 has a similar infinite 1 contrast, its maximum brightness is 850 Nits, which does not mitigate the reflections effectively.

One shared drawback between the S95B and the LG C3 is their visible color contrast. The contrast in the Samsung S95B is evident when displaying pink colors, while the C3 has problems displaying purple images.

Size

Your location and preference are essential in determining what screen size you wish to have. While small screens are great for reception settings and personal use, you may need larger screens for sports bars or arrangements where a large group needs to view the screen.

In this regard, the LG C3 offers more options to choose your preferred size. It comes in 42”, 48”, 55”, 65”, 77”, and 83” sizes, so whatever setting you wish to display your TV on, or whatever your preference, you will get a screen that suits you. With a great wall mount and a decent stand, you can fit the screen wherever you want, making the LG C3 a versatile option.

On the other hand, the Samsung S95B has limited options in terms of screen sizes. The screen only comes in two sizes, 55″ and 65”, which may not fit your needs. Despite the impeccable picture quality, you may have to explore other options to get the appropriate size.

Picture Quality

Image quality and clarity are important when deciding which OLED TV to buy. What’s the point of buying a large TV if you can’t enjoy its picture quality when watching your favorite sport or TV show? It is quite pointless.

While both the Samsung S95B and LG C3 OLEDs have undeniably great picture qualities, a few subtle differences set them apart. The Samsung S95B has a 4K resolution, backed by mini-LEDs and self-illuminating pixels that work to ensure bright and crisp images on your screen.

The display has a maximum brightness of 1,250 nits, giving you a perfect range regardless of the time of day. Recently, Samsung aired an update that significantly reduced the S95B brightness. However, the screen remains one of the brightest TVs on the market. 

Advanced Features

LG C3 65-Inch OLED evo

$1,696.99

• LG ThinQ AI voice assistant included
• Features Dolby Atmos technology
• Superb contrast
• Comes in a variety of sizes from 48 inches to 83 inches

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The LG C3 does not stand a chance on this feat, as its peak brightness is less than 1,000 nits. Nonetheless, the LG C3 has the edge over its Samsung counterpart regarding overall image quality. Set for its 4K resolution, the TV operates on the latest Dolby Vision HDR, the most popular advanced form of HDR, resulting in a great dynamic range and life-like images.

However, Samsung screens do not support Dolby Vision HDR, which is quite disappointing for a brand of its magnitude, especially because it could propel its image quality to better the LG C3.

You can’t discuss a TV’s image quality without accounting for its image contrast features. Luckily, the S95B and LG C3 do well in this area. A key shared feature is that the screens do not rely on a backlight like LCD and LED TVs, but have self-illuminating pixels that shut off on their own and produce perfect black levels.

So, when watching a motion picture on the screen, black is visible as black and not a shade of grey. The great contrast has other benefits, like better performance, color gamut, and clarity, improving your viewing experience.

Despite these OLED TVs’ excellent contrast, the LG C3 gives a better result when viewing in SDR mode. Similarly, it consumes less power when producing the quality images it does. In this way, the LG C3 is the better option.

Viewing Angles

You may not think about it often, but viewing angles are essential when reviewing smart TVs. You want a TV that guarantees crisp pictures regardless of your sitting position or viewing angle.

In this regard, the S95B and LG C3 have very high viewing angle stability levels. The pictures do not look washed up from different positions, and you can enjoy the clear 4K resolution at large angles. This is especially convenient when watching your favorite shows or sports as a group in a large seating arrangement.

However, the S95B edges out the LG C3 regarding picture brightness. The former has a QD-OLED panel that eliminates reflections from surrounding light; this allows an uninterrupted view from different angles. In contrast, the LG C3 has no mechanism to eliminate reflections, which can dampen your watching experience.

Gaming Support Features

If you are an ardent gamer, you will enjoy the features of the Samsung S95B and the LG C3. Both TVs have 4K resolution, ensuring you experience life-like pictures when gaming. Each model also has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which are handy during 4K gaming.

Other relevant features include Virtual Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and FreeSync, which allow lag-free gaming. 

Gamers can customize these features and settings through Samsung’s Game Bar for the S95B or LG’s Game Optimizer for the LG C3. The LG C3 edges out the S95B when accounting for the gaming experience. 

Pricing and Availability

It is prudent to compare the various specs presented by the LG C3 and Samsung S95B against their prices to ensure you get your money’s worth. In this regard, the Samsung S95B is only available in two sizes and is relatively expensive. The sizes include:

• Samsung S95B 55” – $1,599
• Samsung S95B 65” – $1,999

You may have to consider other models if you want a TV smaller than 55 inches or larger than 65 inches. Luckily, the LG C3 offers more size options at friendly prices. The LG C3 is available in the following sizes:

• 42-inch – $1,399
• 48-inch – $1,499
• 55-inch – $1,799
• 65-inch –  $2,499
• 77-inch – $3,499
• 83-inch – $5,299

Samsung S95B vs. LG C3: 5 Must-Know Facts

1. The LG C3 is the latest OLED TV released by the company as part of its C series.
2. The Samsung S95B runs on the latest Tizen OS, which simplifies navigation.
3. The Samsung S95B has a solar-powered remote control that you can use even with dead batteries.
4. The S95B and LG C3 have Dolby Atmos features that allow you to create a three-dimensional sound experience when connected to external speakers.
5. The LG C3 has brighter life-like visuals in SDR content than the Samsung S95B.

Samsung S95B vs. LG C3: Which One Is Better?

Picking the best OLED between the S95B and LG C3 isn’t straightforward, considering the discussed specs. Both screens have great features that ensure the user enjoys their screen time. You can’t go wrong with either, from the design to a clear 4K resolution to amazing sound and operating systems that are easy to navigate.

However, while the screens have similar features, the LG C3 presents a better bargain. It comes in several sizes, from 42 to 83 inches, giving consumers an array of options at affordable prices.

Recent Updates for the the Samsung S95B and the LG C3

Both the Samsung S95B and the LG C3 have received updates since February 2023. Some of the updates are:

Samsung S95B:

• The picture quality has been improved thanks to firmware updates.
• Samsung has fixed some bugs issues.
• A new Filmmaker Mode, which is designed to give you the most accurate picture possible, has been added.
• The Samsung SmartThings platform is now part of the Samsung S95B, which allows you to control the TV with your voice or with your smartphone.

LG C3:

• Support for the new Game Optimizer, which is designed to give you the best possible gaming experience, as been updated.
• The LG ThinQ AI platform is now part of the LG C3. Users can control their TV with their voice or with a smartphone.

Possible Updates for the Samsung S95B and the LG C3

It is possible that both the Samsung S95B and the LG C3 will receive updates in the next six to 18 months. These updates could include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements such as:

• MicroLED displays: MicroLED displays are rumored to be coming to both the Samsung S95B and the LG C3. These displays would offer better image quality than OLED displays.
• 8K resolution: Both TVs are available in 4K resolution, but they could move to 8K resolution in the near future.
• New AI features: Additional AI features could be added such as the ability to automatically adjust the picture settings for different content.
• New gaming features: Both Samsung and LG could continue to improve their gaming features by reducing input lag.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock.com.