Key Points
- Samsung S95C QD-OLED TV uses Quantum Dots to enhance color accuracy and brightness compared to standard OLED panels.
- The S95C has a peak brightness of 1,340 nits, while the A80K’s peak brightness is only 650 nits.
- Both the S95C and the A80K have impressive sound quality with Dolby Atmos systems.
- The S95C runs on the Tizen OS and is compatible with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant, while the A80K runs on Android TV and is fully compatible with PlayStation consoles.
- The S95C is available in more sizes (55, 65, 77, and 83 inches) and has a slimmer design compared to the A80K.
With their infinite contrast, vivid colors, and no blooming effect, OLED televisions have stolen the spotlight in recent years. However, not all brands settled for the standard OLED panels. Samsung, for instance, merged the organic light-emitting diodes with the proprietary Quantum Dots (QD) technology to enhance color accuracy and minimize the risk of burn-in.
This new panel type is more expensive than the standard OLED, but is it worth the premium? Find out in this comparison between the Samsung S95C QD-OLED and the Sony A80K TV.
Let’s dive right in!
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. Sony A80K: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Samsung S95C QD-OLED | Sony A80K | |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2023 | 2022 |
| Display Type | QD-OLED | OLED |
| Color Accuracy | True-to-life | True-to-life |
| Display Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Picture Processor | Neural Quantum Processor | Cognitive Processor XR™ |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1,340 nits | 650 nits |
| Design | Ultra-slim | Slim |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Smart Platform | Tizen OS | Android TV |
| Available Sizes | 55”, 65”, 77”, 83” | 55”, 65”, 77” |
| Average Price | $2,300 to $5,400 | $1,300 to $2,900 |
- 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
- Features XR Cognitive Processor developed by Sony
- Triluminos Pro enhances the already outstanding picture
- Dolby Vision HDR and Auto HDR tone mapping for PS5
- 8.5ms input lag
- 4K at 120Hz
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. Sony A80K: What’s the Difference?
Presented at CES 2023, the S95C is one of Samsung’s newest flagship TVs. Compared to the 2022 generation, this television uses a QD-enhanced OLED panel that delivers the same infinite contrast and no blooming expected from an OLED TV, but with increased brightness and more brilliant colors.
Sony released its A80K OLED TV at CES 2022, where the model won two Innovation Awards. While using a standard OLED panel, the system’s Cognitive Processor XR uses AI upscaling to deliver bright hues and outstanding images. But can it compete with the newest S95C?
Let’s see how these two models compare and whether Samsung’s QD-OLED TV is worth the higher price tag.
Image Quality
Both the Samsung S95C and the Sony A80K use OLED displays that consist of millions of self-lighting pixels. Since each pixel can turn on and off independently from the others, these panels can display true black and achieve infinite contrast.
This feature translates to more details visible in shadows and overall higher image quality compared to backlit screens. However, even if both systems display outstanding images, Samsung further enhances its S95C model with Quantum Dots.
Similar to LG’s NanoCell technology, the Quantum Dots are nanoparticles that cover the display. They have a core diameter between two and seven nanometers and contain 15 to 150 atoms in their active center, depending on the size. Each size reflects a different color, including blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.
When an image is displayed, each Quantum Dot enhances the reflection of the original hue, increasing the panel’s color gamut and saturation. As a result, the S95C displays more vivid colors than the A80K.
Beyond color enhancement, the Quantum Dots also increase the panel’s brightness. This is a crucial improvement, considering that standard OLED panels aren’t particularly bright. To put things into perspective, the S95C has a peak brightness of 1,340 nits (more or less the same as a Mini LED TV), whereas the A80K’s peak brightness is only 650 nits. The result is a higher image quality on the S95C when watching the TV in bright light conditions.
In addition to Quantum Dots, a faster refresh rate of up to 144Hz also prevents stutters in fast-moving scenes, especially when playing action-rich video games. The A80K’s refresh rate is 120Hz, which is satisfactory for the most part but more likely to result in stutters in action-packed sequences.
Sound Quality
Image quality is the most important feature of a TV, but sound is equally important. Equipped with Dolby Atmos systems, the Samsung S95C and the Sony A80K both impress with rich sounds reproduced in perfect harmony with the images on the screen.
Each company uses its own technology to achieve this performance. In Samsung’s case, its S95C QD-OLED TV uses Object Tracking Sound+, an audio-enhancing software that tracks the action on the screen with pinpoint accuracy and returns an immersive, theater-like sound.
Sony uses similar software called Acoustic Surface Audio+. This AI actuator transforms the screen into a multi-channel speaker capable of returning a surround sound without the use of external speakers. Moreover, various sound modes, including dialog, theater, music, and sport, can further optimize your listening experience.
If you want to create the ultimate home cinema or gaming room, both the A80K and the S95C are compatible with Sony and Samsung soundbars, respectively.
©Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com
Smart Features
A major difference between the Samsung S95C and the Sony A80K is the smart platform. The former runs the proprietary Tizen OS, an operating system that is easy to navigate but doesn’t come with all the features found in the WebOS and Android TVs.
However, this doesn’t mean that Tizen is disappointing. In addition to Samsung’s virtual assistant Bixby, the S95C works with Alexa and Google Assistant. The platform comes packed with apps and features, including the Samsung TV, Microsoft 365, and Wireless DeX, to name just a few. The pre-installed Google Meet and the mobile camera support allow you to use the TV for big-screen video calls.
Gamers can also find their share of fun in the Samsung Gaming Hub, or you can pair the S95C with an Xbox and access NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW.
The A80K is an extremely user-friendly Android TV. It comes with Google TV as a smart TV platform, and you can access the Play Store to download apps. This television is compatible with the BRAVIA CAM and it can be used for big-screen video calls, similar to the S95C.
As expected from a Sony TV, the A80K is fully compatible with the PlayStation consoles. Dedicated gaming modes include Auto Genre Picture and Auto-HDR tone mapping. Cloud gaming doesn’t come as standard, but if you have a PS Plus Premium account, you can access it and play your favorite games without connecting a console to the TV.
Design and Available Sizes
Another difference between the S95C QD-OLED and the A80K is the design. The former is one of the slimmest TVs on the market. At only 0.4 inches thick, it stands out with its stylish profile, while the stand hides all cables in a freestanding installation. Alternatively, you can install the TV on a wall with a VESA wall mount.
Similar to the S95C, the A80K can be used with a stand or mounted on a wall. This TV is also compatible with VESA mounts. The main difference is the panel thickness of 2.13 inches. While still slim, this TV is a lot thicker than the S95C.
In addition to an ultra-slim profile, Samsung also offers its S95C television in more sizes than the A80K. You can choose from 55, 65, 77, or 83 inches diagonally. The A80K only comes in three sizes: 55, 65, and 77 inches.
Price
The S95C and the A80K are similar in many ways, but the Quantum Dots technology drives up the S95C’s prices. Depending on the size, you can expect to spend around $2,300 to $5,400. The A80K comes with a standard OLED panel and is part of Sony’s 2022 TV lineup. These factors translate to more affordable prices — this TV will set you back no more than $1,300 to $2,900, depending on size.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. Sony A80K: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Samsung S95C and the Sony A80K are two OLED TVs, but the former uses the brand’s Quantum Dots technology to boost color accuracy and minimize the risk of burn-in.
- Sony equips its A80K model with a standard OLED panel that has a lower brightness and less vivid colors than the S95C.
- Both televisions provide an immersive sound experience optimized for movies, games, and music.
- Design-wise, the S95C is slimmer and more stylish than the A80K. Samsung also offers this model in more sizes.
- The A80K offers more clearance than the S95C when mounted on a stand, which can be important if you want to pair the television with a soundbar.
- 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
- Features XR Cognitive Processor developed by Sony
- Triluminos Pro enhances the already outstanding picture
- Dolby Vision HDR and Auto HDR tone mapping for PS5
- 8.5ms input lag
- 4K at 120Hz
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. Sony A80K: Which One Should You Buy?
Considering the technology and smart features alone, the Samsung S95C QD-OLED is the best choice. This television uses Quantum Dots to mitigate the downsides of standard OLED panels. The risk of burn-in is diminished, the colors are more brilliant, and the images are clearer when watching the TV in bright light.
The TV also comes with lots of pre-installed apps, including productivity options such as Google Meet and Microsoft 365. However, you’ll have to pay for all these features.
If you don’t mind fewer pre-installed apps and a standard OLED panel, the Sony A80K could be the better option. This TV delivers outstanding image quality and features an extremely user-friendly smart platform. It provides seamless compatibility with the PlayStation and comes at a more affordable price.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.
