LG C4 OLED vs Samsung S90D OLED
The LG C4 and Samsung S90D are flagship OLED TVs competing on brightness, color accuracy, and gaming performance. The C4 excels in contrast and refresh rates, while the S90D offers superior peak brightness and anti-reflective coating.
LG C4 OLED
LG's 2024 entry-level OLED featuring the new CSO (Crystal Sound OLED) panel with improved brightness and 144Hz support for next-gen gaming.
Panel Type
WOLED (White OLED with color filters)
Peak Brightness
~1,000 nits (full screen)
Refresh Rate
144Hz via HDMI 2.1
Sizes Available
55", 65", 77", 83"
MSRP (65")
~$1,997
Pros
- Native 144Hz HDMI 2.1 support for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming
- Superior contrast and black levels typical of LG OLED technology
- Excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles
Cons
- Lower peak brightness than S90D in bright scenes
- Standard anti-reflective coating less effective in bright rooms
- Slightly higher input lag in some gaming modes
Samsung S90D OLED
Samsung's premium 2024 OLED using QD-OLED technology with exceptional brightness, anti-reflective display, and adaptive picture enhancement.
Panel Type
QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED)
Peak Brightness
~2,000 nits (HDR peak, full screen)
Refresh Rate
120Hz via HDMI 2.1
Sizes Available
55", 65", 77", 83"
MSRP (65")
~$2,499
Pros
- Highest peak brightness (~2,000 nits) among consumer OLEDs for exceptional HDR impact
- Superior anti-reflective coating reduces glare in bright rooms
- Advanced Quantum Dot layer for richer colors and brightness
Cons
- Lacks native 144Hz support; maxes out at 120Hz
- QD-OLED known for potential long-term brightness degradation
- More expensive than LG C4 at equivalent screen sizes
Samsung S90D OLED wins
The S90D's superior brightness and anti-reflective coating deliver a more versatile flagship experience across diverse viewing environments and content, outweighing the C4's gaming advantages for most consumers.
LG C4 OLED
Best for gamers and dark room enthusiasts seeking 144Hz support and perfect black levels.
Samsung S90D OLED
Best for buyers prioritizing brightness, glare resistance, and overall visual impact in varied room conditions.
Picture Quality & Brightness Comparison
Peak Brightness (HDR)
Samsung S90D reaches ~2,000 nits vs LG C4's ~1,000 nits, delivering dramatically more impactful HDR highlights.
Black Levels & Contrast
LG's WOLED achieves slightly deeper blacks; Samsung's QD-OLED adds colored light reducing pure black depth marginally.
Color Accuracy
Both offer excellent color accuracy; Samsung's quantum dots provide marginally richer saturated colors in bright scenes.
Glare & Reflections (Bright Rooms)
Samsung's superior anti-reflective coating significantly reduces reflections; LG C4 struggles more in well-lit environments.
Gaming Smoothness
LG C4's native 144Hz support ensures smoother gameplay on next-gen consoles; S90D limited to 120Hz.
Overall Visual Performance
LG excels in contrast and motion; Samsung dominates brightness and room visibility—excellence varies by use case.
Key Technical Specifications
| Aspect | LG C4 OLED | Samsung S90D OLED |
|---|---|---|
| OLED Technology | WOLED (White + color filters) | QD-OLED (Quantum Dots) |
| Peak Brightness (HDR) | ~1,000 nits | ~2,000 nits |
| Maximum Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Anti-Reflective Coating | Standard | Premium (superior) |
| Pricing (65" model) | ~$1,997 | ~$2,499 |
| Best For | Gamers, dark room viewing | Bright rooms, HDR movies, premium brightness |
Use Case & Value Proposition
The LG C4 OLED delivers superior gaming performance and exceptional contrast at a lower price point, making it ideal for dedicated home theater setups and console gamers prioritizing motion smoothness. The Samsung S90D justifies its premium cost with extraordinary brightness and anti-reflective technology, excelling in bright living rooms and HDR-heavy content consumption where peak luminance and glare resistance matter most.
When to choose each
Choose LG C4 OLED if…
Best for gamers and dark room enthusiasts seeking 144Hz support and perfect black levels.
Choose Samsung S90D OLED if…
Best for buyers prioritizing brightness, glare resistance, and overall visual impact in varied room conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The LG C4 is better for gaming thanks to native 144Hz HDMI 2.1 support, delivering smoother motion on next-gen consoles and PCs. The Samsung S90D maxes out at 120Hz, limiting smoothness in fast-action titles.
WOLED (LG C4) uses white pixels with filters for deeper blacks and lower power consumption; QD-OLED (Samsung S90D) adds quantum dots for brighter, more saturated colors but with marginally shallower blacks. QD-OLED typically offers 2-3x higher peak brightness.
The Samsung S90D is the clear choice for bright rooms due to its ~2,000-nit peak brightness and superior anti-reflective coating that minimizes glare. The LG C4's lower brightness and standard coating perform poorly when sunlight or room lights are present.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- ReferenceLG C4 OLED Review (OLED42C4PUA, OLED48C4PUA, OLED55C4PUA, OLED65C4PUA, OLED77C4PUA, OLED83C4PUA) - RTINGS.com
The LG C4 OLED is the 2024 iteration of LG's popular C Series lineup and replaces the 2023 LG C3 OLED. It sits abov
- ReferenceLG C4 OLED TV review: LG’s C-series is back on top | What Hi-Fi?
Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out mor
- ReferenceLG OLED C4 Review: High-End Staple Balances Picture Quality and Value - CNET
... OLED TVs are among the best ... with a great picture. The LG C4 <strong>combines superb picture quality with a price