The Samsung S95B and the Sony A95K are top contenders when shopping for a top-end OLED TV. Besides the fact that these products come from two of the world’s leading brands, the TVs appear so similar that you’d have a tough time choosing one from the other.
One factor that sets these products apart from their LCD predecessors is that they have been manufactured using OLED technology. OLED TV displays are brighter, thinner, and refresh faster than LEDs, ensuring outstanding picture quality. Despite the use of the same technology and the near-identical quality of displays, subtle differences between these two TVs should interest you.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K to make an informed decision for your home theater setup!
Samsung S95B vs. Sony A95K: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sony A95K | Samsung S95B | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size Options | 55″, 65″ | 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″ |
| Display Technology | OLED | QD-OLED |
| Launch Date | 2022 | 2022 |
| Size | 55″ and 65″ | 55″ and 65″ |
| Screen Panel | QD-OLED | QD-OLED |
| Operating System | Google TV | Tizen |
| Processor | Cognitive XR | Neural Quantum 4K |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| USB Ports | 2 | 4 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Response Time (in milliseconds) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
- 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
- Quantum Dot color with QD-OLED panel and XR Triluminos Max
- XR OLED Contrast Pro technology
- Great for PlayStation 5
- HDMI 2.1 120Hz refresh rate
Samsung S95B vs. Sony A95K: What’s the Difference?
Operating System (OS)
While the S95B runs on Samsung’s proprietary Tizen Operating System, the A95K runs on Google TV. While either OS could provide what you require from a smart TV, they vary in user-friendliness, versatility, and ease of use.
For tech-novice viewers, TVs running on Google TV are preferred as they have a friendly user interface with straightforward navigation. Moreover, Google TV comes loaded with thousands of TV-optimized apps. The Android architecture of Google offers a better experience for viewers who wish to use their TVs for gaming, and users are also guaranteed adequate voice support.
While the numbers of apps on Tizen OS are substantially fewer, the system has enough to satisfy most consumers’ needs. The jury on which OS is superior is still out, but the bottom line is that neither will inhibit your TV-viewing pleasure.
Design
When you’re thinking about the design of your TV, the space you have is an important consideration. Modern TVs no longer require spending money on TV stands, sideboards, and other furniture. Sony A95K and Samsung S95B have been created with this consideration in mind.
First, at 0.30 and 0.31 inches for Sony and Samsung, respectively, the two TVs are ultra-thin. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, you can either wall-hang them or use a stand. Like all Sony TVs, the A95K comes with a stand which, quite pleasantly, is hidden behind the display. In addition, it has a detachable camera which you can place on the TV top.
The Samsung S95B also takes your space needs to account. This TV has a central stand which is not only very good looking but takes minimal space. And, if you’re thinking about wall decoration for the space on which your TV stands, the S95B has your needs catered for. When you’re not watching your favorite show, the TV takes center stage as a wall decoration.
Picture and Sound Quality
When you think about picture quality, you should first consider the interferences from the lights or darkness of your room. Think about haloing (or ghosting) on the screen. The Samsung S95B cannot lock out external interferences unless you’re in a dark room. Does the Sony fare any better? It, too, lacks a polarizing effect, and in a bright room, blacks might appear purple. Although both TVs have fantastic picture quality, choosing one from the other is hard.
When it comes to sound, you must think about clarity and the bass. So, which of the two delivers both? First, while both deliver good clarity, you might have to invest in external speakers if you crave great bass. At maximum volume, both can get loud enough without losing clarity, but the bass system is wanting.
Smart Features and User-Friendliness
As we mentioned earlier, Sony runs on the Google interface, which is easy to operate and user-friendly. Navigating through the menu is a no-brainer once you learn the system. Is Tizen OS any different? It’s equally easy to operate, but you might get disappointed by the limitation in the number of apps.
While the two TVs are almost identical, what might interest you as a buyer is a difference in the streaming apps. Sony uses its proprietary Dolby Vision, while Samsung uses HDR10+. Any differences between the two?
While the two systems operate in almost similar ways, Dolby Vision is more popular and is used by many streaming platforms, including Netflix. If you intend to spend a lot of time watching movies on TV, the Samsung S95B would be better than the Sony.
The two TVs also differ in navigation speeds. Samsung’s Tizen operating system is slower than Google TV, which makes Sony a good choice for the time-pressed viewer. However, it’s important to note that the variation in navigation speeds is a matter of milliseconds. Look at the table above to decide whether this is a crucial differentiating consideration.
Processors
Samsung S95B uses its proprietary Cognitive XR processor. What, you might wonder, makes this processor outstanding? Samsung created this processor to enable their products to display scenes as they should appear in the real world. For instance, when you’re watching a movie, you’ll naturally focus on a favorite character or get attracted to a specific song. The processor that Samsung uses endeavors to create this reality. The use of the processor makes it hard to differentiate fantasy from reality.
Sony uses Neural Quantum 4K processors. A Neural Quantum processor is intended to perform one main function –– improve picture resolution. This means that the source picture could be blurred or low quality, but the processor improves it to become crisp and as near-real as possible. Should the source picture be full of noise or lack some details, this processor will remove the noise and restore missing details to deliver a fully optimized final picture.
HDMI Ports
When you think about the versatility of your TV, the number of HDMI ports is a crucial consideration. Samsung S95B has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, and this is one reason that makes it a great choice for gamers. Sony A95K is limited in this regard as it has only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports. While the number of ports could limit your gaming experience. Think about the additional gadgets: you might need to connect to the TV to appreciate the importance of many HDMI ports.
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Prices
These are premium products; naturally, you expect to pay premium prices. “It’s a Sony,” you’ve heard in that advertisement already. With the A95K, the Sony pricing policy is true to tradition. Despite all the similarities and near-identical features, expect to spend more than $1,200 on the Sony. This might sound like a small change for some consumers, but 2022 market statistics indicate that most would rather go the Samsung way.
Samsung S95B vs. Sony A95K: 8 Must-Know Facts
- Samsung S95B is priced way below Sony A95K — a price difference of more than $1,000 might be worth considering.
- Samsung S95B has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, and this is one reason that makes it a great choice for gamers. Sony A95K is limited in this regard as it has only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports.
- Gaming and other heavy TV usage are better served by the Samsung S95B courtesy of its Dolby Vision system.
- The use of Google’s Android TV OS makes Sony more user-friendly.
- The voice support offered by Google TV could make Sony A95K appealing to tech-challenged consumers.
- Both TVs differ in navigation speeds. Samsung’s Tizen operating system is slower than Google TV, hence Sony is a good choice for the time-pressed viewer.
- Like all Sony TVs, the A95K comes with a stand which, quite pleasantly, is hidden behind the display. Additionally, it has a detachable camera which you can place on the TV top.
- Sony uses Neural Quantum 4K processors, which improve picture resolution.
- 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
- Quantum Dot color with QD-OLED panel and XR Triluminos Max
- XR OLED Contrast Pro technology
- Great for PlayStation 5
- HDMI 2.1 120Hz refresh rate
Samsung S95B vs. Sony A95K: Which One is Better for You?
Samsung S95B and Sony A95K are OLED TVs built on cutting-edge technology and are league leaders. Both are coveted and pricey products and are great additions to your home entertainment setup.
Before heading to the shops to buy a new TV, you’ll most probably think about how your new purchase will blend in with the rest of the furniture. If you got a TV that produces quality sound and awesome pictures and also acts as part of your wall decoration, you’ll have made a great choice.
Despite the near-identical features of the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K, when you look at the overall performance capability and the difference in prices, we have no hesitation in recommending the Samsung S95B.
Samsung S95B and Sony A95K: Technology Updates
Recently, both Samsung and Sony have introduced notable software updates for the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K TVs. These updates encompass bug fixes, performance enhancements, and the incorporation of innovative features. Here are some of the noteworthy new features that have been integrated into the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K TVs:
- Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro: Leveraging artificial intelligence, this novel feature dynamically modifies the brightness and contrast of HDR content on a scene-by-scene basis. The outcome is a heightened level of realism and engagement, contributing to an immersive HDR viewing experience.
- Filmmaker Mode: Introducing a mode specifically tailored for film and TV content, Filmmaker Mode abstains from employing post-processing functionalities such as noise reduction and sharpening. This ensures a more precise and authentic representation of the content as intended by its creators, augmenting the viewing experience.
- Object Tracking Sound: Capitalizing on artificial intelligence, this advanced feature adeptly tracks the movement of objects displayed on the screen and adjusts the audio output accordingly. This results in an enriched and immersive auditory encounter that complements the visual experience.
Samsung S95B and Sony A95K: Looking Forward
Anticipated technological advancements for the Samsung S95B and Sony A95K TVs within the next six to 18 months include:
- MicroLED: MicroLED, an emerging technology, holds the potential to surpass OLED in contrast and black level performance. While the market introduction of MicroLED TVs is anticipated in the coming years, the timeline for Samsung and Sony’s adoption of this technology remains uncertain due to its ongoing development.
- Quantum Dot OLED: The fusion of OLED and quantum dot technology, known as Quantum Dot OLED, offers the promise of even more vibrant and lifelike colors compared to traditional OLED TVs. The next few years might witness the advent of quantum dot OLED TVs from Samsung and Sony, presenting a new standard in color performance.
- OLED with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): The integration of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in OLED TVs allows for real-time adjustment of the refresh rate to match the content’s frame rate. This dynamic synchronization mitigates screen tearing and stuttering. Expectations include the potential emergence of OLED TVs with VRR from both Samsung and Sony in the foreseeable future.
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