As TV makers continue pushing the boundaries of display technology, it can be hard to keep up with all the latest advancements — especially when it comes to flagship models. Take Samsung’s S95C QD-OLED and LG’s C2 OLED, for example. Both are high-end TVs released within the last year, but they use different technologies and offer different features.
The Samsung S95C was unveiled at CES 2023 and is packed with cutting-edge QD-OLED technology. On the other hand, LG’s C2 OLED was released in March last year and uses conventional OLED technology. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its newer counterpart, it still provides a great viewing experience.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two top-tier TVs, diving deep into the features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the world of premium TV technology as we pit the Samsung S95C QD-OLED versus the LG C2.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. LG C2: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Samsung S95C QD-OLED | LG C2 OLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | Feb 2023 | March 2022 |
| Display Technology | Self-emissive Quantum Dot OLED | Conventional OLED self-lit display |
| Brightness | 2000 nits peak brightness | 800 nits peak brightness |
| Contrast | 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio | Infinite:1 contrast ratio |
| Gaming Compatibility | 1.8ms response time, 144 Hz | 1ms response time, 120Hz |
| Screen Size | 77 inches | 42 – 83 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Software & Smart Features | Bixby voice assistant and Tizen OS with Dolby Atmos® support | Apple AirPlay and HomeKit support, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Price | $4,497.99 | $2,796.99 (77 inches) |
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K can effectively manage color and contrast
- 1374 nits of peak brightness ideal for darker rooms
- HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG
- Offers smart features for gamers like GameBar 3.0, Minimap Sharing 3, and Virtual Aim Point
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. LG C2: What’s the Difference?
Display Technology
The Samsung S95C uses a self-emissive Quantum Dot OLED display that delivers a crisp, detailed picture with jaw-dropping color accuracy. Instead of relying on conventional OLED technology, it uses an array of quantum dots to produce more vibrant and lifelike colors.
In simple terms, QD-OLED is a self-luminous display that uses a TFT layer to control the light-emitting layer, and a QD light-emitting layer that expresses colors using the light emitted from the light source. This allows the Samsung S95C to produce a broader range of colors than conventional OLED displays, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
On the other hand, the LG C2 uses a conventional OLED self-lit display, which is still considered one of the best display technologies on the market. OLED displays work by emitting light through organic materials, resulting in excellent black levels, and a wide viewing angle. While it may not be as advanced as the Samsung S95C, the LG C2 still delivers a stunning picture quality that’s sure to impress.
Brightness and Contrast
At its peak brightness, the Samsung S95C is like a sunbeam in your living room. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, you won’t have to worry about the pesky glare from your window ruining your viewing experience because the S95C can handle it all. The C2, meanwhile, has a peak brightness of 800 nits, it’s still bright enough for most viewing environments, but it may struggle in much brighter conditions.
In terms of contrast, The S95C has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, while the LG C2 has a mind-boggling infinite:1 contrast ratio. This means that the LG C2 can create true blacks, making it ideal for viewing dark scenes as it’s able to produce greater depth and detail. The infinite:1 contrast ratio also ensures that the blacks on screen are as dark as they should be, which can add a cinematic feel to movies and TV shows.
The S95C’s contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 may not be as impressive as the LG C2’s infinite ratio, but such contrast is arguably imperceptible to the human eye. Not to mention that it still manages to produce an impressive range of colors and shades that make it perfect for viewing in bright environments at crisp quality.
Gaming Compatibility
Both of these top-notch TVs offer amazingly faster response times and lower input lag than most OLED displays out there. The LG C2 has an unbelievable measured response time of 1 ms, while the Samsung S95C comes in at a lightning-fast 1.8 ms, thanks to its Quantum Dot technology. And thanks to their inbuilt game modes, they can optimize their picture settings for such impressive response times resulting in completely immersive gaming experiences.
They’re also ready to handle 4K gaming, with the C2 and S95C offering 120Hz and 144Hz refresh rates respectively. That means you can enjoy the high-resolution goodness of 4K while still getting the smoothest gameplay possible. And let’s not forget about those fast-paced games. First-person shooters and racing games can be a nightmare on some TVs, but not on these top-of-the-line OLEDs.
Furthermore, their wide viewing angles make them suitable for multiplayer gaming sessions as everyone in the room can enjoy a clear view of the action. So, whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore pro, these TVs will have you covered.
Screen Size
When it comes to screen size, the LG C2 and Samsung S95C offer two different approaches. The Samsung S95C is a great choice if you’re looking for a big screen experience with its 77-inch display. On the other hand, the LG C2 offers plenty of options to fit any room or budget, ranging from 42 inches all the way up to an impressive 83 inches.
So if you want a massive screen but don’t have enough space or money for a 77-inch unit, the LG C2 is an ideal choice. It offers more flexibility with its range of sizes meaning that you can pick one that’s perfect for your exact needs without breaking the bank. Whether you want to bring the cinema experience home or just have a smaller TV in your bedroom, there’s an LG C2 size that will fit your needs.
Software and Smart Features
If you’re a fan of Apple products, the LG C2 might be more up your alley with its support for Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. This allows you to easily stream content from your Apple devices, as well as control your TV and smart home devices using Siri voice commands. On the other hand, the S95C offers the convenience of Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant, which can be used to control compatible devices in your home with just your voice.
Both TVs also support popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, so you don’t have to rely on just one ecosystem. And if you’re all about that audio experience, the Tizen OS on the S95C offers Dolby Atmos® support, which provides an immersive audio experience that really makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
Whether you’re a tech whiz or just starting out, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the weeds with these two models. So if you’re looking for an intuitive TV with great picture and sound quality as well as plenty of bells and whistles to enhance your experience, either one of these models is sure to fit the bill!
Price
When it comes to purchasing a premium TV, cost is almost always a factor as you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Both the Samsung S95C and LG C2 are high-end TVs and you might have to dig a bit deep into your wallet to get your hands on any of them. The Samsung S95C is the pricier option, probably due to its Quantum Dot technology and all the bells and whistles it packs. It comes with a $4,497 price tag while its equally-sized LG C2 counterpart will only set you back $2,796 at the moment.
- Great contrast, deep blacks, and over a billion colors
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels
- Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K, exclusive to LG, intuitively adapts to what you're watching
- LG Game Optimizer mode
©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. LG C2: 5 Must-Know Facts
- QD-OLED TVs have only been around for about a year with the Samsung S95B being the first TV to feature QD technology.
- QD-OLED TVs are known for their brightness with the S95C being the brightest at 2000 nits.
- The LG C2 has been shown to surpass industry color standards with its 134.45% saturation of the Rec 709 color space. Meanwhile, the S95C was shown to reach 100%.
- The LG C2 uses a traditional RGB OLED display, which uses red, green, and blue subpixels to produce a wider color gamut.
- The Samsung S95C features an AI-powered upscaling technology called “Neural Quantum Processor 4K,” while the LG C2 uses “Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor” for enhanced picture quality.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. LG C2: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
The Samsung S95C and the LG C2 are both exceptional televisions. The S95C is the more advanced of the two and has exceptional picture quality, better luminance, and a fast response time. If you’re someone who needs a brilliant display and values top-notch performance, then this TV might be worth the splurge.
The LG C2 is more affordable and is better for dark viewing environments. It has a slightly faster response time, superb contrast ratio, and great picture quality. For those on a budget, the LG C2 is definitely the better option since it costs significantly less than its Samsung counterpart.
However, if money isn’t an issue and you want to get your hands on some of the latest technologies available in TVs today, then by all means get the Samsung S95C and future-proof your TV purchase for years to come.
- SAMSUNG 77-Inch OLED 4K S95C TV 2023
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K can effectively manage color and contrast
- 1374 nits of peak brightness ideal for darker rooms
- HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG
- Offers smart features for gamers like GameBar 3.0, Minimap Sharing 3, and Virtual Aim Point
- LG C2 65-Inch OLED evo
- Great contrast, deep blacks, and over a billion colors
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels
- Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K, exclusive to LG, intuitively adapts to what you're watching
- LG Game Optimizer mode
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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Updates for the Samsung S95C QD-OLED and the LG C2
Both TVs have received significant technology updates since February 2023. Here are some of the highlights:
Samsung S95C QD-OLED:
- Brightness: Brighter images are produced due to the new blue OLED material.
- Color: A new calibration process improves the accuracy of colors.
- Viewing angles: A new anti-reflective coating reduces reflections and improves viewing angles.
LG C2:
- Brightness: Improved brightness and contrast are achieved with the new Alpha 9 Gen 6 AI Processor.
- Color: A new color gamut covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space.
- Motion: A new motion-smoothing technology called TruMotion 720 reduces blur and judder in fast-moving images.
Possible Future Updates for the Samsung S95C QD-OLED and the LG C2
There have been some exciting changes in technology, and we can expect even more changes in the next six to 18 months. Here are some possible changes we might see:
- Reduced burn-in risk: Samsung and LG are developing technology to reduce the burn-in risk of their TVs.
- MicroLED backlighting: Improved brightness and contrast could be achieved with MicroLED backlighting.
- Quantum dot enhancement film (QDEF): Improved color accuracy and brightness could be achieved with QDEF.
- Self-emitting QD-OLED TVs: Both TVs could be brighter and more efficient without the use of backlighting if they use self-emitting QD-OLED TVs.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sorbis/Shutterstock.com.
