Samsung’s QLED TV series is the flagship of Smart TVs. While these are on the pricier side, Samsung’s QLED TVs often include the best display technology, along with software and hardware that has been tweaked to the limit to give buyers the ultimate TV experience. The new Q95B that Samsung sent us for review is one of the newer models in the series that is thinner and better than its predecessors. We decided to try out the range’s 55-inch model and here’s what we think after using the TV for almost a month.
Samsung Neo QLED QN95B: what’s good?
The good aspects of the Samsung Neo QLED QN95B start with the design. This is almost an all-screen experience with very thin bezels. The TV looks sleek from all angles. This gives it a flat look when mounted on the wall, and even when placed on a tabletop, the Infinity One Design stand gives the TV a floating look.
The QN95B offers good picture quality with plenty of picture output and sound modes, ideal for everything from sports to movies. (Express photo)
The main body of the TV itself doesn’t have a bulky back or ports. On the contrary, you have something Samsung mentions the OneConnect box, a separate smaller box that can be mounted on the back of the stand (in tabletop mode) or placed next to your set-top box/gaming console or other accessories if the TV is wall mounted. This allows any cable clutter to be well away from the back or sides of the TV. This implementation gives a cleaner look while simplifying cable changes and is especially useful when wall mounted.
Samsung has also thrown in a SolarCell remote, which doesn’t require batteries and can be charged using interior lighting, though it still comes with a USB-C port on the bottom, which we suspect is for emergencies. Luckily we never had to use it. There are also dedicated keys for popular OTT destinations such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and Samsung’s own TV Plus app.
The rendering is fantastic. It can get really bright when you want it to, has punchy colors and lots of software-based tweaks that let you tune the image output to your liking. No complaints here. It’s also a mini LED TV, allowing for better contrast ratios, something you’ll notice almost immediately.
The TV also comes with Samsung’s solar powered remote that uses no batteries. (Express photo)
This is complemented by features such as 144Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, making the TV ideal for gaming with your PC or console. There are also features like Samsung TV Plus which gives you free access to a growing list of live TV channels, requiring only a Wi-Fi connection and no additional sign up or subscription, as well as a Multi-View mode which allows you to watch two video outputs together. While I haven’t used either much, it’s good to have a plethora of use cases available to you given the price of this TV.
There are plenty of options for sound too, and the TV comes with multi-directional sound outputs on the rear that give the sound output a sense of direction when you’re watching supported content. There are also useful features that let you take this to another level. For example, if you have a Q-series soundbar to match the TV, you can merge the built-in speakers and the soundbar for a synchronized, richer experience, which is great if you’re someone who’s part of the Samsung ecosystem.
Samsung Neo QLED QN95B: what’s not good?
There isn’t much wrong with the Samsung QN95B because of the premium experience it offers. There’s a learning curve here, though, especially if you’re coming from one of the many others Android-based Smart TVs. Since Samsung runs its own operating system and the user interface isn’t similar to Android, it can be difficult initially to find things like the App Store or move your favorite app icons around on the home screen.
The UI can take some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from an Android TV interface. (Express photo)
Finding and installing new apps is, in my opinion, a more tedious process compared to the standard Android TV experience. My parents, who are not very tech savvy, took longer than usual to get used to some of the things here. However, these are not deal breakers and should not be a problem with time.
Verdict: Is the Samsung Neo QLED QN95B for you?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – at Rs 2,54,900, the Samsung Neo QLED QN95B is not for everyone. The market for 4K TVs starts well below Rs 1 lakh these days, and even if you’re looking for something packed with a high refresh rate and other features, options like the TCL C825 are available for less than half the price of this behemoth .
The TV also has a mini LED panel that offers superior levels of contrast almost comparable to OLED TVs. (Express photo)
However, what the Samsung QLED series offers is something it’s best at in the segment, and that’s the overall experience. From the excellent screen to the features crammed into the software, from the battery-free remote control to the focus on aesthetics and connectivity, the QN95B excels in just about every area. You also get Samsung’s trusted reputation and service, covering a fireproof screen for 10 years from the date of purchase, for example.
I’d say the Samsung QN95B QLED 4K TV is for those willing to shell out the extra cash for a quality, no-compromise long-term investment. This is an even better deal if you can really make the most of the features available here, such as linking the TV to a console, using a Samsung smartphone with Multi-View, and more. If these use cases fit your needs, this is one of the best options to consider in pricing. If you want something bigger than 55 inches, there’s also a 65-inch variant that costs Rs 3,49,900.
