LG QNED85 55" vs Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's S90C OLED display delivers superior picture quality with 1300 nits peak brightness, perfect blacks from true OLED pixels, and quantum dot enhancements that create exceptional contrast and color accuracy. LG's QNED85 uses mini-LED backlighting with 700 nits brightness, which still produces vibrant images but cannot match OLED's infinite contrast ratio or viewing angles. Gaming performance slightly favors Samsung with 6ms input lag versus LG's 7ms, plus 144Hz support in Game Mode. Audio clarity differs too: Samsung provides 40 watts across 2.1 channels with dedicated subwoofer output, while LG offers 20 watts in stereo configuration. Both support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, feature identical HDMI port counts, and offer comprehensive voice assistant compatibility. The critical distinction comes down to budget constraints. At $799, the LG QNED85 represents excellent value for buyers seeking 4K gaming and HDR content without spending premium dollars. The Samsung S90C at $1599 commands double the price but justifies it through OLED technology that genuinely outperforms LCD-based systems in every visual metric. Recommend the Samsung S90C if picture quality matters most and your budget allows; choose the LG QNED85 for strong performance at a fraction of the cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG QNED85 55" if…
- →120Hz with VRR and ALLM provides a solid mid-range gaming TV
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR ecosystem support
- →Quantum Dot + NanoCell produces wider color gamut than basic LCD
Buy the Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED) if…
- →QD-OLED at $1,599 is the most affordable OLED with quantum dot color
- →Infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels
- →144Hz with VRR — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
LG QNED85 55"
Pros
- 120Hz with VRR and ALLM provides a solid mid-range gaming TV
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR ecosystem support
- Quantum Dot + NanoCell produces wider color gamut than basic LCD
- Four HDMI ports (2x HDMI 2.1) handle multiple devices
- α7 Gen6 AI processor upscales and enhances SDR content well
Cons
- IPS panel still has mediocre contrast — blacks look grey
- 700 nits is modest — HDR highlights don't pop like Mini-LED
- 20W speakers are inadequate — soundbar strongly recommended
- QNED branding is confusing — this is not Mini-LED despite the name
Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED)
Pros
- QD-OLED at $1,599 is the most affordable OLED with quantum dot color
- Infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels
- 144Hz with VRR — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming
- Vivid, wide color gamut coverage exceeds traditional WOLED
- Ultra-slim panel at 0.4 inches looks stunning mounted
Cons
- 55-inch S90C uses a different (WOLED) panel in some regions — verify before buying
- No Dolby Vision support
- 40W audio is weaker than the S95C — soundbar recommended
- Wi-Fi 5 only on the 55-inch model
Full Specifications
| Spec | LG QNED85 55" | Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 32.4 lbs | 33.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.1 x 2.1 inches | 48.2 x 27.7 x 0.4 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.4 x 9.4 inches | 48.2 x 30.2 x 9.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 40 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.1ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 7 | 6 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Quantum HDR OLED, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QNED (Quantum Dot + NanoCell IPS LCD) | QD-OLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (144Hz via Game Mode) |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1300 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | webOS 23 | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | LG ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tvs, see all LG products or all Samsung products. View full details for the LG QNED85 55" or the Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED).