Samsung is a major player in the TV market. From proprietary technologies, such as the quantum dot OLED, to impressive screen sizes and designs, the brand knows how to stand out. The company launched Micro LED CX, its latest system, at CES 2023. This television takes image clarity and longevity to the next level, addressing and fixing the downsides of OLED technology. However, Samsung’s new brainchild features an eye-watering price tag. Is it really worth it, or should you opt for an OLED instead? This head-to-head between Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX might help you pick out.
Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX: Side-by-Side Comparison
With 8K TVs becoming the new frontier, you may think the industry can’t bring new revelations into the 4K TV world. Well, you’d be wrong. The newly announced Samsung Micro LED CX shows that a screen can surpass OLED’s image quality without using an organic component. Designed with tiny, pixel-sized LEDs, the CX outputs incredible-quality images. It costs roughly ten times an OLED, so you might want to weigh the pros and cons before splurging the cash. Briefly, here’s how the Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX compares.
| Samsung S95B | Micro LED CX | |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Display type | OLED | Micro-LED |
| Color accuracy | True-to-life | True-to-life |
| Display resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Picture processor | Neural Quantum Processor 4k | Micro AI Processor |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 240Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,300 nits | 4,000 nits |
| Design | Laser-slim | Monolith |
| Sound | Object tracking | Arena sound |
| Smart platform | Tizen | webOS |
| Available sizes | 55”, 65”, 75” | 50″, 63″, 76″, 89″, 101″, 114″, and 140″ |
| Price | $1,599 – $4,499 | $50,000+ (estimated) |
Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX: What’s the Difference?
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S95B and Micro LED CX televisions differ in terms of their display technology. S95B features an OLED display made up of millions of organic light-emitting diodes. Each diode illuminates a single pixel and can turn on and off independently from all other OLEDs. This technology enables these panels to display true black and achieve infinite contrast.
If you’re familiar with the mini LED technology used in advanced LCD panels, you might believe that the Micro LED CX also uses an LCD screen but with tinier array dimming zones than LED and mini LED televisions. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Samsung’s micro LED display is more similar to an OLED, but it uses standard – albeit very small – light-emitting diodes. These LEDs are pixel-sized, illuminate the screen panel, and don’t need backlighting.
This new technology is similar to OLED in that each pixel can be controlled separately. The panel can display true black, the color accuracy is spectacular, and the contrast is infinite. Beyond all this, the main advantage is that you won’t have to worry about the organic component fading out or losing brightness in bright light conditions.
- Over 8 million self-illuminating pixels with limitless contrast
- Neural quantum processor optimizes picture scene-by-scene
- Excellent detail and color for streaming
- Fantastic Dolby Atmos surround sound
Image Quality
For a long time, OLED has been the epitome of image quality – at least when watching the screen in normal or dim light conditions. The self-lighting pixels and the infinite contrast make details visible in shadows and improve color accuracy. All this is true for the Samsung S95B, which comes with Pantone-validated colors and impressive image quality. The main downside of this television, and OLEDs, is that organic light-emitting diodes don’t perform well in bright light. If the room is too bright or sunshine falls directly on the screen, the colors tend to fade. Moreover, as the organic component wears out, Samsung S95B tends to lose color accuracy with time. This is another common problem that affects all OLED panels.
Using the latest technology on Micro LED CX, Samsung manages to mitigate all these downsides. The purely sophisticated design uses standard LEDs that illuminate the screen and behave as OLEDs. The TV achieves True-to-life color accuracy without the need for color filters or enhancers. Dimming is controlled at the pixel level, so the contrast is infinite, and details are fully visible in shadows. The image quality is also maintained in bright light conditions, something that the S95B can’t achieve. While the Micro LED CX is not Pantone-validated – at least, Samsung hasn’t made a comment about it yet. You can expect bright, bold colors that enhance the viewing experience.
Both TVs have a 4K resolution and AI upscaling of sub-4K content. This basically means that sub-4K content is automatically enhanced to 4K resolution for more immersive viewing.
Sound Quality
Beyond image quality, sound quality is a factor that can make or break the deal. The S95B and the Micro LED CX are home cinema-ready, but this year’s release is superior. In fact, Samsung equipped the CX with Arena sound. Powered by Dolby Atmos, the sound envelops the entire room, flowing around from all sides, including the center. This technology makes it easy to track every action and hear even the slightest chime as the image plays on the screen.
Samsung S95B also features surround sound quality powered by Dolby Atmos. The Object Tracking technology delivers a dynamic, lifelike audio experience. Unless it stands next to the Micro LED CX, you’ll likely be satisfied with S95B’s sound. However, the difference is noticeable when you place them side-by-side. The CX delivers a crisper, clearer sound.
Smart Features
Good image and sound quality are not the only things that matter in a TV. Smart features can make everything more enjoyable. S95B and the CX aren’t short of options. The former has a Tizen-based interface and comes with preinstalled popular streaming services and apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Video, and more.
From the control panel, you can also access popular Samsung apps and connect to your accounts. These apps include Samsung TV Plus, which you can access from a Galaxy smartphone or tablet. Samsung Health and Smart Things allow you to connect and control all smart devices from the brand.
If you’re into video games, the Gaming Hub provides quick access to cloud gaming. In other words, you don’t have to connect a gaming console to the TV to enjoy your favorite game. While not as powerful as Nvidia GeForce NOW, the Gaming Hub doesn’t disappoint.
While Samsung hasn’t yet released all the smart specifications of its Micro LED CX, it’s safe to assume you’ll get everything mentioned above and more. A significant difference is a switch from Tizen to webOS. The interface is similar, but the operating system is faster.
Some smarts specific to the CX include the multi-screen viewing that allows you to split the screen in up to four windows. You can play or stream up to four shows, videos, or movies simultaneously. This could put an end to family riots about what show to watch or who gets to pick the movie when you’re all together.
Design
Moving away from the performance, another important distinction between Samsung S95B and the Micro LED CX is the design. The S95B features Samsung’s laser-thin profile that gives it a stylish appearance. A minimal bezel also blends the screen into the décor. However, the hardware box at the back of the screen makes it impossible to install it flush with the wall unless you install it into a made-to-measure wall niche.
The Micro LED CX is more similar to Samsung Frame in design. It has a monolith appearance and can be mounted flush with the wall. A stylish frame, minimal bezel, and the Art Mode allow you to turn this television into gorgeous wall art.
Another factor that might determine whether you choose one model over the other is the size. Samsung S95B comes in three sizes, from 55 to 75 inches. These TVs are ideal for most living rooms but could be too small for an ample, gallery-style space or too larger for a smaller room. Micro LED CX offers more size options, from 50 to 140 inches. You can easily find the right size for your space, no matter how large or small.
Price
When it comes down to it, the factor that really makes a difference between the S95B and the Micro LED CX is the price. The S95B falls on average, with prices similar to OLED TVs from other brands. For the smallest size, you can expect to spend around $1,600. Meanwhile, the largest variant won’t set you back more than $4,500.
Things are completely different for the Micro LED CX. Samsung hasn’t yet announced official prices, but the cost will likely exceed that of the LG Signature. Rumors say the 50-inch variant will cost you around $50,000, while the 76-inch variant will cost $110,000. This puts the CX in the extra-luxury tier that only a few can afford.
Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX: 5 Must-Known Facts
- Samsung S95B is an OLED TV released in 2022. Its upgraded version, the S95C, launched in 2023, but last year’s version impresses with affordable prices and excellent image quality.
- Micro LED CX is an ultra-luxury, premium TV that features technology similar to OLED but uses standard micro-LEDs instead of OLEDs.
- Micro LED CX brings improved longevity, outstanding image quality, and an arena sound system. It is the best choice for the ultimate home cinema setup.
- Samsung S95B comes with Pantone-validated colors and object-tracking sound, but its performance is inferior to the CX.
- Micro LED CX is a lot more expensive than the S95B. The latter is the best choice for the vast majority of people.
Samsung S95B vs. Micro LED CX: Which One Is Better?
A balance between cost and performance is key when buying a new device or gadget. Samsung has established itself as a leader in the premium TV sector, but not everyone can afford such a television. From the likes of Samsung Wall to the newest Micro LED CX, only the privileged buy these advanced screens. While the Micro LED CX hasn’t launched and the official prices are yet to be announced, the smallest size of this luxury TV will likely cost around $50,000.
Meanwhile, a 75-inch S95B is about ten times cheaper. The OLED panel brings accurate colors and infinite contrast. The bright hues and AI upscaling deliver sharp, clear images and a superb viewing experience compared to other televisions in this range. You may not get Arena sound, but the object-tracking sound is still immersive. As for the design, the laser-slim panel with minimal bezel can easily fit into modern and classic interiors alike. If you want quality without going over the top, the S95B is undeniably the best Samsung smart TV. However, if you don’t mind dropping heavy cash on a TV, then by all means, get the Micro LED.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ugis Riba/Shutterstock.com.
