Samsung S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) vs Sony A80L 65" (OLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's S95C commands a $600 premium largely justified by superior brightness specifications and gaming performance. The QD-OLED panel delivers 2000 nits compared to Sony's 1000 nits, providing noticeably better highlight impact and visibility in bright rooms. Gaming capabilities favor Samsung with a 5ms input lag versus Sony's 8ms, plus support for 144Hz in Game Mode versus standard 120Hz. Samsung's 70W audio system with 4.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Pro significantly outmatches Sony's 50W Acoustic Surface Audio, particularly for immersive soundtracks. However, Sony's A80L remains a formidable choice, offering exceptional picture quality through its WOLED technology and Dolby Vision support. The thinner 0.4-inch profile on Samsung versus Sony's 2.1 inches appeals to wall-mounting enthusiasts. Tizen OS on Samsung provides broader voice assistant integration (Bixby, Alexa, Google), while Sony's Google TV offers more seamless ecosystem integration for Google users. For competitive gamers and those prioritizing brightness and audio, Samsung's S95C justifies the cost difference. For content-focused viewers seeking excellent OLED performance with budget consideration, Sony's A80L delivers remarkable value. The choice depends on whether gaming and brightness matter more than the $600 savings.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) if…
- →QD-OLED delivers infinite contrast with the brightest OLED colors available
- →2000 nits peak brightness crushes traditional OLED TVs in lit rooms
- →Ultra-thin 0.4-inch panel is strikingly elegant wall-mounted
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 S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED)
Pros
- QD-OLED delivers infinite contrast with the brightest OLED colors available
- 2000 nits peak brightness crushes traditional OLED TVs in lit rooms
- Ultra-thin 0.4-inch panel is strikingly elegant wall-mounted
- 144Hz with VRR makes it one of the best gaming OLEDs
- 70W 4.2.2ch built-in audio system is best-in-class for a TV
Cons
- No Dolby Vision — Samsung uses HDR10+ exclusively
- Risk of OLED burn-in with static content like news tickers
- $2,599 is expensive despite QD-OLED performance gains
- One Connect box adds complexity to cable management
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 S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) | Sony A80L 65" (OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs | 44.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | 56.8 x 32.5 x 0.4 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) | 70 | 50 |
| Speakers | 4.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Pro | Acoustic Surface Audio+ (2 actuators + 2 subwoofers) |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 5 | 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) | 2000 | 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 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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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