Samsung S90C 65" (4K OLED) vs Sony A80L 65" (OLED)
The Verdict
Both 65-inch OLED TVs deliver exceptional picture quality at the same $1999 price point, but they take different approaches. Samsung's S90C features a QD-OLED panel with superior brightness at 1500 nits versus Sony's 1000 nits, making it better for bright rooms and HDR content that really pops. The S90C also supports 144Hz refresh rates in Game Mode compared to Sony's standard 120Hz, giving it a slight gaming edge with 6ms input lag versus 8ms. However, Sony's A80L excels with its Acoustic Surface Audio+ system using multiple actuators and subwoofers integrated into the screen itself, delivering noticeably better sound than Samsung's conventional 2.1ch 40-watt setup. Sony also includes Dolby Vision support, while Samsung relies on Quantum HDR OLED and HDR10+. The A80L's thicker profile (2.1 inches versus 0.5 inches) accommodates its superior audio technology. Sony's Google TV interface is more intuitive and app-rich than Tizen OS, though both support major assistants. For gaming enthusiasts and bright-room viewers who prioritize visual performance, the Samsung S90C edges ahead. If superior speakers and Dolby Vision matter more to you, the Sony A80L is the smarter choice. Both represent excellent OLED value at this price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung S90C 65" (4K OLED) if…
- →65-inch QD-OLED at $1,999 undercuts LG C3 OLED while being brighter
- →Wider color gamut and higher brightness than traditional WOLED panels
- →Infinite contrast with no light bleed or blooming
Buy the Sony A80L 65" (OLED) if…
- →Sony's legendary image processing with XR Cognitive Processor is unmatched
- →Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen as a speaker — immersive and unique
- →Superb motion handling makes it the best TV for film and sports content
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung S90C 65" (4K OLED)
Pros
- 65-inch QD-OLED at $1,999 undercuts LG C3 OLED while being brighter
- Wider color gamut and higher brightness than traditional WOLED panels
- Infinite contrast with no light bleed or blooming
- Excellent for gaming with 4K@144Hz, VRR, and low input lag
- Anti-glare coating reduces reflections in bright rooms
Cons
- No Dolby Vision — HDR10+ only
- 40W speakers are underwhelming for a $2,000 TV — needs a soundbar
- Potential OLED burn-in risk with static content
- Wi-Fi 5 on a premium 2023 TV feels like a cost-cutting measure
Sony A80L 65" (OLED)
Pros
- Sony's legendary image processing with XR Cognitive Processor is unmatched
- Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen as a speaker — immersive and unique
- Superb motion handling makes it the best TV for film and sports content
- Google TV platform has the widest app selection of any smart TV OS
- Perfect blacks with no blooming — inherent OLED advantage
Cons
- Only 2 of 4 HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 — limiting for multi-console setups
- Wi-Fi 5 in 2023 is a disappointing omission
- $1,999 is pricier than LG C3 and Samsung S90C at the same size
- Burn-in risk with OLED for static content use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung S90C 65" (4K OLED) | Sony A80L 65" (OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 40.6 lbs | 44.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | 56.8 x 32.5 x 0.5 inches | 57.1 x 33.3 x 2.1 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 56.8 x 34.5 x 10.1 inches | 57.1 x 35.0 x 11.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 50 |
| Speakers | 2.1ch | Acoustic Surface Audio+ (2 actuators + 2 subwoofers) |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 6 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR OLED, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | QD-OLED | OLED (WOLED) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (144Hz via Game Mode) | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1500 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa (via Works with Alexa) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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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.
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